Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×30×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 80% |
| Price | $200 |
| Cotopaxi Allpa 35L | Feature | Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 28L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 3 |
| Y | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | S |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 15 | Laptop | 18 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | O |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| 1680D ballistic nylon paneling | 100% Nylon & Polyester |
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 1.12 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×32×25 cm |
| Airline fit | 38% |
| Price | $160 |
In the world of carry-on backpacks, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 28L each present unique features that cater to different needs. The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L, measuring 20 inches tall, 30 inches wide, and 51 inches deep, offers a spacious internal configuration that many reviewers found intuitive and helpful. On the other hand, the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 28L, slightly larger with its dimensions of 25 inches tall, 32 inches wide, and 56 inches deep, can easily transition from a backpack to a messenger bag or a hand-carry duffle bag, making it highly versatile.
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L has been praised by reviewers as being spacious, well-organized, and durable. One reviewer mentioned that its internal organization is the best they've used, ideal for both urban and travel use. The backpack includes comfort features like shoulder straps, a hip belt, and adjustable sternum straps, and comes with a great set of accessories, including a rain cover, a collapsible mesh laundry bag, a nylon shoe bag, and a mesh water bottle sleeve.
Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 28L, on the other hand, is appreciated for its minimalist and versatile design. It's not just a backpack – it can also be used as a messenger bag or duffle bag, depending on your needs. Among its features, it has an Air Pod System (APS) harness with breathable mesh for extra comfort, and an attachment option for Litehaul Plus 1 and Litehaul RFID Pod, adding more functionality to the bag. Whether it's for the world traveler or for business settings, these two backpacks offer standout features that appeal to different users. Their individual strengths – from organizational skills, durability, and accessories of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L, to the versatile functionality, comfort systems, and minimalist design of the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 28L, make each one a viable option, depending upon the user's specific needs.