Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
Best ValueOsprey Farpoint 40
Best for Adventure TravelPrice
$160-$200
$160-$200
Summary
Wirecutter's top carry-on pick and a community favorite for its suitcase-style opening, bomber durability, and versatility across hiking, work, and travel. Costs significantly less than Peak Design with minimal compromises.
The go-to for backpacker-style adventure trips, with a suspension system that makes carrying heavy loads genuinely comfortable. Consistently recommended by long-term travelers who prioritize comfort over organizational bells and whistles.
Pros
- Clamshell U-shaped opening for easy suitcase-style packing
- Extremely durable construction — closest rival to Aer in durability per BetterTrail testing
- Versatile enough for hiking, work, and travel use
- Meets most airline carry-on requirements at 35L
- Backpacking-grade suspension system distributes weight far better than most travel packs
- Reliable and proven design for adventure and backpacker-style travel
- Works as a carry-on at 40L while still fitting serious gear
- Lower price than premium competitors with excellent build quality
Cons
- 35L is smaller than competitors like Peak Design 45L or Osprey Sojourn 46
- Less organizational depth than Peak Design for tech-heavy travelers
- Del Dia colorways are random — you can't choose your exact color pattern
- Fewer pockets and organizational features than Peak Design or Cotopaxi
- Less optimized for urban or business travel compared to sleeker alternatives
- No clamshell opening — top-loading design is less convenient for frequent packers
Our take
This is the sweet spot for most travelers — you get the clamshell opening, solid organization, and carry-on compliance without paying Peak Design prices. The fact that it works as a hiking bag too makes it genuinely versatile.
If you're doing multi-week trips with hostels, buses, and rough terrain, the Farpoint 40 is what you want. The comfort level is unmatched at this price — just add packing cubes to compensate for the simpler organization.
Buy
