Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Arc'Teryx Granville 20

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

Front facing view of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
Capacity35 L
Weight1.3 kg
Dimensions56×30×25 cm
Airline fit26%
Price$225

Feature by feature

Cotopaxi Allpa 35LFeatureArc'Teryx Granville 20
Storage
N Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
1 Opening 3
front Passport N
Y Passthrough N
Carry
hideable Backpack Y
hideable Hip Belt N
Y Sternum Strap Y
Inside
15in Laptop 15in
3 Main Compartments 1
Y Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
1, side Water Bottle Holder N
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
100% recycled 840D TPU-coated nylonN400r-AC² nylon 6 ripstop

Arc'Teryx Granville 20

Front facing view of the Arc'Teryx Granville 20
Capacity20 L
Weight1.3 kg
Dimensions52×32×18 cm
Airline fit88%
Price$180

Starting off with the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L, this is a hefty carry-on backpack with a good amount of space and is made from highly durable 1680D ballistic nylon paneling. Though a bit on the heavy side at 1.5 pounds, the Allpa offers 35 liters of capacity, ample space for all your essentials on a short trip. Added bonus, it’s compatible with a whopping 80% of airlines’ carry-on criteria. For the tech-savvy traveler, the backpack features a laptop compartment that accommodates up to a 15-inch laptop. Moreover, consumers have highlighted its strong organizational structure that comes as quite a relief when packing in a hurry.

On the other hand, the Arc'Teryx Granville 20 doesn't weigh a thing but sacrifices a good 15 liters of space. It's equally airline-friendly, but the key differentiator here is the use of N400r-AC² nylon 6 ripstop material. Additionally, the Granville also has a 15-inch laptop compartment. Most reviews rave about its durability and comfortable carrying style, despite riding comparatively high on the back. They also praised it as the perfect daily backpack thanks to its minimalist yet sleek design.

In summary, here's a simplified comparison of both backpacks:

Lastly, concluding thoughts for each; if you're on the lookout for a spacious, durable carry-on bag that provides excellent organization, look no further than the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. It comes with a handy set of additional accessories including a laundry bag, shoe bag, and water bottle sleeve. However, if weight and aesthetics are more important to you, consider the Arc'Teryx Granville 20. Its minimalist design coupled with its weatherproof capability and unmatched comfort, make it a strong contender.