Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Hill People Gear Tarahumara

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 35LFeatureHill People Gear Tarahumara
Storage
N Compression S
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 0
Y Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
H Backpack S
R Hip Belt R
S Sternum Strap S
Inside
15 Laptop 0
3 Main Compartments 2
Y Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
0 Water Bottle Holder 2
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
1680D ballistic nylon paneling500D Cordura

Hill People Gear Tarahumara

Front facing view of the Hill People Gear Tarahumara
Capacity16 L
Weight0.7 kg
Dimensions44×24×10 cm
Airline fit100%
Price$125

When it comes to choosing the right backpack, Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and Hill People Gear Tarahumara both are top contenders. The construction of the Allpa, made with 1680D ballistic nylon paneling, makes it a sturdy and long-lasting choice for the adventurous travelers. Plus, with a 35 litre capacity, it can hold much more than your average backpack. Despite its size, it weighs just 1.5 pounds, an aspect that enhances ease in portability. Wonderful for traveling as well, the Allpa fulfills all the attributes of a smartly designed carry-on compliant bag. Its size factors in accordance to the dimensions of various airlines, making it compatible with 80% of them. It also comes with smartly designed compartments and includes beneficial accessories like a rain cover, collapsible mesh laundry bag, and shoe bag.

The Hill People Gear Tarahumara, on the other hand, is smaller in size yet an excellent choice for day hikers. Despite its compact size, the Tarahumara is incredibly spacious and can hold up to 16 litres. Crafted out of 500D Cordura, its build quality is great and is surely made to stand the test of time. Weighing just 0.7 pounds, it's significant lighter than the Allpa. This lightweight attribute grants it significant portability in outdoor scenarios. Furthermore, it is compatible with all airlines, ensuring you can take it anywhere with ease.

Summary of differences:

Reviewers can't rave enough about the Allpa's ideal combination of comfort, ease, and durability. Its internal organization is applauded for its intuitive and helpful approach and is described as the "best configuration". In a nutshell, the Allpa is a well-constructed pack that can last you a lifetime. On the other hand, the Tarahumara, while minimalistic on the outside, is appreciated for its spacious interior. Being a perfect one day pack, reviewers have pointed out its elegantly simple design, and its commendable space management that leaves most of its main compartment vacant even after stuffing it with essentials.

In the end, you need to pick something that suits your needs the best. If you're looking for something rugged with lots of storage, which you can take onboard on almost any flight and have specific places to stash your laptop and other essentials, then Allpa is indeed for you. But if you are looking for something smaller, lighter, completely airline compatible, yet equally robust and efficient then Tarahumara would fit the bill perfectly. Whatever you choose, both packs promise durability, comfort and are bound to make your travel experience a breeze.