Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack vs Osprey Farpoint 40
Both made our Best Travel Backpacks for Backpacking Europe shortlist, at #1 and #2. 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 Osprey Farpoint 40 if you'd rather have frame suspension and hipbelt carry weight better on long walks between train stations. Overall we rank the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Travel Backpacks for Backpacking Europe list.
Winner overall: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack vs Osprey Farpoint 40 compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 3 in Best Travel Backpacks for Backpacking Europe | #2 of 3 in Best Travel Backpacks for Backpacking Europe |
| Pick label | ||
| Brand | Cotopaxi | Osprey |
| Key features | 35L suitcase-style opening; 1000D TPU-coated polyester, recycled fabrics; Air-mesh back panel | 40L with removable 11L daypack; LightWire frame suspension; Stowable harness |
| Biggest strength | 35L sits closest to budget-carrier personal item limits among purpose-built travel packs | Frame suspension and hipbelt carry weight better on long walks between train stations |
| Main trade-off | Even at 35L, some strict Ryanair-style sizers may still flag it at the gate | 40L exceeds several budget-carrier personal item limits, may incur a gate fee |
| Best for | backpacking europe | backpacking europe |
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 Osprey Farpoint 40 section.
#2 pick
Choose the Osprey Farpoint 40 if…
- Frame suspension and hipbelt carry weight better on long walks between train stations
- Removable daypack works as a day bag for sightseeing without the main pack
- Widely used by long-term backpackers, with a strong multi-year durability track record
Best for: backpacking europe
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
Osprey Farpoint 40
Pros
- Frame suspension and hipbelt carry weight better on long walks between train stations
- Removable daypack works as a day bag for sightseeing without the main pack
- Widely used by long-term backpackers, with a strong multi-year durability track record
Cons
- 40L exceeds several budget-carrier personal item limits, may incur a gate fee
- Two-piece system is bulkier than a single travel pack when both pieces are combined
- Higher price than the Cotopaxi packs at typical retail
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack vs Osprey Farpoint 40: common questions
Which is better, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack or the Osprey Farpoint 40?
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 Osprey Farpoint 40 if you'd rather have frame suspension and hipbelt carry weight better on long walks between train stations. Overall we rank the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Travel Backpacks for Backpacking Europe list.
What is the difference between the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the Osprey Farpoint 40?
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 Osprey Farpoint 40 stands out because frame suspension and hipbelt carry weight better on long walks between train stations. 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 Osprey Farpoint 40's is that 40L exceeds several budget-carrier personal item limits, may incur a gate fee.
Is the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack worth it over the Osprey Farpoint 40?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Osprey Farpoint 40 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 Osprey Farpoint 40 instead of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack?
The Osprey Farpoint 40 suits backpacking europe, while the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is best for backpacking europe.