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 | Mission Workshop "The Vandal" |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | S |
| None | Expanded Capacity | 64L |
| 4 | Opening | 3 |
| Y | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | S |
| R | Hip Belt | O |
| 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 | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1680D ballistic nylon paneling | HT500 Black, MultiCam Cordura |
| Capacity | 29 L |
| Weight | 2 kg |
| Dimensions | 54×39×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $370 |
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Mission Workshop "The Vandal" are both high-quality carry-on backpacks designed to cater to travelers and adventurers. They are made from robust materials and come equipped with several convenience features. Their unique designs prioritize your travelling needs and ensure that packing and unpacking are breezy tasks, while their functionality promises ease and comfort.
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L presents itself as an ideal choice if you're searching for a lightweight and compact backpack. Weighing only 1.5 pounds, this feature-rich bag hosts a laptop compartment that accommodates a 15-inch laptop. It is also known for being compatible with 80% of airlines, making it an excellent bet for the frequent flyer. Constructed using 1680D ballistic nylon paneling, it offers your belongings resilient protection. Reviewers acknowledged this bag as the "perfect gift for a world traveller" and providing "comfort, durability, and an intuitive internal organization".
Conversely, the Mission Workshop "The Vandal" inclines more toward a rugged outdoor persona. It's slightly heavier at 2 pounds, but the trade-off comes in the form of a larger laptop compartment that can host a 17-inch laptop. Unlike the Allpa, The Vandal is compatible with 92% of airlines and stands out with its expandable capacity feature, which can increase its 29L capacity to a generous 64L. Made of HT500 Black, MultiCam Cordura, this beet of a backpack also garners rave reviews for being an "exceptional design" with a "superb construction".
Despite their differences, both the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Mission Workshop "The Vandal" offer commendable versatility and durability. The final purchase decision will depend on your specific requirements and lifestyle. Reviewers praise the Allpa for its simplicity, comfort, and added accessories like a rain cover, collapsible mesh laundry bag, nylon shoe bag, and a mesh water bottle sleeve. Meanwhile, users commend The Vandal for being weatherproof, dramatically expandable, and versatile enough for virtually any situation. As always, both products come with the promise of quality and durability, making it a decision not of which is best, but which is best for you.