As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports.
Quick verdict
Choose the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L if you want side access reaches a laptop or camera without opening the ma in compartment. 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 Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Travel Backpacks for Digital Nomads list.
Winner overall: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L vs Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
Keep researching
- Best Travel Backpacks for Digital Nomads
- Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L review
- Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack review
- All travel backpacks
Bottom line
Choose the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L if you want side access reaches a laptop or camera without opening the ma in compartment. 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 Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Travel Backpacks for Digital Nomads list.
Peak Design
Its case rests on compresses to a smaller, stricter-sizer-friendly footprint when needed and three separate access points make it easy to grab items without unpacking.
- Expands from 35L to 45L via external compression straps
- Weatherproof 400D recycled nylon canvas shell
- Rear, top, and side access with MagLatch closures
- Tuck-away hip belt and sternum strap
- Compatible with Peak Design packing cubes and camera cubes
✓ 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 Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L or the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack?
Choose the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L if you want side access reaches a laptop or camera without opening the ma in compartment. 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 Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Travel Backpacks for Digital Nomads list.
What is the difference between the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L and the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack?
The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L stands out because side access reaches a laptop or camera without opening the ma in compartment, 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 Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L's ma in caveat is that heavier than the Cotopaxi packs when the laptop cube and cubes are loaded in, and the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack's is that 42L is the least budget-carrier-friendly size in this list.
Is the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L 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 heavier than the Cotopaxi packs when the laptop cube and cubes are loaded in is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack instead of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L?
The Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack suits backpacking europe, while the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is best for digital nomads.
Keep researching
Related guides & comparisons
Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack
