● Travel Backpacks · Comparison

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack vs Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

Both made our Best Travel Backpacks for Backpacking Europe shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.

✎ PickHonest Research Desk▦ Updated July 31, 2026◷ 5 min read

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Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel PackCotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel PackView on Amazon VS
Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel PackCotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel PackView on Amazon

Quick verdict

Choose the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack if you want 35L sits closest to budget-carrier personal item limits among purpose-built travel packs. Choose the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack if you'd rather have extra volume over the 35L version suits multi-month itineraries with fewer laundry stops. Overall we rank the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Travel Backpacks for Backpacking Europe list.

Winner overall: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack vs Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack compared

Every difference that matters, in one table.

Keep researching

  • Best Travel Backpacks for Backpacking Europe
  • Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack review
  • Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack review
  • All travel backpacks

Bottom line

Choose the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack if you want 35L sits closest to budget-carrier personal item limits among purpose-built travel packs. Choose the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack if you'd rather have extra volume over the 35L version suits multi-month itineraries with fewer laundry stops. Overall we rank the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Travel Backpacks for Backpacking Europe list.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

Cotopaxi

35L sits closest to budget-carrier personal item limits among purpose-built travel packs

  • 35L suitcase-style opening
  • 1000D TPU-coated polyester, recycled fabrics
  • Air-mesh back panel
  • Removable hip belt
  • Luggage pass-through strap

Pros

  • Extra volume over the 35L version suits multi-month itineraries with fewer laundry stops
  • Same fast packing layout as the smaller Allpa, useful in shared hostel spaces
  • Durable shell fabric withstands repeated loading onto buses and trains

Cons

  • 42L is the least budget-carrier-friendly size in this list
  • Heavier than the 35L version when fully packed for a long trip
  • May need to be checked rather than carried as a free personal item on strict carriers
Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.View on Amazon
Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

Cotopaxi

Extra volume over the 35L version suits multi-month itineraries with fewer laundry stops

  • 42L suitcase-style opening
  • 15-inch laptop sleeve
  • 1000D TPU-coated polyester shell
  • Removable hip belt
  • Exterior stretch water bottle pocket

Pros

  • Extra volume over the 35L version suits multi-month itineraries with fewer laundry stops
  • Same fast packing layout as the smaller Allpa, useful in shared hostel spaces
  • Durable shell fabric withstands repeated loading onto buses and trains

Cons

  • 42L is the least budget-carrier-friendly size in this list
  • Heavier than the 35L version when fully packed for a long trip
  • May need to be checked rather than carried as a free personal item on strict carriers
Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.View on Amazon

FAQ

Common questions

Which is better, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack or the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack?

Choose the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack if you want 35L sits closest to budget-carrier personal item limits among purpose-built travel packs. Choose the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack if you'd rather have extra volume over the 35L version suits multi-month itineraries with fewer laundry stops. Overall we rank the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Travel Backpacks for Backpacking Europe list.

What is the difference between the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack?

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack stands out because 35L sits closest to budget-carrier personal item limits among purpose-built travel packs, while the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack stands out because extra volume over the 35L version suits multi-month itineraries with fewer laundry stops. The trade-offs differ too: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack's ma in caveat is that even at 35L, some strict Ryanair-style sizers may still flag it at the gate, and the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack's is that 42L is the least budget-carrier-friendly size in this list.

Is the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack worth it over the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack?

For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack instead if even at 35L, some strict Ryanair-style sizers may still flag it at the gate is a deal-breaker for you.

Who should buy the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack instead of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack?

The Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack suits backpacking europe, while the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is best for backpacking europe.

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