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 | Exped Mountain Pro 40 Women |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| 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 | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D ballistic nylon paneling | 420 D Oxford nylon, PU coated, 3'000 mm water column |
| Capacity | 40 L |
| Weight | 0.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 62×29×24 cm |
| Airline fit | 89% |
| Price | $190 |
Let's dive into the heart of the matter here: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L carry on backpack vs the Exped Mountain Pro 40 Women backpack. Each has its merits, and choosing one over the other all comes down to personal preference. The Allpa 35L, constructed from 1680D ballistic nylon paneling, weighs in at a reasonable 1.5 pounds. It’s got solid structure and ample storage capacity of 35 liters. More importantly, it's made for most travel situations, with a compatibility rate of 80% across airlines. This robust piece boasts a handy laptop compartment designed to fit a 15-inch machine. One notable reviewer even claimed it as an ideal gift for graduating students with a passion for travel.
The Exped Mountain Pro 40 Women backpack, on the other hand, plays ball with 89% of airlines and is made of a water-resistant material known as 420 D Oxford nylon. It's lightweight at just 0.2 pounds and offers 40 liters of capacity. One hiccup here is that unlike its Cotopaxi counterpart, it doesn't have a laptop compartment. However, it makes up for this with plenty of other features. It’s been commended for its weatherproof build, numerous attachment points for gears, and a transparent document bag for holding valuables. The Exped Mountain Pro is also tailored specifically for women, improving comfort with its slightly shorter back system.
Comparison
Overall, if you're a tech-savvy traveler who values a backpack with a dedicated laptop compartment, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L delivers. It comes with extras including a rain cover, comfortable straps, hip belt, adjustable sternum straps, and even a collapsible mesh laundry bag.
But, of course, not to be overshadowed is the Exped Mountain Pro 40 Women. It shaves off a significant chunk of weight, provides more volume, and sports a weatherproof build designed for the rigors of outdoor activities. Plus, it’s created specifically with women in mind, ensuring maximum comfort. In summary, these stellar backpacks serve divergent needs but share a common strand of crafted durability, design, and versatility that set them atop the carryon game.