Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Waterfield Bolt

When it comes to boasting significant storage space, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L unsurprisingly excels. Its dimensions of 20 inches tall, 30 inches wide, and a deep 51 inches, ensures a capacity of 35 liters —more than enough for your travel essentials, souvenirs, and a change of clothes or two. With 1680D ballistic nylon paneling, the Allpa 35L promises durability and resilience; it'll see awe-inspiring heights and stunning vistas without a hitch. In terms of compatibility, it'll have you covered on 80% of airlines. But what impressed travelers is the intuitive and helpful internal organization that was hailed as the best configuration some users have tested so far.

Contrarily, the Waterfield Bolt may very well be your go-to for city-trotting escapades, with less luggage and more spontaneity. Sturdily built with either a Durable waxed canvas or 1050 Denier Ballistic nylon —choice is yours— its dimensions are 41 inches tall, 32 inches wide, and 14 inches deep. The Bolt sacrifices some storage space, at 17 liters, for the sake of being airline-friendly – it is compatible with 99% of airlines after all. Reviewers rave about the quality, citing flawless stitching, waterproof zippers with leather pulls, and a vibrant yet robust lining which underscore the professional aesthetic of the Bolt.

Below, a brief rundown:

• The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is larger (20x30x51 inches) while the Waterfield Bolt is taller but slim (41x32x14 inches).
• Both backpacks weigh 1.5 pounds.
• The Cotopaxi Allpa has a larger capacity at 35 litres, while the Waterfield Bolt stands at 17 litres.
• The Cotopaxi Allpa is compatible with 80% of airlines, the Waterfield Bolt claims compatibility with 99% of airlines.
• Material varies, with Allpa 35L boasting 1680D ballistic nylon and the Waterfield Bolt offering a choice of durable waxed canvas or 1050 Denier Ballistic nylon.
• Both backpacks offer a laptop compartment that accommodates up to a 15-inch laptop.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L piqued interest for its numerous bonus features, including a rain cover that safeguards the bag from unexpected showers, comfortable shoulder straps and hip belt, and a convenient adjustable sternum strap. Additionally, it goes the extra mile with its collapsible mesh laundry bag, nylon shoe bag, and mesh water bottle sleeve — not to mention travelers found it light and easy to carry. Complementing its aesthetic appeal, the Allpa comes highly recommended as the perfect graduation gift for budding world travelers.

Conversely, the Waterfield Bolt doesn't trail behind when it comes to user-centric design. With its gold lining assisting visibility inside the backpack, an anti-sweat mesh cushion that is also comfortable, and timeless aesthetics that would blend in any scenario, the backpack is versatile. As one reviewer said, you can take it from “the boardroom to the gym and then out into the streets and pubs of London.” Well, a backpack that accompanies you from work to fun is surely a keeper!