If you’ve ever struggled to find a bag that’s small enough for airline carry-on rules but big enough for real travel, you know how rare that balance can be. Too often, you’re forced to choose between structure and portability, or style and practicality. But Cotopaxi designed the Allpa 28L Travel Pack to solve that exact problem.
Built for travelers who move fast, pack light, and want gear that holds up over time, the Allpa 28L gives you the durability of a technical backpack with the layout of a small suitcase, and wraps it all in Cotopaxi’s signature colorful, sustainable design.
Whether you’re flying out for a weekend, taking a quick train ride, or just want to avoid the baggage carousel, this pack delivers simplicity and strength in a compact form.
Who Is the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Designed For?
The Cotopaxi Allpa 28L is engineered for short, efficient travel. It’s the smallest in the Allpa line, which also includes 35L and 42L models, but don’t let the size fool you. This 28-liter pack was built with the same material quality and structural integrity as its larger siblings.
It’s ideal if you:
- Prefer carry-on only travel
- Pack for 2–3 days max
- Need a pack that’s always overhead-bin compliant
- Want something streamlined for city or international travel
You’ll especially notice the benefit if you’ve dealt with oversized bags that don’t quite fit under airline seat restrictions or daypacks that offer too little organization for real packing.
Key Features of the Allpa 28L
Every feature in the Allpa 28L serves a purpose. The materials are rugged enough for outdoor use, but the design is refined enough for business or city trips. Here’s what stands out:
- TPU-coated 1000D polyester shell and 840D ballistic nylon paneling
- Clamshell-style suitcase opening for easy access and compartmentalized packing
- Zippered mesh compartments inside to separate clean, dirty, or gear-specific items
- Padded laptop sleeve (fits up to 15″) and tablet sleeve, accessible from the side
- Stowable backpack straps with comfortable padding and adjustable sternum strap
- Reinforced grab handles on all sides for multiple carry options
- Zippered top pocket for quick-access essentials
- Rain cover included, stashed in a lower zip compartment
The layout feels like luggage, but carries like a backpack. It’s optimized for travelers who want form and function in equal parts.
Why Is the Allpa 28L Ideal for Light Travel?
What makes this pack excel is its ability to help you pack smarter, not smaller.
You can easily fit:
- 2–3 days of clothing
- A pair of shoes
- Small toiletry kit
- Laptop and charger
- Travel accessories (passport, cables, wallet, documents)
The clamshell design opens like a suitcase, dividing your load between a large mesh zip pocket on one side and two mesh compartments on the other. That structure keeps everything organized and accessible, no digging through layers of clothing just to find socks.
And because the 28L is compact by design, you’re unlikely to overpack. It forces efficiency and helps you travel light without leaving behind essentials.
Is the Allpa 28L Comfortable to Carry?
Absolutely. Despite its structured shell, the pack is well-balanced and comfortable for longer walks between terminals, through cities, or across campuses.
You’ll get:
- Padded shoulder straps that stow away when not in use
- A sternum strap for added support on longer carries
- A ventilated foam back panel for airflow and comfort
- Grab handles on top, bottom, and side for easy overhead lifting
At just 2.8 pounds, the Allpa 28L stays light even when packed full. It doesn’t include a hip belt by default, but it’s hip belt compatible if you want more weight distribution.
For its size, it offers impressive carry comfort, especially compared to soft backpacks that sag under load.
How Durable Is the Allpa 28L?
Durability is one of Cotopaxi’s defining traits, and this bag is no exception.
The outer shell is made from TPU-coated 1000D polyester, a material known for resisting water, scuffs, and abrasion. The base uses 840D ballistic nylon, which handles rough surfaces, luggage carts, and overhead bin shuffling.
YKK zippers, strong stitching, and reinforced seams round out the construction. And unlike many soft travel packs, the Allpa 28L holds its shape, even when partially filled. That makes it ideal for urban travel, where a saggy bag can feel and look sloppy.
It’s designed to take real use, not just sit pretty on a luggage rack.
What Makes the Del Día Edition Unique?
One of Cotopaxi’s standout sustainability practices is their Del Dia collection. These packs are made with repurposed fabric, meaning no two are exactly alike.
Each Del Dia Allpa 28L is:
- One-of-a-kind in color
- Hand-assembled by employees who choose the fabric themselves
- Made using leftover material that would otherwise go to waste
- Part of Cotopaxi’s fair labor program, ensuring ethical production
If you want a pack that stands out at the gate and reflects a conscious buying choice, the Del Día edition offers both style and substance. You won’t pick your exact color scheme, but that’s part of the appeal.
How Does It Compare to Other Allpa Sizes?
Choosing the right Allpa size depends on how you travel. Here’s how the 28L stacks up:
| Feature | Allpa 28L | Allpa 35L | Allpa 42L |
| Capacity | 28L | 35L | 42L |
| Best For | Weekend trips | 3–5 day trips | Extended travel |
| Carry-on Guarantee | Yes (all airlines) | Yes (most airlines) | Borderline |
| Rain Cover | Included | Included | Included |
| Laptop Sleeve | Yes (15″) | Yes (up to 16″) | Yes (up to 16″) |
If you tend to overpack or want flexibility for longer trips, the 35L may be a better fit. But if you’re focused on minimalist, ultra-portable travel, the 28L is the most streamlined and airline-proof version in the series.
Pros and Cons of the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L
Pros
- Lightweight and compact without sacrificing structure
- Durable build with water resistance
- Smart internal layout keeps items organized
- Perfect for one-bag, short-trip travel
- Ethically made and backed by a lifetime warranty
- Del Día edition adds sustainable uniqueness
Cons
- Too small for trips longer than 3 days
- No built-in hip belt (but compatible)
- No external water bottle pocket
For many travelers, especially those doing weekend getaways, short business trips, or city hopping, those trade-offs are minimal compared to the pack’s efficiency and toughness.
What Are Users Saying About the Allpa 28L?
Customer reviews across Cotopaxi.com, REI, and Amazon are overwhelmingly positive. The Allpa 28L regularly earns 4.7 to 4.9 stars.
Common praise includes:
- “Perfect for a minimalist weekend away.”
- “Impressively tough. I use it on planes and in the back of trucks.”
- “Love the internal mesh dividers. Makes packing so much easier.”
- “Fits under airline seats with no issues.”
Common critiques:
- “I wish it had a water bottle holder.”
- “Too small for more than 3-4 days.”
- “It would be nice if the hip belt was included.”
That said, if you understand the pack’s limits, user satisfaction is very high, especially among one-bag travelers and frequent flyers.
Price and Availability
The Cotopaxi Allpa 28L is priced around $170 to $185 USD, depending on edition and retailer.
Where to buy:
- REI
- Backcountry
- Amazon
- Cotopaxi.com
Each pack includes:
- Rain cover (stored in its own pouch)
- Lifetime “Guaranteed for Good” warranty
- Del Dia or solid color options depending on your preference
Is the Allpa 28L Right for You?
If you’re looking for a travel pack that’s:
- Compact but tough
- Structured but simple
- Sustainably made
- Ready for trains, planes, and weekend escapes
then the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L deserves a place at the top of your list.
It’s not for long-haul packers or gear-heavy adventurers. But if you prefer traveling light and fast, and want a pack that reflects durability, function, and personality, the Allpa 28L is one of the most compelling travel backpacks in its class.
FAQs About the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L
Is the Allpa 28L carry-on size?
Yes, it fits all airline carry-on and under-seat size limits.
How much can the Allpa 28L hold?
It fits 2–3 days of clothing and travel essentials.
Does it have a laptop sleeve?
Yes, it fits up to a 15-inch laptop and has a separate tablet sleeve.
Is it waterproof?
It’s water-resistant and comes with a rain cover.
What’s the weight of the Allpa 28L?
It weighs about 2.8 pounds (1.27 kg).
Can I use it for international travel?
Yes, it’s perfect for minimalist travel worldwide.
Does it include a hip belt?
No, but it’s compatible with an optional hip belt.
Where can I buy it?
Available at Cotopaxi.com, REI, Amazon, and Backcountry.