Cotopaxi Allpa 28 (The Cutest Travel Backpack 🥰)

[@revisionYT123]

I just found your channel like 1 to 2 months ago and I am really addicted. Your videos are really great thanks for doing them. They are the best way to procrastinate during my thesis. 😁

[@OneBagTravels]

Don't procrastinate too much! =)

[@nessnorimi5418]

A really well considered and thorough review- many thanks for taking the time

[@OneBagTravels]

You're welcome, glad you liked it! 😃

[@mindfulnessbytheocean]

I have the 35L version, and I planned on using it as a carry on in the overhead. Once on the plane I decided to try putting it under the seat, and it fit! I couldn’t believe it. It was a little snug, and the bag wasn’t completely full.

[@OneBagTravels]

It might not fit in the sizer box, but they fit under the seat pretty regularily

[@josephcollins6033]

That helps me! Thanks!

[@josephcollins6033]

@@OneBagTravels Thanks!!!

[@panthros7395]

Thanks for reviewing. I own the pack now. I wish it had a water bottle holder on the side, even if it was netting, it would make the backpack perfect!

[@OneBagTravels]

Water bottle pocket would be perfect

[@muchmuchmore]

A sewing machine and a couple dollars of fabrics could easily address this shortcoming

[@bella11110]

​@@muchmuchmoreCotopaxi also sells an attachable water bottle holder for the allpas

[@zherkezhi]

They have a new version with a bottle holder 👍

[@misstubbie1313]

That particular color combination is awesome!! I just got mine, in the Amber colorway, and can't wait to take it on its firs trip next month

[@OneBagTravels]

They some fun colorways =)

[@amandy39]

Thank you for the great review! Wondering if you have plans to review the new version of the bag that just came out :)

[@OneBagTravels]

I do, still catching up on a few other reviews I'm working on then I'll pick up the new allpa

[@josephcollins6033]

Wow. That is a fantastic bag. Thanks!

[@leejuhsu]

You mentioned the bag is 3.3lb, however, according to their website, the weight should be 2lb 10oz (1190g).

[@OneBagTravels]

Good question, I usually weight the bags myself so this may be my weight, or they updated the bag since I did this video and made it slightly lighter.

[@leejuhsu]

@@OneBagTravels Thank you for taking the time to weigh the bag and for replying to my comment. I appreciate it!

[@aairsick]

Bomb Proof was not on my back pack bingo card.

[@memyself8043]

Great review! Thanks

[@OneBagTravels]

Thanks for watching!

[@heatherhutton545]

Bought mine 2 days ago, based on your review. Thanks!

[@OneBagTravels]

Great, hope you love it!

[@timhell8420]

What a good Video from You. Good Job, Well done. Interesting Pack!

[@OneBagTravels]

Thanks Tim! 😀

[@NikonF5user]

Thank you for this thorough review and packing demonstration! I have been considering this bag for some time as a personal item option, but it seems like it is going to be a bit big for that sadly. I currently use a JanSport Hatchet as it fits the Spirit Airlines dimensions perfectly. Not a pro-bag by any means, but surprisingly good for personal item travel if not loaded with too much weight...

[@OneBagTravels]

It's slightly oversize but I've seen lots of people who use this pack as a personal item size without problems. You do risk getting caught by the airline though. I'm posting a new video tomorrow for the Osprey Daylite Expandable 26+6, it's clamshell and actual personal item dimensions, that one might check all your boxes.

[@seechangenyc280]

@@OneBagTravels Nice review! You can't take it on an airplane, even though it's 28L? Is it because it lacks rigidity? Is too wide/long? Lacks compression straps? Would slashing it by 1" make it on a plane? The bag seems roomy enough that 1" isn't a sacrifice, Cotopaxi. Surprised that a false laptop bottom is not the standard in every bag....I was also surprised when I tried it on it didn't hurt my lower back (likely because it's soft). I usually can't go longer than 18." Even its larger sibling felt fine...Do you miss having a frame sheet (which I usually hate as they are flat pieces of plastic that don't conform to the body. I wish some maker would find a solution). It's given short shrift...What are your favorite bags to bring on a plane (no checking), with sufficient room, well-built, for a short trek (3 to 5 days)? I wish the Evergoods CTB35 was 30L. The 28 is too long. Though I'm short at 5'6" with a 17" torso, it seems in some bags I can go longer if they're softer...That was news to my back.

[@OneBagTravels]

@@seechangenyc280 You can take it on a plane, but it's just slightly over the personal size limit (I use 18 x 14 x 8 as that is a common dimension, but this varies widely between airlines). I go into more detail and fit the packed Allpa 28 into my personal size box in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXPTXpiCrrd4pK8. As long as it's not packed too full, you can fit it in the 18x14x8" box. Frame sheets depend on the pack, it's nice to have some ridgidity, but like you said they don't conform to the body. It really depends on the pack and weight on how it feels on my back. Hiking backpacks are usually much better with this than travel packs. Tom Bihn is one company that makes adjustable, form-fitting frame sheets for several of their packs (Technonaut, Synapse, Synik). My favorite short trip packs right now are the Evergoods CPL24, Cabin Zero Military 28, Aer Travel Pack small (haven't tried 3 yet), and currently I'm planning on taking the Thule Aion 28 on a trip, which is a great pack so far.

[@carlrodriguez7710]

Looks like they did an update to the bag to have a water bottle sleeve and an extra top slash pocket

[@OneBagTravels]

They did! Fabric is updated too, looks more similar to Black Hole fabric now. I just saw the bag at the store but I haven't bought one yet.

[@HarimaKenji22]

@@OneBagTravels Cant wait for your review. Heard the downside to the updated version was thinner straps 😅

[@AnnieGill7]

Super review, you covered it all! Thank you.

[@OneBagTravels]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nmaqsood8980]

👍🏻 Your review is thorough and as always, very helpful. The cheerful green & yellow combination, reminds me of the flag of Brazil. 😄 Plus, am a big fan of clamshell style. I travel light, 30 litre is a good enough capacity for me.

[@OneBagTravels]

Sometimes I like the bright Cotopaxi colors 😀

[@nmaqsood8980]

@@OneBagTravels 👍🏻😄 They simply lift up the mood and brighten up the day…

[@n00182085]

How do you compare the newer alps 28 vs the newer Patagonia Black Hole 25L? I don’t have a need for laptop area but really just a smaller bag that I could use for a weekend to at most a week. I already have the Patagonia mini MLC, their 40L duffle and the osprey Fairview 40. Also, it seems the black hole 25 is lighter than the alpa, right?

[@OneBagTravels]

Black Hole pack is lighter than the Allpa, but clamshell compared to top loading. Allpa has a lot of interior pockets, so good organization, but it takes up some extra space. If you like that then Allpa is good. But if you just want a simple, lightweight, easy pack, the Black Hole pack works quite well for weekend trips.

[@jbrown7403]

Sold! Great review….buying mine now! 👍

[@OneBagTravels]

Great!

[@VikVaughan]

This bag looks pretty nice, does it have any kind of luggage handle strap or pass through for attaching to a roller bag?

[@OneBagTravels]

No it doesn't, but you may be able to cinch down the backpack straps and put it over a rolling bag. It's not ideal and will have to kind of balance there.

[@VikVaughan]

@@OneBagTravels Thanks

[@nanwithabackpack]

Thanks for a great video. How much did it weigh fully packed?

[@OneBagTravels]

I don't remember that I weighed it when I did this video 😬

[@christinae30]

I liked the colours of the pack! And that wall😲, so so impressive! 👏

[@OneBagTravels]

I like the wall of bags 😊

[@christinae30]

👏👏👏 I want one too! Not so many backbacks yet, but then, if I add my handbags....

[@janedoe678]

I just ordered this bag! I was on the fence (I have a Hynes Eagle that's fine, so I didn't actually NEED a new bag), but Backcountry has them on sale for $119. I took that as a sign!

[@OneBagTravels]

Nicccceeeee

[@scottbarker298]

thank you for your thorough review. i really like this bag, however, a near dealbreaker for me is a trolley sleeve, do you think the side handle can operate as that or is not big enough. If anyone knows thanks

[@anitapharand2313]

I made a luggage sleeve out of colourful seatbelt fabric with snaps. It works perfectly.

[@margarethaazul]

Thanks your video has beat the best of all .

[@OneBagTravels]

Woot!

[@BezUK79]

Fantastic review! I've ordered one ❤

[@OneBagTravels]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@laurab4570]

Thank you for reviewing this!! I was waiting 🙂 I wish I would purchased this bag instead of the ebags motherlode jr. The biggest function I would like on the ebags are hip belts, even if non padded like the Alpa. Also, where are you headed next? I’m branching out and have booked my first international flight to Switzerland… so far, I’m headed out solo and planning to bring a 40L pack. 😬

[@OneBagTravels]

That's awesome! For what it's worth I've bought and tested dozens and dozens of packs and there is always another pack that looks better. It's a never ending search for the "perfect pack." 😀 That's great about Switzerland, that's going to be amazing! I have some local travel coming up, Arizona next month, then Hawaii over the holidays. I haven't booked my next international trip yet. I'm on the fence between Japan, Europe, and South America, probably Equador.

[@laurab4570]

@@OneBagTravels Arizona is beautiful.. I just went to Queens Creek in August, drove interstate 17 to the Grand Canyon (it has to be the most scenic drive I’ve ever taken!) and stayed in a small town along Route 66 called Williams. Went to Sedona the following day and it’s like driving into the Cars movie, so amazing!

[@laurab4570]

@@OneBagTravels I really want to explore Japan, but too nervous to go alone!

[@OneBagTravels]

@@laurab4570 Sedona and the Grand Canyon are so pretty! I did that drive last winter 😃

[@Proto62]

Great review. Thank you

[@OneBagTravels]

Glad you liked it!

[@malaka105]

@onebagtravels Hello, I'm torn between this Cotopaxi Allpa 28 and the Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L. In your opinion, which is the better all around option for one bag travel? Thank you and fantastic videos!

[@OneBagTravels]

They're both good but my preference is the Mini MLC, I like the way it packs with a big duffel compartment, just throw your gear inside and off you go.

[@theluftwaffel]

How do you get this bag in 2023 that's not a ridiculous mess of color? Like I don't mind color but I don't need 27 of them on one bag lol

[@OneBagTravels]

Totally agree, they have a lack of basic color options. The 35 is available in black and a basic blue right now, for 28 they change the available colors so you just have to check back and hope they make it in something less bright

[@steveremich7255]

Thanks for the thorough review. It looks like there's not luggage strap and I was wondering if there's anyway to conveniently carry this attached to a rolling carry-on?

[@OneBagTravels]

Not really that I know of. You could probably cinch down the shoulder strap and sternum strap adjusters and slide the shoulder strap over the handle, not ideal because it won't be tight on there and could slide around. You could probably add a little strap or bungee cord to keep it on tighter. I haven't tested this so you'd have to experiment to find a way that works.

[@wellstruck1155]

Thanks for this review! Can you tell me what colorway this is? Perhaps evergreen or deep ocean?

[@OneBagTravels]

That color is Evergreen. Looks like it's only available on the Cotopaxi site in Raspberry right now

[@fredlifsitz7411]

Fabulous review. I’ve been looking at this pack in person as I carefully choose one for OBT … thanks!!!!

[@OneBagTravels]

Awesome! And thanks 😊

[@Lenduya]

Did they update it? Because on their website they claim it's 1.19 kg or 2lb 10oz.

[@OneBagTravels]

Yes they made some updates since I posted this review, I have the new one, just weighted it and it's 2.78 lbs, 1.26 kg on my scale.

[@Zippy0George0Bungle]

Thanks for the review. Can you remove or hide away the hip belt at all?

[@OneBagTravels]

Yeah, the hip belts tuck behind the back panel. You can see what it looks like at 4:02

[@michelezanolla7154]

Really a great review!

[@OneBagTravels]

Thanks for watching!

[@LiamWyman]

I got a 35L Cotopaxi for Christmas and was looking for a setup for a 12-day trip later this year. Do you recommend trying to fit the whole trip in this bag or going for a 28L and using it with a carry-on? I will have a home base at a friend's place but we plan on making a 3ish day trip while there.

[@OneBagTravels]

I think you should go for it! Staying with friends makes it easy to do laundry

[@anitadayani1472]

I do really really like this bag, but Im confused and hesitant because in their website it says 2lb 10oz which is not that bad and you mentioned 3.3lb which is way too heavy for me I do trust everything you say but I wish I knew whether they made improvements to the bag and made it lighter or if it’s in reality it’s as heavy as 3.3lb🥲also I will be traveling around Europe and will definitely come across ryan air, do you think if I can squeeze this bag in their personal item dimensions 40*25*20

[@OneBagTravels]

They updated the bag since this video and I believe they made it lighter. I can double check the new weight when I get back as I have the updated version. RyanAir tends to be pretty strict with their carryon bag dimensions so I doubt you could get away with this bag.

[@AllenMarkel]

The bag is heavy but if you aren’t using any packing cubes , does it even out?

[@OneBagTravels]

Yeah a little bit but it really depends on the weight of the packing cubes you're using. Ultralight ones like Eagle Creek Isolate won't make that much difference but heavier ones definitely will.

[@starmedicine8162]

Great video! What type of zipper clips are you using at 1:24 ? I really would like to use the same one you have. Thank you!

[@OneBagTravels]

That's a Nite-Ize micro lock (amzn.to/2AQoJA8). They're great for discreetly locking zippers, they dont look like much so people don't notice them, but they have a little plastic twist lock in the middle. Good theft deterrant as it takes a minute to figure it out if you don't know how it works. They come in aluminum and stainless steel, steel is thinner so better for thinner zippers, but aluminum is lighter.

[@starmedicine8162]

@@OneBagTravels This is perfect and exactly what I am looking for given the reasons that you mentioned. I am definitely getting this bag and the recommended locks. Thank you once again for this amazing review, for responding, and for helping me + us. I really appreciate it. Have a wonderful day!!

[@SandroDeFigueiredo]

Thank you for the great review on the Cotopaxi backpack. I have a question that might sound a bit backwards. I am looking for a new backpack and so far, the Cotopaxi Alpha 28L has been my favorite. But my question is not only for small trips, but a backpack that I can use daily for work and for small 3-day trips or as a carry-on. I would like to know your thoughts on using this backpack as a work/travel backpack.

[@OneBagTravels]

Because the interior is setup like a clamshell with two sides and zippered compartments, I think it would work much better for travel than work. It would be hard to get stuff in and out if you had to open the pack completely and unzip one of the sides to access paperwork or something.

[@SandroDeFigueiredo]

@@OneBagTravels Thank you for the explanation. Still have to give it some thought. As you say it will be harder but maybe I an adaptation it's all that it's needed. Thank you for your perspective.

[@omshivkrish]

Hi - were you able to find the perfect bag? I’m in same situation looking for a travel friendly backpack but also one that I can use in day to day commutes to work and weekend trips. If I’m going to spend $150-200+ I would like to make full use of it 😅

[@dstreamer]

Would you recommend this, or the wingman duffel 2?

[@OneBagTravels]

They're kind of different styles so I'd base it on which packing style you like better. Clamshell with built in packing cubes and a lot of organization, Cotopaxi. Large main compartment duffel style and easy to pack but less organization, Wingman.

[@dstreamer]

@@OneBagTravels In terms of general build quality? And comfort

[@OneBagWalking]

@@dstreamer Those brands are comparable quality. Comfort probably the Allpa, it's more of a duffel and has nice back padding and mesh.

[@bjc2430]

You have any issues with the main zippers? Both of mine get hung up on the exact same spot on the side of the backpack. Can't find anything wrong with the teeth or any obstructions.

[@OneBagTravels]

Might be getting stuck on fabric inside the pack. Corners tend to bunch the seams of fabric and can sometimes catch the zipper up. Try pulling the zipper away from the pack when going around that corner, or hold the fabric back from the inside with your finger and see if that helps.

[@bjc2430]

@@OneBagTravels I appreciate the response. This thing definitely has something wrong with it, unfortunately. I’ve tried do do everything you said and more. Both zippers are getting stuck in the exact same spot on the side of the bag, so I’m gonna assume something is wrong with the teeth. Love the bag, otherwise.

[@OneBagTravels]

@@bjc2430 Ah, that's a bummer. May have to return it then, Cotopaxi has a good return policy, I suspect they will fix/replace it for you.

[@cerra_y_vamos0513]

Does it serve as a personal item on low-cost airlines?

[@OneBagTravels]

Some it can, depends on the airline and the ticket

[@takarasights]

I love the water bottle! Please share more info!

[@OneBagTravels]

That's the Hydrapak Stash 750ml. I've seen a lot of good recommendations but it ended up leaking on me so I didn't feature it.

[@cksiam]

Between this Allpa 28L and the Cabinzero Military 28, which one did you find better to travel with?

[@OneBagTravels]

That's a tough choice, but probably the Military 28, I just like the simplicity of that bag.

[@Chambros703]

If you had to choose one bag (25-35l) for indefinite world travel what would you pick? No camera, just phone/laptop/tablet.

[@OneBagTravels]

Woah, there are so many choices! I've been using the Evergoods CPL24 lately and I really like that pack, but might be a little small for cold weather travel. My favorite bags so far have been CPL24, Cotopaxi Allpa, and Tortuga Setout. Not sure I can narrow it down to just one! Osprey and Cabin Zero have some great options as well.

[@bluewolf7572]

Excellent review. Bought 2 at a Cotopaxi store in the local mall. They were running a 25% off holiday sale.

[@OneBagTravels]

Thanks, and that's a great deal!

[@Viti50]

Which Store?

[@bluewolf7572]

Cotopaxi at the Fashion Mall in Sandy, Ut. The promotion ended yesterday, the 28th. I had to buy another (small) item to get the discount. Backpack went for $170 before the discount.

[@SamC_]

Yeah! Thankfully they go on sale quite often.

[@intravenousradio]

hi there - not sure if you mentioned this before but do you know the volume in each of halves of the clamshell? how is it divided?

[@OneBagTravels]

It's pretty close to half and half but just eyeballing it the bottom section (that sits closest to your back) looks like it may be a little bigger, but not my much.

[@jtcen1215]

Love your content!

[@OneBagTravels]

Thanks JT! =)

[@bgvianyc]

So the 35L will not be permitted under a seat?

[@OneBagTravels]

35L is too big to fit under most seats.

[@ubergigglefritz]

Whats your favorite personal item sized backpack you reviewed? Thanks!

[@OneBagTravels]

it's a wee bit over but can usually get away with carrying the Evergoods CTB26 on most personal item flights. True personal item would probably be the Osprey 26+6.

[@sunnyscott4876]

I have a Mystery Ranch but I want this Cotopaxi so bad. It is a little expensive. 😮

[@OneBagTravels]

Cotopaxi is pretty nice =)

[@michaelsnow2839]

Great review! Do you think you would be able to squeeze this backpack into a 15.7 x 9.9 x 7.9 size?

[@OneBagTravels]

No I doubt it. I can fit it into an 18x14x8" box, but no way it's gonna fit into a box that small. Is that Ryanair? They're pretty strict on their dimensions.

[@RealMuperSan]

@@OneBagTravelswhen you got it in that box, was it under packed?

[@OneBagTravels]

@@RealMuperSan A little underpacked, just not overpacked

[@lo3paige]

I'm probably going to visit an REI to see this bag in person. I have a 15 in Samsung laptop. Do you think it would fit in that compartment? I would look into the 35L but I want this as a personal item for air travel. Also, I wish this pack had a back sleeve to add to my luggage handle like the Osprey Transporter :3

[@lo3paige]

Oh I see that you got your 15 in Dell in there!! Awesome!

[@OneBagTravels]

It is a little tight but I fit mine so I think yours would fit as well =)

[@maxsp33]

Its really an awesome bag, I would really love to buy it but as I am travelling with budget airlines like Ryanair or Wizzair it would not be accepted as a personal item. Is there any similar alternative which would be closer to (40x20x25cm) / 42x20x30cm with a similar organization?

[@OneBagTravels]

Osprey 26+6 is close, similar clamshell style, it's a little over Ryanair's listed dimensions but I just saw a post showing it fit the sizer www.reddit.com/r/onebag/comments/1axx5wu/osprey_266_ryanair_sizer/?context=3

[@jasonrushing3877]

Great videos. What model collapsible water bottle is that? Thanks.

[@OneBagTravels]

That's the Hydrapak stash. I had an issue with it leaking so I didn't post a review, it's a popular brand and I know other people who use them with no problem so maybe I just got unlucky. The other one I use is a Vapur Element, which I've had for years and still works great.

[@skseth]

Hi, could you post a link to the travel towel you have?

[@OneBagTravels]

That's the Matador Nano Dry Large Towel - onebagtravels.com/refer/matador-towel-large/

[@skseth]

@@OneBagTravels thank you 🙏🏽

[@NateCrail]

What's the total weight of the packed bag?

[@OneBagTravels]

I don't know if I weighted it for this demo 😣😣

[@piraterobby_14]

Will it fit a 16 inch laptop?

[@OneBagTravels]

I doubt it, website says 15" and it's very tight with my 15.5"

[@lisalyons4462]

Thanks! I will be getting a “free” one from work in a couple of weeks.

[@OneBagTravels]

Great bonus!

[@lisalyons4462]

@@OneBagTravels it’s beautiful and does not disappoint function wise. And it is mostly purple like I hoped. It was sent to us randomly.

[@lindseykieser2759]

Can you fit this into your wooden test box (18x14x8)?

[@OneBagTravels]

It fits but it's a little tight, I did a packing demo video showing it going into the box kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXPTXpiCrrd4pK8

[@lindseykieser2759]

@@OneBagTravels Thank you!

[@lillyinthefield2787]

noo. i went with the northface rolltop 25l

[@OneBagTravels]

Northface is good too! 😃

[@Saphyu]

Why dont they have this color anymore

[@OneBagTravels]

Cotopaxi loves to change it up! They have a del-dia version that comes in a bunch of different color options, not this one though.

[@515aleon]

I bought this bag (though I think it may have been a 25 L, not sure). I used it once It is so easy to pack. But I am a short guy and found it unbelievably heavy and awkward. Never used it again.

[@OneBagTravels]

Good input, thanks!

[@lillyinthefield2787]

6:57. Ohh. Myy badd

[@OneBagTravels]

😁

[@RealMuperSan]

Great review! But you put your dirty(?) sandals right on top of your jacket and next to your bottle! 😮

[@OneBagTravels]

Indeed I did. In hind site and in real life when I'm traveling and not shooting video for a review I tend to put my dirty shoes/sandals in a separate bag 😃

[@lillyinthefield2787]

3:19🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣. ANOTHER PERSON DOES A REVIEW BUT SKIPS WHAT SIZE LAPTOP IT WILL HOLD.🙄 INSTEAD HE TALKED ABOUT THE SMALLER POCKET HOLDING HIS MACBOOK AIR. IM DONE😒

[@NicoleTh3Bomb]

Did you ever find out? I am looking at this for work... I have a 17.3" work laptop. I understand it wont fit in the laptop compartment, which is advertised as a tight 15" compartment on Cotopaxi's website, but I was hoping it would still fit in the flap next to it... :( The 35L is a bit big for me as I have a short, small frame (5'0" female, 100lbs) so I would be beyond happy to hear that the 28L will fit my needs.

[@turkeyphant]

So many idiotic design features here. Utterly bemusing.

[@OneBagTravels]

It does have a lot of design features, I like the internal packing cubes, but it's not for everyone 🤷‍♂️