Allpa is Allgood
i chose the Del Dia version of this travel pack, it’s $25 cheaper, 8 ounces lighter, and 100% cooler than the regular Allpa 42l. i like that the pack is made from 100% recycled deadstock; kept some waste out of the landfills and got a 1-of-a-kind travel pack. i did not own previous generations of this backpack, this is my first Cotopaxi bag and i love it. but i dont think its perfect yet. although its quite feature rich, i feel it still lacks a few more organization pockets in regards to tech. there’s a laptop sleeve, a stash pocket, and a bigger pocket for the allpa x hip pack and whatever else someone wants to stuff in there. but i would’ve preferred to see some stretchy sleeves for things like a computer mouse, portable battery, and pen/pencil pockets. the water ... Morei chose the Del Dia version of this travel pack, it’s $25 cheaper, 8 ounces lighter, and 100% cooler than the regular Allpa 42l. i like that the pack is made from 100% recycled deadstock; kept some waste out of the landfills and got a 1-of-a-kind travel pack. i did not own previous generations of this backpack, this is my first Cotopaxi bag and i love it. but i dont think its perfect yet. although its quite feature rich, i feel it still lacks a few more organization pockets in regards to tech. there’s a laptop sleeve, a stash pocket, and a bigger pocket for the allpa x hip pack and whatever else someone wants to stuff in there. but i would’ve preferred to see some stretchy sleeves for things like a computer mouse, portable battery, and pen/pencil pockets. the water bottle pocket is a great addition, but I think it should be taller to accommodate taller bottles. Osprey has this water bottle pocket feature where they make it quite tall, with a side slit to slide in shorter bottles, and an opening on top for taller bottles. inside the pack is where i think the Allpa shines the most. I love the large, medium, small organization separation. but my favorite feature is how the dead space under the small pocket gives you options. the bigger exterior pocket will fill this dead space if you have it stuffed full, but if you don’t you can use that space for additional clothing or gear from the inside because they didn’t close off the access to it. All in All the Allpa is Allgood, and i would definitely recommend this as a go-to travel pack.... Show more
Robert G.
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
Best backpack ever!!!
I waited to review this backpack until I had actually travelled with it, and it did NOT disappoint. I took this on a 3-week long trip to Europe where we were covering a lot of ground and were constantly on the go. This backpack gave me everything I needed for my trip: internal organization that is unparalleled, comfort while carrying it through train stations/airports/cobblestone streets, and constant compliments on how cute it was. I truly believe there is no better bag. My main concern before buying was the size as it's just a smidge bigger than some of the budget airlines' cabin bag requirements. We flew on multiple budget airlines and took tons of trains and never once had an issue with the size of our bag. It fit perfectly in every overhead compartment we ... MoreI waited to review this backpack until I had actually travelled with it, and it did NOT disappoint. I took this on a 3-week long trip to Europe where we were covering a lot of ground and were constantly on the go. This backpack gave me everything I needed for my trip: internal organization that is unparalleled, comfort while carrying it through train stations/airports/cobblestone streets, and constant compliments on how cute it was. I truly believe there is no better bag. My main concern before buying was the size as it's just a smidge bigger than some of the budget airlines' cabin bag requirements. We flew on multiple budget airlines and took tons of trains and never once had an issue with the size of our bag. It fit perfectly in every overhead compartment we encountered. One of my favorite features is that you can tuck in all of the straps super easily into the back compartment in like 30 seconds which makes it so easy to slide into an overhead compartment without getting the straps stuck anywhere (which was huge for a 5'2 girl like me who gets stressed about that moment before every plane ride). It fit everything I needed perfectly (probably 10-12 days worth of clothes for multiple different climates) without me ever having to sit on it to get it zipped, and the way that it's organized makes it so easy to find everything and get to what you need quickly which was especially nice when you're shoving everything in a locker and using community bathrooms at hostels. I could not recommend this bag more!!!... Show more
Caroline
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
Cotopaxi Backpack #10 Arrives for our Girl Scouts!
Backpack #10 has arrived to Alaska! Girls ranging from second grade to tenth grade are getting outfitted with these packs that were chosen after a four year testing process. It is just amazing and it should speak volumes that we have already secured ten sponsored backpacks by families and businesses all over the United States that want to help outfit each of our Girl Scouts.There are not enough words to describe the excitement as our Girl Scouts open each cardboard box that arrives with their own uniquely colored 42L Del Dia backpack. We have presented ten so far and have ten left to go to outfit our traveling troop so that they can travel the world, unconstrained with only a carry-on backpack from Cotopaxi! The colors are so vibrant and they love the fact that ... MoreBackpack #10 has arrived to Alaska! Girls ranging from second grade to tenth grade are getting outfitted with these packs that were chosen after a four year testing process. It is just amazing and it should speak volumes that we have already secured ten sponsored backpacks by families and businesses all over the United States that want to help outfit each of our Girl Scouts.There are not enough words to describe the excitement as our Girl Scouts open each cardboard box that arrives with their own uniquely colored 42L Del Dia backpack. We have presented ten so far and have ten left to go to outfit our traveling troop so that they can travel the world, unconstrained with only a carry-on backpack from Cotopaxi! The colors are so vibrant and they love the fact that they can stalk the website to wait for the appearance of just the right backpack to represent their own personalities. As they plan for our 15 day trip from Alaska to Australia/New Zealand in summer of 2025, they are bubbling with excitement over the fact that they plan to make that trek with on their carry-on 42L bag. They are nervous and excited all at the same time. Can they organize for the trip and pack it all in the backpack?! I am confident that we will accomplish this incredible goal. We know that once they do it, they will brag about it for the rest of their lives.They love the built in compartments that will help them organize their gear. They also really like the fact that there are features sewn in that help prevent a zipper from accidentally opening while the pack is being worn. So many of them have experienced this catastrophe with their school backpacks, making this Cotopaxi feature a big bonus that is not lost on them. We have one Girl Scout looking to find just the right pack in an orange palette as this is her signature color and for all of us, this is fun to see the incredible array of varied backpacks that they have picked so far. I am not sure I have ever derived so much enjoyment over a project as this one. Through Cotopaxi Del Dia packs, we are empowering young girls to embrace the world with courage, confidence, and character. Each backpack carries the lesson in sustainability and is making them ambassadors for change behavior in how we look at repurposing things we have. Thank you for all of this! You have made this joy possible with your incredibly made backpacks! So far our girls have taken these packs to Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, England, and Spain! And we have only just begun our adventures. Girl Scout Troop 122 from Eagle River Alaska... Show more
Kris A.
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
Great bag, changes the game for me
I really almost returned this bag, but now I think it's my favorite one I've ever owned! When I first got this bag I was not totally convinced. I didn't love how the bag forced you to use their sectioned pockets over just a "black hole" style bag where you can organize the bag however you like. I always use packing cubes and felt like the organization of this bag made those redundant. I also disliked how it was kind of annoying opening and closing the clam shell every time I wanted to get in and out of the bag. It does have the tendency to kind of "explode" if it's not zipped up after use, and I'm not sure why, but I find the main zipper to be really tedious compared to some other styles of bag openings. Lastly, this bag does kind of look a bit goofy if it's over or ... MoreI really almost returned this bag, but now I think it's my favorite one I've ever owned! When I first got this bag I was not totally convinced. I didn't love how the bag forced you to use their sectioned pockets over just a "black hole" style bag where you can organize the bag however you like. I always use packing cubes and felt like the organization of this bag made those redundant. I also disliked how it was kind of annoying opening and closing the clam shell every time I wanted to get in and out of the bag. It does have the tendency to kind of "explode" if it's not zipped up after use, and I'm not sure why, but I find the main zipper to be really tedious compared to some other styles of bag openings. Lastly, this bag does kind of look a bit goofy if it's over or under packed. Overpacked and you look like a turtle, underpacked and the bag just kind of slumps. Okay, that was a lot of negatives, let me tell you why I ultimately kept this bag and why it's now my first choice when packing for a trip.I've taken this bag on three longer international hostel-hopping trips (3-4 weeks, each), as well as many weekend getaway trips. This bag is best suited for car trips, hostel hopping, hotel stays, etc. I would not personally consider this a good outdoor bag for backpacking. As such, I removed the velcro hip belt. Yes, this bag can get heavy, but I'm at most wearing this bag through an airport or from the train station to my hostel, so I'm not walking long miles with it on. The hip belt is just a bit too bulky and doesn't really stow well, so I'm glad it's easily removable. I also don't use the sling strap which puts this bag into messenger mode. The way I pack, this would be very uncomfortable bouncing around so much. This bag can hold so much stuff. Even when I feel like it's fully packed and there's no way I can fit anything else, I am able to throw in those extra items and still get this thing closed. The main zipper is heavy duty and really easy to manage when closing it up. With the use of compression packing cubes, I can easily fit 7x underwear, 7x socks, 10x t-shirts, 3x shorts, 3x pants, 2x sweaters, 1x packable down jacket, 1x rain jacket, beanie hat, chargers for phone, watch, and laptop, universal outlet converter, a laptop, my passport, and my toiletry bag (regular sized dopp kit). I can also clip on an extra pair of shoes by using a carabiner attached to one of the convenient gear loops on the outside of the bag.When it comes to using the bag, the features really shine when you're on the go. Getting this bag in and out of places is so easy since it has a grab handle on all four sides of the bag. Doesn't matter the angle, I can pull this bag anywhere with ease. If my bag is buried and I need to get something out, the somewhat hidden passthrough zipper allows me to access the main compartment without having to take out the whole bag and open it up. So convenient! I also love how they included a raincover for the bag. This doubles as my protective cover when I check the bag at the airport (the 42 is technically too large for a carry on, but I've gotten away with it before). Another pro with this bag is that if you get any fragile souvenirs, they are kept save by sandwiching them in the middle of the bag, protected on all sides by your soft clothes!I have the older model, which I believe is the same as the current 2024 model, though the new one has an additional external pocket and an improved water bottle holder.... Show more
Jake
originally posted on REI
Great, not perfect
I watched and read several in depth reviews of this bag and went to a physical store to try it out before purchasing. It mostly does what those reviews say. The reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because, IMHO, there are a few things which could be better: the water bottle holder is so tight that there's no way it can hold anything wider than a soda can when the bag is full - and even that is a stretch. Not all of the zippers are the thicker type - this makes a difference when the bag is full, as the smaller zippers are harder to close. The biggest drawback for me was that, when full, the bag doesn't actually fit under an airline seat. I've found that non-budget carriers will still let it on and it will fit in the space where your legs go, but it only very ... MoreI watched and read several in depth reviews of this bag and went to a physical store to try it out before purchasing. It mostly does what those reviews say. The reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because, IMHO, there are a few things which could be better: the water bottle holder is so tight that there's no way it can hold anything wider than a soda can when the bag is full - and even that is a stretch. Not all of the zippers are the thicker type - this makes a difference when the bag is full, as the smaller zippers are harder to close. The biggest drawback for me was that, when full, the bag doesn't actually fit under an airline seat. I've found that non-budget carriers will still let it on and it will fit in the space where your legs go, but it only very partially slides underneath the seat in front of you. This means you have to rest your feet on top.of the bag during the flight. If there's space in the overhead bins though, it will fit, but there's no guarantee that if you need crew assistance finding a spot for it, they won't ask you to check it as it's technically bigger than allowed as a carry-on (when full). The last thing is minor - the front of my bag is a bright colour and not the more waterproof material, and after the first use on an airplane it was already getting dirt stains on it.The bag is certainly more comfortable for its size than some others I've tried and I do like the design - the hip belt is a huge plus for me as I'm only 5'3 and have a crooked back so need more support. The grab handles on the top and both sides are useful when the bag is stuffed and you have to hold it in your lap on transit.The bag holds a lot. With compression cubes, I've managed to pack enough for a ten day trip, including workout gear, make-up, protein powder, jeans, a foldable duffle (40L), a foldable backpack (20L) and a book in addition to all the usual suspects.... Show more
Christina C.
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
Great travel back back all around
This 42L travel back back is exactly as advertised. Minimalist to an extent, great color way selections, and this does is used as intended.There are a few personal tweaks that I'd like to suggest:The first being to add a luggage handle passthrough on it. Depending on when/where you are waiting and how you are traveling, this minor addition would go a long way (as it would alleviate the weight load off your shoulders and back and to help consolidate your belongings). Whether it be standing around in the airport, train/bus station, any loading dock etc.The other being the back pack straps and hip belt are not exactly the comfiest even if they are padded. If possible either in the shoulder straps or hip belt (or even a small secure slip zip pocked) maybe add a place ... MoreThis 42L travel back back is exactly as advertised. Minimalist to an extent, great color way selections, and this does is used as intended.There are a few personal tweaks that I'd like to suggest:The first being to add a luggage handle passthrough on it. Depending on when/where you are waiting and how you are traveling, this minor addition would go a long way (as it would alleviate the weight load off your shoulders and back and to help consolidate your belongings). Whether it be standing around in the airport, train/bus station, any loading dock etc.The other being the back pack straps and hip belt are not exactly the comfiest even if they are padded. If possible either in the shoulder straps or hip belt (or even a small secure slip zip pocked) maybe add a place to put a card(s)/id/phone/passport for easy storage and access.The last thing is with this travel back running long, I'd like to see a hat cover. I've seen on some travel bags a hidden compartment/sleeve that is used to store a hat cover tart, which you pull over hats that you place at the top of the bag and securely fasten your hats without compromising the hats structure. Basically a rain cover protector that can be tucked away and hidden when not in use, but easily pulled out and covers hats so they are stuffed inside the main storage compartment.Oh lastly, the water bottle/tripod/umbrella side storage should accomodate a 32oz hydroflask.But aside from those few wishful additions, this is a great travel carry on backpack that looks so good. It especially helps with/when travelling with your family as I tend to carry the bulk of clothing on land/air/sea for my family of 3!!!!... Show more
Mark T.
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
Nearly perfect with one major downgrade from previous models
I purchased the latest Allpa42 from REI in the smoke color way, but ultimately had to return it due to this new model being incompatible with my set up. First the good: the bag is big but easy to manage, has plenty of organization, it's comfortable, and the colors are all very nice to choose from. The great: the recycled materials are nice and it even feels like an improvement over the outgoing model. There is a small stash pocket on the outside good for passports/keys. And finally the reason I returned this bag: they seem to have deleted the duffel bag strap that was present on previous models. This over the shoulder strap is the one reason this bag made sense to me, and it is present on all of the direct competitor options so it's a surprising omission. In my ... MoreI purchased the latest Allpa42 from REI in the smoke color way, but ultimately had to return it due to this new model being incompatible with my set up. First the good: the bag is big but easy to manage, has plenty of organization, it's comfortable, and the colors are all very nice to choose from. The great: the recycled materials are nice and it even feels like an improvement over the outgoing model. There is a small stash pocket on the outside good for passports/keys. And finally the reason I returned this bag: they seem to have deleted the duffel bag strap that was present on previous models. This over the shoulder strap is the one reason this bag made sense to me, and it is present on all of the direct competitor options so it's a surprising omission. In my opinion the pass through for roller bags is nice, but many people such as myself who are shopping for a 40+ litre travel backpack aren't using roller bags since they're overly cumbersome. For me I carry a light day pack on my back as a personal item and use a travel bag such as this as my main luggage/carry on. Without a shoulder/duffel strap this bag therefore serves no purpose and as a result I returned and replaced it with a Patagonia MLC. It's unfortunate because the Cotopaxi wins in appearance and has a lot going for it, but they seem to have lost sight of what this bag is trying to be.... Show more
Jacob
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
Old version was better
It would be 5 stars if they hadn't removed features from the previous version. I "upgraded" from the Allpa 35L because I was jealous of my wife's backpack with additional interior organizational features. My wife knew I liked the added features of her backpack and with the addition of the document pocket, she thought it was a good time to give me a gift card toward the pack for my birthday. I definitely should have paid closer attention to the interior pictures of the new version. I was disappointed to discover that the trade-off for the new document pocket and luggage loop was that the Allpa 42L the loss of the handful of features that made this better than the 35L. It no longer includes a shoulder strap for the times you may want to carry it like a duffle. There ... MoreIt would be 5 stars if they hadn't removed features from the previous version. I "upgraded" from the Allpa 35L because I was jealous of my wife's backpack with additional interior organizational features. My wife knew I liked the added features of her backpack and with the addition of the document pocket, she thought it was a good time to give me a gift card toward the pack for my birthday. I definitely should have paid closer attention to the interior pictures of the new version. I was disappointed to discover that the trade-off for the new document pocket and luggage loop was that the Allpa 42L the loss of the handful of features that made this better than the 35L. It no longer includes a shoulder strap for the times you may want to carry it like a duffle. There are also fewer attachment loops on the outside of the bag. My greatest disappointment can when I realized that the additional interior pockets had also been removed. These were the main reason I even thought about buying another Allpa. This new version is an absolute downgrade from the previous Allpa 42L. At best, it is a more expensive lateral move from the old version of the 35L. In the outer pocket, there were previously 3 elasticated small pockets and additional small pockets in the mesh zipper section. The closure flap of the front-bottom interior section used to have an additional zipper pouch. The main interior compartment used to have a small zipper pocket (even the old 35L had this pocket). All of these have been removed from the new version, most likely to reduce manufacturing costs, making it a less useful pack. I am still debating if this disappointment is worth the hassle of returning the pack. My trouble then would be figuring out if there was anything I actually wanted buy with the gift card.... Show more
Clayton L.
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
The Perfect Travel Pack
The Allpa 42L travel pack hits all the marks for what my wife and I were looking for - we each have one now and they're the only bags we use.1. SIZE | An ideal pack for weekend trips but big enough to carry everything you need for multi-week trips too (if you don't overpack or can do washing mid-way through). I've used it for multi-week trips in Italy, Alaska, etc. and it's comfortable to carry with you when you're arriving, leaving, or on the go - walking the city, catching a train, etc. It can double as a backpacking pack if you're hiking at your destination.2. CARRY ON | It's considered a carry-on for US Domestic and International flights. Fits perfectly in the overhead bin. I cannot underline this enough - saving checked baggage fees, no lost luggage, ... MoreThe Allpa 42L travel pack hits all the marks for what my wife and I were looking for - we each have one now and they're the only bags we use.1. SIZE | An ideal pack for weekend trips but big enough to carry everything you need for multi-week trips too (if you don't overpack or can do washing mid-way through). I've used it for multi-week trips in Italy, Alaska, etc. and it's comfortable to carry with you when you're arriving, leaving, or on the go - walking the city, catching a train, etc. It can double as a backpacking pack if you're hiking at your destination.2. CARRY ON | It's considered a carry-on for US Domestic and International flights. Fits perfectly in the overhead bin. I cannot underline this enough - saving checked baggage fees, no lost luggage, everything you need with you at all times, AND airlines have never force-checked my bag at the gate when they are forcing roller bags to be checked to the final destination. Note: On smaller flights within Europe, it was too big for carry on and we checked it.3. ORGANIZED | The multiple zipper pockets make it easy to stay organized. This new redesign includes improved features like an additional small zip in the front (useful for passport, cords, anything you want to access quickly) and extended depth on the inside left bottom zipper section (useful for fitting bigger items, like shoes or boots). The laptop sleeve is completely padded and fits both my laptop and charging cord and then there's a smaller padded pocket that fits my work phone or other small items.4. COMFORT & QUALITY | This pack is really comfortable (straps are cushioned and never hurt my shoulders) and everything feels sturdy and high quality - zippers, material, mesh, side handle, all of it.I'm going to end here so our love for this pack doesn't get obnoxious. Buy this bag - you won't regret it!... Show more
Alessio C.
originally posted on cotopaxi.com
The ultimate travel companion
This backpack is incredible. It takes so much stress out of travel for me, knowing that all my things are organized, and will stay organized until I get home.It also helps me pack light because the genius built-in storage system helps me keep better track of what I'm bringing. I have ADHD and organization has always been a struggle, but this bag was a huge game changer for me!I just took it on a multi day camping trip to Catalina island where gear was limited, and it fit everything I needed and was a joy to use. Plenty of little pockets for everything you need, but not so many that things get lost. I brought my Topo Designs pack as a day pack, and it fit inside flat between the mesh panels which I loved.We've got the older version of this same pack in our house ... MoreThis backpack is incredible. It takes so much stress out of travel for me, knowing that all my things are organized, and will stay organized until I get home.It also helps me pack light because the genius built-in storage system helps me keep better track of what I'm bringing. I have ADHD and organization has always been a struggle, but this bag was a huge game changer for me!I just took it on a multi day camping trip to Catalina island where gear was limited, and it fit everything I needed and was a joy to use. Plenty of little pockets for everything you need, but not so many that things get lost. I brought my Topo Designs pack as a day pack, and it fit inside flat between the mesh panels which I loved.We've got the older version of this same pack in our house (several years old and still in great shape, FYI), and this one has some cool new features but also loses a few of the pockets I'm familiar with from that one, but none I miss.My favorite improvements are to the front pockets. There is now a dual zipper on the front pouch pocket, so it can be opened no matter how the bag is oriented without spilling. Also, the new little mini pocket in front, for phone/passport/wallet, etc is great!The one thing I wish was different, is that the access for the very back pocket is buried when the bag is lying open, so you have to close the bag to get to that zipper. It's not a big deal, just a wish for future bags.This pack is magically big for being carry-on size.It isn't that comfortable for me over long periods of walking... I wouldn't want to backpack with it or anything. But for regular travel, it is seriously the best. Pretty much everyone I have traveled with has ended up with backpack envy, and I highly recommend it to all of them!... Show more
Hailey
originally posted on cotopaxi.com