Osprey Farpoint 40 vs Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack
Both made our Best Travel Backpacks for Carry-On Only Travel 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 Osprey Farpoint 40 if you want frame suspension and hipbelt carry weight better on long walks between train stations. 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 Osprey Farpoint 40 higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Travel Backpacks for Carry-On Only Travel list.
Winner overall: Osprey Farpoint 40
Osprey Farpoint 40 vs Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 4 in Best Travel Backpacks for Carry-On Only Travel | #2 of 4 in Best Travel Backpacks for Carry-On Only Travel |
| Pick label | ||
| Brand | Osprey | Cotopaxi |
| Key features | 40L with removable 11L daypack; LightWire frame suspension; Stowable harness | 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 | Frame suspension and hipbelt carry weight better on long walks between train stations | 42L is the most volume in this list while still reading as a standard carry-on |
| Main trade-off | 40L exceeds several budget-carrier personal item limits, may incur a gate fee | 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 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 42L Travel Pack section.
#2 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 Osprey Farpoint 40 section.
Pros and cons of each
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 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
Osprey Farpoint 40 vs Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack: common questions
Which is better, the Osprey Farpoint 40 or the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack?
Choose the Osprey Farpoint 40 if you want frame suspension and hipbelt carry weight better on long walks between train stations. 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 Osprey Farpoint 40 higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Travel Backpacks for Carry-On Only Travel list.
What is the difference between the Osprey Farpoint 40 and the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack?
The Osprey Farpoint 40 stands out because frame suspension and hipbelt carry weight better on long walks between train stations, 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 Osprey Farpoint 40's main caveat is that 40L exceeds several budget-carrier personal item limits, may incur a gate fee, and the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack's is that 42L pushes past some tighter international carry-on sizers.
Is the Osprey Farpoint 40 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 40L exceeds several budget-carrier personal item limits, may incur a gate fee is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack instead of the Osprey Farpoint 40?
The Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack suits carry on only travel, while the Osprey Farpoint 40 is best for backpacking europe.