Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Journey Backpack Overview

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 lots of good issues about Cotopaxi’s new Allpa 42L Journey Pack so like every good backpack nerd I needed to try it out for myself… which is precisely 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 prepare 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 practically all the most well-liked journey backpacks in the marketplace. 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 eye catching, 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 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 cushty 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 assume 42L additionally works for shorter journeys. That stated, the Allpa additionally is available in a 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 Be aware About Cotopaxi’s Values

One of many issues that pulls lots of people to Cotopaxi is their firm values. Along with being an authorized carbon-neutral firm, they’re a Licensed B Company—which suggests 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 Overview

Okay people, 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 will probably enhance.

Appears to be like and Aesthetics of the Allpa 42L

Total, the Cotopaxi Allpa is a glossy 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 recognize 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 vibrant and crowd pleasing colours. The Allpa at present 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 completely different (you additionally gained’t know what the bag seems to be 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 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 really recognize how every coloration combo options high-contrast zippers—which make it easier to shortly differentiate between the principle compartment and the opposite compartments.

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

The material on the again of the Allpa has a rubbery coated shell which provides just a little 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 Total 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 raised match the contours of your physique—each of which assist maintain 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 carrying 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 techniques on the Osprey Farpoint and Aer Journey Pack 3 extra intently resemble what you’ll discover on a mountain climbing backpack in order that they cradle your shoulders higher.

That stated, the Allpa 42 continues to be lots comfy 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 provide a ton of additional help but it surely’s a pleasant addition. The backpack’s shoulder straps can be simply tucked away—which is good for carrying it by slim prepare/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 Total Development

One of many first issues I seen in regards to the Allpa was its sturdy building 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 presents a lifetime guarantee on their baggage 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 some other bag however I believe it really works nicely (and it seems to be cool). The remainder of the bag’s exterior paneling is constructed from light-weight but sturdy 840D ballistic nylon. Each these materials can face up to loads of abuse.

The stitching high quality, sturdy plastic {hardware}, and general building 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 predominant compartment (for while you overstuff your bag… which I’m actually responsible of doing). The zippers even have lengthy zipper pulls and the zipper motion is clean.

The Allpa incorporates 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 picture above).

I’ve conflicting views on this safety function because it’s a easy but efficient solution to maintain your zippers safe but it surely 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 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 arduous 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. Lots of baggage I check go overboard with pockets and compartments which provides to the bag’s weight so I recognize 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, telephone/digicam, and different belongings you may have to shortly entry. There’s a smaller zippered mesh compartment inside and a helpful key clip for added group.

There’s 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 every of my largest criticisms of the Allpa is its laptop computer compartment.

On a optimistic observe, 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 arduous floor is just a little bit of cloth. Due to this fact, for those who drop your bag or overlook 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 but it surely’s just a little annoying you must 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.

Important 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” type opening—which is only a fancy means of claiming it opens like a typical 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 will probably maintain a surprisingly great amount of stuff.

Third, not like many different journey backpacks, the principle storage space of the Allpa 42 is break up into two zones—the bigger “predominant” 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 strategy to compartmentalization. For instance, I’d maintain 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 virtually just like the bag comes with built-in packing cubes. Nevertheless, I nonetheless advocate 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 predominant compartment. It is a helpful function since there are sometimes instances 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 straightforward 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 firms cost further for a rain cowl.

My Ultimate Thoughs on The Cotopaxi Allpa 42

After utilizing the this well-liked 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 lots of stuff. I imply, what else might you ask for?

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

If I needed to nitpick, I’d prefer to see Cotopaxi give the Allpa a extra superior suspension system/shoulder straps to present it just a little enhance in consolation however the present idderation continues 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 strong journey backpack.

Extra Journey Ideas From The Savvy Backpacker

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

James Feess is the creator of The Savvy Backpacker and the creator of the ebook “The Savvy Backpacker’s Information To Europe On A Funds”. He is been running a blog about funds journey in Europe since 2010.

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