Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Journey Backpack Assessment

Cotopaxi has made a reputation for itself with high-quality, brightly-colored baggage and outside attire that’s sustainability-focused. I’ve additionally heard a whole 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 precisely what I did.

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

UPDATE (November 2024): Cotopaxi simply up to date their Allpa line of backpacks. These luggage now characteristic further padding on the shoulder straps and again panel, a water bottle pocket, and general improved weight distribution. I hope to evaluation the brand new model quickly.

How I Examined The Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Journey Backpack

For the preliminary check of my Cotopaxi Allpa journey backpack, I headed out on a two-week solo journey to Prague and Berlin. I preferred it a lot that I took it on a two-week journey round Japan a 12 months later.

I used my Allpa as a carry-on baggage on my worldwide flights from the US and had no points. It additionally labored effectively after I used trains in Europe and Japan. I’ve additionally used my Allpa throughout numerous shorter home journeys and I’ve by no means had an issue utilizing it as my carry-on baggage.

Okay, let’s get into my evaluation…

I’ve personally examined practically all the most well-liked journey backpacks available on the market. Learn my information to the very best 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 sensible organizational options like pockets for all of your gear and mesh dividers for the primary 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 cushty carry throughout lengthy walks to the hostel or all-out airport dashes.

Through 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 35L and 28L variations for those who’re on the lookout for one thing smaller—go to REI to see the model Allpa variations.

Fast Notice About Cotopaxi’s Values

One of many issues that pulls lots of people to Cotopaxi is their firm values. Along with being a licensed carbon-neutral firm, they’re a Licensed B Company—which suggests they meet excessive requirements of verified efficiency, accountability, and transparency on elements 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 Assessment

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

Appears to be like and Aesthetics of the Allpa 42L

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

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

Cotopaxi is known for its trademark brilliant and attention-grabbing colours. The Allpa at the moment is available in round 5-6 coloration combos—together with a particular “Shock Pack” model that’s constructed with a number of random-color items so each bag is totally different (you additionally gained’t know what the bag seems like till you obtain it so you might find yourself with a reasonably funky-looking bag).

NOTE: I’ve observed that the Cotopaxi web site typically runs out of sure colorways after which restocks them later so that you might need to test again for those who don’t see the colour you need.

I actually respect how every coloration combo options high-contrast zippers—which show you how to shortly differentiate between the primary compartment and the opposite compartments.

I’m a giant fan of all the colour choices since most manufacturers supply only one or perhaps two colours. I went with the “Indigo” coloration because it’s slightly extra enjoyable than the usual black I usually go together with nevertheless it’s nonetheless pretty refined.

The material on the again of the Allpa has a rubbery coated shell which provides slightly extra visible curiosity (in addition to including further 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 snug to hold—fortunately I discovered the Cotopaxi Allpa 42 to be a lot snug so I had no actual points when hauling this factor round Europe.

The padded backpack straps characteristic 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 snug.

The Allpa additionally options mesh padding that covers your entire again of the bag. The mesh helps promote air circulation to make carrying the bag extra snug.

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 techniques on the Osprey Farpoint and Aer Journey Pack 3 extra intently resemble what you’ll discover on a climbing backpack in order that they cradle your shoulders higher.

That stated, the Allpa 42 remains to be a lot snug and I didn’t have any points whereas carrying it—however I needed to level it out since there’s 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 assist nevertheless it’s a pleasant addition. The backpack’s shoulder straps can be simply tucked away—which is sweet for carrying it by slim 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 observed in regards to the Allpa was its sturdy development and high-quality supplies—after having used a number of backpacks you begin to shortly discover the place firms lower corners. It simply feels good. I imply… Cotopaxi provides a lifetime guarantee on their luggage so it is sensible that their stuff is well-made.

The outside again shell of the Allpa is created from a really sturdy “rubbery” TPU-coated 1000D polyester which is scuff and weather-resistant—I’ve by no means seen this on every other bag however I believe it really works effectively (and it seems 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 general 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 clean.

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

I’ve conflicting views on this safety characteristic because it’s a easy but efficient strategy to hold your zippers safe nevertheless it additionally makes opening/closing the zippers considerably of a ache. I do, nevertheless, like this technique higher than utilizing these little baggage locks. So, general it’s a minor annoyance and might be a web constructive.

One of many smartest options of this backpack is the multi-colored zippers (i.e. the primary zipper on this bag is orange and the others are blue). That is tremendous useful 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 check go overboard with pockets and compartments which provides to the bag’s weight so I respect Cotopaxi’s restraint.

On the entrance of the backpack, you’ll discover a small organizational stash pocket. It’s nothing loopy nevertheless it’s good for carrying a couple of smaller objects like a pockets, small pocket book, telephone/digital camera, and different belongings you would possibly have to shortly entry. There’s a smaller zippered mesh compartment inside and a useful 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).

One in all my largest criticisms of the Allpa is its laptop computer compartment.

On a constructive be aware, I do just like the aspect entry zipper as this makes taking the laptop computer out of the bag a breeze—which is tremendous useful 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 slightly bit of material. Subsequently, for those who drop your bag or neglect to set it down gently, there’s a likelihood your laptop computer will smack the bottom. I like to recommend sticking a rolled-up shirt below your laptop computer nevertheless it’s slightly annoying it’s important to do this.

Nevertheless, 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.

Primary Storage Compartment

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

First, the Allpa has a “clamshell” fashion opening—which is only a fancy means of claiming it opens like an ordinary 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 might maintain a surprisingly great amount of stuff.

Third, in contrast to many different journey backpacks, the primary storage space of the Allpa 42 is break up into two zones—the bigger “essential” compartment on the correct 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’d hold smaller issues like socks and underwear on the left aspect of the bag and bigger objects (shirts, pants, and many others.) on the correct 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. Nevertheless, I nonetheless suggest utilizing packing cubes with this bag for further group.

The Allpa additionally has a zipper on the aspect of the bag that opens to the backpack’s essential compartment. It is a useful characteristic since there are sometimes occasions while you need to get one thing out of your bag however you don’t need to open your entire 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 characteristic 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 firms cost further for a rain cowl.

My Closing Thoughs on The Cotopaxi Allpa 42

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

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

The 42L measurement works effectively for longer 10-14+ day journeys nevertheless it’s additionally nice for shorter journeys (the Allpa does are available in smaller sizes as effectively).

If I needed to nitpick, I’d wish to see Cotopaxi give the Allpa a extra superior suspension system/shoulder straps to present it slightly 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 containers in what you need in a strong journey backpack.

Extra Journey Suggestions From The Savvy Backpacker

I’ve been writing about Europe journey ideas since 2010 and listed here 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 writer of the guide “The Savvy Backpacker’s Information To Europe On A Funds”. He is been running a blog about finances journey in Europe since 2010.

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