Timbuk2 Parkside vs. Cotopaxi Allpa 26
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Timbuk2 Parkside | Feature | Cotopaxi Allpa 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| front | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 16in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| N | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| 100% recycled polyester 450D TPU | |
Cotopaxi Allpa 26
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×33×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 70% |
| Price | $145 |
Key differences between the Timbuk2 Parkside and Cotopaxi Allpa 26
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Timbuk2 Parkside; Yes on the Cotopaxi Allpa 26.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Timbuk2 Parkside; Yes on the Cotopaxi Allpa 26.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Timbuk2 Parkside; 16in on the Cotopaxi Allpa 26.
- Water bottle pockets: 2 on the Timbuk2 Parkside; 2, side on the Cotopaxi Allpa 26.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, built-in organizer.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 132 accept both. 46 accept only the Timbuk2 Parkside, and 0 accept only the Cotopaxi Allpa 26.
Only the Timbuk2 Parkside fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, Xiamen.
Timbuk2 Parkside vs. Cotopaxi Allpa 26: which should you pack?
The Cotopaxi Allpa 26 carries 1L more than the Timbuk2 Parkside (25L vs. 26L), while the Timbuk2 Parkside is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 0.9kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Timbuk2 Parkside fits 94% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Cotopaxi Allpa 26; if you want to travel lighter, the Timbuk2 Parkside is the better call.