The Ultimate Rucksack Travel Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Review

The Ultimate Rucksack Travel Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Review

The quest for the perfect travel companion often ends with the ideal Rucksack Travel Backpack. For those seeking a versatile, durable, and expertly designed carry-on, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Del Dia Travel Pack emerges as a top contender. This backpack isn’t just luggage; it’s a meticulously crafted tool designed to streamline your travel experience, whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway or a week-long adventure.


Alt text: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Del Dia rucksack travel backpack in vibrant colors showcasing its versatile carry options and durable design.

Why the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Stands Out as a Premier Rucksack Travel Backpack

What makes the Allpa 35L a standout rucksack travel backpack? It’s the bag that seamlessly blends robust construction with intelligent organization and comfortable carry. It’s designed for travelers who prioritize efficiency and portability, allowing you to pack light without sacrificing essentials. For individuals committed to carry-on travel or those who prefer a lighter load, this backpack proves to be an invaluable asset. Its thoughtful design extends to practical features like grab handles on three sides for easy maneuvering and a luggage pass-through to secure it to rolling luggage. Furthermore, Cotopaxi’s lifetime warranty underscores the bag’s exceptional build quality and the brand’s commitment to durability. Long-term testing has revealed that this single rucksack travel backpack, complemented by a personal item, can effectively replace a multitude of travel bags and suitcases, simplifying your packing and travel routine.

The Allpa series offers various sizes, but the 35-liter model hits the sweet spot, making it the quintessential rucksack travel backpack for most travelers. While Cotopaxi also offers 28-liter and 42-liter versions, the 35L strikes an ideal balance. The 42-liter variant can become cumbersome when fully loaded, and testers noted a desire for a more substantial hip belt in that larger size. Conversely, the 28-liter option might feel slightly restrictive for longer trips, and its internal organization could be perceived as excessive for shorter excursions. For those seeking added versatility, Cotopaxi produces a hip pack designed to integrate perfectly into the Allpa’s front top compartment, a handy addition for travelers who appreciate the convenience of a fanny pack.

Durability is a cornerstone of the Allpa 35L rucksack travel backpack. Constructed from 100% recycled 840-denier ripstop nylon, the material exhibits a robust canvas-like texture with a pronounced weave. This resilient fabric ensures the bag can withstand the rigors of travel, whether it’s being stowed in overhead compartments or tossed into rugged environments. Adding to its resilience, the Allpa includes a rain fly, a unique and valuable feature not commonly found in rucksack travel backpacks of this category, providing extra protection against the elements.

Cotopaxi offers the Allpa with two back panel constructions: TPU-coated nylon and classic nylon. Both versions have undergone rigorous testing. While the TPU coating enhances water resistance, earlier iterations of the TPU fabric showed signs of degradation over time. Cotopaxi addressed this concern in the updated 2024 version by switching to a revised fabric. Ongoing testing is in place to evaluate the longevity of these updated bags.

Key Features of the Allpa 35L Rucksack Travel Backpack: Organization, Security, and Comfort

The Allpa 35L rucksack travel backpack truly shines in its organizational capabilities. Its clamshell design, reminiscent of a suitcase, facilitates effortless packing and access. A robust YKK zipper, renowned for its reliability, encircles three sides of the bag, allowing it to open fully into two distinct halves. The right side features a deep main compartment, spacious enough to accommodate two large packing cubes or a substantial amount of clothing, accessible via a zippered mesh flap. The left side offers space for an additional medium-sized packing cube behind another zippered flap, complemented by two smaller, high-visibility pockets ideal for organizing smaller personal items. A stretch mesh pocket capable of holding a 1-liter water bottle adds to the bag’s practical organization.

Alt text: Internal organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L rucksack travel backpack, highlighting the clamshell design, zippered compartments, and mesh pockets for efficient packing.

Security is paramount in a travel rucksack backpack, and the Allpa 35L doesn’t disappoint. It incorporates two side-access zippers, strategically placed for convenient access while on the move, especially when worn over one shoulder. One side zipper reveals a padded laptop compartment with a false bottom, safeguarding your device from impact. The other side zipper leads to a discreet “secret” pocket with a concealed zipper, providing access to the main compartment. For enhanced security, all main compartment zippers are equipped with security loops, designed to deter opportunistic theft by requiring zippers to be threaded through loops, preventing quick, unnoticed openings.

Comfort is a critical aspect of any rucksack travel backpack, especially for extended travel days. The Allpa 35L features a supportive hip belt that can be conveniently stowed away when not needed. Whether utilizing the hip belt or not, the Allpa remains comfortable for prolonged carry. However, individuals with longer torsos (over 19 inches) might find the hip belt sits slightly higher unless shoulder straps are fully extended. The shoulder straps are thoughtfully contoured to accommodate various body types, including both broader and smaller frames. This inclusive design was particularly appreciated by female testers, noting a noticeable improvement in fit and comfort.

Minor Considerations

Capacity: 35 liters
Weight: 2 pounds 7 ounces
Main-compartment access: clamshell opening
Colors: assorted

While the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is an exceptional rucksack travel backpack, potential buyers should note its capacity and weight to ensure it aligns with their specific travel needs. However, these are minor considerations when weighed against the backpack’s overall benefits and superior design.

In conclusion, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Del Dia Travel Pack is an outstanding rucksack travel backpack, perfectly suited for a wide range of travelers. Its durable construction, intelligent organization, security features, and comfortable carry position it as a top choice for anyone seeking a reliable and versatile travel companion. Whether you’re navigating bustling city streets or exploring remote landscapes, the Allpa 35L is designed to enhance your journey.

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