Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs. Tortuga Setout Backpack 45L
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 | Tortuga Setout Backpack 45L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | S |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| Y | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | H |
| R | Hip Belt | R |
| S | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 15 | Laptop | 17 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D ballistic nylon paneling | 900D polyester |
Tortuga Setout Backpack 45L
| Capacity | 45 L |
| Weight | 1.77 kg |
| Dimensions | 55.88×35.56×22.86 cm |
| Airline fit | 47% |
| Price | $229 |
Let's take a closer look at these two travel buddies, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Tortuga Setout Backpack 45L. Both top-tier contenders in the carry-on backpack game, they go neck-to-neck in terms of design, quality and functionality. The Allpa 35L, impressively designed by Cotopaxi, has a modern, sleek look and feel. Measuring 20 inches tall, 30 inches wide and 51 inches deep, it is a compact bag, and weighing only 1.5 pounds brings no unnecessary weight to your back or the airline scales. It's made of 1680D ballistic nylon paneling, which assures high durability here.
In contrast is the broad-shouldered Tortuga Setout Backpack 45L, clocking in slightly bigger at 22.86 inches tall, 35.56 inches wide, and 55.88 inches deep, and tipping the scale at 1.77 pounds. This bag made of 900D polyester offers a slightly larger capacity, but not without a small weight penalty.
- Dimensions: Cotopaxi = 20x30x51 inches, Tortuga = 22.86x35.56x55.88 inches
- Weight: Cotopaxi = 1.5 lbs, Tortuga = 1.77 lbs
- Material: Cotopaxi = 1680D ballistic nylon, Tortuga = 900D polyester
- Capacity: Cotopaxi = 35 liters, Tortuga = 45 liters
- Airline Compatibility: Cotopaxi = 80% of airlines, Tortuga = 47% of airlines
- Laptop Compartment: Cotopaxi = fits 15" laptop, Tortuga = fits 17" laptop
If space is what matters most to you in a backpack, less is definitely not more. The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L lags a bit behind with a 35 liter carrying capacity and a 15 inch laptop compartment. However, if you're a savvy packer, or planning on traveling light, this could serve you perfectly well as your single pack solution.
On the other hand, the Tortuga Setout Backpack offers a substantial 45 liters of capacity, more than enough to fit all essential travel items, and even a 17 inch laptop. If you're a heavy packer, or planning to drag a digital workstation along the road, it's clear that Tortuga is the way to go. Also, it's worth noting that the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L also boasts a higher percentage of airline compatibility at 80%, up against Tortuga's 47%, so it may be the better option if you frequently fly different carriers. Let's call it. If you're a light traveller, go for the Cotopaxi. If you need the extra space, Tortuga is the one for you.
Here's to hoping your travels will take you places, with either of these sturdy companions!