Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Timbuk2 Uptown
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 | Timbuk2 Uptown |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 0 |
| Y | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| S | Sternum Strap | R |
| Inside | ||
| 15 | Laptop | 15 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D ballistic nylon paneling | |
When it comes to travel backpacks, finding the ideal pack can be daunting. Two favorites among travelers are the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Timbuk2 Uptown. The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L, crafted out of 1680D ballistic nylon paneling, excels in durability. With its 35L capacity, it can fit slightly more essentials than the Timbuck2, which is a smaller 30L. However, weighing slightly heavier at 1.5 lbs against the Timbuk2's 1.1lbs, you might notice the extra load.
- Height: The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is 20 inches tall. The Timbuk2 Uptown is 50 inches tall.
- Width: Both backpacks are 30 inches wide.
- Depth: The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is 51 inches deep. The Timbuk2 Uptown is 17 inches deep.
- Weight: The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L weighs 1.5 pounds. The Timbuk2 Uptown weighs 1.1 pounds.
- Capacity: The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L has 35 liters of capacity. The Timbuk2 Uptown has 30 liters of capacity.
- Airline Compatibility: The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is compatible with 80% of airlines. The Timbuk2 Uptown is compatible with 98% of airlines.
- Material: The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is made of 1680D ballistic nylon paneling.
Let's dig a little deeper. Both packs are designed to be airline-friendly, but the Timbuk2 Uptown steps ahead with the compatibility of 98% airlines compared to the Allpa 35L's 80%. Each pack features a laptop compartment that accommodates a 15-inch machine, but where they truly shine, is in their additional features. The Allpa 35L comes with a laundry bag, nylon shoe bag, and a water bottle sleeve, while the Uptown scores points with bike commuters thanks to its vista loop for attaching lights.
Allpa 35L review: *"I don't travel like that anymore (and, admittedly, I probably found it a lot less fun at the time), but the Allpa 35L bundle would have been perfect. Buy one now and save it for the high school or college seniors in your life. It is the perfect graduation gift for the budding world traveler." Uptown review: "The Timbuk2 Uptown Travel Backpack is an excellent travel companion, provided you’re a super light packer or have a second carry-on.
Finally, the top-notch organization capabilities of the Allpa 35L and the well-designed pockets of the Uptown are universally praised. These packs were built with utility, durability, and convenience in mind. If you are an adventurer opting for a pack that merges simplicity and toughness, the Allpa 35L could serve you well. However, if you're an urban commuter in need of an agile, light, truly bicycle-friendly pack, then the Uptown might just be your perfect match.