Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L vs Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack
Both made our Best Travel Backpacks for Digital Nomads 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 Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L if you want compresses to a smaller, stricter-sizer-friendly footprint when needed. 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 Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Travel Backpacks for Digital Nomads list.
Winner overall: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L 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 Digital Nomads | #2 of 3 in Best Travel Backpacks for Digital Nomads |
| Pick label | ||
| Brand | Peak Design | Cotopaxi |
| Key features | Expands from 35L to 45L via external compression straps; Weatherproof 400D recycled nylon canvas shell; Rear, top, and side access with MagLatch closures | 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 | Compresses to a smaller, stricter-sizer-friendly footprint when needed | 42L is the most volume in this list while still reading as a standard carry-on |
| Main trade-off | Tuck-away straps take a bit of practice to stow cleanly | 42L pushes past some tighter international carry-on sizers |
| Best for | carry on only travel | carry on only travel |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick
Choose the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L if…
- Compresses to a smaller, stricter-sizer-friendly footprint when needed
- Three separate access points make it easy to grab items without unpacking
- Weatherproof shell holds up in rain at bus stops and gate walks
Best for: carry on only travel
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 Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L section.
Pros and cons of each
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
Pros
- Compresses to a smaller, stricter-sizer-friendly footprint when needed
- Three separate access points make it easy to grab items without unpacking
- Weatherproof shell holds up in rain at bus stops and gate walks
Cons
- Tuck-away straps take a bit of practice to stow cleanly
- Heavier than the Osprey Farpoint 40 when fully packed
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
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L vs Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack: common questions
Which is better, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L or the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack?
Choose the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L if you want compresses to a smaller, stricter-sizer-friendly footprint when needed. 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 Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Travel Backpacks for Digital Nomads list.
What is the difference between the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L and the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack?
The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L stands out because compresses to a smaller, stricter-sizer-friendly footprint when needed, 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 Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L's main caveat is that tuck-away straps take a bit of practice to stow cleanly, and the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack's is that 42L pushes past some tighter international carry-on sizers.
Is the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L 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 tuck-away straps take a bit of practice to stow cleanly is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack instead of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L?
The Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack suits carry on only travel, while the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is best for carry on only travel.