Quick Verdict: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Vs 28L
The main difference between the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and 28L is size and capacity, which affects what you can carry and how you travel. The 35L offers about 7 L more space, making it better for longer trips or if you pack bulkier items and tech gear, and it includes more internal compartment options and a removable padded waist belt for heavier loads.
The 28L is lighter, more compact, and easier to carry for short trips or minimalist packing, and generally fits under most airline seats more easily than the 35L. Both packs share Cotopaxi’s durable water-resistant TPU-coated fabric, suitcase-style clamshell opening, padded laptop sleeve, internal mesh organizers, and reinforced grab handles — so the choice mainly comes down to how much you plan to carry and your travel style.
Both excel: 35L carries more for trips; 28L stays lighter and lean.
I know the “just enough vs just in case” struggle well. On city hops and long loops, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs 28L has been my go-to choice. Both open like a suitcase, both feel tough, and both keep me fast on the move. But one handles a week, while the other nails weekends and day use. I’ve tested both side by side and will share what actually matters so you can pick the better fit for your trips.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs 42L – Capacity, Features & Best Uses Compared
Is Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Good?
Yes—for one-bag travel and longer trips, the Allpa 35L is a winner. It swallows clothes, shoes, and tech with room to spare, yet still feels tidy. If you want a single carry-on that can stretch to a week (or more if you pack smart), this is the safer pick. It is also the better choice if you carry bulky layers or gym gear.
On a seven-day loop through two climates, the 35L saved me. I used packing cubes in the main mesh bays and kept chargers in the front pocket. Security lines were easy thanks to the clamshell zip. Another time, I loaded it with camera gear and a jacket; the structure kept everything in place and made quick grabs simple. In the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs 28L debate, this is the one I reach for when plans grow.
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What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Clamshell, suitcase-style opening with mesh dividers for clean packing
- Durable, weather-resistant shell with coated fabric and beefy zips
- Stowable shoulder straps and multiple grab handles for easy carry
- Dedicated laptop/tablet sleeves plus a quick-access front pocket
- Includes a rain cover and lockable zippers for travel security
What I Like
- Loads like a mini suitcase, so I pack fast and find things faster
- Great balance of structure and comfort for heavier loads
- Still carry-on friendly for most airlines when not overstuffed
- Smart internal mesh makes dirty/clean splits simple
- Handles on all sides make tight overhead bins less painful
- Coated fabric shrugs off drips and light rain
What Could Be Better
- Heavier than the 28L when empty
- Can feel bulky in crowds or on packed transit
- Water bottle pocket is snug for wide bottles
My Recommendation
If you lean “one-bag” and want buffer space, pick the 35L. It shines on week-long travel and mixed-weather trips, often replacing a roller bag.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| One-bag travel (5–7 days) | Roomy main bay and smart dividers handle more gear |
| Mixed climates | Extra capacity for layers, shoes, and bulk |
| Fly-and-go trips | Carry-on size with easy grab handles and clamshell access |
Is Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Good?
It depends—if you pack light or want a hybrid daypack, the Allpa 28L is fantastic. It keeps you nimble, fits small spaces, and is kinder to your back in tight streets. For 2–4 days, it works. If you are strict with packing, it can stretch longer. Minimalists will love it.
I took the 28L on a fast weekend flight with a slim cube, a pair of sneakers clipped inside, and my laptop. It slid into overhead bins without a shove. On another trip, I used it as my day bag after arrival; the clamshell made it easy to repack for a sunrise hike. In the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs 28L choice, this is the sleek, “live out of one bag and move” play.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Clamshell design with tidy internal mesh pockets
- Compact frame that doubles as a travel daypack
- Weather-resistant fabric with lockable zips
- Laptop/tablet sleeves and quick-stash top pocket
- Stowable harness and multiple carry handles
What I Like
- Light, slim, and easy to carry for hours
- Fits tighter airline bins and small trunks
- Great as a main bag for short trips and a daypack on arrival
- Clamshell keeps things neat without extra pouches
- Looks clean enough for work and play
What Could Be Better
- Capacity ceiling is real; bulky shoes eat space fast
- Less comfy when packed to the brim
- Water bottle pocket is better for slim bottles
My Recommendation
If you travel light or want one bag that also works daily, choose the 28L. It stays sleek, quick, and simple.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Weekend trips (2–4 days) | Small but organized layout keeps carry lean |
| One-bag minimalists | Encourages tighter packing and smoother transit |
| Daily carry on trips | Comfortable size for commutes and city use |
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs 28L: Side-by-Side Test
I ran both packs through flights, trains, and walks. Below, I break down the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs 28L by what you will feel in real use.
Capacity & Packing Layout: Which Holds More, Smarter?
Both use clamshell access with mesh bays. The 35L offers more headroom for bulk.
| Feature | Allpa 35L | Allpa 28L |
|---|---|---|
| Trip Length | 5–7 days (more if light) | 2–4 days (5 if very light) |
| Main Compartments | Larger mesh bays with more depth | Smaller mesh bays; tight but tidy |
| Bulky Items | Handles shoes/jackets well | Needs careful packing |
Ratings: Allpa 35L – 9/10 | Allpa 28L – 8/10
“Edge: 35L. More space with the same smart layout saves stress on longer trips.”
Carry Comfort: Straps, Support, and Load
Comfort changes fast with weight. The 35L carries heavy kits better; the 28L wins for light loads.
| Aspect | Allpa 35L | Allpa 28L |
|---|---|---|
| Load Comfort | Better with full, heavier packs | Best when lightly packed |
| Harness Feel | More support and structure | More agile and less bulky |
| Urban Mobility | Can feel large in crowds | Stays slim on busy transit |
Ratings: Allpa 35L – 8.5/10 | Allpa 28L – 8/10
“Edge: 35L for heavier loads; 28L for nimble, all-day wear.”
Airline Fit & Travel Ease: Which Flies Better?
Both work as carry-ons. The 28L is smaller, so it’s easier in tight bins and regional flights.
| Metric | Allpa 35L | Allpa 28L |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-On Compliance | Yes on most airlines when not overstuffed | Yes on most airlines with room to spare |
| Under-Seat Chance | Rare (too tall for most) | Sometimes, if lightly packed |
| Overhead Bin Ease | Good, may need a turn | Very easy |
Ratings: Allpa 35L – 8/10 | Allpa 28L – 9/10
“Edge: 28L. It flies through tight cabins with less fuss.”
Organization & Access: Pockets and Tech Carry
Both keep a tidy system. The 35L gives you more volume, the 28L keeps it lean.
| Area | Allpa 35L | Allpa 28L |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop/Tablet | Fits most 15–16″ laptops + tablet sleeve | Fits most 13–15″ laptops + tablet sleeve |
| Front Quick Pocket | More volume for cords and snacks | Smaller but fast access |
| Mesh Dividers | Larger panels; easy sorting | Tighter panels; neat and compact |
Ratings: Allpa 35L – 9/10 | Allpa 28L – 8.5/10
“Edge: 35L for bigger tech and extra cables; both are well-designed.”
Durability & Weather Protection
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs 28L share the same tough DNA.
| Factor | Allpa 35L | Allpa 28L |
|---|---|---|
| Shell Material | Coated, abrasion-resistant fabric | Coated, abrasion-resistant fabric |
| Zippers | Lockable, robust | Lockable, robust |
| Rain Cover | Included | Included |
Ratings: Allpa 35L – 9/10 | Allpa 28L – 9/10
“Edge: Tie. Same build, same trust in rough travel.”
Versatility: Trip Bag to Day Bag
This is where the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs 28L split shows. The 28L plays double-duty better.
| Use Case | Allpa 35L | Allpa 28L |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Travel Bag | Excellent | Great for short trips |
| Daily Carry | Large for daily use | Comfortable daypack size |
| Hike/City Switch | Capable but big | Very adaptable |
Ratings: Allpa 35L – 8/10 | Allpa 28L – 9/10
“Edge: 28L. It flips from travel to daily life with ease.”
Weight & Portability
Less bag weight helps all day. The 28L keeps it simple.
| Metric | Allpa 35L | Allpa 28L |
|---|---|---|
| Empty Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Crowd Navigation | More bulk | Slim profile |
| Shoulder Strain | More with long walks | Less, especially half-full |
Ratings: Allpa 35L – 8/10 | Allpa 28L – 9/10
“Edge: 28L. Lighter base weight means happier shoulders.”
Value for Money
Both are premium. Pick the one that fits your real trips.
| Value Angle | Allpa 35L | Allpa 28L |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per Trip | Great if you travel longer | Great if you travel light and often |
| Bag Redundancy | Can replace a roller | Can replace a daypack |
| Longevity | Built to last | Built to last |
Ratings: Allpa 35L – 9/10 | Allpa 28L – 9/10
“Edge: Tie. Choose based on your trip style, not price alone.”
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
For the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs 28L, pick the 35L if you want one bag for longer trips, bulkier layers, or a small camera kit. It packs like a suitcase and carries heavy loads well.
Choose the 28L if you value speed, lighter carry, and a bag that does double duty as a daypack. For weekend flights and city breaks, it is my easy pick.
FAQs Of Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs 28L
What is the main difference in the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs 28L?
Capacity and size. The 35L holds more and handles bulk better. The 28L is lighter, slimmer, and easier in tight spaces.
Which is better for one-bag travel: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs 28L?
The 35L. It gives you room for a week and still feels tidy. The 28L works if you pack very light.
Will either fit under an airplane seat?
The 28L sometimes can if lightly packed. The 35L usually needs the overhead bin.
Is the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs 28L good for daily carry?
The 28L, yes. It feels like a large daypack. The 35L is big for daily use unless you carry lots of gear.
Do both include weather protection and secure zips?
Yes. Both use coated fabric, include a rain cover, and have lockable zippers, which is why the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs 28L is a safe pick for travel.
Can I carry a large laptop in the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs 28L?
Both fit common 15″ laptops. The 35L is friendlier to larger devices, while the 28L suits slim, smaller laptops best.
Throughout my testing, I found the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs 28L choice comes down to your style: more space vs more speed. Pick the one that matches how you move.
Md Abdul Muhaimen is an experienced travel content writer and guide who has a Master’s in Information Systems Management from the University of Huddersfield. He is passionate about all things related to travel logistics and trip planning, and has assisted thousands of readers in choosing the proper luggage, knowing which items can be included in carry-on luggage, and understanding an airline’s policy with confidence.
Md Abdul has a sound grounding in systems thinking and data-driven content creation that allows him to bring clarity to complicated travel topics — from comparing the exact sizes of cabin bags from multiple airlines to developing helpful how-to guides to simplify a traveler’s experience.
He actually engages in travel forums on Quora, answers real user questions, and shares insights by posting on Medium blogs
.His work marries first-hand research, consumer-focused advice, and technical accuracy, and he is a voice that can be trusted among the travel and luggage community.
