Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L

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 35LFeatureTom Bihn Aeronaut 45L
Storage
N Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 1
Y Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
H Backpack H
R Hip Belt R
S Sternum Strap R
Inside
15 Laptop 0
3 Main Compartments 5
Y Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
0 Water Bottle Holder 0
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
1680D ballistic nylon paneling1050 denier ballistic nylonOR ultralight 400d Halcyon/420d nylon ripstop 200 denier Halcyon/nylon ripstop fabric lining

Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L

Front facing view of the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L
Capacity45 L
Weight1.4 kg
Dimensions56×36×24 cm
Airline fit92%
Price$295

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a compact traveler's companion that's known for its durability and intuitive internal organization, making it an ideal pick for those who prefer light and easy travel. The bag meticulously balances weight across its 35L capacity with a comforting set of shoulder straps, hip belt and adjustable sternum straps. A few pros include the inclusive rain cover, which ensures further security and prevents any possible damage to the bag along with a couple of other nifty extras - a collapsible mesh laundry bag, nylon shoe bag, and mesh water bottle sleeve. The heavy-duty 1680D ballistic nylon paneling increases its overall life span and adds an appreciable robustness. In addition, you can easily carry your tech around with its 15 inch laptop compartment.

The Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L is a beast of its own kind with a colossal 45L capacity, accommodating more luggage than the Allpa 35L, and still maintains a lightweight profile. It's options for material are either a 1050 denier ballistic nylon or ultralight 400d Halcyon/420d nylon ripstop with 200 denier Halcyon/nylon ripstop fabric lining. Both these choices ensure that the bag is durable and highly water resistant. In fact, it's the high quality materials used in creating the bag that make it ones of the most durable bags around. Although it lacks a laptop compartment, it is great for those who value packing space over technology during their travels.

Both bags have positive reviews from users, mentioning features like extensive capacity, excellent build and material quality along with smooth travel experience. But based on the reviews, it seems that the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L turned more heads with its internal organization. And while the Allpa 35L may be the better pick for budding world travelers, it's the Aeronaut 45L that wins for travel versatility "from trail to train station and beyond". All in all, both backpacks are superior in their own ways and would make a great pick for any traveler. It all comes down to personal preference, with the Allpa 35L catering more to tech-oriented travelers and the Aeronaut 45L appealing to those prioritizing space and durability.