Hey! Cotopaxi founder here. I'm a little late to the party here, but I loved the video and side-by-side review! I'm with you on how sad it is to lose the external access zipper to the main compartment - an unfortunate and necessary victim to the much-needed waterbottle pocket. My favorite addition might be that small external pocket on the front of the bag, that you also loved. I thought I'd add a couple small comments ... the handle you reference when using the bag as a duffle also doubles as a sleeve you can use to attach your Allpa onto a roller bag handle, which is an awesome feature if you're traveling with a roller bag. Additionally, we fixed my biggest pet peeve with the Allpa - I found that the old shoulder straps used to slide off my shoulders if I didn't buckle the sternum strap because the material was a little too smooth. The new shoulder strap material eliminates this problem. Thanks again for the amazing review! I'm glad you love the bag as much as I do!
I really appreciate the thoroughness of your review/comparison. This was really helpful for me, especially how you mention things like the feel of the fabric/buckles, not just pockets. Also liked how honest you were about the wear on your previous one, and just the fact that you actually USED it! Been watching backpack/pack comparison videos trying to get ready for my trip, but notice so many times all brand new items are reviewed and/or compared with brand new items. Great video!
I recently picked the 35, older version, but it seems the interior buckle straps were already dropped. I do appreciate they included a waterproof cover since the zippers aren't watertight. I used the bag this past weekend for 4 days and it was more bag than I needed but I loved the functionality...!
yes, the video we ALL want. I love my 35 for years now, and wondered the same questions! So hard to have the great additions, with all the unfortunate loss of features etc. Tricky choice, but thanks for this vid!
Great review. I got the new Allpa 28. I haven't had occasion to used it yet, but am so excited for the new features. One thing to note about the 28L is that the backpack straps cannot be tucked away like the 35L. You can tuck away the waste belt though.
Nice video! Another feature they removed was the anti-theft straps for all of the zippers/compartments. It's one of the main reasons I haven't pulled the trigger on a new one because I really enjoy the peace-of-mind knowing that all of the compartments aren't easy theft targets, especially the one that is supposed to have your passport, phone, wallet, etc.
Great review! Really appreciate the water bottle holder on the new version, such a game-changer! I don't have a Cotopaxi backpack yet, but looking into getting one at some point. Just love everything they sell haha.
Non removable hip belt and the reversal of the mesh panels on the main compartments on the new bag are deal breakers for me. While I like some of the other changes, I’ll stick with my old pack.
i have had the older version since april of 2023 when i took it on a 2 and half week trip to the philippines. i just got back from a 2 and half week trip to ireland/germany/austria. i’ve used it on many smaller domestic trips, camping, weekend trips, etc. i rave about this bag to everyone, and it’s a little upsetting some of the features they took away 😭 i think you nailed this review, but in my opinion some of the new upgrades can be supplemented on the old bag. the quick access pocket has saved me more times that i can count, i put my water bottle on a carabiner to hang at an anchor point, and put small quick access stuff in a fanny or sling. especially at the new price point of $225 (the old one was $200 when i bought it!) the upgrade doesn’t make sense to me. thank you for such a thorough review!!!
Hey! Cotopaxi founder here. I'm a little late to the party here, but I loved the video and side-by-side review! I'm with you on how sad it is to lose the external access zipper to the main compartment - an unfortunate and necessary victim to the much-needed waterbottle pocket. My favorite addition might be that small external pocket on the front of the bag, that you also loved. I thought I'd add a couple small comments ... the handle you reference when using the bag as a duffle also doubles as a sleeve you can use to attach your Allpa onto a roller bag handle, which is an awesome feature if you're traveling with a roller bag. Additionally, we fixed my biggest pet peeve with the Allpa - I found that the old shoulder straps used to slide off my shoulders if I didn't buckle the sternum strap because the material was a little too smooth. The new shoulder strap material eliminates this problem. Thanks again for the amazing review! I'm glad you love the bag as much as I do!
Very cool products that you guys have! Keep it on mate
I really appreciate the thoroughness of your review/comparison. This was really helpful for me, especially how you mention things like the feel of the fabric/buckles, not just pockets. Also liked how honest you were about the wear on your previous one, and just the fact that you actually USED it! Been watching backpack/pack comparison videos trying to get ready for my trip, but notice so many times all brand new items are reviewed and/or compared with brand new items. Great video!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting!
I recently picked the 35, older version, but it seems the interior buckle straps were already dropped. I do appreciate they included a waterproof cover since the zippers aren't watertight. I used the bag this past weekend for 4 days and it was more bag than I needed but I loved the functionality...!
I shop at Sierra a lot (formerly known as Sierra Trading Post). I wondered why they were selling the old Alpa for so cheap!! 😊
yes, the video we ALL want. I love my 35 for years now, and wondered the same questions! So hard to have the great additions, with all the unfortunate loss of features etc. Tricky choice, but thanks for this vid!
Great review. I got the new Allpa 28. I haven't had occasion to used it yet, but am so excited for the new features. One thing to note about the 28L is that the backpack straps cannot be tucked away like the 35L. You can tuck away the waste belt though.
Cant wait until you get to use it! Yes the strap design is a little different.
Nice video! Another feature they removed was the anti-theft straps for all of the zippers/compartments. It's one of the main reasons I haven't pulled the trigger on a new one because I really enjoy the peace-of-mind knowing that all of the compartments aren't easy theft targets, especially the one that is supposed to have your passport, phone, wallet, etc.
I had bought the Allpa 42, last year, specifically for the water bottle holder. I’m glad to see they now include it on all the Allpas.
water bottle holder=Game changer
Great review! Really appreciate the water bottle holder on the new version, such a game-changer! I don't have a Cotopaxi backpack yet, but looking into getting one at some point. Just love everything they sell haha.
Thank you for the comparison. Best one I seen.
Great video...I'm getting ready to purchase my first Cotopaxi 35 for a trip to Greece. I'm excited about some of the upgrades..
Amazing review. Extremely helpful!
Funny that I'm looking at getting this bag and stumbled on your review. Didn't even know you were doing this!
Haha! Thats so fun. Yeah, been doing some affiliate content stuff and its been pretty good so far. Love you brother!
They also got rid of the raincover. So basically Cotopaxi saved money on the new version by removing features and still sell it like an upgrade. 😂🤷🏻♀
This is true.
Best video comparison of the two. Thank ya sir!!
I thought the new “handle” is more of a luggage pass through? Either way, I never thought of using that as a handle!
It is for sure, your right. I just dont typically use it with a roller, so it strikes me as an additional handle.
Thanks for this comparison! I’m looking to buy my first one. To clarify: the old version comes with a rain fly and the new one doesn’t?
Correct. The new version doesn't come with the rain fly.
@@senighi Yes! The rain fly is sold separately.
Thanks for the detailed comparison!
How funny, everything you consider a miss is a major win for me. Just goes to show how different packing styles can be!
Thats great. Different strokes!
Non removable hip belt and the reversal of the mesh panels on the main compartments on the new bag are deal breakers for me. While I like some of the other changes, I’ll stick with my old pack.
I dont blame you! It's 50/50 for me really!
Man I did not know the hip belt was fixed on the V2. hmm not easy choice..
Great review!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
You can “feel” the cheapness of the material 😂🤣 that just sounds so funny I don’t know why ! 😅
I’d get the new one for sure
i have had the older version since april of 2023 when i took it on a 2 and half week trip to the philippines. i just got back from a 2 and half week trip to ireland/germany/austria. i’ve used it on many smaller domestic trips, camping, weekend trips, etc. i rave about this bag to everyone, and it’s a little upsetting some of the features they took away 😭 i think you nailed this review, but in my opinion some of the new upgrades can be supplemented on the old bag. the quick access pocket has saved me more times that i can count, i put my water bottle on a carabiner to hang at an anchor point, and put small quick access stuff in a fanny or sling. especially at the new price point of $225 (the old one was $200 when i bought it!) the upgrade doesn’t make sense to me.
thank you for such a thorough review!!!