Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack Review, Ultimate Guide

Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack Review

Main Review

After years of enduring cheap drawstring bags etching indentations into my shoulders, I finally decided to splurge and purchase an Allpa 28L Cotopaxi travel pack ($170 USD). The following brief post is my Cotopaxi Allpa 28L travel pack review after nearly 3 years of use. Feel free to check out this awesome product on Cotopaxi’s website HERE!

The main reasons I purchased this pack compared to competitors were the accessible storage afforded by the suitcase type opening process, overwhelmingly favorable reviews, and the very chic design and accessories. At the time of this post, Cotopaxi also offers a 35L and 42L Allpa travel pack as well. For me, the answer to which of these packs to purchase rested mainly on function. I do many smaller single day hikes and overnight/weekend leisure trips. Currently, I don’t do any longer multi-day hikes (although I’m hoping this will change) and the 28L pack is not really large enough for longer excursions. The 28L pack is perfect for day hikes and the light weekend packer alike. In this Cotopaxi Allpa 28L travel pack review, it should also be noted that TSA limits carryon baggage to 22”x14”x9” and personal items to 18”x14”x8.” The 28L travel pack is able to easily fall within this criteria. The larger 35L travel pack makes a great carryon but is pushing the limit of acceptable personal item size and the 42L pack seems fine as a domestic carryon but might be problematic as a carryon for certain international airlines.

The material used for the bag has pros and cons. The TPU-coated 1000D polyester and durable 840D ballistic nylon paneling is easy to clean, water-resistant, and typically has a pleasing appearance. It can be packed down into a smaller size quite easily. The 28L travel pack is not waterproof but allegedly is water resistant and comes with an included rain cover. This travel pack has 4 convenient reinforced grab handles (easy to carry and also pull out of overhead carryon storage), YKK security zippers, and meets standard size criteria to be used as a carryon item for flights. My main critique is that this travel pack lacks a water bottle holder. This problem is somewhat solved with a clip on option which I have found actually works quite well. Other cons I have read about include a tendency for the front polyester coating to scratch, but this has not been a problem I have personally noticed. At $170, my research found this pack to be reasonably priced compared to other similarly sized packs from noteworthy brands and overall is one that I would highly recommend.

Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack Review

Highlights

Fun colorful design

Cotopaxi incorporates fun and vibrant colors into all the products it makes. Although you now often have the option to choose your color (like I did), many consumers opt for “Del Día” travel packs which are all eco-friendly, ONE OF A KIND products with surprise colors made with repurposed fabrics.

Intuitive design

The Allpa 28L travel pack opens like a suitcase providing instant access to your well organized contents. Furthermore, the large, padded, exterior electronic sleeve enables easy removal of your tablet or laptop when going through airport security.

Bundle Deals

- Cotopaxi often provides a “bundle and save” option with this product. This offers an opportunity to purchase smaller accessory products at a deep discount when purchased at the same time. At the time of my purchase I received a FREE collapsible mesh laundry bag, nylon shoe bag, mesh water bottle sleeve, batac 16L Del Día backpack, and 2 Free Teca Cotton Face Masks, all for the same $170 price!

“Guaranteed for Good”