Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Journey Backpack Assessment

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 loads 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 overview, I’ve personally examined this funky backpack to search out its strengths and weaknesses to see if it’s the correct backpack in your travels.

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

How I Examined The Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Journey Backpack

For the preliminary take a look at of my Cotopaxi Allpa journey backpack, I headed out on a two-week solo journey to Prague and Berlin. I appreciated it a lot that I took it on a two-week journey round Japan a yr later.

I used my Allpa as a carry-on baggage on my worldwide flights from the US and had no points. It additionally labored nicely once I used trains in Europe and Japan. I’ve additionally used my Allpa throughout varied 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 overview…

I’ve personally examined almost all the most well-liked journey backpacks available on the market. Learn my information to the finest 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 35L and 28L variations in case you’re searching 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 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 elements from worker advantages and charitable giving to provide 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 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 feel it might enhance.

Seems and Aesthetics of the Allpa 42L

Total, the Cotopaxi Allpa is a modern and classy backpack. There aren’t a ton of dangling straps or cumbersome pockets so you possibly can 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” underneath the emblem.

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

Cotopaxi is legendary for its trademark brilliant and attention-grabbing 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 totally different (you additionally received’t know what the bag seems like till you obtain it so you can find yourself with a reasonably funky-looking bag).

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

I really admire how every coloration combo options high-contrast zippers—which aid you 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 sometimes go together with however it’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 additional 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 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 raised 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 the complete 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 methods on the Osprey Farpoint and Aer Journey Pack 3 extra carefully resemble what you’ll discover on a mountain climbing backpack so that they cradle your shoulders higher.

That stated, the Allpa 42 continues 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 received’t provide a ton of additional help however it’s a pleasant addition. The backpack’s shoulder straps can be simply tucked away—which is good for carrying it by means of slim prepare/aircraft 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 observed 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 firms lower corners. It simply feels good. I imply… Cotopaxi presents a lifetime guarantee on their luggage so it is smart 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 feel it really works nicely (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 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 actually 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 however 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, total it’s a minor annoyance and might be a internet constructive.

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 useful for serving to shortly differentiate which zipper to make use of—most backpacks solely use black zippers so it’s onerous to inform which compartment you’re opening since all of the zippers look similar.

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. Quite a lot of 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 however it’s good for carrying just a few smaller objects like a pockets, small pocket book, cellphone/digicam, and different belongings you may have to shortly entry. There’s a smaller zippered mesh compartment inside and a useful 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 constructive 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 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 onerous floor is just a little bit of cloth. Subsequently, in case you 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 underneath your laptop computer however it’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.

Foremost Storage Compartment

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

First, the Allpa has a “clamshell” type opening—which is only a fancy approach 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 principle 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 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 correct 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 suggest 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 useful characteristic since there are sometimes instances while you need to get one thing out of your bag however you don’t need to open the complete bag.

Different Options of The Allpa 42

The Cotopaxi Allpa had seize handles on the highest of the bag, on each 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 additional for a rain cowl.

My Remaining Thoughs on The Cotopaxi Allpa 42

After utilizing the this widespread journey backpack for just a few weeks in Europe, I’m joyful 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 loads of stuff. I imply, what else may you ask for?

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

If I needed to nitpick, I’d wish to see Cotopaxi give the Allpa a extra superior suspension system/shoulder straps to provide it just a little increase 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 bins in what you need in a strong journey backpack.

Extra Journey Suggestions From The Savvy Backpacker

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

James Feess is the creator of The Savvy Backpacker and the writer 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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