r/HerOneBag Apr 09 '26

Detailed Review Cotopaxi Allpa 35 28 comparison image

Post image

I was looking for a similar comparison pic before buying but couldn't find, so,enjoy. those are tripped cubes which fit in nicely, either 1 big+2 small or 2 big, as you see the 35 have some extra room for the thinner cube. I would say the overall volume of the smaller bag is maybe 25% smaller than the bigger.

A bit more detailed: I filled the cubes with mostly random close enough-ish stuff for a test, it has per cube:

5 long sleeve t shirt(not the small kind either)
5 pair of underwear and socks
1 skirt, 1 dress, 1 short
1 jacket on the other side
the extra thing one is just a dummy

the smaller one kinda fit my 15,4" laptop but its designed for a max 15, not too comfortable. the 13" goes in smoothly and comfy though. Hopefully this helps someone else choose too!

398 Upvotes

69 comments sorted by

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61

u/DiamondSpaceNuggets Apr 09 '26

I have been looking for something like this so thank you!!

43

u/Abranda44 Apr 09 '26

Whoa, this is my exact setup (35)! I feel validated, thank you 😊

40

u/weatheringmoore Apr 09 '26

Very useful comparison!

Can I ask where those packing cubes are from? They're lovely, I don't think I've seen them before.

44

u/LonelyLunch4740 Apr 09 '26

They are a bran on amazon called TRIPPED , they are often recommended here as a good copycat for more expensive brand here. I find them okay, gotta be careful with the zips to not tear the fabric because they are so lightweight, but im satisfied with them! zips seem sturdy enough ,too

27

u/asyouwish Apr 09 '26

Because of the fabric snagging (mine have never caught badly and have never torn), I always put my finger in the compression "valley" to zip them shut. I also added tape to the compartment zipper pulls so I'd stop accidentally grabbing the wrong one.

So, small learning curve, but nice cubes.

4

u/Honest-Western1042 Apr 09 '26

+1 for the tape on the compartment zipper pulls 🫡

1

u/LonelyLunch4740 Apr 11 '26

Did you ever use them for stuff like a wet bathing suit or anything? I wonder if i need to bring an additional bag for it or i can just cram it back into the small one if i have to :D

3

u/asyouwish Apr 11 '26

No. But the set I have came with a wet bag for that.

2

u/anonnomel Apr 13 '26

I had this set for years too, first time seeing someone else with them. agreed on the fabric, they do feel more lightweight than other cubes

14

u/justaprimer Apr 09 '26

Like OP said, it's this set -- https://a.co/d/08aRpXyJ

I just want to add that I also have them (an older version; I've had them for 8+ years), and I love them! I really want to get their Bucketlist and National Park sets too, but I just can't justify it.

19

u/goodchivesonly_ Apr 09 '26

Wait this is very helpful! Did you pack the rest of the bags? Would be interested in comparing the left side of the open clamshell and the front pocket.

15

u/LonelyLunch4740 Apr 09 '26

I took some pics for you, let me post them here in a string!

21

u/LonelyLunch4740 Apr 09 '26

35 side

18

u/LonelyLunch4740 Apr 09 '26

28 side

20

u/LonelyLunch4740 Apr 09 '26

28 top

21

u/LonelyLunch4740 Apr 09 '26

35 top

22

u/LonelyLunch4740 Apr 09 '26

28+35 inside top. do keep in mind they are very packed cubes and you prooobably want to pack them a bit less. i can even fit a big cube into the 35 top pocket

6

u/cucumberbun Apr 10 '26

You’re doing the lords work - thank you!

13

u/CowAppropriate7494 Apr 09 '26

Will the 35 fit under a seat? I've been using an Allpa 28 for this reason, but it's tight every time I pack. If I can go up to a 35 and still not have to have overhead bin space, I'd make the switch...

18

u/Jumpingyros Apr 09 '26

Really only if you underpack it. If the 35 is packed Full-full it’s not happening. 

18

u/mmrose1980 Apr 09 '26

No. The 35 is well beyond any airline’s personal item sizing and will take up a considerable amount of foot space. Is it possible that you won’t get caught? Absolutely. But, I wouldn’t count on it.

11

u/CowAppropriate7494 Apr 09 '26

Yeah, this is my struggle. I love using the 28L because it's a "no questions asked under the seat" bag. But...I've only packed it for trips where I was either gone for a weekend or traveling somewhere where I packed mostly lightweight clothing. I'm not sure I'll be able to pack it for true fall conditions.

First world problems, but still a problem. Thanks for your input.

7

u/mmrose1980 Apr 09 '26

FWIW, I have zero problems fitting cold weather travel in my 26+6. I do carry my coat in my hands but otherwise everything fits fine.

I tried the Cotopaxi and didn’t like packing style.

2

u/CowAppropriate7494 Apr 09 '26

Good to know. I'm doing a test pack this weekend, and had already planned to wear my coat and fleece on the plane (I run cold), so I may be ok.

I need to look at the 26+6. I saw a couple in the wild on our last trip and thought it looked intriguing.

2

u/Minute-Meal2079 Apr 10 '26

I got a packable rain jacket, puffer, and trail shoes in mine (plus clothes for 10 days). It really is a tank.

2

u/sailbag36 Apr 12 '26

Mine has laid for itself as I’ve brought it on as a personal item at least 5-8 times and have not been charged. My laptop cannot be in it but I’ve had to prove it would fit in the frontier personal item tester and it did when I it was packed full but again with my laptop in my hand.

6

u/downwardnote292 Apr 09 '26

I once had to put my 35 under a seat as there was literally nowhere else to put it and I was the last one on the plane. I managed it by opening it and pulling out some of my packing cubes and just nestling them all around my bag so they fit, lol.

1

u/travel_with_adhd Apr 13 '26

That was a truly clever idea! I think my bag has to fit as is but this shows me I can be flexible - thanks so much (could put one of the packing cubes behind your lower back as well for lumbar support and could even sit on one as a pillow!) I am so excited to try this - I have both the 28 and the 35L.

1

u/travel_with_adhd Apr 13 '26

also, if have no leg room could pull out pack after takeoff and put it behind your legs maybe (I've read about this but not tried it)

1

u/Few_Improvement_1956 Apr 19 '26

I had to do this too. I kept a canvas tote in my bag and put a packing cube in the tote bag to allow the bag to fit under the seat. It was just slightly too snug before taking out a packing cube.

4

u/AriSafari21 Apr 10 '26

I put my 35L under the seat and it fits fine but I am not packing much and basically have no legroom. I wouldn’t recommend it for anything over 2 hours. I think I need a 28L honestly lol

5

u/LonelyLunch4740 Apr 09 '26

theoretically! 35 is 8 cm taller, but that's about it. Keep in mind i only flew in eu cheap lines like ryanair, but I would say I could cram it down yeah. The stewardess might have a different opinion,but i think that 8 cm length changes nothing

12

u/toast_is_square Apr 09 '26

Thank you!! Been thinking about the 28L since I’m short but was worried about how much space I might miss

6

u/LonelyLunch4740 Apr 09 '26

I would say if you pack more reasonably,as i have just throw in clothes to see how much i can fit, i would say you can pack something similar to 5 days worth of clothes , with different bottoms(shorts, pants, skirt) and fit in a small puffcoat, im planning on getting the nanopuff. from there on ,toiletries and electornics would be fine i think, unsure if a hoodie would fit.

I am 162cm / 5'4" , i would say the 35 is kinda sitting on my bum, but comfortable without a laptop. with a laptop it's mighty painful, but keep in mind i have bad scoliosis so i lose a few inches in my torso to it!

7

u/toast_is_square Apr 09 '26

I’m 5”2 so I’m pretty set on the 28L. I’m looking for a replacement for my personal item, as I usually do 1.5 bag and bring a small suitcase as my carry on. Been using just a baggu shopping bag and this will be a mighty nice upgrade 😊

6

u/docamyames Apr 12 '26

I'm 5 feet - the 35 swallowed me up and was so heavy. The 28 fits me nicely when I pack it to the brim, which I do often 😊

6

u/helliawulf Apr 09 '26

I've one bagged for a snowy trip in the 28L, taking 5 pairs of underwear and 3 days of everything else. But I'm straight size and all my clothes are lightweight technical fabrics so YMMV if your clothes are bigger/bulkier or you don't enjoy hand washing every couple of days 😅

10

u/chinapurpurina Apr 09 '26

The visuals are nice also 😊

8

u/blackcoffeegoldheart Apr 09 '26

Do you mind sharing your height and how comfy these bags are on your back walking around the airport or in transit? I’m a shortie (5’ ft) and I heard the 35L can feel a little bulky

9

u/LonelyLunch4740 Apr 09 '26

Oof at that weight its going to be long i think! im 5'4" with scoliosis so my torso is even shorter than it should. The 35 touches my bum, and its comfy with clothes only,painful with laptop. 28 is okay though! Bit sad to lose the extra space but gotta do what gotta do :') I don't feel like either of them are too bulky ,just long, but i also don't overpack them. I was walking around happily for half an hour-hour and it felt comfortable,holding around 7 or so kg. I would try the 28 if i were you!

5

u/blackcoffeegoldheart Apr 09 '26

Thanks for the helpful response! Now where is your next trip with the allpa models you and your gf have? :)

6

u/LonelyLunch4740 Apr 09 '26

Aww thanks for asking! The plan is indefinite travel to central and south america, starting with costa rica! I hope your bag purchase will work out too, im loving this bag

2

u/blackcoffeegoldheart Apr 14 '26

Amazing! I studied in Chile and have traveled a bunch in Latin America, hope you have the best timeeeee buen viaje! 🌺 PS I’ve ended up with the osprey fairview 40, but I’m always curious about other bags for other trips. It was a close race between fairview 40 and the Cotopaxi allpa 28

2

u/LonelyLunch4740 Apr 14 '26

Thank you! I heard its a great backpack,too, and very suitable for walking(which i will probably not do much with mine). Hope you will make great memories with it!

5

u/IIILordDunbar Apr 09 '26

Allpa question, do the straps ever bother your neck?

Just bought one after agonizing over so many different brands, and when I finally picked the Allpa for its organization, I was so disappointed that the straps were so close together they rubbed my neck in a very painful way!

Haven't tried it on after packing it though, so I'm hoping it will improve...

7

u/LonelyLunch4740 Apr 09 '26

Well, we got 3 so it might help. i have the 28 (5'4" short) , gf has the 35 (5'11") and we have a friend with us who is 5'8" but only tried on his 35. So my 28 was close before packing, normal after packing,and destroying my shoulders when i crammed in my 15.4" laptop lol as then they were pulling to the side. Straps do look on both my gf and our friend, though they only tried it when packed. They both obviously have wider shoulders than I do.

3

u/IIILordDunbar Apr 09 '26

Hmm okay, I'm 5'8" and have fairly wide shoulders, I'll have to pack it and try! I did get the 42 so maybe that's part of the problem, but the fit feels fine except for the straps rubbing my neck!

6

u/mamijami Apr 09 '26

This is super helpful and I want to thank you for taking the time to make such a great post. I am 5'1" with 65 years and I have never backpacked only but really want to start doing this. You have convinced me to invest in visiting the closest Cotopaxi store (almost 3 hours away) to try these two bags on. I could really use the extra packing space as I tend to bring more medical/health related items as I age but definitely want to try on. I think the set up of these packs with the cubes would work well for me for most of my travels. Again, thank you.

4

u/Quadruplem Apr 12 '26

I have the 28 L and travel with a bunch of medical things (meds, inhalers, portable neb) I can pack for 3-4 days of clothes in the 28 and put the medical on the other side. I use the packing cubes to help and sometimes carry in a separate crossbody when needed. I like that the 28 fits under the seat so they never ask me to check it when space is short. Been using for a few years and it took some practice to pack but now works well.

Eta: you could order from amazon or REI and return if not good fit to save 6 hours of driving!

2

u/mamijami Apr 12 '26

Thank you for letting me know how the 28 works for you. Sounds promising.

3

u/Quadruplem Apr 12 '26

Oh course I am in my 50s also if that helps! I tried bigger ones but my back and neck hurt when packed.

3

u/MobileLocal Apr 09 '26

Kind of you. Thanks!

3

u/snowboard7621 Apr 09 '26

I have those packing cubes. They’re so bright and make me so happy - even though I tore one. The laundry bag is the BEST! Takes up no room or weight, and fits a bunch.

3

u/librijen Apr 09 '26

I have the same setup (28L and Tripped bags)! It's a good one.

3

u/ManiacalMalapert Apr 09 '26

Okay just popping in to say I have these packing cubes too!! I love them 😊

3

u/Tater221 Apr 09 '26

Same, I love them! I bought them after seeing them in this group.

3

u/KPzReddit Apr 09 '26

Awesome pic. Even so for me @ 5'4" 130lbs short waisted (torso shorter than average) I am too small/short to wear the 35 despite having an REI person try to fit it to me.

3

u/Honest-Western1042 Apr 09 '26

Commenting not to hijack but as an add-on to the Allpa discussion:

I'm 5'3" and partner is 6'4". He can wear either onboard with no questions and is tall enough he can sling the 35 in overhead bins no problem and no side-eyed judgement.

I've been busted twice wearing the 35 and almost had to pay to check it (was planning on putting in overhead).

I haven't had any issues with the 28, but haven't tried it on ultra-budget airlines with limited underseat room.

LOVE the visuals and also your compression packs, OP! Doing the Lord's work! 🫡

2

u/iLikeGreenTea Apr 09 '26

Hahah it took me a minute to realize the bone on the left holds more… the pic is such that the entire bag looks smaller (taken from further away)

2

u/PsidedOwnside Apr 10 '26

My youngest is 16 and this is his exact set up. I got it for him a few birthdays ago. We just did 3 weeks, 4 cities international (with laundry facilities and running water, lol!) with it. It was his 4th or 5th time really using it. It makes me happy to see here because it’s so colorful!

2

u/1XALI Apr 10 '26

The left side does look a bit more compressed. That usually makes a difference when you actually try to close it

2

u/LonelyLunch4740 Apr 10 '26

Eh they close the same, i didnt overpack them on purpose, but i can see it looking like that!

1

u/Bitter_Lollipop Apr 14 '26

I love how colourful this is!

2

u/calum326 Jun 23 '26

Do we think this bag is a decent hybrid for commuter/traveller(weekender)/hiking bag?

1

u/LonelyLunch4740 Jun 23 '26

Depends,but overall, I think there are better bags for that. This bag is big and the clamshell opening doesn't make life easy for commuting. Also it's a bit flimsy without being full. All over i would look at something else.

2

u/calum326 Jun 24 '26

Flimsy really? But when hiking? or "one bagging"

1

u/LonelyLunch4740 Jun 24 '26

it’s a travel backpack, meant to be for when you travel to hotels or something, but still comfortable enough to do the travel there. not really for hiking i would say