Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Nomatic McKinnon Cube Pack
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 | Nomatic McKinnon Cube Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| 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 | 0 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D ballistic nylon paneling | Nylon |
Nomatic McKinnon Cube Pack
| Capacity | 21 L |
| Weight | 0.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 45×34×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 99% |
| Price | $125 |
Looking at the dimensions, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is slightly larger and bulkier than the Nomatic McKinnon Cube Pack -- 20in x 30in x 51in vs 19in x 34in x 45in, but that's not a significant difference, practically speaking. You're going to notice the weight much more. Here, the Nomatic McKinnon Cube Pack takes the lead with its 0.6lbs weight, against the 1.5lbs weight of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. If you value keeping things cool and comfortable, the Nomatic lightness might be a winner for you.
Here's a quick rundown comparison:
- Size: Cotopaxi is a bit larger.
- Weight: Nomatic is much lighter.
- Capacity: Cotopaxi holds significantly more.
- Airline Compatibility: Nomatic takes the cake.
- Material: Both packs are made of durable nylon.
- Laptop Compartment: Cotopaxi holds a laptop, Nomatic doesn’t.
While both packs are clearly built for adventures, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L seems built for those longer travels, with a 35L capacity vs the 21L capacity of the Nomatic. If you're a digital nomad, the Cotopaxi will better accommodate your 15in laptop - Nomatic doesn't offer a laptop compartment. Yet, Nomatic with that 99% airline compatibility is quite appealing for a frequent traveler.
The reviewers who quoted for Cotopaxi Allpa 35L seem to unite their voices proclaiming the practicality and durability of the product being apt for both urban and outdoorsy adventures. And if weight's not a major issue for you, those additional features the Cotopaxi Allpa offers like rain cover and a set of extra bags may really sweeten the deal.
On the flip side, the Nomatic McKinnon Cube Pack offers certain unique features such as its ability to serve as both a backpack and a camera cube. If you're into photography and want a pack that's compact, lightweight and highly functional, Nomatic is definitely worth considering. In Conclusion, it largely depends on what exactly you’re looking for in a carry-on backpack. Both options have reasons to stand out.