Cotopaxi Allpa 35 Travel Backpack Review

Bottom Line

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35 is a cleverly designed pack perfect for the seasoned globetrotter and weekender alike. Jam-packed with features and pockets, the Allpa is a versatile choice for those looking for a travel pack that is also durable enough to hit the trail. With its rugged exterior and mesh partitioned interior, the Allpa balances rugged and refined to bring a well-rounded option to our best travel backpacks.

From the airport to the trailhead, the Allpa is durable and water-resistant. The 840 denier, TPU-coated nylon shell is rugged enough to handle bumps and scrapes and water-resistant enough to protect our belongings when we’re caught out in the rain. This makes it a great adventure-ready pack for active travelers. With a zipper that runs around three sides, the pack opens up and lays out completely for easy access to the contents. Zippered mesh dividers inside keep items organized but still visible.

The Allpa excels in its internal organization, but its external pockets leave something to be desired. With only one small external zip and a slightly too-small water bottle pocket, the Allpa does not have much for quick access in the way of external organization. Although the clamshell design is nice for ease of access, the pack lacks the structure and protection found in other packs. Regardless, the Allpa consistently ranks as one of our favorite packs due to its impressive features, great design, and excellent versatility.

How We Tested

Every travel backpack tested got put through a standardized packing test where we investigated the organization of the bag by packing it with everything we needed for a five-day trip. We carried the bag up and down stairs, through airports, and on trails to test its durability, comfort, and performance across multiple months of use.

Organization & Storage

The Cotopaxi Allpa is one of the most well-designed travel backpacks we tested. It is both very detailed with a myriad of pockets and zips and simultaneously trim and streamlined. The outside of the bag is noticeably lacking many options for external storage. Although this gives the bag extra durability and a streamlined profile, it left us wanting more for external storage. A small external zip is good enough for a phone, passport, and other small items. The single water bottle holder is slightly too small for a liter Nalgene bottle – it was somewhat difficult for us to insert and remove.

Inside the bag, zippered mesh pockets maintain organization and visibility. The back panel is one large pocket, and the interior of the outer side is divided into two pockets. This makes it great for stowing larger heavier items closer to the body and lighter items farther away. We found that shoes and jackets fit in the large zippered pocket easily along the back, and the other two zippered pockets are perfect for baselayers and smaller items.

Features

The most noticeable design element for the Allpa 35 is the clamshell opening. The external zipper runs around three sides, allowing the bag to fully unzip and lay open. This is great for accessing all the items and easily seeing what’s inside. One large pocket and two small pockets inside are all zippered making stowing items easy and secure. The laptop sleeve fits snugly against the back and is accessed from a side zip. It is divided to be able to store a mouse and keyboard securely as well.

The Allpa can also be converted into a duffel. Simply unbuckle and tuck away the shoulder and waist straps to convert into duffel mode. A recessed handle in the back panel is easily popped out for handling the bag.

Comfort & Fit

Of the bags we tested, the Allpa 35 is one of the most comfortable packs to wear while loaded. Wide, air-mesh shoulder straps enable a comfortable carry, and a broad waist belt helps distribute weight. We found the pack felt comfortable while fully loaded with everything we needed for a week’s trip. This bag is perfectly at home in the airport as it is on a long walk to the bus stop. We don’t shy away from long walks with this Cotopaxi travel backpack.

Durability & Protection

The outside shell of the Allpa is crafted with 840 denier, TPU-coated nylon. This gives the pack impressive water resistance and makes it able to withstand scrapes and abrasions. The remaining shell is built with ripstop nylon to give it more flexibility, albeit reduced weather resistance. The Allpa is a great pack for moving in and out of the weather but is not fully waterproof. This is particularly noticeable around the laptop sleeve which is built with less robust materials. The back panel of the Allpa is rigid and provides structure, but the outer shell lacks notable structure and rigidity to provide more protection to items inside. This makes the bag easy to cram into an under-seat compartment but does not provide as much protection from drops and impact as others we tested.Same as above.

Should You Buy The Cotopaxi Allpa 35?

The Allpas is crafted with 100% recycled materials making it perfect for those who want a bag that does good while looking good. This stylish and streamlined pack features Cotopaxi’s instantly recognizable bold colors We love the Allpa for its ability to comfortably carry heavy loads thanks to its comfortable shoulder straps and supportive waist belt. The clamshell design allows the pack to lay out open to easily access the well-designed interior. This pack is great for weekenders and is roomy enough to easily fit every item needed for a week-long trip. If you’re a one-bag traveler looking for a durable and versatile bag, the Allpa is a great choice.

What Other Travel Backpacks Should You Consider?

Check out our full gear guide to see all of our favorite travel backpacks.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Review: Another option that doubles as both a duffel and a backpack, the Farpoint has a slightly larger main compartment for stowing bulkier items.

Matador GlobeRider45 Review: If you loved the organization of the Allpa, the GlobeRider45 is similarly partitioned to keep everything securely in its place.

Thule Aion Review: More designed like a conventional backpack, the Aion still comes packed with many pockets and features like the Allpa.