Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Review | One Bag Travel Backpack Built For Adventure

Despite its bulkiness, the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack offers a ton of space and some interesting organization for a one-bag travel backpack. View Our Full Review: packhacker.com/travel-gear/co...
0:00 - Intro
0:56 - Material & Aesthetic
3:14 - External Components
6:39 - Inside the Pack
10:04 - Durability & Testing
11:08 - Pros & Cons
11:48 - The Verdict
With its signature Cotopaxi look and massive amount of storage space, the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack is a solid contender for your next one-bag travel backpack. The Utah-based brand designed this pack to be carry-on compatible, “ultra hardy” and have more space for longer trips compared to its 35-liter and 28-liter versions.
Our founder Tom and video editor Mark have been testing the Allpa 42L for the last month in Michigan, Minnesota, and Kentucky.
We dig this next iteration of the Allpa pack compared to the 35-liter we reviewed a while back. Cotopaxi seems to be listening to its customers and we like the improved features, including the larger-sized laptop compartment and adjustable hip belt. However, the size of this bag and the overall design can make it bulky to use and a bit cumbersome if you're not very strategic with every aspect of your packing. Overall, this is a solid addition to the Cotopaxi bag line and it really rounds up the choices between the 28-liter, 35-liter, and now the 42-liter bag.
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View more travel gear reviews on our website: packhacker.com/travel-gear/
SHOW NOTES:
In this video, Tom Wahlin of Pack Hacker reviews the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L, a one-bag travel backpack that’s built for adventure.
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[@PackHacker]

What size of the Cotopaxi Allpa would you travel with? 28L, 35L, or 42L?

[@harleeyguy1]

35 L is a perfect size for me to get a weeks worth of clothing for traveling

[@mindpilotthepilot9140]

42. It’s still carry on and no reason to go smaller

[@briansullivan9110]

35L fushigi

[@nomap2161]

I’ve got the 35L and absolutely love it! I’ve taken it all over Europe for one and two week trips and even checked it on my last trip to France without any damage to it. I’m not a waist belt kind of guy so I always have it tucked up behind the back pad. The top outside pocket is perfect for electronic accessories I need to take out just before I sit down on the plane as well as my toiletries kit. I still use packing cubes with it, but what sold me on it was that it actually opens like a real suitcase and has zippered compartments to organize your clothes and stuff. I don’t pack the rain fly on trips because it’s been quite waterproof as is. So far it’s been extremely durable.

[@rhymez109]

I have the 35L, it’s been to six countries and about 4 months of travel over two years and it’s held up well. I will say on some domestic flights it barely fits ( but I’ve never had to check it) so I think this is the perfect size for those who absolutely hate checking bags :)

[@sav0405]

wish yall would always show the pack on petite ladies as well!

[@PackHacker]

Hey sav0405 - thanks for your feedback! We always aim to show packs on as many different frames as possible in our full reviews and video reviews, but this is also something we'll continue to work on in the future, as we get how different bags can look depending on your frame. 😊🙌 - Rebecca

[@harleeyguy1]

Great review, thanks a bunch. I've been looking at this for a few months now. I think I might pull the trigger on it now. Love the vids, keep up the great work!

[@PackHacker]

Hey harleeyguy1 - that's great to hear, let us know if you decide to pick it up, we'd love to hear how it works for you! 😊🙌 - Rebecca

[@ronnie.c3222]

just placed my order!! thanks pack hacker! :)

[@christinebachman3114]

Love your videos so much! They totally satisfy my love for bags!

[@PackHacker]

Glad you're digging them, Christine. Stay tuned for more! 😊🙌 - Rebecca

[@xabierelorzbarrenechea9326]

I bought one 42l two months ago after 6 months watching different option reviews. I use it for business trips 3 to 5 days. I cannot be more happy. Simply perfect.

[@user-qq1fh4pb4f]

Is it possible to carry version 42L as hand luggage on a plane?

[@markaikman]

I just have to say I love your videos and all that you guys do.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for watching! 😃

[@-l485]

Your reviews are the best. What a underrated channel. Thanks to your chan im having kind of a travel backpack obsession @@

[@PackHacker]

We hear you, we can't get enough of backpacks either! 😄🙌Stay tuned for more reviews. 👍 - Rebecca

[@I3HowA]

Just got both 42L&28L System bundle for $300 this BFriday! Well worth the price. Love all 4 bags and accessories. Can't wait for the trip to Taiwan in mid Dec. Rain cover will be very helpful there too

[@PackHacker]

That's awesome, HowA! It sounds like you have quite the collection now to make sure you're prepared for your trip. Let us know how you get on with these packs in Taiwan. Happy travels! 😊🙌 - Rebecca

[@ratdog213]

Great review, thanks!

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for watching 😃 -Eric

[@joshm1762]

I just got the black 42l and took it on a trip to Mexico. I got the larger size for two reasons: i travel with a cpap machine and art supplies & it doesn’t have the solid sides so if I don’t pack it full, I don’t have a problem getting onto smaller planes. That said, I loved it for going through security (easy to pull out electronics on my way back through) I got it in black and while there’s the plus side of it appearing to be smaller than it actually is when wearing it, I wish they would have put a little bit of color on the inside as it can be hard to see inside the bag. One other note is that I agree that it can be easy to overpack one side and have a little difficulty close it as it looks like a macaron, I had no problems using the zippers to compress it closed. That said, the bag isn’t light on its own. All in all, I’m happy with it and would recommend it to others.

[@PackHacker]

Excellent synopsis here Josh - thanks for sharing! - Tom

[@eddiealejandro605]

Awesome review❤👊🏽🍺

[@azwanifarhana4265]

Good review sir

[@777arc2]

I'm sold! Ordered!

[@PackHacker]

Let us know what you think when it arrives! 😊 - Rebecca

[@marjiecleveland]

Good review! It's a good pack.

[@PackHacker]

Glad you're digging the review, Marjie! 😊 - Rebecca

[@chenchenglin1117]

Thank you for this review. Love it so much. Can I ask you a question about the review at 10:23 to 10:34. I'm a little bit confused what you said on that you have some qualms with size of the bag and how it packs out? One this point, it's talking about the size of Allpa 35? Please advice. Thank you :)

[@riddler078]

Does the 42L and 35L actually fit in the overhead bins? Can you check it in as baggage if need be? How many days of clothing can you get out of each bag?

[@lexyrae78]

Great review and I agree with your comments - especially the zipper sitch and stability. Just bought the fabric del dia and will return after experimenting a bit with packing for a few reasons. 1-Too much wasted potential (excess fabric) in the front. Wish the front compartment extended to the base. 2 - I also would have liked the laptop space to have more depth and width. 3- Finally, the mesh is stretchy; whereas I prefer these compartments keep things snug and in place. This all being said, for someone packing clothes and lighter items that wont stress the interior and who are not trying to max out their bag space, this is a bag to consider.

[@PackHacker]

Solid write-up! Thanks for sharing, Alexis! - Austin

[@tyyamnitz8408]

What did you end up going with instead?

[@LP-jy9us]

Thanks for the review! Do you have a comparison of single bag backpacks? Cotopaxi, Tortuga, Peak designs and Arcido seem like the reddit favs fopr bags like this... Id love to see them evaluated alongside each other..

[@myr3434]

Great review and overview. As a happy owner of the 35L, it really seems they crushed the design and fixed many issues with the 35L - removable hip belt and integrated water bottle pocket are my two major peeves with the smaller version. And the dual pocket cover to the smaller internal section was a great idea. I hope these ideas trickle over to the standard 35L.

[@PackHacker]

Absolutely - we dig when companies make small iterations and improvements based on feedback from customers and reviewers! - Tom

[@user-qq1fh4pb4f]

Is it possible to carry version 35L as hand luggage on a plane?

[@sailingavocet]

That's a really cool product!!! my husband and I live on our sailboat, sailing around the world :) we could sure use one of these.

[@PackHacker]

Glad you're digging this pack, SV Avocet! The weather resistance on this pack would come in super handy for sailing, it sounds like you're on an awesome adventure. Happy travels! 😊🙌 - Rebecca

[@sailingavocet]

@@PackHacker Thanks for responding Rebecca! Maybe we will get our hands on one someday!

[@roscoe007]

Great video! I'm not a photographer but I'm stuck between this bag and the wandrd transit 45L I'm an avid traveler which do you recommend?

[@Grant_Ferstat]

What other brands offer this sort of clamshell in a carry-on backpack?

[@DanielleMarieW]

Thank you for this review. I’m unfamiliar with most of the brands you review except Deuter and Eagle Creek! I’m curious whether you have a list of reviews on clamshell style backpacks? This is a style I’m interested in, especially given my previous experiences with overly large “stuff sack” style bags and no packing cubes (nightmare).

[@PackHacker]

We hear you, Danielle. Clamshell style packs can make accessing your items easier. While we currently do not have a list of clamshell-style bags, you can check out all of our travel packs using our new sorting feature here packhacker.com/travel-gear/category/bags-and-luggage/?order=rating - hope this helps! 😊 - Rebecca

[@lbrookesahm465]

I need a waist belt extender for the Allpa 42L I purchased. Does anyone know the belt clip brand and size, or the width of the belt?

[@davidemiliogarciasaldana4364]

Does anyone know if this a water-proof one? I get it the weather resistant, but even though was carrying within snowy environments… I didn’t get it if could be also water proof. Tnks a lot

[@pawplickert577]

Can it fit both boxing gloves and shin guards in the main compartment?

[@raxo2007]

Love cotapaxi I did Turkey and Mexico 2-3 week trips with 35liter, only missing is water bottle pocket

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing! -Eric

[@courtneyjohnson1137]

what a video

[@jonmnelson]

Great review! Just an FYI - the Allpa 35 Del Dia has a removable hip belt.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing this with the community, Jon! 😊🙌 - Rebecca

[@arguchik]

The newer Allpa 35 2.0 also has a removable hip belt!

[@christophermills99]

Will you guys review Kathmandu or MacPac? They are a New Zealand brand but are very popular in Australia and i think in the UK as well

[@PackHacker]

Hey Christopher - thanks for reaching out. We currently have no plans to review a Kathmandu or Macpac bag in the immediate pipeline, but you can check out our initial thoughts of the Kathmandu Pocket Pack V4 here packhacker.com/travel-gear/kathmandu/pocket-pack-v4/ 😊 - Rebecca

[@AllenMarkel]

Bizarre how you commented on how much they improved the 42l over the 35l, but you rated it lower? Why?

[@arnaudnavarre9444]

Would this bag be suitable for a 3/4 days nature-hike in South America? Or should I rather opt for a more 'hinkingstyle' bag like the fairpoint 40? As my trip Will be a mix of visiting cities and nature (hiking)

[@PackHacker]

Hey Arnaud! It really depends on how much you're hiking - a hiking-style pack will certainly be more comfortable than the Allpa on the trail (especially the 42L version). - Tom

[@Nachspeil]

As usual, very thorough and informative review. 👍🏾 What brand is the clear sided toiletry pouch you packed in this video. Have been searching for a quality product for ages. Thanks

[@PackHacker]

Hey Hugh - we're glad you're digging the review! The pouch in the video is the Tom Bihn 3D Organizer Cube packhacker.com/travel-gear/tom-bihn/3d-organizer-cube/ 😊🙌 - Rebecca

[@yashbalaji3262]

Hey, I got a toiletry pouch from Arcido that is just like that. Size of a doll kit with clear sides.

[@Nachspeil]

Yash Balaji thanks for the recommendation

[@zhijiawang9007]

How is this bag compared to Mission Worshop Radian? Comfort and Organisation?

[@PackHacker]

Hey Zhijia - we recommend checking out both of the full written reviews of these products so that you can compare the pros, cons, ratings, features and carry styles of these two packs. Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack: packhacker.com/travel-gear/cotopaxi/allpa-42l-travel-pack/ Mission Workshop Radian: packhacker.com/travel-gear/mission-workshop/radian/ Hope this helps, let us know if you have any more questions! 😊 - Rebecca

[@briansullivan9110]

I'm all about Cotopaxi and what they represent. I also absolutely love their branding. But man, their aesthetic just doesn't do it for me. Finally they release something in all black, but to me it looks kinda like wearing a heavy duty trash bag on your back. Still seems like a great back regardless.

[@PackHacker]

We get what you're saying, Brian. This aesthetic isn't for everyone as it's pretty unique, which is why we were impressed when 80% of our Instagram audience liked the look of this pack. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us! 😊👍 - Rebecca

[@Koderfacts]

I agree

[@justinaubin5106]

What kind of packing cubes you got for the 42l?

[@PackHacker]

Peak Design Packing Cubes! More info: packhacker.com/travel-gear/peak-design/packing-cubes/ -Eric

[@systemische76]

Is allpa 42L carry on rated?

[@hann87]

The material.. Is it easily get scratches?

[@PackHacker]

Hey Hanns, while the material on the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L is durable and weather-resistant, it does scar easily. After a month of testing, we found some permanent marks on the front of the bag. You can see this in the photos on our full written review here: packhacker.com/travel-gear/cotopaxi/allpa-42l-travel-pack/ - Rebecca

[@fishywishydishywoo]

what packing cubes did you use in this video?

[@PackHacker]

Hey! These are the Peak Design Packing Cubes: packhacker.com/travel-gear/peak-design/packing-cubes/ 😊 - Rebecca

[@fishywishydishywoo]

Pack Hacker thank you!!!!!

[@deathbystereo-]

Can’t decide between this and a duffel at half the price

[@JS-ke9vk]

Can you review the Cabinzero military 44L please...thanks

[@PackHacker]

Hey jacky santos - we currently have no plans to review the CabinZero Military 45L pack in the immediate pipeline, but we'll check it out. 😊👍 - Rebecca

[@abdokallab5996]

I love this pack, but tbh i won't pay $220

[@javyacuna4380]

$220 is good for a bag that will last decades.

[@markbraverman4299]

Yeah but they send you whatever color that they have.

[@velyvely6479]

no, thats only if you pick the option to do so! otherwise you pick