Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×30×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 80% |
| Price | $200 |
| Cotopaxi Allpa 35L | Feature | Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | S |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| Y | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | H |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| S | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15 | Laptop | 17 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D ballistic nylon paneling | 100% Polyester |
| Capacity | 40 L |
| Weight | 1.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 54×39×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $42 |
You're looking for a carry-on backpack, and you've narrowed it down to two: The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack. Let's put them head to head and see which one comes out on top.
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a sturdy beast with a size of 20 inches tall, 30 inches wide and 51 inches deep. It's made with 1680D ballistic nylon paneling and weighs in at a lightweight 1.5 pounds. The Allpa is compatible with 80% of airlines and can fit a 15-inch laptop comfortably in its designated compartment. The Allpa comes with a variety of added goodies like a rain cover, collapsible mesh laundry bag, nylon shoe bag, and a mesh water bottle sleeve. Reviewers praise its intuitive, helpful internal organization making it a go-to for travelers on the move.
On the flip side, the Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack packs a punch with a generous 40 liters of capacity. It's slightly larger and heavier - with dimensions of 21 inches tall, 54 inches wide, and 39 inches deep and a weight of 1.7 pounds. But despite the slightly higher weight, it's compatible with 92% of airlines and can fit a 17-inch laptop. One of its most striking features is the affordable price point, coming in at an unbeatable $41. It also features an internal padded laptop compartment and an efficient clamshell design that simplifies packing and unpacking process.
So what's the verdict here? It really depends on what you prioritize in a carry-on backpack. If it's durability, organization, and value for money, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L might be the way to go. But if you're after affordability, greater airline compatibility, and space for a larger laptop, the Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack could be your best bet. Either way, both offer tremendous value in their own ways and would serve any traveler well.