Travelling can be stressful at the very best of times. However, having a reliable and trustworthy backpack along for the ride can help to make things much easier and Cotopaxi’s Allpa travel range is designed to do just that. Here, we’re honing in on the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack, which, as the name suggests, has been created for busy travellers looking for a stylish and practical pack which doesn’t forego all of those features that you really need. 

In fact, the Allpa 28L is so packed with pockets and storage areas that you might end up wondering how you managed without it. This striking ‘Del Dia’ version is technically identical to the standard 28L. However, instead it uses deadstock materials that would otherwise end up in landfill to give it not only a greener impression but a big burst of visual presence that definitely turns heads. The good news is that the Allpa 28L isn’t just about looks; this is a travel bag which has some serious tricks up its sleeve and continues to deliver with every pass through the security line and drag out of an overhead compartment. 

Sphere Score

For

• Seemingly unending levels of space
• Loads of great pockets
• Well thought-out solutions in many areas

Against

• Del Dia colourway may not be for everyone
• Zip pulls could be chunkier
• Actually quite easy to unzip the wrong pockets 

Tech specs 

• Price: £200
• Suitcase-style opening
• Three internal pockets
• Side mesh bottle holder 
• Front accessory pocket
• Padded aptop sleeve with integrated safety loop
• Works with roller bags via a pass-through strap at back
• Three grab handles
• Adjustable shoulder straps and hip belt 

What does the Cotopaxi Allpa have to offer?

First up, the Allpa 28L looks – in terms of shape at least – like a pretty standard travel rucksack or daypack. However, its zipping structure means that it opens out like a suitcase. This allows for much easier access to the bag’s main compartment. From there, you’ve got three separate sections, all divided up for better compartmentalisation of all of your gear. 

In fact, there are three primary pockets, which all offer a different level of space and accessibility. There’s a small front storage area which is ideal for passports or keys, while a secondary top one serves a great spot for more precious items such as sunglasses or headphones. 

When it comes to carrying, the Cotopaxi Allpa is equipped with chunky mesh adjustable shoulder straps, and there’s a chest strap to help spread the weight of whatever you’re taking along more effectively. There are also side, top and bottom grab handles so you’ll never be without a spot to comfortably carry the pack. 

At the rear of the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L, you’ll find a padded and fleece-lined laptop sleeve, accessed via a separate compartment and a separate zip. In fact, it’s here where one of the Allpa’s greatest – and smallest – function hides away. A small fabric loop allows you to pass the zip through and back out again, thereby securing the section from thieves that might otherwise be able to simply unzip the section to gain access to the laptop stored within. 

Oh, and Del Dia? That means ‘of the day’ and it’s a design which puts a big breath of fresh air into the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L. In fact, Cotopaxi’s team will pick a pack at random when ordered and, because each uses different reclaimed materials, you’re unlikely to ever see the same pack out and about again. Not only is this good from a personalisation perspective, but it also means that you’ve got a better chance of keeping ‘your’ bag from being mixed up with other ones. If it’s not for you, then there are some more subdued shades of Allpa available. 

Using – what is the Cotopaxi Allpa like?

The Cotopaxi Allpa 28L is the kind of pack to make you wonder why you’ve been using other options all along. The level of functionality that it brings make it downright essential on trips, but it’s also got a Tardis-like ability to transport far more of your kit than its compact exterior proportions would lead you to believe. Much of that is down to the suitcase-style all-around zip, which means you can pack full-size items without having to stuff them into a primary pocket as you might have to with a ‘normal’ rucksack. It also helps to keep your clothes looking as smart as possible. 

The only downside to this style is that, of course, you can’t quickly access something from that primary pocket and you’ll need to stop, unzip the bag and lay it out on the floor if you need to. It’s a case of ‘swings and roundabouts’ but if you find yourself often requiring an additional jumper or extra layer, this design might not be for you. 

It’s small enough to still get underneath the seat in front of you on a plane, too, though only just. During our time with the Allpa, it was much more comfortable to put it in the overhead bin when travelling, but it’s nice to know that the underseat option is there at a push. 

The two primary top pockets are ideal for those much-reached-for items such as passports or headphones, and it’s only here where we have a criticism; with its multitude of pockets, it can often be easy to get the wrong one – particularly when you’re in a rush. Different-sized zip tags might help to alleviate the issue, but after time, you do get in the habit of finding the right pocket – it’s just easy to get them mixed up when you’re busy. 

The integrated laptop sleeve is easy to access but secure thanks to that aforementioned loop system, while the large side mesh pocket is an absolute treat as it can accommodate far larger bottles than you’d expect. There’s just the one but, in truth, this is usually enough water storage required by a solo traveller. 

The Del Dia colourway sure is striking, too, and though we love the way it turns heads, it may not be the best option if you’re after a smarter travel bag solution, as it certainly has a more casual, carefree feeling to it. Fortunately, Cotopaxi offers other options. 

To finish

The Cotopaxi Allpa 28L is one of the best travel bags we’ve tested. It’s able to bring big-bag spaciousness, but in a package that is easy to take with you on short-haul flights or last-minute trips away. The multitude of accessible pockets means you’ve always got a storage option to hand, too. 

At £200, it’s about on-par with rivals but, given just how talented it is overall, we’d say that the Allpa 28L represents even better value for money than its solid competition.