Cotopaxi Allpa 35 review – A carry on clamshell back pack

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35 is a 35 litre pack designed to be used as cabin baggage. Since it arrived with me I’ve been trapped on the ground, but having finally got airborne I can now review it as it’s intended to be used.

Brand: Cotopaxi
Product: Allpa 35 back pack
From: cotopaxi.com
Price: £200
Tested: by Hannah for two flights/four planes/one return trip!

Three Ride Packs - A First Look

Share

Watch on

Three things I’d change

• I’m not convinced by the web strap zip security – I think they’re more of a faff than a help.
• An elasticated water bottle pocket on the outside would be really handy.
• It’s about £50 more than similar sized ethical luggage, though it does have a lot of features.

Three things I loved

• Think about how you pack and you can fit a lot in without unpacking at every security check.
• It’s pretty comfortable to carry – the backpack straps aren’t an afterthought.
• Clamshell suitcase convenience in a carry on sized pack.

My test sample is made in the distinctive Cotopaxi multicoloured ‘Del Dia’ style, from remnants and offcuts of fabric. Each piece is then chosen to fit the pattern by the person sewing the bag, reducing waste and creating a unique mix of colours. There are single colour options available if you prefer, and at time of writing this Del Dia option isn’t listed on the UK site – though it is available in the USA.

Members Only content continues…

THERE’S MORE TO THIS STORY

BUT IT’S A MEMBER-ONLY STORY. JOIN US TO UNLOCK IT AND MORE

If you have an account, please log in. If not, you can get access to some of our features by registering here for free.

You could join them and open up this and countless other articles and reviews from just £0.06/day!

All members get..

• Exclusive members only content
• Digital back issues
• New issues via iOS/Android App
• Ad free website
• Merch discounts
• Downloads, GPX files, PDFs, iBooks

Print+ members also get..

Next available print copy of Singletrack magazine posted to you. Each issue contains 148 pages of perfect ride inspiration, opinion, adventure and reviews.

A message from all of us at Singletrack magazine

We need your help

For over 20 years Singletrack has been a source of information, news and entertainment for millions of mountain bike enthusiasts and as an important focal point for an amazing community of like minded riders from around the world. But it has also been a provider of jobs and income for dozens of families of our team as well as a source of revenue for hundreds of freelance contributors.

We want to keep going through this uncertain period and create great content to inform and entertain you, but we will need your help to do it. More than anything else we want to have a reciprocal relationship with you and the best way to make that happen is through our memberships. We’d love you to join us as a paid member of the Singletrack community – we promise you a return on your investment through the content we have and will create for you.

Review Info

Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.

More posts from Hannah