Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Tom Bihn Synapse 25

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

By: Cotopaxi Front facing view of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

Buy Now from Amazon

Size Details
Capacity 35L
Capacity per Weight 23.3L
Weight 1.5kg 3.3lbs High
Capacity per KgLbs 23.3 10.6 Low
Dimensions 51x30x20cm 21x12x8in
Cubic Space 30600cm³ 2016in³
Capacity Diff -4L Low
Airline Compatibility

✈️ 80% (159/199)

This bag can be used as a carry on in 80% of airlines.

Link to Manufacturer

Features

Storage
N Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
TopZip Opening Other
Y Passport front
N Passthrough N
Carry
H Backpack S
N Frame N
2 Handles 1
R Hip Belt R
N Shoulder Strap N
S Sternum Strap R
Inside
15 Laptop 15
N Hydration N
3 Main Compartments 6
Y Organizer Y
Y Shoe Compartment N
Outside
2 Lash Points 0
N Hard Shell N
N Molle N
N Rain-fly N
0 Water Bottle Holder
Y Water Resistant Y
Material:
1680D ballistic nylon paneling 200 denier Halcyon/nylon ripstop fabric lining 400 denier nylon lower back

Tom Bihn Synapse 25

By: Tom Bihn Front facing view of the Tom Bihn Synapse 25
Size Details
Capacity 25L
Capacity per Weight 31.2L
Weight 0.8kg 1.8lbs Low
Capacity per KgLbs 31.2 13.9 Low
Dimensions 51x35x24cm 20x13.4x9.1in
Cubic Space 42840cm³ 2438.80in³
Capacity Diff 17L High
Airline Compatibility

✈️ 92% (182/199)

This bag can be used as a carry on in 92% of airlines.

Link to Manufacturer


A casual spin on the quintessential traveler's dilemma, we're comparing two sturdy backpacks today: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L by Cotopaxi and the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 by Tom Bihn. First on the rank is the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L, measuring a hefty 20 by 30 by 51 inches that offers a voluminous 35 liters of packing space. Weighing in at a notable 1.5 pounds, it's a seriously tough competitor made with 1680D ballistic nylon paneling. Not forgetting the tech junkies, it even hoards a specific compartment for a 15 inch laptop.

Now, let's meet the opponent: the Tom Bihn Synapse 25. Slimmer and lighter, it stretches 51 by 35 by 24 inches and champions a weight of 0.8 pounds. It's a sprightly option with 25 liters of loadout capacity. The material? Tough 200 denier Halcyon/nylon ripstop fabric lining coupled with 400 denier nylon for the lower back. The Synapse 25 also stows a compartment for a 15 inch laptop.

  • Dimensions: The Cotopaxi is 20x30x51 inches, the Tom Bihn is 51x35x24 inches.
  • Weight: The Cotopaxi is 1.5 pounds. The Tom Bihn weighs just 0.8 pounds.
  • Capacity: The Cotopaxi offers 35 liters. The Tom Bihn has 25 liters.
  • Airline Compatibility: The Cotopaxi is compatible with 80% of airlines, the Tom Bihn boosts that to a 92% compatibility.
  • Material: The Cotopaxi is constructed with 1680D ballistic nylon. The Tom Bihn boasts 200 denier Halcyon/nylon ripstop fabric lining and a 400 denier nylon lower back.

The Cotopaxi has vocal reviewers lauding it as an all-round bag with thoughtful design, airy for both urban and outdoorsy travelers, and praises its internal organization as being intuitive and possibly the best there is. They love the bag's external organization, its top-notch build, and material quality. Others have even suggested it as a sure-shot hit as a gift for graduating seniors ready to chart their own path around the world.

On the other hand, the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 also has its fair share of ardent fans. Sturdy praises highlight the bag's on-point organization, high-quality interior, and its use of durable materials. Not to mention, a warranty that seals the deal. It seems it's not a simple "either-or" scenario with these two tough competitors, each carrying its unique appeal for different kind of globetrotters.