A couple of months ago Frank II "helpfully" informed us that Cotopaxi had redesigned the Allpa 28L and 35L backpacks to add a water bottle pocket, trolly sleave and maybe one other detail that doesn’t currently come to mind. It is also slightly lighter than the former version. Since I don’t need another travel bag but really like the looks of the Cotopaxi bags I haunted the REI used gear site to see if one of the original 28L models became available. Sure enough, one did. It was 50% less than the new model and almost 50% off an unsued older model. It is midnight blue and listed as in “excellent condition.” And indeed it is in excellent condition. The hip belt and shoulder straps were still snugged down like they had just been brought home from the store. The rain cover was still in its little side pocket and all the manufacturers’ tags in place.
I just packed it for a 5 night/6 day road trip:
Toiletries (no shampoo, conditioner or body lotion but full size moisturizer, SPF foundation, toothpaste, deodorant and bar soap; brush; comb; contact case and solution; makeup remover wipes; hydrocortisone cream; tide pen; OTC meds; spare glasses; powdered laundry soap - it was in the bag so I left it)
4 short sleeve T-shirts
2 long sleeve button up shirts
1 jeans
1 leggings
1 night shirt
6 socks
5 undies
Packed the bag weighs in at 10.5 lbs with room to spare. I could easily put in another pair of loafers or similar shoes and a medium weight sweater or fleece.
I think this bag will be a keeper. I gave away the 35L Allpa I had gotten last year in part because it wasn’t really better than my Osprey Fairview. But the 28L Allpa fits my 5’2” frame so much better than the Osprey. I won’t be flying for a while so maybe the 28 L won’t work for a multi-destination/multi-week/multi-event trip. I’ll just have to wait to find out.