For travelers seeking the perfect blend of organization, durability, and carry-on convenience, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Del Dia Travel Pack stands out as a top contender. This versatile backpack is expertly designed to handle everything from short weekend trips to week-long adventures, making it an exceptional choice for those committed to traveling light and efficiently. Its thoughtful features and robust construction position it as a leading Carry On Travel Backpack for a wide range of travelers.
Why the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is the Best Small Carry On Travel Backpack
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Del Dia isn’t just another backpack; it’s a meticulously designed travel companion. Its standout feature is its versatility – functioning seamlessly as both a backpack and a hand-carry bag thanks to strategically placed handles on three sides. These handles, coupled with a luggage pass-through, enhance its usability, allowing for easy integration with rolling carry-on luggage. Backed by a full lifetime warranty and built with high-quality materials, this backpack is engineered for longevity. After extensive testing spanning over six years, it’s become clear that this single carry on travel backpack, when paired with a personal item, can effectively replace a multitude of travel bags and luggage options.
While Cotopaxi offers the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes, the 35-liter version hits the sweet spot. The 42L may become cumbersome when fully loaded, and the 28L might feel restrictive for longer trips. The 35L offers an ideal balance of capacity and portability. Adding to its appeal, Cotopaxi also produces a hip pack designed to integrate perfectly with the Allpa’s front top compartment, a useful accessory for travelers who appreciate having essentials readily accessible.
Durable and Weather-Resistant Materials
Constructed from 100% recycled 840-denier ripstop nylon, the Allpa 35L carry on travel backpack is built to withstand the rigors of travel. This robust material, similar in feel to strong canvas but with a distinct weave, ensures the bag is equally at home in an overhead compartment or the back of a pickup truck. Furthermore, the inclusion of a rain fly, a rare feature in carry-on backpacks, provides an extra layer of protection against inclement weather.
Cotopaxi offers the Allpa with two back panel options: TPU-coated nylon for enhanced water resistance and classic nylon. While TPU offers superior water resistance, earlier versions experienced fabric degradation over time. Cotopaxi has since updated the TPU fabric, and ongoing testing is evaluating its long-term durability.
Organized Packing with Clamshell Design
The Allpa 35L excels in organization thanks to its clamshell design. Opening like a suitcase with a robust YKK zipper, it reveals two main compartments. The right side features a deep compartment capable of holding two large packing cubes, accessible via a zippered mesh flap. The left side offers space for another medium packing cube behind a zippered flap, complemented by two smaller, high-visibility pockets for personal items. A stretch mesh pocket accommodates a water bottle up to 1 liter, further enhancing its organizational prowess. This design makes it a highly efficient carry on travel backpack for organized travelers.
Secure and Accessible Features
Security and accessibility are thoughtfully integrated into the Allpa 35L. Two side-access zippers provide convenient access on the go. One reveals a padded laptop compartment with a false bottom for added protection, while the other opens to a “secret” pocket with hidden zipper access to the main compartment. Security loops on the main compartment zippers deter opportunistic theft, adding peace of mind while navigating busy environments.
Comfortable Carry for Extended Travel
Comfort is paramount in a travel backpack, and the Allpa 35L delivers. Its stowable hip belt offers support when needed, and the overall design ensures comfortable carrying even over long distances. The contoured shoulder straps are designed to accommodate various body types, a feature particularly appreciated by testers of different builds. While users with longer torsos may find the hip belt sits slightly high, adjusting the shoulder straps can mitigate this.
Minor Drawbacks
Capacity: 35 liters
Weight: 2 pounds 7 ounces
Main-compartment access: clamshell opening
Colors: assorted
Despite its numerous advantages, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is not without minor drawbacks. Its 35-liter capacity, while ideal for many, might be limiting for travelers who tend to overpack. Additionally, while comfortable, the hip belt might not be as robust as those found on dedicated backpacking packs. However, these are minor considerations in light of its overall performance and versatility as a carry on travel backpack.
Final Verdict
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Del Dia Travel Pack is an exceptional carry on travel backpack that balances thoughtful design, durable construction, and comfortable carry. Its organizational features, robust materials, and security considerations make it a top choice for a wide range of travelers. Whether you are embarking on a weekend getaway or a longer international trip, the Allpa 35L is a reliable and versatile companion.
Buying Options:
$215 from Amazon
$215 from REI
$215 from Cotopaxi
