Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Exped Mountain Pro 40

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 35LFeatureExped Mountain Pro 40
Storage
N Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 3
Y Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
H Backpack S
R Hip Belt R
S Sternum Strap S
Inside
15 Laptop 0
3 Main Compartments 1
Y Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
0 Water Bottle Holder 0
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
1680D ballistic nylon paneling420 D Oxford nylon, PU coated, 3'000 mm water column

Exped Mountain Pro 40

Front facing view of the Exped Mountain Pro 40
Capacity42 L
Weight1.39 kg
Dimensions62×32×26 cm
Airline fit19%
Price$190

When it comes to high-quality backpacks. the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Exped Mountain Pro 40 are both fantastic choices, albeit with distinct differences. The Allpa 35L, with its compact dimensions of 20" tall, 30" wide, and 51" deep, delivers the promise of carry-on compatibility with 80% of airlines. On the other hand, the more substantial Mountain Pro 40 boasts dimensions of 26" tall, 32" wide and 62" deep putting it in the companionship of only 19% airlines but providing a higher capacity of 42 liters compared to Allpa's 35 liters. The choice then boils down to the specific requirement of the traveler.

Dimensions: Allpa 35L is smaller in size than the Mountain Pro 40. Weight: Allpa 35L weighs a bit more, at 1.5 pounds, compared to Mountain Pro 40's 1.39 pounds. Capacity: Mountain Pro 40 has a higher capacity at 42 liters while Allpa 35L has a 35 liter capacity. Airline Compatibility: Allpa 35L is more airline-friendly, fitting 80% versus Mountain Pro 40's 19%. Material: Allpa 35L is made of 1680D ballistic nylon while the Mountain Pro 40 is made of 420D Oxford nylon. Laptop Compartment: Allpa 35L can accommodate a 15-inch laptop, while Mountain Pro 40 doesn't have any.

Durable and lightweight, both backpacks have their fortes. The Allpa 35L is all praises for its smart design and simple structure. It boasts a laptop compartment that can house a 15-inch laptop, rain cover for those unforeseen showers, comfortable shoulder and hip straps combined with an adjustable sternum strap, and bonus addition of a mesh water bottle sleeve, laundry bag and a shoe bag. On the contrary, the Mountain Pro 40 lacks a dedicated laptop compartment but excels brilliantly outdoors with a weather-proof design. Its lighter weight, despite a larger size, is advantageous on those long treks and outdoor adventures. Additionally, it features multiple loops for attaching outdoor gear and a transparent, removable, and weatherproof document bag adding that extra layer of security.

In conclusion, both the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Exped Mountain Pro 40 offer unique advantages. The Cotopaxi Allpa is built for efficiency, simplicity and lightweight travel, particularly favored by urban and light-travel adventure seekers, while the Exped Mountain Pro is hardened for the great outdoors, appealing to those who don't mind the extra weight and bulk in return for added volume and robustness. The choice lies with the kind of journey envisioned.