Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Nordace Windsor

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

Front facing view of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
Capacity35 L
Weight1.3 kg
Dimensions56×30×25 cm
Airline fit26%
Price$225

Feature by feature

Cotopaxi Allpa 35LFeatureNordace Windsor
Storage
N Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
1 Opening 1
front Passport Y
Y Passthrough Y
Carry
hideable Backpack Y
hideable Hip Belt N
Y Sternum Strap Y
Inside
15in Laptop 15in
3 Main Compartments 1
Y Organizer Y
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
1, side Water Bottle Holder N
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
100% recycled 840D TPU-coated nylon900D POLYESTER WITH PU LAYER

Nordace Windsor

Front facing view of the Nordace Windsor
Capacity22 L
Weight1.14 kg
Dimensions46×29×18 cm
Airline fit94%
Price$135

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Nordace Windsor are two popular carry-on backpack options, known for their durability and compactness. The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a slightly larger backpack, boasting a capacity of 35 litres, compared to the Nordace Windsor's 22 litres. This larger capacity, along with the Allpa's 1680D ballistic nylon paneling, make it a rugged, all-around bag that's ideal for both urban and outdoor adventures. With its intuitive internal organization, the Allpa is particularly noted for its user-friendly design.

The Nordace Windsor, however, excels in other areas. It stands out with a modern design and a built-in USB charging port – perfect for tech-savvy travelers who need to keep their gadgets charged without fumbling for a power bank. Despite its smaller size, the Windsor is designed for maximum function with features like an RFID pocket to keep your digital information safe, and a memory foam padding for extra comfort during long journeys. Here's a quick comparison:

While both the Allpa and Windsor score high marks from reviewers, it seems clear that the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is the go-to choice for those who need a larger, more durable bag. Its numerous built-in features like the rain cover, collapsible laundry bag, and nylon shoe bag make it a favorite among experienced travelers.

On the other hand, the Nordace Windsor's sleek design and tech-friendly features make it a popular choice for the modern traveler. Beyond its striking look, the Cypress' built-in USB port and RFID pocket are truly functional add-ons that modern travelers will appreciate. Whether opting for the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L or the Nordace Windsor, both offer great value and are worthy investments for the seasoned traveler.