Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Patagonia Altvia Pack 36L
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 | Patagonia Altvia Pack 36L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | S |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 0 |
| Y | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | S |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 15 | Laptop | 0 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | S |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D ballistic nylon paneling | 140-denier 100% recycled nylon ripstop, 210-denier 100% recycled nylon ripstop |
Patagonia Altvia Pack 36L
| Capacity | 36 L |
| Weight | 0.992 kg |
| Dimensions | 60×31×27 cm |
| Airline fit | 19% |
| Price | $179 |
In the arena of carry-on backpacks, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Patagonia Altvia Pack 36L are formidable opponents. The Allpa leads with its sturdy 1680D ballistic nylon paneling and a spacious capacity of 35 liters, clearly aimed at those who like to travel with a few more creature comforts—even potentially packing away a 15-inch laptop. The Allpa is versatile too, finding favor with 80% of airlines. Reviews are praising its internal organization as being among the best, and with extras like a rain cover, laundry bag, and a water bottle sleeve, it's clear why.
The Altvia, however, is no lightweight contender—in a good way. Despite being remarkably lighter and made from 100% recycled nylon ripstop, its durability pales in comparison to none. Its larger, 36-liter capacity keeps it in stride with the Allpa, although without a laptop compartment, it skews towards the more adventurous traveler. With limited airline compatibility (just 19%), it finds its strengths instead in its external gear attachments and comfortable harness system.
To summarize, here are the differences between the two:
- Size: Cotopaxi Allpa is 20" tall, 30" wide, and 51" deep while the Patagonia Altvia is 27" tall, 31" wide, and 60" deep.
- Weight: The Allpa weighs 1.5 pounds whereas the Altvia weighs 0.992 pounds.
- Capacity: Cotopaxi Allpa has a capacity of 35 liters, and Patagonia Altvia has 36 liters.
- Material: The Allpa is made of 1680D ballistic nylon paneling while the Altvia is made of 140-denier 100% recycled nylon ripstop.
- Airline compatibility: The Allpa is compatible with 80% airlines while Altvia only with 19%.
- Laptop compartment: The Allpa can fit a 15" laptop, but Altvia has no specific laptop compartment.
The choice between the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Patagonia Altvia Pack 36L lies largely with individual travel preferences. The Allpa is the urban traveller's dream, ticking all the right boxes with its compact design, high durability, and excellent internal organization. Revolving around comfort, Cotopaxi includes features like adjustable sternum straps, a comfortable hip belt, and shoulder straps.
In contrast, the Altvia is for the explorer, valuing freedom and functionality above all. It holds its own with its recycled construction, lightweight, and generous capacity. Its harness system and numerous external gear attachments make it an exceptional choice for outdoor explorers, more akin to climbing approaches and rigorous wilderness journeys. Those considering a purchase should first consider where their travels might take them.