Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Journey Backpack Evaluate

Cotopaxi has made a reputation for itself with high-quality, brightly-colored baggage and out of doors attire that’s sustainability-focused. I’ve additionally heard quite a lot of good issues about Cotopaxi’s new Allpa 42L Journey Pack so like all good backpack nerd I needed to check it out for myself… which is strictly what I did.

On this real-world Cotopaxi Allpa 42L backpack evaluate, I’ve personally examined this funky backpack to search out its strengths and weaknesses to see if it’s the suitable backpack on your travels.

How I Examined The Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Journey Backpack

To check the Cotopaxi Allpa journey backpack I headed out on a two-week solo journey to Prague and Berlin.

I used my Allpa as my solely piece of carry-on baggage on the flight from the US after which I traveled through practice from Prague to Berlin. I’ve additionally used my Allpa throughout varied shorter home journeys and I’ve at all times used it as a carry-on backpack.

Okay, let’s get into my evaluate…

I’ve personally examined almost all the preferred journey backpacks available on the market. Learn my information to the greatest journey backpacks to see the remainder of my favourite picks.

A Fast Overview Of The Cotopaxi Allpa 42L

Cotopaxi designed their Allpa 42L journey backpack to be an attention-grabbing, weather-resistant backpack for multi-day/week+ city adventures. It’s loaded with good organizational options like pockets for all of your gear and mesh dividers for the principle compartment to maintain all of your stuff simply accessible.

Right here’s how Cotopaxi describes the Allpa 42L:

The Allpa 42L Journey Pack protects and comfortably carries all of your gear, whether or not it’s in your again, strapped to the roof of your automotive, or within the stomach of a puddlejumper. The Allpa’s extremely burly shell repels the weather and abrasion, whereas its padded, mesh suspension system and cargo lifter straps present a snug carry throughout lengthy walks to the hostel or all-out airport dashes.

By way of Cotopaxi.com

Cotopaxi says the Allpa 42 is designed for journeys lasting 2 weeks or extra however I nonetheless suppose 42L additionally works for shorter journeys. That stated, the Allpa additionally is available in a 35L and 28L variations should you’re in search of one thing smaller—go to REI to see the model Allpa variations.

Fast Word About Cotopaxi’s Values

One of many issues that attracts lots of people to Cotopaxi is their firm values. Along with being an authorized carbon-neutral firm, they’re a Licensed B Company—which implies they meet excessive requirements of verified efficiency, accountability, and transparency on components from worker advantages and charitable giving to produce chain practices and enter supplies. They allocate 1% of our income to the Cotopaxi Basis, which helps nonprofits just like the Worldwide Rescue Committee (IRC) and United to Beat Malaria.

My Full Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Journey Backpack Evaluate

Okay of us, let’s get all the way down to the nitty-gritty options of the Cotopaxi Allpa—together with areas the place the Allpa excels and the place I believe it could possibly enhance.

Seems and Aesthetics of the Allpa 42L

General, the Cotopaxi Allpa is a modern and classy backpack. There aren’t a ton of dangling straps or cumbersome pockets so you’ll be able to transfer round with ease. The llama silhouette emblem on the again is noticeable however not excessive—I admire that they didn’t stick an enormous “Cotopaxi” below the brand.

Now let’s transfer on the Allpa’s to a number of colorway choices…

Cotopaxi is known for its trademark shiny and crowd pleasing colours. The Allpa at present is available in round 5-6 shade combos—together with a particular “Shock Pack” model that’s constructed with a number of random-color items so each bag is completely different (you additionally gained’t know what the bag appears like till you obtain it so you can find yourself with a reasonably funky-looking bag).

NOTE: I’ve seen that the Cotopaxi web site usually runs out of sure colorways after which restocks them later so that you might need to verify again should you don’t see the colour you need.

I really admire how every shade combo options high-contrast zippers—which enable you to shortly differentiate between the principle compartment and the opposite compartments.

I’m an enormous fan of all the colour choices since most manufacturers supply only one or perhaps two colours. I went with the “Indigo” shade because it’s a little bit extra enjoyable than the usual black I sometimes go together with but it surely’s nonetheless pretty delicate.

The material on the again of the Allpa has a rubbery coated shell which provides a little bit extra visible curiosity (in addition to including additional safety and climate resistance)—I’ll cowl the bag materials in additional element later on this article.

Harness System, Shoulder Straps, and General Consolation

All of the bells and whistles imply nothing if the backpack isn’t comfy to hold—fortunately I discovered the Cotopaxi Allpa 42 to be lots comfy so I had no actual points when hauling this factor round Europe.

The padded backpack straps function load lifters and the straps are curved to higher match the contours of your physique—each of which assist hold the bag near your shoulders. The high-density foam used within the shoulder straps is barely thinner than what I’ve discovered on different comparable journey backpacks however I nonetheless discovered it comfy.

The Allpa additionally options mesh padding that covers the whole again of the bag. The mesh helps promote air circulation to make sporting the bag extra comfy.

Now I’ll say that the Allpa doesn’t have as superior of a suspension system (i.e. shoulder straps) as different journey backpacks I’ve used. For instance, the suspension methods on the Osprey Farpoint and Aer Journey Pack 3 extra intently resemble what you’ll discover on a mountain climbing backpack so that they cradle your shoulders higher.

That stated, the Allpa 42 remains to be lots comfy and I didn’t have any points whereas sporting it—however I needed to level it out since there may be room for enchancment.

The Allpa 42 comes with an simply detachable hip belt (I eliminated mine earlier than the journey). It’s a reasonably minimalist hipbelt so it gained’t supply a ton of additional help but it surely’s a pleasant addition. The backpack’s shoulder straps can be simply tucked away—which is sweet for carrying it via slender practice/airplane aisles and for stowing the bag within the overhead compartment.

As well as, the Allpa comes with a detachable duffle bag-style shoulder strap which helps you to carry the bag like a duffle bag.

Supplies, Zippers, {Hardware}, and General Building

One of many first issues I seen concerning the Allpa was its sturdy development and high-quality supplies—after having used a number of backpacks you begin to shortly discover the place corporations lower corners. It simply feels good. I imply… Cotopaxi provides a lifetime guarantee on their luggage so it is smart that their stuff is well-made.

The outside again shell of the Allpa is constructed from a really sturdy “rubbery” TPU-coated 1000D polyester which is scuff and weather-resistant—I’ve by no means seen this on another bag however I believe it really works properly (and it appears cool). The remainder of the bag’s exterior paneling is constructed from light-weight but sturdy 840D ballistic nylon. Each these materials can stand up to loads of abuse.

The stitching high quality, sturdy plastic {hardware}, and total development of the Allpa really feel good—which additionally helps guarantee longevity.

One of many weakest factors of any backpack is the zippers so Cotopaxi solely makes use of high-quality YKK zippers—together with an additional beefy zipper on the bag’s essential compartment (for while you overstuff your bag… which I’m definitely responsible of doing). The zippers even have lengthy zipper pulls and the zipper motion is easy.

The Allpa contains a novel, low-tech anti-theft safety strap that covers the outside zippers—that are designed to forestall the zippers from being simply opened (see the picture above).

I’ve conflicting views on this safety function because it’s a easy but efficient technique to hold your zippers safe but it surely additionally makes opening/closing the zippers considerably of a ache. I do, nonetheless, like this method higher than utilizing these little baggage locks. So, total it’s a minor annoyance and might be a internet optimistic.

One of many smartest options of this backpack is the multi-colored zippers (i.e. the principle zipper on this bag is orange and the others are blue). That is tremendous helpful for serving to shortly differentiate which zipper to make use of—most backpacks solely use black zippers so it’s exhausting to inform which compartment you’re opening since all of the zippers look equivalent.

Exterior Group Pockets and Laptop computer Sleeve

As I discussed earlier than, the Allpa is a comparatively minimalist journey backpack so there aren’t a ton of exterior organizational pockets. Numerous luggage I take a look at go overboard with pockets and compartments which provides to the bag’s weight so I admire Cotopaxi’s restraint.

On the entrance of the backpack, you’ll discover a small organizational stash pocket. It’s nothing loopy but it surely’s good for carrying a couple of smaller objects like a pockets, small pocket book, cellphone/digital camera, and different stuff you may have to shortly entry. There’s a smaller zippered mesh compartment inside and a helpful key clip for added group.

There may be additionally a stretchy water bottle sleeve on the aspect of the bag (that may simply maintain a wine bottle… I can personally attest to this).

Certainly one of my largest criticisms of the Allpa is its laptop computer compartment.

On a optimistic word, I do just like the aspect entry zipper as this makes taking the laptop computer out of the bag a breeze—which is tremendous helpful on the airport.

However Cotopaxi didn’t construct a false backside into the bag’s laptop computer compartment so the one factor between your laptop computer and the exhausting floor is a little bit bit of material. Subsequently, should you drop your bag or overlook to set it down gently, there’s a probability your laptop computer will smack the bottom. I like to recommend sticking a rolled-up shirt below your laptop computer but it surely’s a little bit annoying it’s a must to try this.

Nonetheless, there’s a pocket for a pill that’s protected so all good there—I personally attempt to keep away from touring with a laptop computer anyway.

Predominant Storage Compartment

I actually like the way in which Cotopaxi designed the principle storage compartment on the Allpa 42.

First, the Allpa has a “clamshell” model opening—which is only a fancy approach of claiming it opens like a regular suitcase. That is precisely what you need in a journey backpack because it makes packing/unpacking a lot simpler.

Second, the Allpa 42 has roughly 42L of cupboard space so it could possibly maintain a surprisingly great amount of stuff.

Third, in contrast to many different journey backpacks, the principle storage space of the Allpa 42 is cut up into two zones—the bigger “essential” compartment on the suitable aspect of the bag and two smaller compartments on the left aspect of the bag.

I used to be shocked how a lot I ended up liking the bag’s method to compartmentalization. For instance, I might hold smaller issues like socks and underwear on the left aspect of the bag and bigger objects (shirts, pants, and so forth.) on the suitable aspect. This made discovering what I wanted a lot simpler.

Moreover, every compartment has a sturdy zippered mesh flap so it’s nearly just like the bag comes with built-in packing cubes. Nonetheless, I nonetheless advocate utilizing packing cubes with this bag for additional group.

The Allpa additionally has a zipper on the aspect of the bag that opens to the backpack’s essential compartment. It is a helpful function since there are sometimes occasions while you need to get one thing out of your bag however you don’t need to open the whole bag.

Different Options of The Allpa 42

The Cotopaxi Allpa had seize handles on the highest of the bag, on either side, and the underside—so it’s tremendous simple to seize regardless of how the bag is saved away. It is a nice function while you put your bag within the overhead compartment because you don’t have to consider storing it in a sure place.

The Allpa additionally comes with a rain cowl to make your bag rainproof—it’s a pleasant bonus since many corporations cost additional for a rain cowl.

My Closing Thoughs on The Cotopaxi Allpa 42

After utilizing the this fashionable journey backpack for a couple of weeks in Europe, I’m comfortable to say that I used to be pleasantly shocked with the Cotopaxi Allpa 42.

It’s well-constructed, the supplies are good, it’s comfy, it comes with a lifetime guarantee, and it holds quite a lot of stuff. I imply, what else may you ask for?

The 42L dimension works properly for longer 10-14+ day journeys but it surely’s additionally nice for shorter journeys (the Allpa does are available smaller sizes as properly).

If I needed to nitpick, I’d wish to see Cotopaxi give the Allpa a extra superior suspension system/shoulder straps to present it a little bit increase in consolation however the present idderation remains to be fairly good. Once more, it’s a minor grievance.

In any other case, the Allps ticks all of the packing containers in what you need in a stable journey backpack.

Extra Journey Ideas From The Savvy Backpacker

I’ve been writing about Europe journey ideas since 2010 and listed below are a couple of of my hottest articles that can assist you plan your subsequent journey:

James Feess is the creator of The Savvy Backpacker and the creator of the e book “The Savvy Backpacker’s Information To Europe On A Finances”. He is been running a blog about price range journey in Europe since 2010.

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