Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Briggs & Riley Medium Cargo Backpack
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 | Briggs & Riley Medium Cargo Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| Y | Passport | Y |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| S | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15 | Laptop | 15 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D ballistic nylon paneling | 1600D ballistic nylon outer fabric |
Briggs & Riley Medium Cargo Backpack
| Capacity | 27.3 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 45.5×34.5×20.5 cm |
| Airline fit | 66% |
| Price | $329 |
Let's zero in on the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Briggs & Riley Medium Cargo Backpack, two high-quality carry-on backpacks that cater to both the champion packer and the minimalistic traveler alike. The Allpa, a sturdy piece of luggage cloaked in 1680D ballistic nylon paneling, proudly boasts 35 liters of carrying capacity while weighing just a mere 1.5 pounds. With dimensions of 20 inches in height, 30 inches in width, and 51 inches in depth, it's no wonder this backpack is compatible with 80% of airlines. Furthermore, you can comfortably secure your 15-inch laptop in its designated compartment. Several reviewers have given the Allpa a thumbs up, with its simplicity, comfort, and intelligent internal organization garnering high praises.
On the other hand, the Medium Cargo Backpack from Briggs & Riley cuts an impressive figure with its rich, 1600D ballistic nylon outer fabric. Despite being lighter (1.2 pounds), it is slightly bigger in size (20.5 inches tall, 34.5 inches wide, and 45.5 inches deep) compared to the Allpa. This bag makes the most of its 27.3-liter capacity and includes equally satisfactory storage for your laptop, although it is only compatible with 66% of airlines, a bit less than it's Cotopaxi counterpart.
- Size and Weight: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is lighter but Briggs & Riley Medium is larger.
- Capacity: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L offers more capacity than the Medium Cargo backpack.
- Airline Compatibility: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is compatible with more airlines.
- Material: Both are made of ballistic nylon, but Allpa 35L is slightly denser.
- Laptop Storage: Both have an equal sized laptop compartment.
The Allpa 35L can tickle the fancy of travelers who need that extra space for packing, as its promotional offers include not just a rain cover for protection but also a collapsible mesh laundry bag, nylon shoe bag, and a mesh water bottle sleeve. The comfort-giving shoulder straps and hip belt, along with adjustable sternum straps, can further up its game.
However, the Briggs & Riley Medium Cargo Backpack stakes its claim as the aesthetically pleasing, premium-feeling bag with leather detailing. It not only nails the job of a functional backpack with efficient back padding for ventilation and 2 main compartments but also aces the security concerns with its RFID pocket. It also comes with a leather ID tag and a customizable leather nameplate. For those looking for chic sophistication and utility rolled in one, this backpack could be your travel soulmate.
So either you're planning to splurge on the high-capacity, comfortable Allpa 35L or embrace the savvy, chicly detailed Medium Cargo Backpack, a deeper dive into these nuanced factors can guide your choice.