Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Jansport Odyssey

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 35LFeatureJansport Odyssey
Storage
N Compression S
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 4
Y Passport Y
N Passthrough N
Carry
H Backpack S
R Hip Belt H
S Sternum Strap S
Inside
15 Laptop 15
3 Main Compartments 1
Y Organizer Y
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
0 Water Bottle Holder 2
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
1680D ballistic nylon paneling420 Polyester Dobby, 210 Nylon Point Dobby, 840 Junior Ballistic Nylon

Jansport Odyssey

Front facing view of the Jansport Odyssey
Capacity39 L
Weight1.3 kg
Dimensions50×35×31 cm
Airline fit19%
Price$100

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is the epitome of thoughtful design in a carry-on backpack. Just the right size for a long weekend trip, the Allpa sits comfortably on your back with its well-cushioned straps. Its sturdy, durable 1680D ballistic nylon exterior contributes to a weight of 1.5 pounds, which is quite manageable. The Allpa's compatibility with 80% of airlines is a major advantage and recipes its versatility. The cherry on the cake is its configuration, which, to the delight of a lot of users, might just be the best they've used.

The Jansport Odyssey, on the other hand, is a spacious bag measuring 31x35x50 inches and offering a whopping 39 liters of capacity. This capacity, along with the bag's multitude of compartments, makes it a master of organization. The Odyssey only weighs 1.3 pounds, a touch lighter than the Allpa, which is impressive given its larger dimensions. However, it falls short in the airline compatibility department—being suitable for only 19% of airlines. The combination of 420 Polyester Dobby, 210 Nylon Point Dobby, and 840 Junior Ballistic Nylon makes the Odyssey a solid pick.

Here's a succinct comparison summary:

Both the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Jansport Odyssey boast a laptop compartment that can fit a 15-inch laptop. However, the Allpa goes the extra mile by offering bonus features like a rain cover and a collapsible mesh laundry bag. Reviewers seem to be passionate about the Allpa's organized layout and overall easy-to-use nature. That's not to say that the Odyssey doesn't warrant praise—it does, especially for its lifetime warranty, great back padding, and generous storage space.

In conclusion, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Jansport Odyssey are two solid carry-on backpacks. While the Allpa stands out with its impressive airline compatibility and super intuitive organization, the Odyssey makes its own robust case with larger capacity, slightly lower weight, and commendable convenience features. Your final choice between these two stalwarts should reflect your individual travel style, preferences, and needs.