Last Updated on November 7, 2021
Review of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack, a Versatile backpack that can be used on various adventures
This product is made by a newer do-good company that creates high-quality and awesome-looking products.
First Look
I am a bit of a backpack fanatic and the Allpa 35L did not disappoint! I chose the true blue color option with full bundle package. The blue is bright with awesome accent colors that don’t overdo it. Part of the reason I went with the full bundle was for the Batac Del Día backpack. As a fanatic it would only be fit to pick an option that comes with not one but two bags. The small lightweight bag fits nicely into the Allpa and is perfect for short hikes or daily adventures.
The Allpa is great for the frequent traveler and those who like to pack on the lighter side. When it comes to traveling, I like to be well-organized and the Allpa was designed by people who understand the frustrations of looking for something buried at the bottom of your bag while on the move. The bag opens flat and has two large zipper compartments as well as two smaller pockets on the inside. The front also has a medium-sized compartment with additional organizational pockets that allow for easy access while traveling.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Details
Currently, the Allpa 35L Travel Pack comes in either true blue or black and customers can pick between three bundle options.
- Allpa Only
- Allpa + Accessories (collapsible mesh laundry bag, nylon shoe bag, mesh water bottle sleeve)
- Allpa Full Bundle (Allpa + Accessories + Batac Del Día Backpack)
Specs
- Weight: 3lbs 7oz (pack only) & 4lbs 10oz (accessories included)
- Size: 35L carry-on compatible
- Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 8in
- Low-profile harness system
- Included rain cover
- Padded laptop and tablet sleeve
- YKK zippers
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Review
This bag has so many positives it’s hard to pick my favorite. Ultimately, it was the suitcase-style zipper that allows the bag to open completely flat that pulled me in. I love being able to easily access everything that I have packed while keeping it organized. Recently I went car camping and instead of having my clothes all over the inside of my like a bomb went off, I was able to keep it all within the bag and access it quickly and easily.
The Allpa is well-made and super durable. The fabric used and the high-quality zippers are a major plus considering the way I toss my bags around. If being super functional and skillfully crafted wasn’t enough, the bag is also incredibly comfortable. The harness belt and padded back make it a breeze to lug around. The last thing anyone wants while trying to enjoy a trip is to literally feel the pain of carrying your clothes around.
Some added benefits include the four grab handles, rain cover, laptop sleeve, and theft-proof zippers.
Drawbacks
As difficult as it is for me to find flaws with this well-designed bag, I do have a couple. My biggest complaint is the actual weight of the bag. Weighing in at just over 4lbs is a bit much considering every pound matters if you have the pack on most of the day. With that said, I am not sure I would use the Allpa for strenuous backpacking. And I imagine the weight and size of the bag being an issue for those who don’t quite fit within the limitations of the loadbearing straps. The ability to adjust the shoulder straps and harness belt is not available and could pose an issue for those who are a bit too short or tall for the straps to work properly.
Lastly, I have issues with the water bottle holder. It seemed like an afterthought for such a great product with its mesh design and plastic clip. I felt like the bag lost some of its beauty once I clipped it on but a girl has to stay hydrated so it will remain on for now. Also, the fact that you have to buy it separately is less than ideal in my book.
Final Thoughts
Despite a few flaws, the Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an awesome backpack and one of my favorites! I would highly recommend it to any of my friends and family members.
You can learn more about the awesome work the company is doing here.
