New Cotopaxi Allpa Journey Pack Evaluate 2025

For the final 4 years, the most-used piece of bags in my family has been Cotopaxi’s Allpa backpack. From 24-hour journeys to rejoice Mardi Gras in New Orleans to island hopping round Greece, the Allpa pack has been a trusted journey companion for each my fiancé and me. It was my first baggage buy after faculty and an funding that has greater than paid off because the years go by.

The Allpa pack grew to become so in style in my travels that I needed to get my mother, dad, and sister their very own carry-on backpacks out of concern mine would “go lacking” throughout one among my journeys again dwelling. After I say I’m deeply connected to this bag, I imply it. So, when the model launched a brand new and improved model of the Allpa pack, I knew I needed to strive it myself. With excessive expectations, I spent the previous few months seeing if I ought to retire my well-loved backpack for the newer mannequin.

Video: The right way to Pack the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Journey Pack

• Our Testing Course of

  Rain, dust, salt water, mud: this bag has seen it everywhere in the years. It’s been shoved beneath the seat of questionably small airplanes, rained on whereas tenting, and bursting on the seams whereas I crammed in each final memento I may match. The sturdiness has all the time impressed me and fortuitously, Cotopaxi stored all of the outer supplies the identical, so I’ve full confidence within the hardiness of the newer mannequin.

  To judge the latest model of the Allpa 42-liter Journey Pack, I first examined it in our New York Metropolis lab. This was the right time to rise up shut and private with the bag — the place I examined all of the newer options at nice size.

  Throughout my very own travels over the previous few months, my fiancé and I each used it on a number of cross-country journeys the place we needed to pack for a heat desert trip, a climbing journey within the snowy mountains, working in an workplace within the metropolis, and a marriage with a black-tie gown code. Suffice it to say, between the 2 of us, we lined all the packing situations.

  I’ll proceed to check this newer mannequin for years to return. And as I strive it out on upcoming journeys, I’ll replace my evaluate with different notes I collect (simply so long as my household doesn’t take this newer model, too).

What’s New

In August 2024, the model launched an up to date model of the beloved Allpa Journey Pack with new options like redesigned shoulder and hip straps for weight distribution, a baggage sleeve, and my private favourite addition: a water bottle pocket on the facet. There are just a few different smaller — but helpful — adjustments I observed like how the inside pocket is now one massive one as a substitute of the 2 separate ones (although I nonetheless suppose just a few extra inside pockets could be good). There’s additionally a brand new smaller pocket on the bigger prime pocket, providing a spot for fast entry to gadgets like a telephone, keys, or pockets.

Considered one of my greatest ache factors with the older model was the straps. They weren’t uncomfortable but when I carried the pack for greater than half-hour, I needed to regulate to them typically. In my testing over the previous few months, I’ve observed the straps are wider and boast thicker, mesh padding that felt noticeably extra comfy once I wore the brand new model.

The hip belt acquired the same improve, because it additionally felt wider and provided extra padding. The hip belt sits greater on my hip now, which helps distribute the load evenly from my shoulders down my torso — a characteristic that feels notably useful for me as a girl with a smaller stature. Lastly, I like how straightforward it’s to retailer the hip belt and shoulder straps once I don’t want them. They effortlessly slide behind the padded again panel, and I do not really feel the hip belt when it’s tucked away.

What Stayed the Identical

By way of different options that aren’t new, the clamshell design makes it really easy to pack the bag with all the pieces I’ve wanted for a number of weeks’ value of journey. The twin padded laptop computer sleeve within the again is crucial for work journeys since there’s room for a laptop computer and a pill. And the sturdy, glossy supplies make the bag versatile sufficient for just about any journey, which supplies the bag a excessive worth in my guide.

Last Ideas

The brand new options of the Cotopaxi bag do make it higher for vacationers, Whereas the added consolation of the brand new straps is simple, different adjustments are refined however impactful. A delegated water bottle pocket is a reminder to really pack a reusable bottle as a substitute of paying $10 on the airport. The small zippered pocket on prime means I can seize my lodge key sooner, which will be vital for security. The bags sleeve can relieve my shoulders and again from the load by having the ability to safe it to a rolling bag.

It’s going to be arduous for me to completely retire the older model of the Allpa pack, however I do know my travels could be higher with the newer mannequin. If you happen to’re going to put money into an Allpa pack, it’s a no brainer to go along with the newer mannequin, however be sure you get the fitting measurement that matches your journey wants finest. The 20-liter bag is finest for weekend journeys; whereas, I discovered the 42-liter bag can absolutely change a wheeled carry-on with the big measurement. Fortunately, for those who’re torn between sizes, you may go for the 35-liter bag for a capability someplace within the center.

Why Belief Journey + Leisure

Anna Popp is an affiliate editor at Journey + Leisure, the place she’s examined over one thousand journey merchandise. She wrote a good portion of T+L’s examined content material, together with our finest carry-on backpack roundup that options the older Allpa backpack as the most effective general. She has owned her Allpa bag for over 4 years and examined the newer mannequin to see if the brand new enhancements stand out.

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