Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. BURN 38L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×30×25 cm |
| Airline fit | 26% |
| Price | $225 |
Feature by feature
| Cotopaxi Allpa 35L | Feature | BURN 38L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 2 |
| front | Passport | N |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | N |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 100% recycled 840D TPU-coated nylon | DX 210d Ripstop Fabric |
BURN 38L
| Capacity | 38 L |
| Weight | 0.45 kg |
| Dimensions | 70×25×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 13% |
| Price | $220 |
When comparing two backpacks, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the BURN 38L by Mountain Laurel Designs, both come in high performance but with diverse features for different types of travelers. The Allpa 35L by Cotopaxi, as its name suggests, offers up to 35 liters of capacity and is favored by reviewers for its intuitive and practical internal organization, evident in the inclusion of a smart laptop compartment that fits up to a 15-inch laptop. Manufactured with hardy 1680D ballistic nylon paneling, the Allpa is durable, designed for those on the go. Additionally, this versatile pack is airline-friendly, compatible with up to 80% of airlines.
Yet, the BURN 38L by Mountain Laurel Designs offers its own unique set of advantages. Coming in slightly lighter at 0.45lbs compared to the Allpa's 1.5lbs, and providing slightly more capacity at 38 liters, the Burn 38L is designed with experienced ultralight travelers in mind - those who can fit their necessities into a smaller space. Its weather-resistant DX 210d Ripstop Fabric proves its higher durability, but the laptop compartment is noticeably missing in this backpack. The BURN 38L compatibility with airlines is lower, at 30%, which may be a trade-off for its sleek and compact design.
Summing up the differences:
- Cotopaxi Allpa 35L weighs 1.5 lbs, BURN 38L weighs 0.45 lbs
- Allpa 35L has a 35-liter capacity, BURN 38L has a 38-liter capacity
- Allpa 35L is compatible with 80% of airlines, BURN 38L is only compatible with 30%
- Allpa 35L is made of 1680D ballistic nylon, while BURN 38L is made of DX 210d Ripstop Fabric
- Allpa 35L can carry a 15-inch laptop, BURN 38L does not have a laptop compartment
Reviewers suggest that the Allpa 35L, priced at $180, is a perfect graduation gift for aspiring world travelers due to its simplicity, comfort, and impressive internal organization. Comfortable shoulder straps, hip belt, and adjustable sternum straps make the Allpa 35L a comfortable carry, while the inclusion of a rain cover, collapsible mesh laundry bag, nylon shoe bag, and a mesh water bottle sleeve adds further value to the pack.
In contrast, the BURN 38L is specifically recommended for experienced ultralight travelers due to its smaller size, but still boasts excellent construction, professional look, and high durability. Add on the pack's weather resistance, and it becomes a suitable investment for hikers. Both the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the BURN 38L backpacks offer unique features to suit different types of travelers, but both come in with durability, value for money, and high performance, making them worthy investments.