Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. DSPTCH Camera Ruckpack
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 | DSPTCH Camera Ruckpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | S |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 3 |
| Y | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 15 | Laptop | 15 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D ballistic nylon paneling | CORDURA® CLASSIC FABRIC |
DSPTCH Camera Ruckpack
| Capacity | 23 L |
| Weight | 1.68 kg |
| Dimensions | 45.72×30.48×15.24 cm |
| Airline fit | 82% |
| Price | $275 |
Let's start with the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. This carry-on backpack comes in a unique design, sporting 1680D ballistic nylon paneling that contributes to its overall robustness. Weighing just 1.5 pounds, it's a light choice for the traveler, yet still offers a substantial 35 liter capacity for all your essentials. With dimensions of 20 inches by 30 inches by 51 inches, it's compatible with 80% of airlines, making it a reliable choice. Uniquely, it even includes a rain cover to help protect against unintended damage and comes with practical extras such as a collapsible mesh laundry bag, nylon shoe bag, and a mesh water bottle sleeve. No doubt about it, the Allpa 35L is built for the no-nonsense traveler who values practicality.
Now let's turn to the DSPTCH Camera Ruckpack. The first thing worth noting about the DSPTCH is its standout material: CORDURA® CLASSIC FABRIC. This lends this bag an edge, with its 15.24 inches by 45.72 inches by 30.48, dimensions offering a different profile from the Allpa 35L. It does weigh a slight bit more at 1.68 pounds, but here's the kicker: while the capacity at 23 liters is smaller compared to the Allpa 35L, it's compatible with 82% of airlines, a tiny bit higher than the Allpa 35L. The Ruckpack is especially attractive to photographers, thanks to features such as a separate laptop compartment on the side, plus the ability to hook a tripod anywhere on the bag and even convert it to a general-purpose bag with a quick removal of the padded camera satchel.
Here's a summary of differences:
- Material: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (1680D ballistic nylon paneling) vs DSPTCH Ruckpack (CORDURA® CLASSIC FABRIC)
- Weight: Allpa 35L (1.5lbs) vs Ruckpack (1.68lbs)
- Dimensions: Allpa 35L (20" x 30" x 51") vs Ruckpack (15.24" x 45.72" x 30.48")
- Capacity: Allpa 35L (35L) vs Ruckpack (23L)
- Airline Compatibility: Allpa 35L (80%) vs Ruckpack (82%)
- Unique Features: Allpa 35L (Raincover, mesh laundry bag, nylon shoe bag, mesh water bottle sleeve) vs Ruckpack (side laptop compartment, tripod holder, removable padded camera kit)
At the end of the day, both bags have their virtues and both serve different travel styles. The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is for the utilitarian traveler who values lightweight design and extra practicality. On the other hand, the DSPTCH Camera Ruckpack is ideally suited for a digital nomad or traveling photographer, thanks to design features like the side-access laptop compartment and the ability to accommodate a tripod. Whichever one you choose, both are top-notch carry-on backpacks that promise to elevate your travel game.