Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Deuter Aviant Carry On 28 SL

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

Front facing view of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
Capacity35 L
Weight1.5 kg
Dimensions51×30×20 cm
Airline fit80%
Price$200

Feature by feature

Cotopaxi Allpa 35LFeatureDeuter Aviant Carry On 28 SL
Storage
N Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 1
Y Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
H Backpack H
R Hip Belt N
S Sternum Strap N
Inside
15 Laptop 15
3 Main Compartments 1
Y Organizer Y
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
0 Water Bottle Holder 0
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
1680D ballistic nylon paneling600D PES, 420D PA

Deuter Aviant Carry On 28 SL

Front facing view of the Deuter Aviant Carry On 28 SL
Capacity28 L
Weight1.02 kg
Dimensions50×33×20 cm
Airline fit81%
Price$104

Let's hash it out between two rugged carry on backpacks: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Deuter Aviant Carry On 28 SL. Both bags pack a solid performance, but they do have their fair share of differences. Cotopaxi Allpa 35L, for starters, outdoes the Deuter Aviant Carry On 28 by offering a generous 35 liters of carrying capacity compared to the Deuter's 28 liters. Yet, despite its larger capacity, the Allpa 35L remains lightweight at 1.5 pounds, only slightly heavier than the Deuter's 1.02 pounds. As for airline compatibility, the Deuter gets the upper hand by a narrow 1% margin, at 81% compared to the Allpa's 80%.

Here's a concise summation of their differences:

With the Allpa's 35L, you're getting a sturdy backpack built from 1680D ballistic nylon paneling, an element that attests to its durable nature. The Deuter Aviant Carry On 28 SL, however, is crafted from a seeming blend of 600D PES and 420D PA, which may not feel as resilient as the Allpa's fabric. Nevertheless, both bags can snugly house a 15-inch laptop in their compartments, a common feature that's a boon for the tech-savvy traveler.

From the perspective of customer reviews, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is highly praised for its easy and comfortable use, intuitive internal organization, and overall durability. Its accessory set - including a rain cover, collapsible mesh laundry bag, nylon shoe bag, and a mesh water bottle sleeve - is highly acclaimed and deemed perfect for the "budding world traveler". On the other side, the Deuter Aviant Carry On 28 SL is commended for its better fit for women due to its shorter design, secure and comfortable back fit, and the convenience of packing and unpacking. It's also applauded for its ample organization space throughout the bag. In essence, each bag holds its ground in terms of construct, design, and user convenience, making the choice between the two come down to the traveler's individual preferences.