Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack Review (2 Weeks of Use)

0:00 Intro
0:25 External Features
2:53 Harness System
4:26 Fit Notes
5:26 Secondary Compartments
9:34 Main Compartment
14:03 Outro

The Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack features the same level of organization and build quality we like from the 35-liter version but in an easier-to-carry size.

CONNECT WITH US

TERMS

[namizon]

had it for a month and 80% satisfied. i now used it as my main personal item on board. the size fits under the seat of Thai Airways economy class, however, there are alight room for improvement.
- if only the “tablet pocket” is a tiny bit bigger and can fit at least 13” laptop (i tried. it’s super closed but cannot) that compartment would be more useful.
- 28L straps cannot be tugged in like 35L and 42L, asked cotopaxi and they said because the 28L are unlikely to be used as “loaded luggage” like two bigger model so they did not add that feature. however, as i used it as “under-seat-personal-item” the ability to tugged away the straps would make the bag more compact and flat. easier to store under the seat.
- this is totally unnecessary, but if there are some sunglasses storage somewhere on the top zipper compartment, would be perfect.
- i do prefer the old version aesthetic of alpaca logo only, and not the actual cotopaxi name on it, but that’s just me nitpicking.

over all, love it! did compared with patagonia mini mlc (30L) but decided to go with the allpa :)

[DD-jxkl]

That’s so cool! I think I’ll upgrade my Cotopaxi. Something I’d love to watch is a comparison between the 20L and this 28L. I believe it would be so helpful for the cotopaxi’s fans ( me 😜)
Thanks for sharing!

[misstubbie]

I'm just back from a weekend trip with this bag (well, the previous model) and it was glorious! I never thought it'd be so comfortable. I could pack everything I needed for a family reunion and had space left. The straps are very well designed. It works as an excellent personal item on the plane. I put more or less everything I carry in my sling in the small outside pocket, plus a pair of bulky headphones. I didn't feel the need to use the belt strap. It was light enough, and the weight distributed incredibly well over the back surface.

[truneilson]

Looks like it would have been a nice add to put another tiedown location above the water bottle pocket so you could anchor your: water bottle, tripod, umbrella... whatever you put in the water bottle pocket.

[kdgonzales]

Did the materials used in the alpa (NOT del dia) backpack has improved from the previous? The old version peels of over time, the TPU (rubber-like material).

[Nixter]

Funny the 13 liter sling has a load lifter but the knapsacks do not

[dianaa]

What’s a similar bag? I need one that has load lifters and hip belt but i can take it hiking and it’s a clamshell

[leflob]

Hi, I could really use some advice! I travel frequently, mainly for weekend trips and occasional holidays that last a week or so. At the moment, I’m in New Zealand and doing a lot of hiking, which I plan to continue later this year in Vietnam.

I’ve also been watching Jetlag: The Game, whichgot me interested about the bags they use. From what I understand, they seem to favor the 35L model. Naturally, I considered it, but I think their needs differ from mine. My main concern with the 35L is whether it’s compliant with airline restrictions, especially on budget airlines like Ryanair. I’ve done plenty of trips with budget carriers without paying for priority boarding or extra baggage, and I’d like to keep it that way. I suspect the 35L might exceed size limits for standard carry-on or personal items.

Another concern is its practicality for hiking trips. For 1-2 day hikes, the 35L seems larger than I’d need, which makes me lean toward the 28L model. I’ve managed to pack light for flights in the past, so I feel reasonably confident I could make the 28L work. However, I’m a bit hesitant because the video frequently mentioned the 28L being more suitable for smaller people. At 6'4", I’m not sure if the bag’s fit will be comfortable for me.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you’ve faced a similar decision or have experience with these bags, how did you decide? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[craigo]

What's the weight and dimensions? Especially dimensions when packed out. That's good info to include.

[uctcype]

So which one is more comfortable - the 28 L or the 36 L - for you? I'm also short...

[sofizakradze-zmhj]

please review cotopaxi allpa mini 20L too

[MNP]

Sierra online is selling the older models for $99 and $119! Doesn’t have a water bottle pocket, but a great deal!

[call_me_lazarus]

great review! Does it stand up on it's own if packed well?

[ggtv]

Could you review the Alpaka Metro Backpack Pro?

[wren_xo]

Can you stow the shoulder straps so they are not visible?

[Jickelsen]

I'd do anything to get that color hah. What's it called?

[tangerine_z]

I thought of getting the 20L but no luggage pass-through was a deal-breaker for me. 28L is too big still for a personal item bag

[megaira]

Opinions on those tropicfeel shoes you have in the backpack. I already have some tropic feel clothing items and I love them so much, so I'm always thinking to buy shoes from them as well but I often read mixed reviews. Maybe someone has an opinion about them and can help me out here. Thanks!

[aac]

I saw those Cotopaxi bags at that outdoor shop in London. They never really caught my eye until I watched one of your videos. But honestly, neither the design nor the functionality did it for me.

The material feels super crunchy, there's no quick-access pocket, and it just doesn't feel high-quality when you touch it.