Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack

I got this bag as I like to travel with just a personal item backpack for flights. The 28l is the perfect size for this and will fit under seats even full. I took picks of the packed bag and included them in the review. I took 2x Prana Brion pants, 3x patagonia capilene tech t's, 4 pairs of underwear, a short sleeve button up shirt, 2 north face sunrider hoodies, board shorts, a patagonia torrentshell, climbing shoes and a small bag of chalk, toiletries, 15" laptop + charger, a book and some odds and ends. This along with what I was wearing was enough for a 1 week trip to the pacific NW in winter where it rained and snowed most of the time. The climbing was indoors FWIW ;)I got this instead of one of the knockoffs because of the construction and warranty. Was not disappointed, everything seem overbuild and rugged. Should be tough enough for years of travel and of course cotopaxi will repair, patch, etc. I like that much more than disposable junk that goes in landfills.The interior organization is good, no need for packing cubes so you save that weight/space. I didn't take the rain cover, and of course it rained/snowed the entire time. I was only walking outside 15-20 minutes a day each way to/from work and had zero water intrusion. Obviously if you're gonna be out all day in the rain, use the cover.I do want to mention the lack of a bottle holder. I'm aware cotopaxi sells one but it doesn't really look fit for larger bottles like my camelbak chute 32oz. I just clipped a carabiner to one of the side grab handles and that worked decently though I want to come up with something to secure it better as it's gonna swing around if you run with it like that.All told I'm really impressed with a bag this size that can take enough for a weeklong trip. It's not so much the size but the organization that lets you do this very easily. If you don't mind hand washing clothes or have access to laundry you could easily go months out of this little pack!On this vs the 35L I did debate that and I'm happy I went smaller. I know people are saying the 35L will fit under a seat but I imagine it'd be tight. I just don't want drama with having to gate check on a full flight and get separated from EVERYTHING. There is zero chance of that happening with this bag and I'll take the tradeoff of having to go more minimalist. YRMV but there you have it.

Usually a reader of reviews and not leaver of them, but I am going to throughly nerd out over this bag:First off, this arrived at the speed of light. Secondly, I chose the cheaper option aka the 28L random color. I received a truly beautiful bag. Louvre worthy. I have heavily researched the Cotopaxi Allpa because I was looking for a great airport and weekend bag. Originally, I was torn between the 35L and 28L . The 35L was A LOT bigger (especially when filled) and I really wanted something to be more of a TSA “personal item” versus a “checked bag” so this fits their requirements and mine. In my research, I’ve seen complaints about the zippers being harder to use, but mine are just fine — I hear they get easier with time/use as well. Loving the 2 straps in the front to keep the bag on you securely and not bobbing around. I’m 5’8 and 150 and it fits me comfortably! The random-color option is still the 28L but this version does NOT have the water bottle holder, just in case that’s important to you. I sacrificed it for the cost and bought a carabiner to hang a bottle from, plenty of loops to choose from! Super excited for my upcoming trip with the packing cubes. If the concept of the packing cubes is weird, there is still the traditional (and decently sized) front pocket for storage. But people say once they go packing cube style, they never go back. Rain cover is such a cool/fun addition and has its own little side pocket to store it away. Also, there’s a zipper/storage area in the back for a laptop or something along those lines. Last note, this was the most affordable place I could find the bag as well! Thanks for reading, hope life is kind!

I wanted a lightweight backpack for the office... holding my 15in laptop, various cables and accessories. This works out great! I am a fairly big... 6ft... 270lbs with 53in chest... this is important since the question comes into play, can you wear this backpack... and it fits me just fine. It is fully adjustable. Quality of build is very good. Can it resist tears... sure but it is NOT knife proof... (referencing someone that said their bag tore due to contact with a sharp object). I love the material, the zippers are solid and big... works well even if it is stuffed. The many handles... one on each side is very nice and useful. Overall, I would highly recommend this bag to anyone looking for a lightweight, but strong computer-office bag. Additionally, I like the rain cover it comes with too.

I loved this pack. Beautifully made, great colors, lots of pockets, tons of room. The vendor did not say that the 28L is categorized as a personal item for flying, but the Cotopaxi website does. I need a good pack that can be used as a personal item so I was thrilled! The 28L is 19/20” tall, and would probably fit under the seat in front of you. BUT I found out after purchase, that airlines are cracking down. If you come to the gate with a personal item larger than their published size, they’ll gate check it and charge you for a checked bag. I’m flying to London on United. Their limit for a personal item is 17”. I couldn’t take the chance that I’d be forced to check it, so I returned it.