Kifaru Checkpoint vs. Cotopaxi Allpa 26
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Kifaru Checkpoint
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×28×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 71% |
| Price | $350 |
Feature by feature
| Kifaru Checkpoint | Feature | Cotopaxi Allpa 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| N | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| 500D Cordura | 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 Kifaru Checkpoint and Cotopaxi Allpa 26
- Opening: Clamshell on the Kifaru Checkpoint; Other on the Cotopaxi Allpa 26.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Kifaru Checkpoint; Front on the Cotopaxi Allpa 26.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Kifaru Checkpoint; Yes on the Cotopaxi Allpa 26.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Kifaru Checkpoint; 4 on the Cotopaxi Allpa 26.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, water bottle pockets.
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. 3 accept only the Kifaru Checkpoint, and 0 accept only the Cotopaxi Allpa 26.
Only the Kifaru Checkpoint fits
Great Lakes Airlines, Oman Air, Royal Jordanian.
Kifaru Checkpoint vs. Cotopaxi Allpa 26: which should you pack?
The Kifaru Checkpoint carries 2L more than the Cotopaxi Allpa 26 (28L vs. 26L), while the Cotopaxi Allpa 26 is the lighter pack at 0.9kg (vs. 1.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Kifaru Checkpoint fits 71% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Kifaru Checkpoint; if you want to travel lighter, the Cotopaxi Allpa 26 is the better call.