Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Timbuk2 Blink
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 | Timbuk2 Blink |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | S |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 0 |
| Y | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| S | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15 | Laptop | 15 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D ballistic nylon paneling | |
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Timbuk2 Blink are both notable options in the carry-on backpack market. Among their shared features, they both have a laptop compartment that fits up to a 15-inch device. Nevertheless, unique traits also distinguish these two packs.
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is characterized by its larger size and weight in comparison to the Timbuk2 Blink. With dimensions of 20 inches tall, 30 inches wide, and 51 inches deep, it packs in a whopping 35 liters of capacity, lending itself to trips away for longer durations. Despite the noted weight of 1.5 pounds, this heft is justified by the durable 1680D ballistic nylon paneling and a grab-and-go list of essential features: a rain cover, collapsible mesh laundry bag, nylon shoe bag, and a mesh water bottle sleeve, to name a few.
Conversely, the Timbuk2 Blink takes on a different approach. It's slender and lightweight, coming in at only 0.7 pounds with dimensions of 54 inches tall, 28 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. The carry capacity is slightly reduced at 24 liters, but its airline compatibility outdoes the Allpa 35L at 99% compared to 80%. A lack of rain cover leaves the bag slightly vulnerable, but a high degree of quality in the bag's material helps to offset this. Additionally, the Blink features a sleeker, minimal design, and the clamshell style makes it easy to pack and unpack.
Drawing up a quick side-by-side comparison:
- Size: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is larger at 35 liters compared to Timbuk2 Blink's 24 liters.
- Weight: The Allpa 35L weighs in at 1.5 pounds, contrasting with the lighter Blink at 0.7 pounds.
- Material: Allpa 35L is made of 1680D ballistic nylon paneling while the material used for the Blink is unknown.
- Airline Compatibility: The Blink has the upper hand with 99% airline compatibility, besting Allpa's 35L 80% compatibility.
Given the nuances of each pack, it comes down to what best suits the traveler’s needs. One needs to weigh in the value of larger capacity and durability against lighter weight and greater compatibility with airlines. Additional features such as the convenient packing style of the Blink compared to the added accessories of the Allpa 35L also come into the equation; it ultimately boils down to the personal travel style and needs of the individual wearer. Both backpacks certainly hold their own distinction in the carry-on realm and are well worth considering.