Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Mission Workshop "The Radian"
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 | Mission Workshop "The Radian" |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | S |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 3 |
| Y | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | H |
| R | Hip Belt | R |
| S | Sternum Strap | H |
| Inside | ||
| 15 | Laptop | 15 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D ballistic nylon paneling | 500D black camo Multicam® Cordura® or Mission Workshop’s advanced HT500 textile |
Mission Workshop "The Radian"
| Capacity | 42 L |
| Weight | 2.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×36×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 97% |
| Price | $625 |
When it comes to carry-on backpacks, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (CAP) and Mission Workshop's "The Radian" (MWR) are two top options. Let's dissect why. Functionally both bags are well equipped, with a laptop compartment for a 15 inch laptop and proportions compliant with most airlines—the CAP being accepted by 80% and the MWR by 97%. CAP's 35L capacity is a tad smaller than MWR's 42L, a difference you'll feel if you're toting hefty gear. Size and weight are similarly contrasted, with CAP measuring 20" tall, 30" wide, and 51" deep, and a weight of 1.5 pounds, while MWR comes in at 56" tall, 36" wide, and 16" deep, and weighs 2.1 pounds.
- Sizes: CAP 20" x 30" x 51" vs. MWR 56" x 36" x 16"
- Weight: CAP 1.5 lbs vs. MWR 2.1 lbs
- Capacity: CAP 35L vs. MWR 42L
- Airline compatibility: CAP 80% vs. MWR 97%
- Materials: CAP 1680D ballistic nylon, MWR 500D black camo Multicam® Cordura® or HT500
- Laptop compatibility: Both can fit a 15 inch laptop
The type of traveler you are might sway your choice further. A rough-n-ready explorer might value the CAP for its durable 1680D ballistic nylon paneling, harmless on college campuses but tough in the wilderness. Urbanites reluctant to compromise on style might lean towards the MWR's sophisticated 500D black camo Multicam® Cordura® or HT500 textile. Both bags are superbly engineered, but they certainly have their individualities.
Reviewers praise CAP for its simplicity and durability, being "easy, comfortable", and having "the best configuration I’ve used so far". They loved the MWR for its customization capabilities, calling it "unique" and "outstanding" for its modularity. Its high price, they deem worth it, after "thousands of miles of testing".The CAP boasts intuitive internal organization, a rain cover, and additional bags to keep items separate. The MWR has more customizable options, weatherproofing and stowable straps.
In conclusion, the CAP and MWR offer travelers a finely crafted balance of style, functionality, and durability. Whether you value simplicity and minimalism like the CAP, or prefer customizable modularity with MWR, both bags are solid investments for any travel-induced occasion.