Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack vs Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack
Both made our Best Travel Backpacks for Backpacking Europe shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack if you want 35L sits closest to budget-carrier personal item limits among purpose-built travel packs. Choose the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack if you'd rather have 42L is the most volume in this list while still reading as a standard carry-on. Overall we rank the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Travel Backpacks for Backpacking Europe list.
Winner overall: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack vs Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 3 in Best Travel Backpacks for Backpacking Europe | #3 of 3 in Best Travel Backpacks for Backpacking Europe |
| Pick label | ||
| Brand | Cotopaxi | Cotopaxi |
| Key features | 35L suitcase-style opening; 1000D TPU-coated polyester, recycled fabrics; Air-mesh back panel | 42L suitcase-style full-wrap zipper opening; 1000D TPU-coated polyester shell, 840D ballistic nylon panels; Removable hip belt, air-mesh shoulder straps |
| Biggest strength | 35L sits closest to budget-carrier personal item limits among purpose-built travel packs | 42L is the most volume in this list while still reading as a standard carry-on |
| Main trade-off | Even at 35L, some strict Ryanair-style sizers may still flag it at the gate | 42L pushes past some tighter international carry-on sizers |
| Best for | backpacking europe | carry on only travel |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick
Choose the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack if…
- 35L sits closest to budget-carrier personal item limits among purpose-built travel packs
- Suitcase-style opening suits repacking quietly in shared hostel rooms
- Durable shell holds up over weeks of train stations and cobblestone streets
Best for: backpacking europe
Prefer the alternative? See the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack section.
#3 pick
Choose the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack if…
- 42L is the most volume in this list while still reading as a standard carry-on
- Suitcase-style opening lays flat for fast packing and security checks
- Colorful, distinct designs make the bag easy to spot on a belt or overhead bin
Best for: carry on only travel
Prefer the alternative? See the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack section.
Pros and cons of each
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
Pros
- 35L sits closest to budget-carrier personal item limits among purpose-built travel packs
- Suitcase-style opening suits repacking quietly in shared hostel rooms
- Durable shell holds up over weeks of train stations and cobblestone streets
Cons
- Even at 35L, some strict Ryanair-style sizers may still flag it at the gate
- Thin hip belt offers less support than a hiking-style harness on long walking days
- Limited external organization for quick-grab items like a passport or phone
Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack
Pros
- 42L is the most volume in this list while still reading as a standard carry-on
- Suitcase-style opening lays flat for fast packing and security checks
- Colorful, distinct designs make the bag easy to spot on a belt or overhead bin
Cons
- 42L pushes past some tighter international carry-on sizers
- Heavier empty weight than the Farpoint 40 due to the burly shell fabric
- Fewer organizational pockets than purpose-built travel packs at this price
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack vs Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack: common questions
Which is better, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack or the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack?
Choose the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack if you want 35L sits closest to budget-carrier personal item limits among purpose-built travel packs. Choose the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack if you'd rather have 42L is the most volume in this list while still reading as a standard carry-on. Overall we rank the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Travel Backpacks for Backpacking Europe list.
What is the difference between the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack?
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack stands out because 35L sits closest to budget-carrier personal item limits among purpose-built travel packs, while the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack stands out because 42L is the most volume in this list while still reading as a standard carry-on. The trade-offs differ too: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack's main caveat is that even at 35L, some strict Ryanair-style sizers may still flag it at the gate, and the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack's is that 42L pushes past some tighter international carry-on sizers.
Is the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack worth it over the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack instead if even at 35L, some strict Ryanair-style sizers may still flag it at the gate is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack instead of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack?
The Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack suits carry on only travel, while the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is best for backpacking europe.