Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Minaal Daily

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 35LFeatureMinaal Daily
Storage
N Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 1
Y Passport Y
N Passthrough N
Carry
H Backpack H
R Hip Belt N
S Sternum Strap S
Inside
15 Laptop 15
3 Main Compartments 3
Y Organizer Y
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
0 Water Bottle Holder 0
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
1680D ballistic nylon paneling 600D nylon fabric, augmented with 1000D nylon in high-abrasion areas

Minaal Daily

Front facing view of the Minaal Daily
Capacity21 L
Weight1 kg
Dimensions43×33×17 cm
Airline fit99%
Price$250

When it comes to reliable travel companions, few brands stand as tall as Cotopaxi and Minaal. Their respective flagship carry-on backpacks, the Allpa 35L and the Minaal Daily, are both strong contenders in the world of travel gear. Both bags are designed to be carried on in the vast majority of airlines. However, there are key differences to note when it comes to size, weight, and material.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L, as the name suggests, stands a little taller with a height of 20 inches compared to Minaal Daily's 43 inches. Allpa has a wider profile coming in at 30 inches, while Minaal Daily sits at a slimmer 33 inches. Both bags offer a relatively deep capacity, with Cotopaxi measuring 51 inches to Minaal's 17 inches deep.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L weighs in at 1.5 pounds, and its sturdy build is facilitated by the use of 1680D ballistic nylon paneling. This dense and robust material stands up to rigorous use and can bear the brunt of harsh travel conditions. Conversely, the Minaal Daily scales down to just 1 pound. The lighter weight doesn't compromise on durability, as its 600D nylon fabric, bolstered by 1000D nylon in high-wear zones, ensures lasting resilience.

In terms of capacity, Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is the champ with a whopping 35 liters, which makes it a fantastic choice for those longer trips or those who prefer to travel with more items. The Minaal Daily, with 21 liters of space, is better suited towards lighter loadouts, day trips, or urban exploration. In summary, both backpacks tick all the right boxes in terms of durability, functionality, and adaptation to airline carry-on rules. The right one for you ultimately boils down to your travel style and capacity needs.