Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. The North Face Router
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 | The North Face Router |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| Y | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | S |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 15 | Laptop | 15 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D ballistic nylon paneling | 500D Nylon Oxford Slub, 420 D Nylon, 210D Cordura® Nylon Ripstop |
The North Face Router
| Capacity | 40 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 54×35.6×26.7 cm |
| Airline fit | 19% |
| Price | $149 |
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and The North Face Router are both sturdy carry on packs favored by travelers. Each has its specific charm and suitability, let's dig in. Starting with the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L, its unique design seems tailored to the needs of an active globetrotter. Built with 1680D ballistic nylon paneling, it ensures durability for those unexpected rugged expeditions. The compact size, measuring 20X30x51 inches, is a crowd-pleaser for the ease of movement it provides. Furthermore, its 35 liters of capacity are perfect for necessary belongings on any trip, and it's quite an achievement that it's compatible with 80% of airlines.
On the other hand, The North Face Router has its distinctive attributes. Crafted from a blend of 500D Nylon Oxford Slub, 420 D Nylon, and 210D Cordura® Nylon Ripstop, it promises reliability and long-lasting use. It's slightly larger than the Allpa 35L measuring 26.7X35.6X54 inches. It provides an additional 5 liters of storage, bringing its total capacity to 40 liters. Despite its larger size, it surprisingly weighs the same as the Allpa 35L, 1.5 pounds.
Key differences include:
- Size & Weight: Both backpacks weigh 1.5lb, but the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is smaller.
- Compatibility: The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is compatible with 80% of airlines, compared to The North Face Router's 19%.
- Material: The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is made of 1680D ballistic nylon paneling; The North Face Router uses a blend of Nylon Oxford Slub, 420 D Nylon, and 210D Cordura® Nylon Ripstop.
- Capacity: The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L holds 35 liters, whereas The North Face Router has a capacity of 40 liters.
The Allpa 35L consistently received positive remarks from reviewers who described it as "perfect for the budding world traveler" and praised its "internal organization," which "feels very intuitive and helpful". They loved its simplicity, comfort, and durability. These sentiments are reflected in the functional extras it offers like the rain cover, collapsible mesh laundry bag, nylon shoe bag, and a mesh water bottle sleeve. Comfort hasn't been neglected with comfortable shoulder straps, hip belt, and adjustable sternum straps as part of the package.
On balance, both the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and The North Face Router offer style, comfort, and reliability to the discerning traveler. The choice ultimately depends on your specific preferences and travel needs.