Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Eagle Creek Expanse™ Hauler
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×30×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 80% |
| Price | $200 |
Feature by feature
| Cotopaxi Allpa 35L | Feature | Eagle Creek Expanse™ Hauler |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | S |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 1 |
| Y | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | H |
| R | Hip Belt | N |
| S | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15 | Laptop | 15 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D ballistic nylon paneling | 420D Two-Tone Poly, 300D Diamond Ripstop Poly, 500D Oxford Poly |
Eagle Creek Expanse™ Hauler
| Capacity | 50 L |
| Weight | 0.96 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×35.5×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 47% |
| Price | $109 |
Let's take a look at two solid choices for a reliable carry-on backpack: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Eagle Creek Expanse™ Hauler. These bags are about as tough as they come, although the Allpa's made from a slightly denser 1680D ballistic nylon as opposed to the Hauler's blend of various poly materials. Both fit a 15-inch laptop comfortably in their laptop compartments, and both can serve as trusty accoutrements for your every travel need.
The Cotopaxi has a few features worthy of note. The Allpa comes with a rain cover to keep your belongings dry and dust-free, and comfortable shoulder, hip, and sternum straps for comfortable carrying. It even includes a collapsible mesh laundry bag, a nylon shoe bag, and a mesh water bottle sleeve. However, perhaps the defining bit about the Allpa is that it's compatible with a hefty 80% of airlines.
Conversely, let's turn our attention toward the Hauler. The unique blend of polys makes for a sturdy and abrasion-resistant bag. The clamshell opening makes packing a breeze, and it's quite versatile too. You can use it as a backpack, a briefcase, or a shoulder bag. Nevertheless, it only gels with about 47% of airlines out there.
To summarize here are the key differences:
- Material: Cotopaxi 1680D ballistic nylon vs Eagle Creek various poly blend
- Weight: Cotopaxi weighs 1.5 pounds vs Eagle Creek at 0.96 pounds
- Airline Compatibilty: Cotopaxi is compatible with 80% of airlines vs Eagle Creek at 47%
- Capacity: Cotopaxi has 35 liters of capacity vs Eagle Creek with 50 liters
- Added Accessories: Cotopaxi includes a rain cover, collapsible mesh laundry bag, nylon shoe bag, and a mesh water bottle sleeve. Eagle Creek does not have comparable added accessories.
The good news is that either of these bags would serve any traveler well. The right choice ultimately comes down to the details that matter most to you. You'll be carrying the weight of your travel needs in a trusty, reliable bag no matter which you choose. So think it over, weigh the pros, cons, plan your adventures, and then let one of these backpacks serve as your steadfast companion on those-journeys yet-to-come.