Allpa 42L Review
The Cotopaxi Allpa 42L travel backpack is a great option for anyone looking for a durable, stylish, and functional bag for their next trip. It's made from high-quality materials and construction, and it has a variety of features that make it perfect for travel, including a clamshell opening, multiple compartments, and a padded laptop sleeve.I've been using the Allpa 42L for a few months now, and I've been really impressed with it. It's comfortable to wear, even when it's fully loaded, and it's easy to get organized. I've used it for everything from weekend getaways to week-long trips, and it's always been up to the task.If you're looking for a great travel backpack, the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L is definitely worth considering. It's a well-made, versatile bag that will ... MoreThe Cotopaxi Allpa 42L travel backpack is a great option for anyone looking for a durable, stylish, and functional bag for their next trip. It's made from high-quality materials and construction, and it has a variety of features that make it perfect for travel, including a clamshell opening, multiple compartments, and a padded laptop sleeve.I've been using the Allpa 42L for a few months now, and I've been really impressed with it. It's comfortable to wear, even when it's fully loaded, and it's easy to get organized. I've used it for everything from weekend getaways to week-long trips, and it's always been up to the task.If you're looking for a great travel backpack, the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L is definitely worth considering. It's a well-made, versatile bag that will make your next trip a lot easier.Here are some of the pros and cons of the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L:Pros: Durable, high-quality materials, Comfortable to wear, Easy to organize, Plenty of storage space, Clamshell opening makes it easy to pack and unpack, Padded laptop sleeve, Water bottle pockets, Sternum strap and waist belt for added comfort, Available in a variety of colorsCons: Can be a bit heavy when fully loaded, Not as stylish as some other travel backpacks, Pricey (relative to individual consumer)Overall, the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L is a great travel backpack. It's well-made, comfortable, and has a variety of features that make it perfect for travel. If you're looking for a durable, stylish, and functional bag for your next trip, the Allpa 42L is definitely worth considering.... Show more
Charles R.
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
Almost perfect travel pack
I wanted to wait until I'd made a couple of trips before reviewing this pack. Overall it is excellent and almost perfect for short and medium length trips including plane or train travel. If you don't overpack it, it will fit in overhead bins even on smaller aircraft, and even when stuffed full was no problem on larger airplanes and overhead luggage racks on most trains (see below for specific details).The hip band makes the pack comfortable to carry and distributes the weight nicely between your shoulders and hips. It was easily manageable in the airports, travelling on subways and buses in European cities and walking between stations and accommodation (I probably did no more than a mile at a time, but think I could have done considerably more if it were ... MoreI wanted to wait until I'd made a couple of trips before reviewing this pack. Overall it is excellent and almost perfect for short and medium length trips including plane or train travel. If you don't overpack it, it will fit in overhead bins even on smaller aircraft, and even when stuffed full was no problem on larger airplanes and overhead luggage racks on most trains (see below for specific details).The hip band makes the pack comfortable to carry and distributes the weight nicely between your shoulders and hips. It was easily manageable in the airports, travelling on subways and buses in European cities and walking between stations and accommodation (I probably did no more than a mile at a time, but think I could have done considerably more if it were needed).The handles on all four sides are very useful for getting the pack in and out of luggage racks. On the second trip, I had it perhaps a little overpacked and had to valet check it on the smaller flights. Getting the straps in and out of the sleeve was not particularly easy (possibly because it was so full) but once they were hidden away I was confident they would stay there and not get snarled up in a conveyer belt. The top pocket is useful for things you need quickly (passport and bag of liquids for security) and getting a laptop in and out of the laptop sleeve at airport security was quick and easy. The internal compartments are well thought out and offer just the right balance between convenience and avoiding too many different compartments which in other packs I've had actually end up limiting your ability to use them. The suitcase-style clamshell opening makes it very easy to access your belongings once at your destination.Trip details:The first trip I used this on was a four day trip to London. The pack comfortably held everything I needed for this trip. Flying from where I live to London requires a connecting flight on a small regional airplane (an Embraer ERJ-145 twin jet) and then the transatlantic flight is typically an Airbus 300. Packed for four days I was able to get the pack in the very small overhead bins even on the regional airplane, and of course it was no problem at all on the transatlantic flight. Managing it on the London tube was no problem at all; it does sit a little deep off your back though so on crowded trains in rush hour you risk annoying other passengers with the pack if you're not paying close attention.The second trip was a much longer trip. We flew the same route to London, then toured by train taking in overnight stops of two or more nights in Brighton, Lancaster, the Scottish Highlands, London (again), Eurostar to Lyon, France, and then another train to Zurich, from where we flew home. This was over 24 days and included a five-day academic conference in Lyon. My packing list for this trip pretty much filled the pack to capacity. I was still able to get it (easily) in the overhead bins on the transatlantic flights, but it was too full for the regional jet and had to be valet checked. This wasn't too much of a problem, though I did wish I had a smaller laptop which I think could be packed with its own sleeve to make it easier to pull out and carry in those circumstances (I have a 16" Macbook Pro, which does fit in the laptop sleeve in the pack, but not with its own carrying case). It fit in overhead luggage racks on all the trains, with the exception of the OuiGo TGV from Lille to Lyon, where I had to use the larger luggage rack. Changing trains and carrying it on buses was generally not a problem, even this full; the total packed weight was 14Kg/30 pounds. I did take it to the conference for a couple of days as it was the only way I could carry a laptop, and it was a bit bulky for that purpose. It really isn't designed as a book bag, but nevertheless worked for this in a pinch.For readers wanting to see how much can be packed in, my packing list was: 7 merino wool T-shirts, 3 quarter-zip sweaters, an ultra-lightweight down jacket, waterproof shell jacket, one dress shirt, one pair of jeans, three pairs of hiking pants, 13 pairs of underwear and socks, toiletries (razor, shaving brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving cream, shower gel, deodorant), laptop, charging cables and adapters, and a very small day trip backpack which folds up in its own pocket (from REI: maybe Cotopaxi could think about offering something along these lines). Note I did not pack shoes; I invested in a pair of black Merrill hiking shoes for this trip which basically worked for everything I needed to do (looked good enough for the conference and some semi-formal dinners out, sturdy enough for getting around on short hiking trails in the Hebrides).For this trip I invested in some accessories, which for the most part were invaluable. I bought the Cubos Travel Cube set, which I used for organizing clothes, the accessory bundle, and the Nido accessory bag. The laundry bag from the accessory bundle was useful and took up almost no extra space. The Cubes were excellent for keeping everything organized over so many different locations. The Nido accessory bag has three compartments; I used the middle compartment as a toiletry bag, with a ziplock holding liquids and gels. One side had my passport and other documents, and the other side had charging cables and adapters and my Airpods. I put this in the top pocket of the Allpa and it made everything at the airports a breeze. I pulled it out at security, pulled the ziplock out from the middle compartment and put my phone and wallet in with my passport for scanning; then just pulled the laptop out and I was ready for screening. Reorganizing after the security scans took about 30 seconds. On the plane, I pulled the Nido out when putting the pack in the overhead bin and kept it under the seat in front of me, and had everything I needed during the long flight (I could charge my phone, listen to music, etc.)From the accessory bundle, I didn't need the shoe bag (I will on the next trip). And I made a last minute decision not to use the water bottle holder. That last point brings me to my only, very minor, gripe. This really needs a water bottle pocket. I'm guessing that this was a design decision that was made because you wanted to include handles on all four sides, and that would get in the way of a water bottle pocket. While I did appreciate those handles, I think there should be a way to have both, and if not probably sacrificing one handle would be worth it. I couldn't find a way to use the water bottle holder from the accessory pack in a convenient way (any way I tried to hook it on I either couldn't reach it while the pack was on my back, or it swung around way too much). I just made do without access to a water bottle, which was fine, but that's just one improvement I would suggest.The bottom line here is this pack allowed me to do a 24 day trip, taking in everything from ziplining and puffin spotting in the Scottish highlands to a work conference, with a single carry-on bag. I did laundry just once around the halfway point in the trip. I really didn't think that was going to be possible; not only did I pull it off but at no point did I feel like I was lacking anything or had really made any major sacrifices to travel light.I really can't recommend this pack enough.... Show more
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
A minimalist bag for maximalists
I recently used this bag on a monthlong, 3-country trip that combined business, family, and sightseeing travel. I'd been saving up to upgrade from my bulky and uncomfortable duffel bag, and I'm so happy I got the Allpa. It gives you the comfort and ease of 1-bag travel, while also being fun, colorful (why is minimalism always associated with neutral/black colors?), and thoughtfully designed.It's also quite roomy-- it easily fit everything I needed for a full month plus a lot of extras (my film camera! a travel pillow! about half of an Italian grocery store's pasta aisle to take home!). The zippers are high quality (which was good because I was constantly finessing it closed over 4 bags of pasta), and I liked the easy-access pockets that were functional even when ... MoreI recently used this bag on a monthlong, 3-country trip that combined business, family, and sightseeing travel. I'd been saving up to upgrade from my bulky and uncomfortable duffel bag, and I'm so happy I got the Allpa. It gives you the comfort and ease of 1-bag travel, while also being fun, colorful (why is minimalism always associated with neutral/black colors?), and thoughtfully designed.It's also quite roomy-- it easily fit everything I needed for a full month plus a lot of extras (my film camera! a travel pillow! about half of an Italian grocery store's pasta aisle to take home!). The zippers are high quality (which was good because I was constantly finessing it closed over 4 bags of pasta), and I liked the easy-access pockets that were functional even when the bag was super full.I only had a few issues with it, and they're really quite minor. I'd noticed that a lot of reviewers mentioned wishing there were load-lifter straps, but I decided the presence (or lack thereof) of load-lifter straps didn't matter to me. I was wrong. The flat, wide shape of the pack really pulls on your center of gravity, and load-lifters would've made a difference. Not a huge deal, and not a dealbreaker, but also this isn't a pack that's particularly streamlined.Something else to keep in mind is that I had one hairy experience on a very small, very full regional flight where I was unable to fit my fully-packed bag into the tiny overhead compartment, and the whole plane got to watch me frantically take stuff out to make it fit. On another (similarly small, similarly packed) flight, I was forced to gate-check it by the desk agent. So if you're looking for a bag that will always, under every circumstance, work as a carry-on, I'd suggest sizing down to the 28 L. I feel like the 42 L size would really be pushing it, unless you're never packing your bag completely full.Other than that, though, I'm very much in love with my Allpa and looking forward to many more adventures together!... Show more
Soph
originally posted on REI
Flawless Travel Pack - Spain, Portugal, Amsterdam
I just completed a 10-day trip through Spain, Portugal, and Amsterdam (overnight for a flight), and this bag did it ALL. I have had this bag for a little over a year but I didn't feel I could write a legitimate review until I actually used it to its full capacity. My outbound was United connecting with Lufthansa. Lufthansa has an 8kg carry-on policy but they never weighed or batted an eye about my backpack. Once I arrived in Sevilla, I watched a lot of people STRUGGLE through the narrow alleys and pathways with their rolling luggage since nothing is truly flat in a cobblestone pathway. We had to move around due to complications with the Airbnb host and thankfully throwing everything back into the bag and being able to walk off with everything made me feel more ... MoreI just completed a 10-day trip through Spain, Portugal, and Amsterdam (overnight for a flight), and this bag did it ALL. I have had this bag for a little over a year but I didn't feel I could write a legitimate review until I actually used it to its full capacity. My outbound was United connecting with Lufthansa. Lufthansa has an 8kg carry-on policy but they never weighed or batted an eye about my backpack. Once I arrived in Sevilla, I watched a lot of people STRUGGLE through the narrow alleys and pathways with their rolling luggage since nothing is truly flat in a cobblestone pathway. We had to move around due to complications with the Airbnb host and thankfully throwing everything back into the bag and being able to walk off with everything made me feel more mobile. From Sevilla, I took a bus to Faro, Portugal and while the overhead storage of the bus was made for very small bags I was able to fit it under the seat thanks to its non-rigid design. Did some laundry in Portugal which seems like a standard backpacking thing to do, and returned back to the USA by Transavia and Delta. I was not concerned about Delta flying Amsterdam to the USA. But with Transavia from Faro, Portugal to Amsterdam the attendants did not bat an eye about the size of the backpack or question the weight (10kg = hand luggage + personal item). I got worried and paid for the guaranteed hand luggage to have it on the plane since a full flight will only let on 70 hand luggage (a weird policy I know).If you are still questioning about getting this backpack or thinking of another company, you are thinking too much. I am NOT at all a backpacking type of person. For me to pull this together now gives me more confidence I can do it again. The bag has all the organization you will ever need. I know people say the one downfall was the water bottle sleeve not being there but you can always attach one to the bag which I know can flop around. I would suggest getting a collapsible one when you need it or not.... Show more
Arthur G.
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
Good pack, but with shortcomings
I decided to purchase this pack (from Backcountry) after extensive research for a trip where my trusty 28L Timbuk2 wouldn't do. I used it this past December for a multi-week trip through Morocco where I needed to also lug around a sleeping bag, hikers, and heavier clothing for the cold and rainy mountains, making the TB2 difficult to use for onebagging.I was previously unfamiliar with Cotopaxi, and I landed on this Allpa 42L for a number of reasons (most of which I am probably just repeating other reviews). Beyond the commendable mission of the company, this is clearly a high quality product and looks good as well. Extremely functional, and I personal love the “suitcase style” layout design, which I had never seen in a travel pack before. It makes everything easy ... MoreI decided to purchase this pack (from Backcountry) after extensive research for a trip where my trusty 28L Timbuk2 wouldn't do. I used it this past December for a multi-week trip through Morocco where I needed to also lug around a sleeping bag, hikers, and heavier clothing for the cold and rainy mountains, making the TB2 difficult to use for onebagging.I was previously unfamiliar with Cotopaxi, and I landed on this Allpa 42L for a number of reasons (most of which I am probably just repeating other reviews). Beyond the commendable mission of the company, this is clearly a high quality product and looks good as well. Extremely functional, and I personal love the “suitcase style” layout design, which I had never seen in a travel pack before. It makes everything easy to get to and is well organized without being bulky or overly heavy. The handles on every side are a must, and I particularly love the little tabs the zippers go through for added security. The 42 also has a water bottle holder and a shoulder strap, which are definitely selling points over the 35 (even though I think 35 is a much for reasonable size for the vast majority trips).While I think this bag is great, that does not mean it didn’t come up short in more than one place. For example, when you see reviews mentioning the hip straps are located too high for an average person, it is true. I find this pack relatively uncomfortable for a long walk even only moderately packed. My back was killing me from a walk from the train station to my accommodations one afternoon, and it was mainly because I received zero hip support, something that is required with this type of pack. I read the reviews, but was hoping that since I am a bit shorter that I would be fine. Nope. To compound this, I found the shoulder straps adjusters to be quite limiting, and between these two issues I was never really able to get the back to sit just right. Also remember that I am coming from using a TimBuk2 that was extremely comfortable even when packed to the max, and had a full range of adjustments available.I love a good bag, and I even get a little excited when it shows some wear and tear. Unfortunately though, I also came back from my trip to find not just some beautiful souvenir scuffs, but two areas on the main back panel where the cover material has actually scratched off of the woven underlay. I am someone who handles their own bag and uses it as a carry on – I have no clue where this could have happened, but it tells me the overall outer layer is not very durable. Again to bring up my previous travel bag, but I have traveled all over the world with it and have never experienced this type of damage (Let’s be clear, I am much less delicate with that bag). I have reached out to Cotopaxi about this issue and if they have a solution or patch or something, and am waiting to hear back. Certainly frustrating, especially because the underlay material is white and in stark contrast to the applied material above (in my case, a dark blue).I have used the bag on a number of smaller weeklongs since. As roadtrips, this bag seems nicer when the shoulder strap is utilized.Honestly, I am torn with this bag: on the surface I love it, I love the concept of it, and I love the way it looks. I tell people I like it, but when I really sit down and think about it (such as writing this review) I’m not sure I actually think it is worth it. A bag like this is an investment, and it needs to meet all the marks. I am still deciding what I want to do with it: make the 42 work for future trips, or move on. It is almost there though, and I really hope the next version resolves some of these issues.Cotopaxi, here are some suggestions:- Provide a more durable exterior coating, or color-match the substrate.- Add straps around the exterior of the bag to tighten contents.- Re-engineer the entire hip strap area situation. It is terrible.- Consider providing a little more rigidity to the back panel that rests at the user’s back.- Allow more flexibility at the shoulder strap adjusters.- Add a waterproof pocket to hold the waterproof pack cover.... Show more
Dominic L.
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
Great bag a few product product use issues
First like to say the quality, thought and attention to detail to create this product is incredible. Furthermore my standards are probably higher than most as a product professional in the outdoor industry. The compartments and adjustable options are all incredible and really well thought out but I think there are a few limiting factors which make the description of this product slightly misleading. To start its 42L but packs like 25-30L so be thoughtful in your use case. In addition there is only one large storage compartment for large item storage, which limits how long you can use this pack. 1 week at most if you’re incredibly efficient. The smaller compartments are wonderful for little items like underwear etc but personally I would like the larger compartment ... MoreFirst like to say the quality, thought and attention to detail to create this product is incredible. Furthermore my standards are probably higher than most as a product professional in the outdoor industry. The compartments and adjustable options are all incredible and really well thought out but I think there are a few limiting factors which make the description of this product slightly misleading. To start its 42L but packs like 25-30L so be thoughtful in your use case. In addition there is only one large storage compartment for large item storage, which limits how long you can use this pack. 1 week at most if you’re incredibly efficient. The smaller compartments are wonderful for little items like underwear etc but personally I would like the larger compartment to steal about 5L or so of useable space because socks and underwear are not the limiting factors in how long you can travel but jackets, pants, shirts fleece etc are and there’s less space for them. My biggest issue and reason for a 3.5 is the laptop compartment and sleeve. I though it was so cool to see a laptop sleeve and charger space but the laptop really only supports a 12” or tablet and not a standard 15” or normal size laptop by most companies and this is a major bummer as I bought this specifically for 2 week work trips to Asia and I can’t even fit my laptop where there is lots of wasted space in the compartment that contains the sleeve. I love the charger holder but if I had to choose I’d rather have my computer protected. Suggest trying computers in the sleeve to make sure it fits a wide range of sizes as the current one is just too small. Finally, the strap adjustability, customization ability to remove hip and shoulder and store is incredible and well thought out. The zipper garages and locks are really cool a slight nuisance when trying to access zippers but over all a really smart design. The last issue similarly to the laptop sleeve is the water bottle holder doesn’t fit most hydro flasks or nalgenes which are industry standards but this water bottle only fits a 20 oz single use plastic bottle, which is a ok but not ideal. As a whole I’m happy with the pack and will just have to work on how best to utilize the space available but hopefully some of this feed back can be incorporated into future packs. Love the company, the message and community involvement and would recommend this bad as a great up to 1 week max with small laptop traveler.... Show more
Chad H.
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
I recently had the opportunity
I recently had the opportunity to take the Allpa 35L Travel Pack on an extended adventure, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. The thoughtfully designed, versatile pack made traveling a breeze, easily accommodating all of my essentials and providing unmatched comfort and durability. Here's a breakdown of my experience with the Allpa 35L Travel Pack:Design and Aesthetic (5/5):The Allpa 35L Travel Pack sports a sleek and modern look, making it suitable for both urban and outdoor environments. The pack is available in a variety of colors, allowing you to choose one that best fits your style. I opted for the classic black version, which proved to be versatile and easy to keep clean.Organization and Space (5/5):The pack's 35L capacity was surprisingly ... MoreI recently had the opportunity to take the Allpa 35L Travel Pack on an extended adventure, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. The thoughtfully designed, versatile pack made traveling a breeze, easily accommodating all of my essentials and providing unmatched comfort and durability. Here's a breakdown of my experience with the Allpa 35L Travel Pack:Design and Aesthetic (5/5):The Allpa 35L Travel Pack sports a sleek and modern look, making it suitable for both urban and outdoor environments. The pack is available in a variety of colors, allowing you to choose one that best fits your style. I opted for the classic black version, which proved to be versatile and easy to keep clean.Organization and Space (5/5):The pack's 35L capacity was surprisingly spacious, easily accommodating clothes, toiletries, and gadgets for a two-week trip. The well-designed compartments, including a dedicated laptop sleeve, kept my belongings organized and easy to access. The pack opens like a suitcase, allowing for easy packing and unpacking, and the various pockets and compartments made it simple to locate my essentials quickly.Durability and Weather Resistance (4.5/5):Constructed with high-quality, weather-resistant materials, the Allpa 35L Travel Pack held up well during my journey. The TPU-coated 1000D polyester fabric provided solid protection from rain, and the pack's YKK zippers ensured my belongings stayed secure. I did notice some minor wear on the bottom after placing the pack on rough surfaces, but this was only a cosmetic issue.Comfort (4.5/5):The Allpa 35L Travel Pack excelled in the comfort department, making it easy to carry throughout my trip. The padded shoulder straps and back panel provided excellent support, and the adjustable sternum strap and load lifters allowed me to customize the fit to my body. However, I would have appreciated a slightly thicker waist belt for additional support during longer treks.Carry-On Compatibility (5/5):One of the major selling points of the Allpa 35L Travel Pack is its compatibility with most airline carry-on regulations. I had no issues fitting the pack into overhead bins, which saved me time and the hassle of checking luggage.Final Verdict:The Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an outstanding option for travelers seeking a versatile, comfortable, and stylish pack that can handle a variety of travel scenarios. Its well-designed compartments, carry-on compatibility, and overall durability make it a worthy investment. If you're in the market for a new travel pack, the Allpa 35L should be at the top of your list. Overall rating: 4.8/5.... Show more
Cheng C.
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
Loved It Until The Company Disappointed
I wanted so much to love it. And I did love it for a short time. I got it for Christmas 2022. On my second use in March 2023, I checked it through between California and Hawaii. It arrived with big gouges in the protective coating. I understand this was the airline and not Cotopaxi's fault. Still, though, this is the second time I used the bag ever. I had hoped Cotopaxi would be more helpful and perhaps give me something for the deep disappoint of damage on the second use. But no. They didn't offer to repair it or trade it in. or give a discount on a new one. I went to the store and had to wait about an hour (while they communicated with their claims department) to then be told they can't do anything because it was caused by the airline. I had high hopes, with all ... MoreI wanted so much to love it. And I did love it for a short time. I got it for Christmas 2022. On my second use in March 2023, I checked it through between California and Hawaii. It arrived with big gouges in the protective coating. I understand this was the airline and not Cotopaxi's fault. Still, though, this is the second time I used the bag ever. I had hoped Cotopaxi would be more helpful and perhaps give me something for the deep disappoint of damage on the second use. But no. They didn't offer to repair it or trade it in. or give a discount on a new one. I went to the store and had to wait about an hour (while they communicated with their claims department) to then be told they can't do anything because it was caused by the airline. I had high hopes, with all the company bragging about how tough their gear is and how giving of a company they are (a B corp, donating back, etc.) that they would offer me something in the spirit of trying to make it right. The store employee did clean off some dirt so there's that, I guess. I wrote to the claims folks and they told me that they advertise it as a carryon not a checked bag. I bought it at a Cotopaxi store but I notice that REI's website has this as the first description under Features: "Weather-repellent, TPU-coated 1,000-denier polyester shell with 840-denier ballistic nylon paneling is built for rough baggage handling and abrasion resistance" I kept the bag another month but it frustrated me every time I looked at the damage. I've now sold it on Poshmark for half price and am using the money to buy a new Osprey bag. Their warranty policy is renowned in the industry: "Osprey will repair any damage or defect for any reason free of charge — whether it was produced in 1974 or yesterday. If we are unable to perform a functional repair on your pack, we will happily replace it. We proudly stand behind this guarantee, so much so that it bears the signature of company founder and head designer, Mike Pfotenhauer."... Show more
Renee
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
This bag is a game changer
After months of research and "should I or shouldn't I?" inner monologue, I pulled the trigger and bought the Allpa 42L and gave it a test run on a week-long road trip. Now I wish I hadn't waited so long to buy this bag - it's awesome. First, it doesn't look like anything else on the market, and I love that. I appreciate Cotopaxi going for unique colorways so it's not just another boring black bag. Second, it holds a ridiculous amount of stuff. I had clothing for 5 days, two pairs of shoes, a beach towel, toiletry kit, laptop, chargers, snacks, water bottle, sunscreen - the list goes on - and STILL had room to add a few souvenirs for the trip home without the bag being packed to capacity. I used three packing cubes plus the Taal tote as an additional packing cube, ... MoreAfter months of research and "should I or shouldn't I?" inner monologue, I pulled the trigger and bought the Allpa 42L and gave it a test run on a week-long road trip. Now I wish I hadn't waited so long to buy this bag - it's awesome. First, it doesn't look like anything else on the market, and I love that. I appreciate Cotopaxi going for unique colorways so it's not just another boring black bag. Second, it holds a ridiculous amount of stuff. I had clothing for 5 days, two pairs of shoes, a beach towel, toiletry kit, laptop, chargers, snacks, water bottle, sunscreen - the list goes on - and STILL had room to add a few souvenirs for the trip home without the bag being packed to capacity. I used three packing cubes plus the Taal tote as an additional packing cube, and I literally could have lived out of this bag for much longer than a week. The load adjusters and waist strap really help the bag feel manageable when it's on your back - and I was carrying it in near 100-degee Farenheit temps. Zippers felt smooth, bag felt sturdy, and I lost count of how many compliments I got. OH - and I love that the waist strap is both adjustable and removable - nice option. My ONLY ding on this bag is that the external pocket intended for water bottles doesn't really work when the bag is full, but it's great for putting in other small items that you might want to grab quickly. Now that I road tested my Allpa, I'm super excited to take it on my three-week European adventure next month. This bag has gotten me out of my need to have 400 pockets in a bag and be much more comfortable with a less structure that is more versatile and roomy. Cotopaxi is a go-to brand for me. Love the quality, love the products, love the options for colors, and love what they stand for.... Show more
Michael
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
Wanted to love it, but it's not perfect
Bottom line: this is a nice carry-on, but not a good fit for the carry-on-only crowd.I purchased this for upcoming international family trip with 2 adults and 3 kids. We want to be carry-on only as the trip will involve various planes, trains, and automobiles and I wanted everyone to be able to carry their own loads. This bag seemed like the perfect choice for my boys age 9 and 12. And I figured they'd get a lifetime of use out of it, so it would be worth the investment.We bought 2, and used one during the recent 2-week domestic trip during which I thought we'd test out our new bag before our bigger international trip. I'm going to return the unused one. I knew it was a small bag which I liked and I love the well-designed construction. However, when packed (not ... MoreBottom line: this is a nice carry-on, but not a good fit for the carry-on-only crowd.I purchased this for upcoming international family trip with 2 adults and 3 kids. We want to be carry-on only as the trip will involve various planes, trains, and automobiles and I wanted everyone to be able to carry their own loads. This bag seemed like the perfect choice for my boys age 9 and 12. And I figured they'd get a lifetime of use out of it, so it would be worth the investment.We bought 2, and used one during the recent 2-week domestic trip during which I thought we'd test out our new bag before our bigger international trip. I'm going to return the unused one. I knew it was a small bag which I liked and I love the well-designed construction. However, when packed (not over-packed) the media sleeve was rendered unusable for us. We were not able to fit a 14" laptop into the sleeve when the bag was packed. It would fit when the back was unpacked, but that didn't doesn't help anyone. It's such a compact bag, that this results in wasted space being taken up by that laptop sleeve. I think design-wise, they aught to ditch the laptop sleeve on the 28L bag and keep it for the larger versions. I would have rather had that space available in the main packing compartment.So- If you buy this bag to use as your main luggage for either an adult on a short trip or a kid for a longer trip, with the intention of using that sleeve, know that you might not be able to unless you have a very small laptop (13" or less across) or tablet (without a bulky case).The bag is otherwise nicely designed, but I think the size is tricky. It works as luggage for a kid because kid clothes/shoes are small, but for an adult, it's really more of an overnight bag or beefy carry on when you've got a larger suitcase checked under the plane. But for me- the cost and engineering of this bag is too much for those purposes. We typically use a collapsible/pack-able backpack for a day bag, and a larger carry-on backpack as our main piece of luggage. An adult can do this pretty easily with the Allpa 42, so I was hoping this smaller option would work the same way for a smaller human. What I learned is that even though it is essentially just a smaller version of the 42, it's scope of practical use is totally different.... Show more
Gina G
originally posted on backcountry.com