Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Exped Summit Lite 25
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 | Exped Summit Lite 25 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| Y | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | R |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 15 | Laptop | 0 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D ballistic nylon paneling | 100 D Triple ripstop nylon, PU coated, 2'000 mm water column |
Exped Summit Lite 25
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 0.33 kg |
| Dimensions | 53×28×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 79% |
| Price | $62 |
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Exped Summit Lite 25 are two backpacks that, at a glance, may seem comparable. Both are tall and wide, each standing at 20 inches tall, with the Allpa 35L at 30 inches wide while Summit Lite 25 is at 28 inches. Depth varies slightly, with the Allpa 35L just shy of the Summit Lite 25's 53 inches. Both backpacks also have compatibility with the majority of airlines: 80% for the Allpa 35L and 79% for the Summit Lite 25. There's a world of difference in their materials, capacities, and features, though.
- Size: Allpa 35L is 20" x 30" x 51"; Summit Lite 25 is 20" x 28" x 53".
- Weight: Allpa 35L is 1.5 pounds; Summit Lite 25 is 0.33 pounds.
- Capacity: Allpa 35L has 35L; Summit Lite 25 has 25L.
- Airline Compatibility: Allpa 35L is compatible with 80% of airlines; Summit Lite 25 is compatible with 79%.
- Material: Allpa 35L is made with 1680D ballistic nylon; Summit Lite 25 is made with 100 D Triple Ripstop nylon, PU coated, with 2'000 mm water column.
- Compartment: Allpa 35L has a laptop compartment for a 15" laptop; Summit Lite 25 has no laptop compartment.
The substantial difference in weight between the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Exped Summit Lite 25 is immediately noticeable, with the Allpa 35L weighing 1.5 pounds, much heavier than the Summit Lite 25's breezy 0.33 pounds. This difference can be attributed to their respective capacities, with the Allpa 35L boasting a sizeable 35 liters compared to the Summit Lite 25's modest 25 liters. Their materials also differ, with the Allpa 35L made of robust 1680D ballistic nylon and the Summit Lite 25 crafted from 100 D triple ripstop nylon, PU coated, complete with impressive water resistance.
Reviewers are quite vocal about both bags. The Allpa 35L is universally praised for its intuitive internal organization, making it easy to use and a solid choice for those desiring simplicity, comfort, and durability. Its many features, including a rain cover, comfortable shoulder straps, hip belt, and adjustable sternum straps, all add to its appeal, especially for urban and outdoorsy travelers. On the other hand, the Summit Lite 25 gains favor for its extreme lightness, comfort, and packability, with reviewers envisaging its best use for prolonged travels and easy crammability inside another rucksack.
In conclusion, your choice between the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Exped Summit Lite 25 depends on your unique needs. If you require more carrying capacity, substantial weight isn't a deal-breaker, and a laptop compartment is essential, the Allpa 35L would be your go-to. If, however, you prioritize lightweight, packability, and affordability, and do not require a specialized compartment for a laptop, you might find the Summit Lite 25 more suitable. Both are high-quality backpacks, each suited to specific types of travel and use-case scenarios.