Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. ebags Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×30×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 80% |
| Price | $200 |
Feature by feature
| Cotopaxi Allpa 35L | Feature | ebags Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | S |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 1 |
| Y | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | H |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| S | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15 | Laptop | 0 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D ballistic nylon paneling | Polyester |
ebags Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack
| Capacity | 48 L |
| Weight | 4.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×36×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 97% |
| Price | $220 |
Looking at the must-haves for a good travel backpack, we have two strong contestants here: The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the ebags Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack. The former weighs in at 1.5 pounds with dimensions of 20x30x51 inches and a capacity of 35 liters, while the latter boasts 4.3 pounds, dimensions of 23x36x56 inches and a sizeable capacity of 48 liters. Both are made with high-grade materials - the Allpa 35L being made of 1680D ballistic nylon paneling and the Mother Lode of Polyester.
- Differences:
- Size: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (20x30x51 inches, 35L capacity) vs ebags Mother Lode (23x36x56 inches, 48L capacity)
- Weight: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (1.5 pounds) vs ebags Mother Lode (4.3 pounds)
- Material: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (1680D ballistic nylon paneling) vs ebags Mother Lode (Polyester)
- Laptop compartment: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (15 inch laptop) vs ebags Mother Lode (No laptop compartment)
- Airline compatibility: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (80% of airlines) vs ebags Mother Lode (97% of airlines)
While, Allpa enjoys rave reviews for its intuitive organization and ease of carrying, with a rain cover and additional laundry and shoe bags increasing its value, the Mother Lode holds its own with superb build quality and versatility. You can use it as a backpack or roll it around whichever suits your need, with stowable backpack straps adding to the convenience.
However, there are certain factors that tip the scales one way or the other. The Allpa's lighter weight makes it less of a burden on those long treks through airport terminals, and its higher-standard ballistic nylon material adds extra durability. Additionally, the bag is compatible with 80% of airlines. On the other hand, the Mother Lode can accommodate more of your traveling essentials with its 48-liter capacity and is compatible with almost all airlines, and it offers the unique benefit of convertible functionality – it can be used as either a backpack or a rolling piece of luggage.
In conclusion, both the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and ebags Mother Lode structurally stand out in their respective leagues making it a tough decision for buyers. However, the determining factor here would lie in the personal preference of the traveler and their specific needs. Whether it's the simpler, comfortable, and lighter-weight Allpa or the Capacious and versatile Mother Lode, both stand to offer a robust, resilient travel companion.