Review: Cotopaxi’s updated Allpa Travel Pack makes a great backpack even better

While rolling carry-ons have a valuable place in your luggage arsenal, there’s nothing quite as efficient as replacing your carry-on with a travel backpack. They’re easy to transport on your back and usually take up less space than a roller.

Cotopaxi has made some of our favorite travel gear for a while, and now that the brand has redesigned its flagship Allpa Travel Pack, one of our favorite backpacks is even better, now boasting travel-friendly features like a water bottle holder and a more functional exterior compartment.

I tested the 35-liter version of the newly redesigned Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack on multiple trips this summer, ranging from 10 days through the jungles and highlands of Ecuador to three days in the Midwest suburbs. I was thoroughly impressed by the new design — here are my thoughts.

What I liked about it

Plenty of organization

When we reviewed the older model, our reviewer was disappointed by the bag’s lack of external pockets and water bottle holder. Fret no more. The redesigned Allpa has pockets galore, plus other new packing features.

The backpack now has two front external pockets: a smaller one that’s the perfect size for your smartphone or passport and a larger one (pictured below) that has a secondary zipped internal mesh pocket and enough space for a Kindle, portable charger and other quick-grab items.

There’s a thin padded back pocket for your laptop with a secondary sleeve that can hold a tablet and a computer. This makes it easy to get to your laptop without opening the larger interior pockets. And to much fanfare, there’s a stretchy side water bottle sleeve mounted on the side of the bag.

The bag opens suitcase-style to reveal a 60/40 split. On the larger side, which sits closer to your back, there’s a single large compartment for clothes. The thinner side runs the full length of the bag but has a smaller (about a third of the bag’s height) zipped pocket at the top and a larger opening on the bottom.

Also new to this model is a pass-through luggage strap, so you can easily slide it onto a roller bag if you’re traveling with a second piece of luggage.

Sustainable materials covered by a lifetime warranty

One of the biggest changes in the Allpa revamp is the move to recycled materials. A lot of brands brag about sustainability, but Cotopaxi backs it up: The new Allpa is made from 100% recycled materials (nylon and polyester).

We love to see it. And while this isn’t new or limited to its bags, Cotopaxi’s lifetime warranty, repair and trade-in options mean you’ll be able to both hang on to your Allpa for a long time and ensure it’s properly handled when you’ve worn it out.

Durable and comfortable

While the Allpa isn’t waterproof, the TPU-coated outer shell feels thicker and sturdier than on many of my other travel backpacks. I’m not worried about accidentally stabbing through a seam with my travel lock (which took a different backpack temporarily out of commission), or abrasions or stretched seams managing to rip through it. Plus, with grab handles on three of the four sides, you can easily toss it around.

The shoulder straps are padded and comfortable to wear, especially when paired with the hip belt. Plus, the new version includes air-mesh shoulder straps so you don’t sweat underneath them. Cotopaxi also claims to have improved the weight distribution system with the new design for extra-comfortable carry.

New smaller size

Though we didn’t personally test it, the new 20-liter pack Is a delightful addition to the Allpa line. The 28-liter model, previously the smallest in the line, is still slightly too big for most airline personal item policies, and is now even slightly bigger, with an additional inch added to its height. But the 20L should easily slide under most seats.

What I didn’t like about it

There’s nothing truly bad about this backpack, but there are a few tweaks I’d make. Likewise, some factors may drive you toward a different bag depending on your preferences.

The external pocket doesn’t lock

The main compartment on the Allpa has lockable zippers, but the smaller external pockets do not. I wouldn’t expect locks on the small outer front pocket, but it would be nice if the ones on the medium pocket could lock. It’s not a huge issue, as anything valuable can just be safely tucked into the main compartment instead, but it can be annoying if you want to easily access your passport.

This isn’t unique to the Allpa, though — many backpacks don’t have lockable zippers at all, let alone on multiple compartments.

Constrained packing style

OK, maybe for some of you, “hard to overpack” is a feature, not a bug. But I am often one of those travelers who needs to sneak in an extra pair of shoes from time to time.

Doing that isn’t easy with the Allpa. The fact that all the internal compartments need to zip shut for the bag to function properly adds an extra challenge, since they can’t accommodate oversized carry. This also makes it harder to pack bulky shoes and other oddly shaped items.

How it compares

The Cotopaxi Allpa travel pack is just one option in a sea of great travel backpacks. Here’s how it compares to the competition.

Bottom line

The latest update to Cotopaxi’s Allpa line takes an already great bag and makes it nearly perfect for many travelers. If you’re on board with the middle zipper split and its distinctive design, you won’t regret the purchase.

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