Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Review: My Go-To Carry-On Travel Backpack

This one is really exciting for me, I just love great gear, and this might just be my favorite piece of travel gear I own: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack.

After using this bag for a few years now and months and months of travel I feel like it deserves a spot on the blog. If you’re in the market for a travel backpack, this is for you. Hopefully my review of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L travel pack can help guide you to the right decision for you.

I will go through why I chose this bag, features, design, functionality and give my real thoughts and opinions on this bag. There is a new version of the bag that has changed since I have gotten mine. I would totally still recommend it, and have recommended to friends since the new ones came out and they love them.

For full transparency, I purchased this bag with my own money and this is not a sponsored post.

If you’re building your travel setup, I keep all of my favorite travel gear, tools, and resources in one place on my resources page.

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My Travel Experience with the Cotopaxi Allpa 35

Real Destinations, Real Test

This backpack has been with me through thick and thin—from rainy ferry rides to long-haul flights. I’ve personally traveled with my Cotopaxi Allpa 35L to:

• 2 weeks in Portugal
• 1 month in Thailand
• 1 week in Guatemala
• 1 month across the Balkans
• 2 weeks in Italy
• 1 week in Colorado
• 2 weeks in Alaska

So yeah, we’ve been through a lot together! This review is based on real-world use across different countries, travel styles, and climates.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Old Version vs. New Version: Key Differences

Quick note: I’m reviewing the older version of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L – because that is the one I have – the one without the water bottle pocket and some of the newer updates. I’ll include notes throughout about the changes Cotopaxi has made:

• Water bottle pocket: The new version added this, which was a feature so so many people requested.
• Hip strap: Mine is fully removable, which I love. The new version only lets you tuck it away, not quite the same, and not the biggest fan of this change.
• Rainfly: Mine came with one. Now, it’s sold separately. Bummer.
• Zipper locks: They removed lockable zippers on all compartments except the laptop pocket. I personally really liked having the “locks” on all the zippers, but I know some people are happy about this.
• External pocket: The new outer pocket takes away from the minimalist design, which I liked better.

If you’re eyeing the new version, I’ll make sure to highlight how those changes might affect your experience.

Why I Chose the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

I chose this bag for a few different reasons, but mostly because it was the only one that had all of my non-negotiables. I did a deep dive into so many different bags before my purchase – reading reviews, watching YouTube videos, and basically becoming way too familiar with backpack specs. But the Allpa 35L was the only one that ticked (almost) all my boxes.

Removable hip strap – I was determined to get a backpack with a hip strap, but even more importantly, one that I could remove completely. Sometimes I want the support, other times I just want it out of the way. The version I have lets you fully remove the hip strap or tuck it in neatly, which is SO handy. I don’t like shoving my backpack in overhead compartments on airplanes with straps flying about everywhere.

Laptop sleeve on the back – I needed a backpack with a laptop sleeve because I work while traveling, and at the time, I was one-bag traveling with a very small personal item that didn’t fit my laptop. I also really wanted the sleeve to be right up against my back, not on the outside, for safety and structure.

Rainfly – After getting completely soaked during a downpour in Holbox, Mexico (and my old bag with it) while walking from my accommodation to the ferry, I knew I needed a backpack that came with a rainfly. This was a hard yes.

Bummer alert: the new version no longer includes the rainfly – you have to buy it separately now.

Clamshell opening – A clamshell-style bag was my main requirement. This style opening just makes life so much easier while traveling, packing and unpacking and living out of a bag.

There are two things I kind of wanted that this bag did not have. One, a separate shoe compartment. Out of all of the features I wanted, this one ended up being the least important to me. I just thought it would be kind of nice. But in the end it has really not been needed, and probably would have taken up too much space.

Second, a water bottle holder. The new version now has a water bottle holder that many people requested. After getting my bag (which does not have it) I ended up realizing I wasn’t missing it and that actually there would be very few times I would actually stick a water bottle in the outside pocket. My solution has just been putting it inside the bag if I’m just transporting it or keeping it with my personal item.

Feature Overview: What Makes the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Stand Out

Beyond the list of “non-negotiables” I mentioned earlier, this backpack really shines in a few specific areas. Let’s talk about what makes it so functional and lovable when you’re actually on the road.

The Compartment Design

I love how the interior is laid out. It has several mesh compartments that help keep things organized without needing extra packing cubes (though I still use them because I’m that person). It’s such an easy bag to pack.

Sleek but Functional Exterior

I personally love the sleek exterior of this backpack. One of the biggest pros for me is that there are no outside pockets all over the place. It gives the bag a minimalist, clean look and honestly, feels safer. I don’t have to worry about keeping an eye on a bunch of exterior pockets.

Top, Side, and Bottom Handles

These are such a small detail but make a huge difference. Being able to grab the bag from any angle when pulling it out of an overhead bin is just… really great.

Functionality in Real Life

This bag really shines when it comes to actually using it in real life. I’ve used it for everything from one-week vacations to full month-long adventures.

For carry on travel, it’s been amazing. It fits in standard overhead bins without issue, and I’ve never had to check it – except once on a tiny plane out of Traverse City where I had to gate check it (no one got to keep their carry on).

It’s also great for weekend trips when I want something smaller than a full suitcase but still roomy enough to toss in extras.

The hip strap makes a huge difference when the bag is fully loaded. The times I’ve skipped using the strap (usually out of laziness), I’ve definitely felt it in my shoulders. So this is part user error and part a reminder to use the features the bag offers!

One thing to keep in mind: it’s really easy to overpack. You can definitely hit carry-on weight limits if you’re not careful. This is something to keep in mind with stricter budget airlines that are more likely to weigh your carry on. I’ve never had mine weighed, but it is possible. So, even though there’s room I try not to squeeze too much. The more traveling I’ve done I’ve just learned it’s easier to bring less. Packing and repacking is much easier if the bag closes with ease. And if it’s stuffed full, getting your laptop in and out of the back sleeve can be a bit tight.

I have been able to fit the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L bag under the seat in front of me when the overhead bin is full – it’s a bit of a squeeze and this was in a bigger plane but it can work. Usually they will offer a gate check but I was one bagging and had stuff in there that I wanted to stay with me. So depending on the size of the plane it is possible.

Size Considerations

For me, 35L is the sweet spot. It’s perfect for carry on travel, even for trips that last a few weeks. I know some people that travel really small budget airlines a lot go for the 28L. I live in the US and the reality is I rarely take those small budget airlines/smaller planes. I’ve taken this bag all over Europe, and even flown AirAsia with it, and never had issues using it as a carry on.

The only exception was on a tiny regional plane out of Traverse City, where the overhead bin was absolutely tiny so most carry ons just had to be gate checked.

I have always been able to fit my 35L into the overhead bin and within airlines requirements but it is easy to overpack it. I have had one time that I had to squeeze it under the seat in front of me because there was no room in the overhead and that was a bit of a push. In smaller planes or weirdly shaped overhead bins it can be a little bit of a push in if it’s overpacked.

Design and Material Quality

This backpack is just so much fun. Between the color options, thoughtful features, and the overall feel of it, it just makes traveling more enjoyable. Almost every time I look at this bag I go “dang, I love this thing”. The Del Día bags are made with repurposed materials, so every single one is unique. I love that Cotopaxi leans into bold colors and funky combos.

The standard version is a bit more muted and has a waterproof front panel, which might be better for you if you want something a little more low-key or weather-resistant. It also comes in some great colors.

PS. I’m totally someone who usually likes neutrals or black for their bag. I do have to say I love that I went with the purple – it’s just fun.

Sustainability and Brand Values

I just love Cotopaxi as a brand. They have a big focus on sustainability and ethical manufacturing, which makes me feel even better about my purchase. The Del Día line uses leftover fabric to reduce waste, and their company mission supports people impacted by poverty around the world.

It’s gear with a purpose – and I really appreciate that.

and when you can, buying used is always a good idea.

Would I Recommend the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L?

Yes, absolutely. It’s been my go-to travel backpack for years, and I genuinely love it. It is what I recommend to all my friends and family. Plus, the llama is adorable.

FAQs

Since this is a 35L carry on backpack, how you pack it really matters. If you want a deeper look at how I pack carry-on only and avoid overstuffing my bag, I wrote a full post on how to pack carry-on only with 10 pro tips for packing light.