Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×30×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 80% |
| Price | $200 |
| Cotopaxi Allpa 35L | Feature | Alchemy Equipment Daypack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 0 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 0 |
| Y | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | Y |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| S | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15 | Laptop | 13 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D ballistic nylon paneling | Upper: Black Wax- wax coated PES; Black Slub WeaveBase: 3x PU coating on 900 denier Kodra#8 YKK AquaGuard zipper - main#8 YKK reverse coil zipper - external pockets |
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 0 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×26×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 100% |
| Price | $210 |
When it comes to choosing a carry-on backpack suited perfectly to your needs, there's no shortage of options. Two stand-out candidates in the market are the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Alchemy Equipment Daypack. These are both durable, well-crafted packs designed with convenience and functionality in mind.
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L, with 35 liters of capacity, is built of 1680D ballistic nylon paneling--it's all about rugged resilience. Weighing in at 1.5 pounds, it's comfortable to lug around while navigating the airport or hiking paths. A significant feature is a laptop compartment that can swallow a 15-inch laptop with ease. This pack's unique selling point is its 80% airline compatibility, ample for most medium to long-term travel.
The Alchemy Equipment Daypack, on the other hand, shines for different reasons. Despite having a smaller capacity (20 Liters) than the Allpa, it's incredibly light on your back, weighing virtually nothing. The Daypack is built from a mix of materials including a wax-coated PES and a sturdy 900 denier Kodra, sealed with a #8 YKK AquaGuard zipper - ensuring your gear stays dry. A cool tidbit: it can fit a 13-inch laptop neatly. What sets the Daypack apart from the Allpa is its 100% airline compatibility, making it perfect for those looking to literally 'travel light'.
Looking through the lens of several reviews, the Allpa 35L emerges as a favorite for its simplicity, comfort, and durability. The pack's intuitive internal organization, coupled with the additional rain cover, collapsible mesh laundry bag, nylon shoe bag, and a mesh water bottle sleeve, makes it a compelling choice. In a nutshell: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a versatile and durable pack for 'light and easy' travel, while the Alchemy Equipment Daypack, with its 100% airline compatibility, is your ticket to hassle-free air travel.