Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Deuter Aviant Access 38 SL
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 | Deuter Aviant Access 38 SL |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | S |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 1 |
| Y | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | H |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 15 | Laptop | 13 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D ballistic nylon paneling | 600D PES, 420D PA |
Deuter Aviant Access 38 SL
| Capacity | 38 L |
| Weight | 1.54 kg |
| Dimensions | 55×35×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 63% |
| Price | $120 |
When looking for a reliable travel companion, your options might narrow down to Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and Deuter Aviant Access 38 SL. Let's start by dissecting the Allpa 35L. Compliant with 80% of airlines, the Cotopaxi Allpa thrusts ahead of its competition. Weighs 1.5 pounds, it's a lightweight carry-on designed to suit both urban and outdoorsy travelers. Its internal organization aids a great deal, and its fittingly placed laptop compartment that can hold a whopping 15" laptop is something to applaud. Further, bundled with a wide assortment of accessories, like the rain cover, the mesh laundry bag, and the nylon shoe bag, it certainly stands on the higher ground.
However, the Deuter Aviant Access 38 SL makes a strong comeback. The backpack weights slightly heavier at 1.54 pounds but also offers a jewel of three extra liters of storage. While only compatible with 63% of airlines, its internal organization and comfort hold their own. Opposing the Cotopaxi's 15", its laptop compartment fittingly suits only a smaller 13" laptop.
To compare them side by side:
- Cotopaxi Allpa 35L's dimensions are 20" x 30" x 51", and Deuter Aviant Access 38 SL’s dimensions are 23" x 35" x 55"
- Cotopaxi Allpa 35L weighs 1.5 lbs, and Deuter Aviant Access 38SL is marginally heavy at 1.54 lbs
- Cotopaxi Allpa's capacity stands at 35L while Deuter Aviant leans into an extra room with 38L
- Cotopaxi Allpa 35L proves airline-friendly with 80% compatibility against Deuter Aviant Access 38 SL's 63% compatibility
- Cotopaxi’s sleek design contains 1680D ballistic nylon paneling. Deuter, though uses a combination of 600D PES and 420D PA
- Cotopaxi’s laptop compartment can fit a 15" laptop whereas Deuter’s can only hold a 13" laptop
Some reports have observed superior on-call comfort supported by their adjustable sternum straps and hip belts in the Cotopaxi Allpa. Not to be left behind, Deuter Aviant's back padding system does offer excellent airflow, a feature that could come handy during longer use.
If you aspire for something comfortable, easy yet sturdy, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is the way to go. However, for the travellers leaning towards an additional bit of packing space and great internal organization, the Deuter Aviant Access 38 SL swings in closer. Thus, both of them hold their own standing in the fight of space and comfort, it really boils down to what's high on your radar: Space or Comfort.