Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Deuter Freerider 30

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 35LFeatureDeuter Freerider 30
Storage
N Compression S
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 4
Y Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
H Backpack S
R Hip Belt S
S Sternum Strap S
Inside
15 Laptop 0
3 Main Compartments 1
Y Organizer Y
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
0 Water Bottle Holder 0
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
1680D ballistic nylon paneling330D PA 6.6 Ripstop, 210D PA Ripstop

Deuter Freerider 30

Front facing view of the Deuter Freerider 30
Capacity30 L
Weight1 kg
Dimensions54×34×18 cm
Airline fit79%
Price$160

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Deuter Freerider 30 are two sturdy and reliable carry-on backpacks with distinct features and design choices. The Allpa 35L by Cotopaxi, standing tall at 20 inches and broad at 30 inches, offers 35 liters of room for storage, making it perfect for an individual looking for a backpack with a little more space. It's a mild heavyweight, tipping the scale at 1.5 pounds, and is fashioned from a durable 1680D ballistic nylon paneling which promotes longevity and resists abrasion that continuous travel might cause. An added selling point is the laptop compartment that can house a 15 inch laptop securely.

On the other hand, Deuter's Freerider 30, although slightly smaller in dimensions at 18 inches tall and 34 inches wide, is a more lightweight choice weighing just a pound. This backpack is constructed from a 330D PA 6.6 Ripstop and 210D PA Ripstop material, ensuring it can withstand rough handling and severe weather conditions. Although it has a smaller storage volume of 30 liters, it is compatible with a wider range of airlines and is an ideal choice for frequent air travelers.

Now, for a point-by-point comparison:

Reviewers have highlighted the excellent features of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L, pointing out its benefits for college graduates or seasoned travelers. It's hailed as intuitive to use and comfortable to carry with its ergonomic, adjustable sternum straps and hip belt. Additional features that make it highly recommended include a rain cover for added protection, a collapsible mesh laundry bag, a nylon shoe bag which keeps footwear separate from clothes, and a mesh water bottle sleeve. The overall consensus is, if you're on the lookout for a carry-on backpack that's simple, comfortable, durable, and intelligently designed, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is an outstanding choice.