Deceivingly deep pockets
Allpa 35. I have the old version of this without the water bottle holder and the luggage passthrough strap. For weekend trips, I actually like it better than the Allpa 28 which I also own (old version), because it holds a lot more. The pockets are so deep, it's almost an illusion. The Allpa 28 is better for a personal item on domestic and international flights, and even intra flights within Europe. But, I never used the Allpa 35 for international travel, just car trips. You can stuff a huge amount of stuff in it, though, and just sling it over your back, throw it into the car and you're off!I did however perform a sacrilegious procedure on the bag. The hip pads and straps just got in my way all the time, so I surgically removed them! I kind of hated doing it, but I ... MoreAllpa 35. I have the old version of this without the water bottle holder and the luggage passthrough strap. For weekend trips, I actually like it better than the Allpa 28 which I also own (old version), because it holds a lot more. The pockets are so deep, it's almost an illusion. The Allpa 28 is better for a personal item on domestic and international flights, and even intra flights within Europe. But, I never used the Allpa 35 for international travel, just car trips. You can stuff a huge amount of stuff in it, though, and just sling it over your back, throw it into the car and you're off!I did however perform a sacrilegious procedure on the bag. The hip pads and straps just got in my way all the time, so I surgically removed them! I kind of hated doing it, but I do like the bag better now and wished there was a way to just detach them (the hip straps on the Allpa 28 don't bother me because they're not too bulky). I never carry any of my bags very far, so don't really need them. I also wish there was a way to removed the stiff plastic support piece for the laptop in the back, but it seems to be sewn in. Other brands allow removal. Maybe not so much on the larger packs, but I really don't need it in the smaller ones and it saves space.Quibbles aside, it's a good pack and a good design and holds a deceiving amount of stuff.... Show more
David G.
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
Design improvements but muted color
I’m a huge Cotopaxi fan and was definitely eager to get the new bag :) I ordered the two versions of the bag- the standard in Tamarindo/abyss and a Del dia-dark.A few general notes on things that I was wondering prior to receiving the bags and wasn’t clear from site:The new drink sleeve is incredibly stretchy (in a good way), I was able to very easily fit my 32oz bottle in it (from the pictures, I worried that it would only fit a smaller bottle)The new coating process for the front of the pack is definitely different and I think likely better. It’s not like a super thick shell coating now- it’s more like the fibers have been coated and feels like it’s likely going to be a lot more flexible as a result.It’s not letting me add pictures right now, but if you’re ... MoreI’m a huge Cotopaxi fan and was definitely eager to get the new bag :) I ordered the two versions of the bag- the standard in Tamarindo/abyss and a Del dia-dark.A few general notes on things that I was wondering prior to receiving the bags and wasn’t clear from site:The new drink sleeve is incredibly stretchy (in a good way), I was able to very easily fit my 32oz bottle in it (from the pictures, I worried that it would only fit a smaller bottle)The new coating process for the front of the pack is definitely different and I think likely better. It’s not like a super thick shell coating now- it’s more like the fibers have been coated and feels like it’s likely going to be a lot more flexible as a result.It’s not letting me add pictures right now, but if you’re worried about the tamarindo being too bright- it’s a lot more muted than what it looks like in the picture. It’s not at all a bright orange- it’s more like a muted pumpkin color? (Hopefully I’ll figure out how to add pics so you can see for yourself)I also experienced some odd zipper stickiness (like it was just a lot more effort to zip/unzip than normal- but hoping that it’s just a one-off issue with this pack)I’m returning that pack because the color wasn’t what I was expecting + zipper wonkiness, but I’d order again if they come out with a brighter color (I’m still lobbying for a cool-tone drop in Allpa!)I’m keeping the dark pack and can post some reviews once I’ve gotten through my upcoming extended travel.... Show more
Kat D.
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
First Cotopaxi
I do not travel often, and have only ever owned cheap rolling luggage purchased from discount department stores. Having developed a strong aversion to my stuff touching the ground/floor, I was in the market for a carry-on sized backpack with suitcase-style internal design and organization. After reading the New York Times' Wirecutter review of this pack, I decided to treat myself and give it a shot. I am very pleased with it. The exterior stretch water bottle pocket is a great addition, as I was able to easily carry and access my 32 oz Nalgene bottle and thus avoid purchasing water in airports. The internal layout is roomy, and worked very well with my packing cubes. Should you need to get something out of the inner compartments, it's not so cumbersome that you ... MoreI do not travel often, and have only ever owned cheap rolling luggage purchased from discount department stores. Having developed a strong aversion to my stuff touching the ground/floor, I was in the market for a carry-on sized backpack with suitcase-style internal design and organization. After reading the New York Times' Wirecutter review of this pack, I decided to treat myself and give it a shot. I am very pleased with it. The exterior stretch water bottle pocket is a great addition, as I was able to easily carry and access my 32 oz Nalgene bottle and thus avoid purchasing water in airports. The internal layout is roomy, and worked very well with my packing cubes. Should you need to get something out of the inner compartments, it's not so cumbersome that you cannot set it down on a chair to open it up. The top external pocket worked well for my passport and a few snacks. This pack was very convenient as a carry on for domestic air travel. I plan to use it for future air and rail travel.... Show more
James W.
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
From plane or train, to an everyday travel pack!
After a month of usage, I can honestly say that this is one of the best packs out there and here are a few reasons why I think it’s worth getting…Materials:The newly and improved TPU lining feels lighter, more flexible, and durable. It is super easy to clean and is less stiff than their previous versions. The bag as a whole feels much lighter and less bulky. I recently went on a two week vacation to Italy and the durability and lightness of the bag made it a thousand times more comfortable to carry for hrs on end. The harness system has improved substantially with breathable padded back & wider straps. The hip belt has better weight distribution. It’s no longer removable, but its new thinner design allows for it to fit comfortably without feeling bulky in your ... MoreAfter a month of usage, I can honestly say that this is one of the best packs out there and here are a few reasons why I think it’s worth getting…Materials:The newly and improved TPU lining feels lighter, more flexible, and durable. It is super easy to clean and is less stiff than their previous versions. The bag as a whole feels much lighter and less bulky. I recently went on a two week vacation to Italy and the durability and lightness of the bag made it a thousand times more comfortable to carry for hrs on end. The harness system has improved substantially with breathable padded back & wider straps. The hip belt has better weight distribution. It’s no longer removable, but its new thinner design allows for it to fit comfortably without feeling bulky in your lower back when stowing it. They have also included a luggage pass through strap which makes traveling so much easier! The three handles around the bag make it easy to grab and go. I do wish they had added more padding to the side handle to make it more comfortable to carry when stowing away the shoulder straps and hip belt.Water Bottle and Front Pocket:Both of these are a major addition from their previous version and a big reason I wanted to invest in the updated Allpa. The stretch mesh water bottle pocket is super flexible and fits both my 20 & 32 oz bottle. The new quick access front pocket is such a great addition and makes it easier for me to quickly grab and organize my smaller items. One of the things I love about the Allpa, and Cotopaxi items in general, is their versatility. There is always room for the user to get creative and I personally had fun exploring the different ways to adjust the bag and make it my own. For instance, for those of you who worry about getting pickpocket from that front zipper, I used a carabiner to lock the zipper pulls to one of the webbing loops that’s within reach and it worked out great when traveling! I uploaded a photo for reference.Laptop Compartment:I absolutely love the new and improved fleece laptop compartment. It’s incredibly padded, roomier, and has a false bottom. My 13” laptop fits perfectly with a case on it, and you can easily fit a 15” laptop and tablet. They included a security loop for this compartment, which I really appreciated.Lockable main compartment:Being able to lock this main compartment made me feel more secure during my travels. They omitted the quick access zipper to the main compartment. Initially, I was bummed about loosing that feature, but the more I used it the less I missed it. I found myself organizing my pack in such a way that I could quickly access the inside by just unzipping the main compartment 1/4 of the way from the top without the need of opening the entire pack.Suitcase Style Opening:This feature has been my favorite from the Allpa line. I am a sucker for organization and this design makes it super easy to pack my packing cubes and other gear in an organized manner. The mesh pockets inside now unzip inward and can be rolled up nicely towards the spine of the backpack when packing. I find this new direction to be a cleaner and better design approach. They unzip in the same direction as the main compartment. This helps for when wanting to access things from the top by unzipping them 1/4 of the way as well. I would purposely place the zippers towards the top of the pack so I could easily reach them. I personally love that they no longer flop outwards and away from the pack where they could potentially touch a dirty surface or floor.The more I got to know the bag, the better I got at organizing my stuff. I would definitely buy this bag a thousand times over! Always looking forward to Cotopaxi’s next move.... Show more
Monica M.
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
Great bag, really love the new features, but color off from photo
I have about 5 Cotopaxi bags now, including last season's 35L Allpa, which does not have the water bottle holder. This is why I got this new version because I really wanted a water bottle holder and the small zip pocket at the front.A couple features I missed:1) The top left pocket in the main interior compartment used to be divided into two sections, but it's now one section. I like having the two divided.2) It didn't come with a rain cover.But I do like the new features and noticed that the handles seem to be made a little better than before.My biggest "complaint" about the bags is that the colors from the Del Dia collection never look like the pictures. The purple seem more vibrant online, but in person, it's much more muted. I bought a backpack, and the ... MoreI have about 5 Cotopaxi bags now, including last season's 35L Allpa, which does not have the water bottle holder. This is why I got this new version because I really wanted a water bottle holder and the small zip pocket at the front.A couple features I missed:1) The top left pocket in the main interior compartment used to be divided into two sections, but it's now one section. I like having the two divided.2) It didn't come with a rain cover.But I do like the new features and noticed that the handles seem to be made a little better than before.My biggest "complaint" about the bags is that the colors from the Del Dia collection never look like the pictures. The purple seem more vibrant online, but in person, it's much more muted. I bought a backpack, and the orange looked more peachy online, and in person it was a high-vis orange. Not a huge deal, I suppose, unless you are really hoping for the color you see online, which was the case for this purple Allpa 35L that I bought. Not the end of the world, and definitely a first-world problem, but after paying over $200 for the pack, I would just hope that the photos are a little more realistic, this way I can make a better decision on whether I want this one or pay extra for the solid colors.... Show more
Andria Y.
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
Love it
I ordered the Del Dia Allpa 35L. First one got lost with the shipper, but customer service was quick to offer me a refund or new bag, and the new package arrived quickly, in time for a 2 week trip to a cabin in the middle of our military move.Quality seems great. Fabrics are different in different places but all feel thick and durable. Most of the bag feels like a durable canvas kind of material. Zippers feel solid and move smoothly.There are way more pockets than i realized, but they seem useful and well placed. I didn't realize that the hip belt is removable and straps tuck completely into the back, but that made it reallyconvenient to shove the pack full of our dirty laundry and use it ruck/sandbag style for a quick workout. I might try to pick up a long strap ... MoreI ordered the Del Dia Allpa 35L. First one got lost with the shipper, but customer service was quick to offer me a refund or new bag, and the new package arrived quickly, in time for a 2 week trip to a cabin in the middle of our military move.Quality seems great. Fabrics are different in different places but all feel thick and durable. Most of the bag feels like a durable canvas kind of material. Zippers feel solid and move smoothly.There are way more pockets than i realized, but they seem useful and well placed. I didn't realize that the hip belt is removable and straps tuck completely into the back, but that made it reallyconvenient to shove the pack full of our dirty laundry and use it ruck/sandbag style for a quick workout. I might try to pick up a long strap to attach to the outside loops because with the extra straps tucked in, it could function like a duffel with the lap top zipper facing up.In terms of fit (since I always look for that in reviews!), I'm a 40yo plus sized woman and everything fit well. I packed it comfortably full and had no problem wearing it for awhile. For lifestyle, I'm a military spouse who enjoys the packing as much as the traveling, mostly road trips with four kids, and I like to aim for minimalism (but frequently fail). Our big goal is to backpack with the kids around the world once my husband retires, so I try to keep that goal in mind when adding to our luggage.... Show more
Kellan B.
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
Not for big adventures
The bag itself was a great size. Just big enough that it fits my stuff for a week of backpacking, but not too big making it uncomfortable to carry. I'm 5 5, 150 lbs and my bag weighed about 35 lbs. My favorite feature are all the pockets with zippers. It helps with organization, and being able to grab items quickly without digging through. Plus each pocket is a different size instead of all being similar sizes, no wasted space. My second favorite things are the thicker and comfortable straps. The weight feels softer to carry over distance. Lastly the style itself is just really cool and unique.The biggest cons are: 1. It's not waterproof or even water resistant. I would have returned it immediately but I was in a time crunch. At this price for this genre of hiking ... MoreThe bag itself was a great size. Just big enough that it fits my stuff for a week of backpacking, but not too big making it uncomfortable to carry. I'm 5 5, 150 lbs and my bag weighed about 35 lbs. My favorite feature are all the pockets with zippers. It helps with organization, and being able to grab items quickly without digging through. Plus each pocket is a different size instead of all being similar sizes, no wasted space. My second favorite things are the thicker and comfortable straps. The weight feels softer to carry over distance. Lastly the style itself is just really cool and unique.The biggest cons are: 1. It's not waterproof or even water resistant. I would have returned it immediately but I was in a time crunch. At this price for this genre of hiking pack and outdoor adventure brand, I expected waterproof. 2. No waist strap. There is a chest strap, but I'd prefer another weight distribution point at the waist for hours of hiking.Overall, if you're looking for a more outdoor adventure hiking backpack, I would pass on this one. But if you're looking for a stylish travel bag for camping or day trips, this is a great option.... Show more
Yolanda M.
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
Seven weeks!
I just got back from a stretch of teaching and traveling through four countries and 16 cities over seven weeks with a computer bag and the 35L Alpa. Granted, I use wool tops, Rip Skirts, and nice-looking hiking pants to limit my clothing load, but I also had extra layers for hiking in the mountains, teaching materials, a computer, many different chargers, three pairs of shoes, snacks, and (at first) lots of little gifts for students and friends. The bag was pushed to its limits more than at other times in its second year of intense travel. I was able to carry it onto smaller Lufthansa planes (not Ryan Air) and walk comfortably up hills on cobbled streets in medieval towns in Spain. Every time I show my 35L to a colleague, that person goes out and buys one. I admit ... MoreI just got back from a stretch of teaching and traveling through four countries and 16 cities over seven weeks with a computer bag and the 35L Alpa. Granted, I use wool tops, Rip Skirts, and nice-looking hiking pants to limit my clothing load, but I also had extra layers for hiking in the mountains, teaching materials, a computer, many different chargers, three pairs of shoes, snacks, and (at first) lots of little gifts for students and friends. The bag was pushed to its limits more than at other times in its second year of intense travel. I was able to carry it onto smaller Lufthansa planes (not Ryan Air) and walk comfortably up hills on cobbled streets in medieval towns in Spain. Every time I show my 35L to a colleague, that person goes out and buys one. I admit I'm thinking of handing mine down to my daughter because getting one with a water-bottle holder would be helpful. Otherwise, I love everything about this bag, from the outside access and the security zippers to the interior organization. Now that I've used it a lot, I have a place for everything and can pack, repack, and find items in a flash. Ever since the day my expedited order arrived two hours before I left on a major trip, it has been my best bag ever.... Show more
Michele W.
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
Some great updates, some not so much
I received my new updated Allpa 35L in Smoke. They made some great updates like finally having water bottle holder. This was the biggest missing thing with the previous version. They added a handle in the back, which is great for pulling the bag out of airport totes. I also love that they added another quick access pocket on the top this way I can access my powerbank, or head phones much easier than unzipping the bigger access pocket, and unzipping the mesh pockets.The interior didn't change much, but they made the two mesh pockets into one, which I prefer so I can fit bigger items in the pockets. They did remove the exterior access to the bigger interior pocket, which isn't a big deal, but it was nice to be able to grab my jacket out of that slot, but again not a ... MoreI received my new updated Allpa 35L in Smoke. They made some great updates like finally having water bottle holder. This was the biggest missing thing with the previous version. They added a handle in the back, which is great for pulling the bag out of airport totes. I also love that they added another quick access pocket on the top this way I can access my powerbank, or head phones much easier than unzipping the bigger access pocket, and unzipping the mesh pockets.The interior didn't change much, but they made the two mesh pockets into one, which I prefer so I can fit bigger items in the pockets. They did remove the exterior access to the bigger interior pocket, which isn't a big deal, but it was nice to be able to grab my jacket out of that slot, but again not a big deal.One thing I wish they kept was the anti theft fabric loops for every zipper. Instead, they installed lockable loops on the main zipper. I prefer the previous version as I may not have a lock with me, and the anti theft zipper loops were just super convenient to have at all times on every zipper.The laptop pocket is now completely lined with felt, with a smaller tablet pocket. There is no longer a rain fly that is included. To be honest, I never used it, but it was a nice option.All in all, I love the new water bottle holder, and quick access top pocket. I would like the anti theft loops to come back, but all in all, its a fantastic bag with good updates.PS: My bag is brand new, and there are stains on the sides, and water bottle holder already, so there might need to be some issues addressing how clean the handling process is.... Show more
Sher Y.
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
Travel friendly yet skys the limit for uses
This pack is incredible! I was skeptical about purchasing a suitcase style pack. I've been using a hiking pack for travel for decades and like the quick access of a traditional pack. This pack lets me have my cake and eat it too.The pack features a integrated, padded laptop sleeve that great for keeping my electeonics safe. There's an outside pocket for quick access to essentials or to easily stash a wallet/phone while going through TSA. Additionally, the pocket features a key lanyard so I never lose my car keys in the bottom of the pack.The suitcase style was a non-existent issue to getting access to my gear due to a quick access zipper on the side. I can stash my hoody, magazines, books or anything else in the pack without having to fully open the pack. When I ... MoreThis pack is incredible! I was skeptical about purchasing a suitcase style pack. I've been using a hiking pack for travel for decades and like the quick access of a traditional pack. This pack lets me have my cake and eat it too.The pack features a integrated, padded laptop sleeve that great for keeping my electeonics safe. There's an outside pocket for quick access to essentials or to easily stash a wallet/phone while going through TSA. Additionally, the pocket features a key lanyard so I never lose my car keys in the bottom of the pack.The suitcase style was a non-existent issue to getting access to my gear due to a quick access zipper on the side. I can stash my hoody, magazines, books or anything else in the pack without having to fully open the pack. When I do open the pack all my gear is neatly tucked away due to the mesh zippered pockets that keep everything in place and the Cotopaxi cubes that integrate seamlessly with the pack. Couldn't wish for more!But there's more with the reinforced loops to carabine equipment to the outside, multiple ways of carrying (should straps or briefcase style), the size is TSA carry-on compliant, and more.This bag can be anything and everything you'd want it to be which is great for my vast amount of hobbies and uses for it. This pack meets all my needs and I continuously find new uses for it.... Show more
James G.
originally posted on cotopaxi.com