Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Ortlieb Atrack CR
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 | Ortlieb Atrack CR |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 0 |
| 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 | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D ballistic nylon paneling | PS33 |
Ortlieb Atrack CR
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 1.22 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×26×25 cm |
| Airline fit | 38% |
| Price | $265 |
Both the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Ortlieb Atrack CR are outstanding options for carry-on backpacks, yet strikingly different in approach. The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a sturdy, stylish and ergonomic bag. Made of 1680D ballistic nylon paneling, which is one tough fabric, this backpack boasts of a higher volumetric capacity, 35 liters to be specific. It's light, weighing just 1.5 pounds, and is compatible with 80% of airlines. A feature that stands out is its laptop compartment, which can accommodate up to a 15-inch laptop, making it a suitable choice for the digital nomad.
The Ortlieb Atrack CR, on the other hand, is a compact entity. Its dimensions, although bigger than the Allpa, make it limited in capacity—25 liters to be precise. The Ortlieb, made of PS33, is marginally lighter and resonates with durability and its weatherproof quality is not to be overlooked. Its compatibility with airlines lags behind the Allpa, working with just 38% of them. It unfortunately does not include space for a laptop.
Here's a comparison at a glance:
- Size: Cotopaxi Allpa (20x30x51 inches) vs Ortlieb Atrack (25x26x56 inches)
- Weight: Cotopaxi Allpa (1.5 pounds) vs Ortlieb Atrack (1.22 pounds)
- Capacity: Cotopaxi Allpa (35 liters) vs Ortlieb Atrack (25 liters)
- Airline Compatibility: Cotopaxi Allpa (80%) vs Ortlieb Atrack (38%)
- Laptop compartment: Cotopaxi Allpa (15-inch laptop) vs Ortlieb Atrack (No laptop compartment)
- Fabric: Cotopaxi Allpa (1680D ballistic nylon paneling) vs Ortlieb Atrack (PS33)
In terms of additional features, the Allpa includes a rain cover, an invaluable feature for travellers. It also comes with a collapsible mesh laundry bag, a nylon shoe bag, and a mesh water bottle sleeve. These add-ons increase the bag's functional versatility. The adjustable and comfortable straps are a favourable attribute of both bags. The Atrack does shine in its adjustable harness system, weatherproof quality, and multiple attachment points for your outdoor gear, scoring a point in durability and comfort.
Drawing the line, both carry-on backpacks are a class apart. From a travel perspective, the Cotopaxi Allpa seems a more well-rounded choice, owing to its high airline compatibility and extra features. However, if durability and environmental-friendliness are your key criteria, the Ortlieb Atrack CR might be your go-to buddy.