Choosing the right travel backpack is more than just a space question. It’s a matter of fit, purpose, and comfort. Cotopaxi’s Allpa series has become a benchmark in the one-bag travel world. But with multiple sizes, 28L, 35L, 42L, and 60L, the real question is: which one aligns with how you travel?
If you’ve spent any time comparing bags, you already know that Cotopaxi’s Allpa lineup combines rugged durability with urban versatility. But picking the right size is what separates a smooth airport experience from a shoulder-sore journey.
Whether you’re a weekend city explorer, a digital nomad, or someone who needs a single bag to carry it all, this guide helps you match your travel habits with the perfect Allpa size. You’ll learn what each pack offers, how they differ, and which one actually makes your trip easier, not heavier.
What Is the Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack Series?
The Allpa series is Cotopaxi’s answer to the modern, carry-on-friendly backpack. Each model is designed to simplify travel through thoughtful organization, weatherproof materials, and adaptable carry systems. Cotopaxi built these bags with global mobility in mind.
Each pack uses a clamshell opening system, similar to a suitcase, combined with internal mesh compartments to keep your gear tidy and visible. A dedicated laptop sleeve, hidden security pockets, and reinforced grab handles make every model functional in both transit hubs and remote villages.
If you’re wondering how the Allpa series compares to Cotopaxi’s other packs, here’s a quick distinction: Allpa is for structured travel. Luzon and Batac are more for casual carry and trail use. The Allpa line remains Cotopaxi’s flagship travel solution because it strikes a balance between utility and airline compliance.
Which Allpa Size Matches Your Trip Duration?
What Size Is Best for Weekend Getaways?
If your packing style is minimalist and your trip lasts one to two days, the Allpa 28L is your match. This is Cotopaxi’s smallest Allpa pack, ideal for travelers who pack light or prefer under-seat personal item dimensions.
You’ll fit a couple of outfits, a lightweight pair of shoes, your laptop, and toiletries, no more. It works especially well for short business trips, overnight stays, or European low-cost airline flights where baggage limits are strict.
The 28L doesn’t sacrifice the Allpa design, either. It still features the clamshell access, internal organization, and weather-resistant materials. But it does so in the most compact footprint, keeping weight and bulk to a minimum.
What Size Works for 3–5 Day Travel?
The Allpa 35L is Cotopaxi’s most balanced and versatile travel backpack. It’s spacious enough to handle up to five days of clothing, yet compact enough to pass as carry-on for almost all major airlines.
This model hits the sweet spot for travelers who like to pack light but want flexibility. You get ample space for multiple outfits, tech gear, and shoes, along with well-segmented internal compartments that keep things separated without the need for extra pouches.
The 35L is often the go-to for travelers who don’t want to check bags but don’t want to feel limited either. It’s a solid choice if you’re moving between cities, mixing work and leisure, or taking multiple modes of transportation.
What Size Fits a 1-Week Trip?
When your itinerary stretches beyond five days and you need a bit more breathing room, the Allpa 42L becomes a serious contender. It’s built to hold gear for week-long trips and accommodates more bulk, whether that’s hiking boots, camera gear, or winter layers.
The Allpa 42L still qualifies as carry-on for most airlines, though not all. It walks the line. Compression straps help shrink its profile, but you’ll need to be strategic if your airline has tight dimension policies.
What stands out in this model is comfort. It includes a padded hip belt, load lifters, and a sturdier harness system. That makes a real difference when you’re walking through train stations, ferry ports, or navigating cobbled streets in older cities.
What Size Supports Long-Term or Gear-Heavy Travel?
If your travels last weeks or months, or if you’re traveling with bulky gear, the Allpa 60L offers unmatched volume in the series. Technically a duffel-backpack hybrid, this model shifts from shoulder-carry to hand-carry with removable straps and durable side handles.
This isn’t a carry-on. It’s built for checked-luggage scenarios, overland routes, or road trips. Think extended trips, digital nomad life, or combined travel-hiking situations.
It’s structured enough to stay organized but gives you far more space than a typical backpacking bag. You’re not just packing clothes here, you’re fitting gear, shoes, tech, and extras without cramming.
What Are the Key Differences Between Allpa Sizes?
Do All Sizes Offer the Same Organization Features?
Every Allpa model includes a clamshell design with mesh dividers. That structure lets you open the pack like a suitcase, instantly seeing everything you packed. All sizes come with a laptop sleeve, zippered top pocket for quick-access items, and security compartments.
What changes with size is how much internal flexibility you get. The 42L and 60L versions include extra lash points, better strap padding, and modular compatibility with Cotopaxi accessories like packing cubes and tech kits.
Whether you choose the 28L or the 60L, you’ll get the same intuitive layout. But the larger packs offer more room to customize your organization.
How Does Carry Comfort Change With Size?
Smaller sizes like the 28L and 35L are lightweight and streamlined. They use minimal harness systems and are meant for short hauls.
When you move to the 42L, you start seeing features usually reserved for serious trekking backpacks: load lifters, padded hip belts, and better airflow panels. These make a noticeable difference when the pack is full and you’re walking long distances.
The 60L shifts format entirely. It becomes more of a travel duffel, with detachable backpack straps and beefy handles. You’ll carry it differently, and it’s not meant for city walking so much as point-to-point transport.
Are All Sizes Built With the Same Materials?
Yes. Across the board, Cotopaxi uses TPU-coated 1000D polyester and 840D ballistic nylon. That gives every model in the Allpa series strong water resistance and high abrasion resistance.
These materials are deliberately overbuilt for travel stress. Rain, snow, rough baggage handling, none of that is a concern. You get the same protection whether you pick the 28L or the 60L.
Which Allpa Size Complies With Airline Carry-On Rules?
Here’s what fits, based on average airline rules:
- 28L and 35L: Safely meet international and domestic carry-on standards
- 42L: Can fit, but expect closer inspections or compression needs
- 60L: Exceeds limits; must be checked
Most US airlines like United and Delta allow bags up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches. The Allpa 42L is at that threshold. Budget airlines like Ryanair are stricter, which may rule out anything above 35L without added fees.
If carry-on compliance is a must, the 35L is your most secure option.
How to Choose Your Allpa Based on Packing Style?
Are You a Minimalist Packer?
If you routinely travel with just a few shirts, a pair of shoes, and your laptop, the 28L or 35L will feel like luxury. You don’t need space you won’t use. Packing cubes compress what little you carry, and these smaller models stay light.
This is the ideal setup for urban trips, carry-on-only flying, and travelers who use capsule wardrobes.
Do You Pack for Flexibility or Gear Variety?
Choose the 42L. You’ll appreciate the extra space when your itinerary spans multiple climates, involves outdoor activities, or includes photography gear. The compression straps help when you pack less, and the full harness system helps when you don’t.
Do You Need One Bag for Everything?
If your travel is open-ended or long-term, the 60L offers the most flexibility. It holds everything and adapts to different environments. You can check it, stash it in a trunk, or carry it short distances on your back. Digital nomads, remote workers, and volunteers often lean toward this option.
What Accessories Complement the Allpa Packs?
Cotopaxi designs accessories that match Allpa’s dimensions and layout:
- Packing Cubes: Fit perfectly in clamshell compartments
- Rain Cover: Extra protection in monsoon regions
- Hip Belt Add-ons: Optional for 28L, included in larger models
- Tech Organizer Pouch: Keeps cords and chargers from getting lost
- Shoe Bag: Useful for the 42L and 60L models
These are not mandatory but enhance the utility of each Allpa, especially for travelers who value tidiness and quick access.
Which Allpa Should You Buy Based on Your Travel Style?
Your perfect Allpa size depends on how you travel, how much you carry, and how often you fly.
| Travel Style | Recommended Size | Why It Works |
| Weekend or City Trips | 28L | Minimalist size, personal item friendly |
| Business + Leisure (3–5 Days) | 35L | Carry-on size, tech-ready |
| Adventure + Urban Combo | 42L | Large but carryable, gear-friendly |
| Remote Work or Long-Term | 60L | Maximum capacity, durable travel duffel |
Where to Buy Cotopaxi Allpa Packs and What’s the Return Policy?
You can buy the Allpa series directly from Cotopaxi’s official website, or through authorized retailers like REI, Backcountry, and Amazon.
Cotopaxi offers a 100-day return window on all gear. If something doesn’t fit your needs, you can return it with no hassle. They also back every product with their Gear for Good™ lifetime repair guarantee.
If your Allpa gets damaged, you can send it in for repair instead of replacing it, an option few other brands offer, and a key reason travelers trust Cotopaxi for long-term investment.
Cotopaxi Allpa Comparison Summary
| Feature | 28L | 35L | 42L | 60L |
| Best For | 1–2 Days | 3–5 Days | 5–7 Days | Weeks+ |
| Carry-On | Yes | Yes | Conditional | No |
| Load Support | Basic | Moderate | Advanced | Duffel Mode |
| Weight | ~2.8 lbs | ~3.5 lbs | ~4.1 lbs | ~5.6 lbs |
| Laptop Sleeve | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cotopaxi Allpa: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Durable build: 1000D TPU-coated polyester and 840D ballistic nylon resist wear and weather
- Structured interior: Clamshell layout, mesh dividers, and compression-friendly packing space
- Carry-on ready: 28L and 35L meet most airline requirements
- Padded laptop sleeve: Included in every size
- Ergonomic design: Hip belts and load lifters on 42L and 60L models enhance comfort
- Lifetime repair policy: Cotopaxi offers repairs to extend product life
- Ethical sourcing: B Corp certification and sustainable manufacturing practices
- Sleek, modern look: Functional design that works in airports and on streets
Cons
- Price point: Costs more than basic backpacks
- No water bottle pocket: Requires an internal workaround or add-on pouch
- 42L may exceed carry-on limits: Some airlines may require gate-checking
- 28L capacity is tight: Suitable only for minimalist travelers
- 60L not ideal for cities: Better for checked luggage or overland trips
The Allpa series solves one of travel’s biggest problems, overpacking. When you choose the right size based on how and where you travel, you’ll move faster, pack smarter, and feel less weighed down.
Is the Cotopaxi Allpa Worth It?
Yes, the Cotopaxi Allpa is worth it for travelers who value durability, organization, and carry-on compatibility. Each size in the series offers high utility with thoughtful design, making it more than just a backpack, it’s a travel system.
The materials are tough, the compartments are intuitive, and the brand offers repair guarantees that outlast trend-based alternatives. If you travel frequently and want a reliable pack that performs across different climates and transport modes, the Allpa is a smart investment.
Its worth increases the more often you travel light, skip checked luggage, or rely on one bag to carry everything.
FAQs About Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Packs
Which Cotopaxi Allpa is carry-on size?
The 28L and 35L are carry-on compliant for most airlines. The 42L may fit depending on the carrier, but the 60L must be checked.
Is the Allpa 35L big enough for a week?
Yes, if you pack light using compression cubes. It’s ideal for 3–5 days but can stretch to 7.
Does the Allpa have a laptop sleeve?
Yes, all Allpa sizes include a padded laptop compartment.
Can I use the Allpa for hiking?
The 42L and 60L offer the most comfort and capacity for hiking, but they’re not technical hiking packs.
Is the Allpa waterproof?
The Allpa is water-resistant but not fully waterproof. A rain cover is recommended in heavy rain.
Are packing cubes necessary?
Not required, but they improve organization and fit the Allpa layout perfectly.