Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Deuter Trans Alpine Pro 28

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 Trans Alpine Pro 28
Storage
N Compression S
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 4
Y Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
H Backpack S
R Hip Belt R
S Sternum Strap S
Inside
15 Laptop 0
3 Main Compartments 1
Y Organizer Y
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly S
0 Water Bottle Holder 2
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
1680D ballistic nylon paneling600D PES, 100D PA Ripstop

Deuter Trans Alpine Pro 28

Front facing view of the Deuter Trans Alpine Pro 28
Capacity28 L
Weight1.55 kg
Dimensions54×29×21 cm
Airline fit64%

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L by Cotopaxi and the Deuter Trans Alpine Pro 28 by Deuter are two robust carry-on backpacks, true paragons in their respective rights. But lay them side by side and you'll notice that they possess unique characteristics that set them a universe apart. Broad of shoulder and wide of design, the Allpa 35L weighs in at 1.5 pounds and is made of 1680D ballistic nylon paneling – a pack so resilient it's like wearing armor. It can comfortably house a 15 inch laptop in its very bosom, and with a capacity of 35 liters, it has rooms to spare. A favorite among 80% of airlines, it's as if the bag was designed for non-stop globetrotting.

The Deuter Trans Alpine Pro 28, on the other hand, dons a more slender yet taller stance. Constructed with a 600D PES and 100D PA Ripstop blend, the pack weighs just a hairsbreadth more than the Cotopaxi at 1.55 pounds. Against the Allpa's larger capacity, the Deuter can only take in up to 28 liters and unfortunately, it offers no haven for your laptop. It's loved by 64% of airlines worldwide, still a substantial number, but lags behind its Cotopaxi competitor.

Here's a summary of their striking differences:

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is garnering high praise in reviews. Often it is touted as the perfect graduation gift for budding world travellers. The travel pack has been lauded for its smart design, simplicity, comfort, durability, and unrivalled internal organization. Frequently applauded features include its rain cover, comfort-enhancing shoulder straps, hip belt, adjustable sternum straps, and accompanying complementary items such as a collapsible mesh laundry bag, nylon shoe bag, and a mesh water bottle sleeve. For any wanderer or adventurer looking for a top-of-the-range, versatile carry-on backpack, either of these packs would serve as a treasured travel companion.