Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack, Blue Spruce and Abyss

Mark WheelerUnited States

A great travel bag

I travel a lot, from airplanes, to cruise ships, automobile, and train. The demands on the right travel packs is important, and the size and durability are top on the must need for me. I chose the 28L Allpa mainly because I have used other 40L, 50L and 60L packs, and the right weight and comfort seem to land me at 28L. I do marry this pack with the Cotopaxi 38L roller for my complete travel plans because I normally have between 35-60L of stuff I pack for a 1-2 week vacation. The 28L is a great 1-2 day bag. It can hold for me 3 pair of socks and underwear, 3 shirts, 2 pants, 1 pair of shoes, shaving kit, tech bag and 13" laptop. Depending on the season, you may be able to pack more. When fully packed the Allpa sits comfortably on the back, and it has adjustment straps and a hip strap if needed to more adjustable comfort. The clam shell opening is great for access, and the mesh netting provides a bit more stability when packing and closing. The outer construction is a nice weather resistant material, and the side mesh water bottle pocket is a nice touch. There are handles on the top and bottom, and one on the side opposite of the bottle holder, which makes it ease to lift in and out of over heads, trunks, or under seats. The 28L Allpa can fit under a seat for plane travel, even fully packed. There are a total of 4 different compartments (zipper) that can be used, one small one in front for money, wallet, cellphone charging cable, a 1/4 zip pocket that can hold toiletry bag, keys, small items, the main compartment with has a full mesh zipper side and another side that is 3/4 size for shoes and other compactable items. The back has a velvet pocket that can fit up to a 15inch laptop, and an additional sleeve for a tablet of portable screen. All the zippers are color coded so you can know what compartment you are opening, and they are YKK durable. You can get the Allpa in a larger size, but I found this size manageable for me and my needs.

James LiUnited States

Best carry on in the world.

I have both the old and new versions of this famous pack. This is the new one and I appreciate the water bottle holder (which is not on the old one). However, I miss not having a rain cover and pocket for cover, which was present in the old one. The old version seems to have a slightly better zipper (allowing better opening and closing quickly) but the difference is minor. Both have amazing builds and function better than any other carry-one we’ve ever owned. The design is elegant, streamlined, and looks so great when worn. Better yet, the inside organization allows packing without having to bring as many separate mesh bags or packing cubes. The fabric is heavy duty and the pack works well to shed rain even if a rain cover is not used. Like so many others have already noted, this is heads above the competition on so many levels. We’ve traveled and backpacked in the wilderness, in the developing world, and throughout the rest of the world. Of so many luggage and backpack options, this is our favorite and for good reason. One more thing. Don’t get the larger version. We’ve fallen into the trap of bigger must be better. In this case, having limits set forces us to pack more cleanly. It’s a much better way to travel, and fully packed, this bag sits tight and neat against the back, feeling just right. The larger one was just too large.

JanlynUnited States

It's a "travel bag." Holds a couple of outfits and gear/sundries for short trips/plane carry-on

I regard this as a "travel pack" as stated in its description. There are better packs for hiking. However, this pack is great for a few days on the road, or (as I plan to use it) for a carry-on when I still need to check luggage. The internal layout is great and helps keep one organized. Its good for keeping a back up outfit or two available in case your luggage gets lost. Holds laptops, your sundries bag, a couple of outfits, underwear, and of course other gear, batteries, cell chargers, etc. The side with the two zipper compartments is actually as large as the one on the opposite side with an additional, smaller compartment over the top of it. More space than I thought. It has decently cushioned shoulder straps and a narrow waist belt than can be tucked away when not using. The shoulder straps cannot by stowed away.

JUnited States

The perfect backpack

Stunning looks, durable and just so practical. The clamshell opening is super convenient, the sub-sections make things easy and the 3 extra zipped pockets means you can store plenty of stuff for quick access without needing to open the clamshell. It's versatile... I love how lightweight it is, so it can be a daily carrier. It has a comfortable waist strap, so it can handle serious bulk. They just nailed it. I have several Travelpro bags, Aer Travel pack 3, Pakt One - I'm very happy with them all, they all have a place in my lineup - but this Cotopaxi is just so fresh! Had I bought it first, I'm not sure I would've needed some of those.