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 | Jansport Gnarly Gnapsack 25 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | S |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| Y | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 15 | Laptop | 17 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D ballistic nylon paneling | 300 Denier Recycled Ripstop Poly / 600 Denier Recycled Poly / TPU Coated 600 Denier |
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 0.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 44×28×14 cm |
| Airline fit | 84% |
| Price | $60 |
Let's dive into the world of carry-on backpacks, starting with the fairly robust Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. With a size of 20x30x51 inches, there's plenty of room for all your travel needs, all neatly packed into a 1.5-pound bag. Impressive. Its 1680D ballistic nylon paneling lends a hand to its durability which is probably why one happy traveller claims it's 'perfect for the budding world traveler'. Moreover, it can fit a 15-inch laptop and boasts an internal organization system that one backpack aficionado touts as 'the best configuration I've used so far'. Not to mention, it's airline friendly, with a compatibility rating of 80%.
On the other side of the aisle, we have the Jansport Gnarly Gnapsack 25. A slightly more compact version, standing at 14x28x44 inches, but that doesn't mean it shirks on storage. It's lighter, too, weighing in at just 0.6 pounds. Even though it's slightly smaller with 25 liters of capacity, it does accommodate a larger laptop – we're talking 17 inches. And the reviews don't lie – customers talk favorably of its 'decent amount of organization'. Made from a collection of Poly materials, this bag's compatibility with airlines is marginally better than its competitor, standing at 84%.
Here's a quick rundown of the differences for you:
To wrap things up, the Allpa boasts a design beneficial for those who fancy more room and additional features like a rain cover, collapsible laundry bag, and shoe bag, contributing to its higher weight. Its intuitive internal organization is a game-changer for many. The Gnapsack is lighter, accommodating larger laptops and granting you a lifetime warranty. Both bags share positive reviews on their impressive organization. End of the day, the choice lies in your preferences and your travel needs.