Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Vs. 35L: Which One Is Better?

I’m standing in my living room, staring at a pile of clothes, gadgets, and travel essentials, wondering how I’m going to cram all this into a backpack for my next adventure.

 Sound familiar? If you’re like me, picking the right travel backpack feels like a high-stakes decision. That’s why I’m breaking down the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L and 35L travel packs, two heavyweights in the world of carry-on luggage.

 My goal is to help you decide which one suits your travel style by comparing their features, pros, cons, and real-world usability, so you can pack smart and travel light.

Comparison Table: Cotopaxi Allpa 28L vs. 35L

My Journey With Cotopaxi Backpacks

I’ve always been a bit of a gear nerd, especially when it comes to travel. There’s something satisfying about finding a backpack that’s just right—not too big, not too small, but perfectly suited to your needs. Cotopaxi’s Allpa series caught my eye a couple of years ago when I was planning a multi-country trip through Europe. The bright colors, eco-friendly vibe, and suitcase-style opening screamed “adventure-ready.” But choosing between the 28L and 35L? That was a saga of its own.

Both packs are part of Cotopaxi’s Allpa line, designed for travelers who want organization, durability, and style. They share a lot of DNA: TPU-coated polyester for water resistance, ballistic nylon for toughness, and a clamshell design that opens like a suitcase for easy packing. But the differences in size, weight, and functionality can make or break your travel experience. Let’s unpack what each one brings to the table.

Key Features Of The Cotopaxi Allpa 28L

The Allpa 28L is the smaller sibling, built for those who pride themselves on packing light. At 28 liters, it’s compact but surprisingly spacious. Here’s what I love about it:

• Clamshell Design: The bag unzips on three sides, laying flat like a suitcase. This makes packing a breeze, especially when I’m trying to find that one shirt buried at the bottom.
• Organization Galore: Inside, you get three mesh zippered compartments—one large, two smaller—for clothes, toiletries, and small items. No need for packing cubes, which saves space and money.
• Laptop Sleeve: It fits a 13-inch laptop (or a 15-inch if you’re not using a bulky case). The sleeve is padded and accessible from the side, perfect for airport security.
• Stowable Straps: The shoulder straps and hip belt tuck away, turning the bag into a sleek, snag-free carry-on. This is a lifesaver when sliding it into overhead bins.
• Water Resistance: The TPU-coated exterior shrugs off light rain, and it comes with a rain cover for heavier downpours.
• External Pocket: A top-access pocket holds quick-grab items like a passport or headphones, though it’s not as small as I’d like for tiny essentials.

I took the 28L on a four-day trip to Copenhagen, and it was a dream. It slid under the airplane seat with room to spare, and I packed enough for a long weekend: three outfits, a pair of shoes, toiletries, and my laptop. The bright Del Día colorway (made from upcycled fabric) made it easy to spot at baggage claim, and the padded straps were comfy even after hours of walking cobblestone streets.

Pros And Cons Of The Cotopaxi Allpa 28L

Pros

• Perfect for Short Trips: Ideal for 2-4 day adventures or minimalist travelers who don’t overpack.
• Airline-Friendly: Fits under most airplane seats, making it a great personal item for budget airlines.
• Lightweight: At just over 3 pounds, it’s easier to carry for long periods.
• Streamlined Design: Minimal external straps reduce snagging, and the TPU coating is easy to clean.
• Eco-Friendly: Made with recycled fabrics, and the Del Día version uses leftover materials for a unique look.

Cons

• Limited Space: If you’re packing for more than a few days or need bulky items, it fills up fast.
• No Built-In Water Bottle Pocket (Older Models): You have to buy an add-on sleeve, which can dangle awkwardly. Newer models fix this with a stretch pocket.
• Zipper Struggles: The clamshell zipper can be tough to close when the bag is stuffed, especially with a laptop inside.
• Hip Belt Limitations: The unpadded hip belt is more for stability than weight distribution, so it’s not great for heavy loads.

Key Features Of The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

The Allpa 35L is the bigger, beefier option, designed for travelers who need more room or plan longer trips. Here’s what stands out:

• Extra Capacity: With 35 liters, it holds a week’s worth of gear or bulky items like camera equipment or winter clothes.
• Larger Laptop Sleeve: Fits up to a 15-inch laptop comfortably, with thick padding for protection.
• Compression Straps: Two internal straps in the main compartment help squash clothes down, maximizing space.
• Improved Comfort: The padded hip belt and air mesh shoulder straps handle heavier loads better than the 28L.
• Multiple Carry Options: Four grab handles (top, bottom, and sides) make it easy to maneuver, whether you’re tossing it into a trunk or pulling it from an overhead bin.
• Security Features: YKK zippers with anti-theft webbing loops keep pickpockets at bay.

I used the 35L for a seven-day trip to Thailand, and it was a game-changer. I packed five shirts, two pairs of pants, a jacket, camera gear, and toiletries, with room for souvenirs. The clamshell design let me organize everything neatly, and the side-access laptop sleeve made airport security a breeze. However, it was a tight squeeze under the seat on a budget airline, so I usually stowed it overhead.

Pros And Cons Of The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

Pros

• Versatile for Longer Trips: Perfect for 5-7 day trips or travelers who need extra gear.
• Robust Organization: The same clamshell design as the 28L, but with deeper pockets for better storage.
• Comfortable Carry: The padded hip belt and shoulder straps make heavy loads more manageable.
• Durable Build: TPU-coated polyester and ballistic nylon can take a beating, from truck beds to airport floors.
• Carry-On Compliant: Fits in overhead bins on most airlines, saving you baggage fees.

Cons

• Too Big for Under-Seat: It’s often too large for personal item limits, especially on budget airlines.
• Heavier: At nearly 4 pounds empty, it adds noticeable weight compared to the 28L.
• No Water Bottle Pocket (Older Models): Like the 28L, older versions lack this feature, though newer ones include it.
• Pricey: At around $200, it’s a bigger investment than the 28L.
• Durability Concerns: Some users report seam tears after heavy use, though Cotopaxi’s warranty is solid.

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Head-To-Head: Size And Fit

The biggest difference between the 28L and 35L is, obviously, size. The 28L measures 19 x 12 x 9 inches, making it a shoo-in for under-seat storage on most airlines, including budget carriers like Frontier or Ryanair. I’ve never had an issue slipping it under the seat, even on cramped regional jets. The 35L, at 20 x 12 x 10 inches, is better suited for overhead bins. I’ve managed to shove it under a seat a few times, but it’s not reliable, especially if it’s packed to capacity.

For me, the 28L is ideal for short trips or when I’m traveling light. I’m 5’4” with a smaller frame, and it feels just right—not too bulky or overwhelming. The 35L, on the other hand, can feel like overkill for a weekend but shines on longer trips or when I need to pack bulkier items. My friend Nick, who’s 6’ tall, swears by the 35L because it fits his frame better and handles his camera gear without a hitch.

Comfort and Carry

Comfort is where the 35L pulls ahead. Its padded hip belt and air mesh shoulder straps distribute weight more evenly, which I appreciated when lugging it through Bangkok’s humid streets. The 28L’s hip belt is simpler and lacks padding, so it’s more about keeping the bag stable than offloading weight. If you’re carrying a light load, the 28L’s straps are fine, but anything over 15 pounds starts to dig into your shoulders.

Both bags have stowable straps, which I love for navigating airports. The 35L’s extra grab handles make it easier to maneuver, especially when wrestling it into tight spaces. However, the 35L’s weight (3.7 pounds empty) can feel like a burden compared to the 28L’s lighter 3.2 pounds. If you’re petite or prefer a nimble carry, the 28L is less taxing.

Packing and Organization

Both bags share Cotopaxi’s signature clamshell design, which I can’t praise enough. It’s like packing a suitcase but with the mobility of a backpack. The 28L’s three mesh compartments are perfect for separating clothes, toiletries, and accessories. I usually put shirts in the large pocket, socks and underwear in one small pocket, and chargers in the other. The 35L offers the same setup but with deeper pockets, which is great for bulkier items like sweaters or shoes.

The 35L’s internal compression straps are a standout. They let me pack more without the bag bulging, which is crucial for fitting into overhead bins. The 28L lacks these straps, so it can look puffy when full. Both bags have a top-access pocket, but I find the 28L’s a bit too spacious for small items like keys—it’s easy to lose things in there. The 35L’s laptop sleeve is a win for me since it fits my 15-inch MacBook Pro snugly, while the 28L struggles with anything larger than a 13-inch.

Durability and Materials

Cotopaxi doesn’t skimp on materials. Both packs use TPU-coated 1000D polyester and 840D ballistic nylon, which feel bombproof. I’ve tossed the 28L into the back of a tuk-tuk and dragged the 35L across gravel, and neither shows serious wear. The TPU coating is water-resistant, and both come with a rain cover, though I rarely need it unless it’s pouring.

That said, I’ve heard of some users noticing seam tears on the 35L after heavy use, which hasn’t happened to me but is worth noting. The 28L seems to hold up better under lighter loads, likely because it’s not stretched to its limits as often. Cotopaxi’s warranty is a safety net, offering repairs or replacements if anything goes wrong.

Style and Sustainability

Let’s talk aesthetics. Cotopaxi’s Del Día line, available for both sizes, uses upcycled fabric scraps, so every bag is unique. I get compliments on my 28L’s vibrant patchwork every time I travel. The 35L comes in standard colors too, if you prefer a low-key look. Both are made with 100% recycled fabrics in newer models, which aligns with my eco-conscious side. Knowing my purchase supports the Cotopaxi Foundation’s poverty relief efforts is a bonus.

Real-World Testing: My Experiences

To really put these bags to the test, I took the 28L on a weekend trip to Paris and the 35L on a week-long trek through Southeast Asia. In Paris, the 28L was perfect for zipping through crowded metro stations. I packed two dresses, a pair of flats, toiletries, and my laptop, and it fit under the seat on Ryanair without a fuss. The only downside was the lack of a water bottle pocket—my bottle swung around in the add-on sleeve, which was annoying.

In Thailand, the 35L was a beast. I stuffed it with camera gear, clothes, and a tripod, and it handled the weight like a champ. The padded straps made long walks bearable, but I had to stow it overhead on a budget flight since it was too big for under-seat storage. The organization kept me sane during chaotic bus transfers, though zipping it shut was a workout when fully packed.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between the 28L and 35L comes down to your travel style. If you’re a minimalist who loves short trips or travels on budget airlines, the 28L is your match. It forces you to pack light, fits under seats, and feels nimble. If you need more space for longer trips, bulkier gear, or souvenirs, the 35L is the better pick. It’s more comfortable for heavier loads but sacrifices some portability.

I lean toward the 28L for its simplicity and airline-friendly size, but I grab the 35L when I know I’ll need extra room. Consider your frame, trip length, and whether you prioritize comfort or compactness. Try them on at a store like REI if you can—it’s the best way to feel the difference.

Read More: My Thoughts On Showkoo Vs. Coolife

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

You’re standing at the crossroads of travel gear, just like I was, trying to pick between the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L and 35L. I’ve walked you through their features, from the clamshell design to the durable materials, and shared my real-world experiences to help you decide. The 28L is your go-to for short, light trips and budget airline travel, while the 35L shines for longer adventures or gear-heavy journeys. Whichever you choose, you’re getting a reliable, stylish pack that’s ready for the road. So, what’s your next destination? Pack smart, and let’s hit the trail together.