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Quick verdict
Choose the Osprey Farpoint 40 if you want clears nearly every carrier's carry-on sizer at 40L. 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 Osprey Farpoint 40 higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Travel Backpacks for Carry-On Only Travel list.
Winner overall: Osprey Farpoint 40
Osprey Farpoint 40 vs Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
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- Best Travel Backpacks for Carry-On Only Travel
- Osprey Farpoint 40 review
- Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack review
- All travel backpacks
Bottom line
Choose the Osprey Farpoint 40 if you want clears nearly every carrier's carry-on sizer at 40L. 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 Osprey Farpoint 40 higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Travel Backpacks for Carry-On Only Travel list.
Osprey
Frame suspension and hipbelt carry weight better on long walks between tra in stations
- 40L with removable 11L daypack
- LightWire frame suspension
- Stowable harness
- Zip-away hipbelt
- Lockable ma in compartment
✓ 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
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
FAQ
Common questions
Which is better, the Osprey Farpoint 40 or the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack?
Choose the Osprey Farpoint 40 if you want clears nearly every carrier's carry-on sizer at 40L. 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 Osprey Farpoint 40 higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Travel Backpacks for Carry-On Only Travel list.
What is the difference between the Osprey Farpoint 40 and the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack?
The Osprey Farpoint 40 stands out because clears nearly every carrier's carry-on sizer at 40L, 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 Osprey Farpoint 40's ma in caveat is that fixed ma in compartment, no expansion for a longer trip, and the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack's is that 42L is the least budget-carrier-friendly size in this list.
Is the Osprey Farpoint 40 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 fixed ma in compartment, no expansion for a longer trip is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack instead of the Osprey Farpoint 40?
The Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack suits backpacking europe, while the Osprey Farpoint 40 is best for carry on only travel.
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