Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Tom Bihn Synapse 25
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 | Tom Bihn Synapse 25 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 0 |
| Y | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | R |
| S | Sternum Strap | R |
| Inside | ||
| 15 | Laptop | 15 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| 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
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×35×24 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $200 |
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.