Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Patagonia Black Hole® MLC® 45L

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 35LFeaturePatagonia Black Hole® MLC® 45L
Storage
N Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
1 Opening 1
front Passport top
Y Passthrough Y
Carry
hideable Backpack Y
hideable Hip Belt N
Y Sternum Strap Y
Inside
15in Laptop 15in
3 Main Compartments 5
Y Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
1, side Water Bottle Holder 2, side
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
100% recycled 840D TPU-coated nylon14.1-oz 900-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop with a postindustrial recycled TPU-film laminate

Patagonia Black Hole® MLC® 45L

Front facing view of the Patagonia Black Hole® MLC® 45L
Capacity45 L
Weight1.7 kg
Dimensions56×37×19 cm
Airline fit26%
Price$240

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Patagonia Black Hole® MLC® 45L both stand as the epitome of savvy carry-on backpacks. Each one is built to facilitate the needs of modern travelers, each with its distinct features and advantages. The Allpa 35L lives up to its name with a capacity of 35 liters. It's made of 1680D ballistic nylon paneling - a material known for its resistance to wear and tear. With a laptop compartment able to fit a 15-inch laptop and a weight of 1.5 pounds, it's designed for your comfort and convenience. Perfect for an adventurer on a longer trip, the Cotopaxi is also compatible with 80% of airlines, very handy no matter where your journey takes you.

The Patagonia Black Hole® MLC® 45L, on the other hand, provides a bit more storage with its 45-liter capacity. It's slightly heavier than the Allpa, weighing in at 1.7 pounds, and taller by about 17 inches. Made of 900-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop and 200-denier 100% recycled polyester, the Black Hole MLC is committed to environmental sustainability. Even more impressive, this Patagonia piece is compatible with 91% of airlines, giving you even more flexibility on your travels. The additional capacity and compatibility make the Patagonia a noteworthy choice.

Here's a bullet list that summarizes their main differences:

As for user experience, several testimonials highlight the effectiveness of these bags. One reviewer endorsed the Allpa 35L as a "perfect graduation gift for the budding world traveler." With its internal organization and impressive durability, it's easy to see why. On the other hand, Patagonia Black Hole® MLC® 45L's reviewer praises the "convertible nature", noting the pack's adaptability for travel or camping. Both of these packs can make a compelling case for themselves. All in all, the choice between the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and Patagonia Black Hole® MLC® 45L comes down to your personal preference and needs. Whichever choice you make, you're investing in a sturdy, reliable travel-companion designed to go the distance with you.