Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Jansport Driver 8 Backpack

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 Driver 8 Backpack
Storage
N Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 4
Y Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
H Backpack S
R Hip Belt N
S Sternum Strap N
Inside
15 Laptop 15
3 Main Compartments 4
Y Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
0 Water Bottle Holder 1
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
1680D ballistic nylon paneling600 Denier Polyester / 420 Denier Nylon

Jansport Driver 8 Backpack

Front facing view of the Jansport Driver 8 Backpack
Capacity36 L
Weight3 kg
Dimensions53×35×25 cm
Airline fit47%
Price$110

Whether you're setting off on an international adventure, jetting off for a quick work trip, or embarking on a demanding college course, a reliable and practical carry-on backpack is an essential companion. Today's contenders for the best backpack buddy are the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Jansport Driver 8 Backpack.

The Allpa 35L, a wonderful creation from Cotopaxi, sports a compact profile that belies its generous 35-liter capacity. With such sizable storage, you'll find it convenient for those long adventures in far-off lands. And weighing only 1.5 pounds, it's light enough not to add unnecessary weight to your trip. This agile bag is compatible with most airlines (about 80%) and comes fitted with 1680D ballistic nylon paneling, a material renowned for its toughness and durability. Plus, for your digital convenience, it features a laptop compartment that comfortably houses a 15-inch laptop.

On the other side of the backpack battlefield, we have the Jansport Driver 8. This beast measures in at a bit larger, charming users with 36 liters of storage space and robust 600 Denier Polyester / 420 Denier Nylon construction. However, it's a slightly heavier contender at 3 pounds. Nevertheless, the bag is acclaimed for its craftsmanship and convertibility, easily transitioning from a backpack to a roller. Unlike the Allpa 35L, its compatibility with airlines stands only at 47%, but it matches its Cotopaxi competitor with an equally spacious 15-inch laptop compartment.

Below is a succinct comparison of their features:

When choosing, reflect on what matters to you. For a combination of agility, ample storage, and guaranteed durability, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L tops the charts. On the other hand, if size, capacity, and the attribute of convertibility hold your preference, the Jansport Driver 8 might just be your ideal match. Whichever bag you choose, rest assured, both represent excellent choices for any avid traveler or serious student seeking the perfect carry-on backpack.