Cotopaxi Allpa 28 vs. Thule Subterra 34L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Cotopaxi Allpa 28
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×30×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 73% |
| Price | $200 |
Feature by feature
| Cotopaxi Allpa 28 | Feature | Thule Subterra 34L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 2 |
| side | Passport | side |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100% recycled 840D TPU-coated nylon | 800D nylon |
Thule Subterra 34L
| Capacity | 34 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×31×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 70% |
| Price | $180 |
Key differences between the Cotopaxi Allpa 28 and Thule Subterra 34L
- Opening: Clamshell on the Cotopaxi Allpa 28; Rolltop on the Thule Subterra 34L.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Cotopaxi Allpa 28; Yes on the Thule Subterra 34L.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Cotopaxi Allpa 28; No on the Thule Subterra 34L.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Cotopaxi Allpa 28; Yes on the Thule Subterra 34L.
Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, water bottle pockets, water resistant.
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. 6 accept only the Cotopaxi Allpa 28, and 0 accept only the Thule Subterra 34L.
Only the Cotopaxi Allpa 28 fits
Etihad Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Virgin Australia.
Cotopaxi Allpa 28 vs. Thule Subterra 34L: which should you pack?
The Thule Subterra 34L carries 6L more than the Cotopaxi Allpa 28 (28L vs. 34L), while the Cotopaxi Allpa 28 is the lighter pack at 1kg (vs. 1.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Cotopaxi Allpa 28 fits 73% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Thule Subterra 34L; if you want to travel lighter, the Cotopaxi Allpa 28 is the better call.