Head-to-head · Best Travel Backpacks

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Del Dia vs Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about gear-heavy travelers who value versatility — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #3 in Best Travel Backpacks

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Del Dia

4.3

$230as of Jul 1

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack delivers solid build quality and a cheerful aesthetic that stands out on luggage carousels. Pack Hacker rated it 7.7/10, praising its well-organized interior and comfortable harness system, though noting the hip belt may not fit larger frames. Wild Human reviewer called it their 'new favorite day pack for family trips,' appreciating its clamshell design and organization features, though they noted limited external storage options and the inconvenience of not having a dedicated water bottle pocket. The bag is suitable for weekend trips and travelers seeking organization, but those needing quick external access may find it limiting.

Strengths

— Well-organized interior that makes packing cubes mostly optional
— Harness system feels well-cushioned and fits snuggly
— Lighter weight than the original version while maintaining durability

Watch-outs

— Hip belt's fit might not suit those with larger frames
— Sideways-opening laptop compartment requires opening the bag on its side to avoid device tumble

$230 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Travel Backpacks

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

4.4

$299.95as of Jul 1

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is praised for its innovative design and smart features, with reviewers calling it 'genius' and 'a bold, beautiful, and feature-packed travel companion.' The bag's modular expansion system, magnetic compartments, and versatile access points make it ideal for photographers and gear-heavy travelers. However, some reviewers noted issues with the zipper choice, sternum strap security, and imbalanced side handles. It's best suited for serious travelers who value versatility over simplicity, rather than minimal EDC users.

Strengths

— Innovative and fast harness hiding system
— Feature-fit for almost any carry with modular expansion/compression system
— Wide clamshell opening gives full visibility of main compartment for fast packing

Watch-outs

— Zipper choice (Zoom zippers) is puzzling
— Sternum strap comes off a little easily
— Side handles provide a funky, imbalanced carry

$299.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Del Dia

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L distinguishes itself from the Aer Travel Pack 4 with its colorful, recycled-material aesthetic and well-organized interior, though it lacks the external storage options and independent pocket design that make the Aer model more efficient for serious travel. Compared to the Peak Design 45L, it's less feature-rich but more budget-friendly and visually striking, appealing to those who want a cheerful, functional day pack for family trips.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

Unlike the Tortuga Pro 40L and Osprey Farpoint 40, which prioritize durability and minimalist design, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L stands out with its innovative magnetic compartments and modular expansion system. While the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L offers a cheerful aesthetic and the Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC focuses on breathability, the Peak Design model excels in gear-heavy travelers' needs with its fast-access camera points and adjustable layout that expands from 30L to 45L.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Del Dia	Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
Capacity	35 L	45 L
Weight	2.93 lb (1.3 kg)	4.55 lb
Dimensions	22 x 12 x 10 in	22 x 13 x 9.5 in
Material	840D	400D nylon (top), 900D nylon (bottom)
Laptop Size	15"	Up to 15"
Type	Travel Backpack	Travel Backpack

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