Now, I love my Eagle Creek 40L backpack but it’s too big for certain trips. I have other top opening style backpacks (regular backpacks) but sometimes those aren’t the best for the way I pack and travel. So, I was on the hunt for a new backpack that would open like a a suitcase but was small enough to be a personal item (the luggage that goes underneath the seats on the plane).

As someone who loves to budget travel, I always try to find ways to save money. When I’m traveling, often times I use hand luggage only to save money. However, trying to find something that can fit your travel essentials while meeting airline dimensions for under seat or overhead bin requirements is tricky. When I found the Cotopaxi Allpa 20L Travel Pack, and put it to the test on my travels, I knew this was the truth!

After using it for about 2 years, this is my review of the Cotopaxi Allpa 20L Travel Pack.

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my personal Cotopaxi Allpa 20L Travel Pack

Allpa 20L Backpack

Now, let’s get into some of the specs of the Cotopaxi Allpa 20L Travel Pack.

I’ve been eyeing Cotopaxi Allpa backpacks for a while now, but mainly the 28L and 35L ones. The 28L backpack can fit underneath a plane seat but I wasn’t sure if this would be the case for smaller, budget airlines.

I needed a backpack that was small enough to fit under ANY airline I went with for my travels. While still opening up like a suitcase, as my Eagle Creek 40L backpack opened up like a suitcase and just prefer, and love, that style of backpack.

My research led me to the Cotopaxi Allpa 20L Travel Pack. This backpack seemed perfect! It was small enough to fit underneath a plane seat as a personal item, yet it opened up like a suitcase! I just knew this was the backpack to go with. It was love at first sight.

Ever since I purchased this item back in 2024, it’s gone with me on 80% of my travels. Especially when I’m flying internationally but trying to fly as minimal as possible, this backpack has done the job and I absolutely love using it!

Features

Here are the features listed on the website for the backpack:

Suitcase-style, full-wrap zipper opening

2 large internal main pockets

Internal sleeve for tablet

Water bottle pocket (up to 24oz)

Padded shoulder straps with sternum slider

Top accessory pocket with key clip

4 webbing attachment points for extra gear

Price

The price listed on the Cotopaxi website for this backpack is $140.

Durability

I’d say this 20L backpack is very sturdy. For such a small backpack, you wouldn’t think it’d be durable or last a while.

After traveling both domestically and internationally, this backpack has held up and continues to do so!

I’m going to do some more traveling in 2026 and this backpack is going to be the one to go with me on most of my travels for its size and durability.

Space

This is a 20L backpack. So, it’s slightly bigger than a day backpack you’d use to wander around for the day, yet still small enough to fit underneath the seat of a plane. Therefore, it’s on the smaller side for travel backpacks.

If you’re a budget traveler who loves to pack minimally, then this won’t be such a huge issue for you.

After taking it on multiple domestic and international trips in 2024 and 2025, I can say that this backpack can pack up to 7 days’ worth of stuff. Again, if you pack on the minimal side, the space in this backpack can accommodate practically a week’s worth of stuff.

Now, if you’re traveling to a destination that’s warmer, you can definitely pack up to 7 days. If you’re traveling to a colder climate, I’d say this can pack up to 4 or 5 days worth of stuff max. Since winter clothes and items can be a bit bulkier, you can’t pack as much.

To warm and cold climates, I’ve managed to make it work and use this backpack as the only luggage I used while traveling.

Hand luggage only?

This just transitions perfectly into my next section, if this backpack can be used as hand luggage only.

As you have read, yes it can! It’s small enough to fit under plane seats, budget airlines or not. I’ve never encountered any issues with this, as when this backpack was underneath the seat, there was always extra space. I’d usually put this backpack underneath the seat and my fanny pack or puse of choice for that trip.

This is a game changer if you’re a budget traveleer and want to travel with hand luggage only. Especially if you love a good suitcase style opening backpack, this is a great one for hand luggage travel!

Do I recommend it?

Yes, I absolutely recommend this backpack! It’s not the cheapest backpack in the world. But for the quality, durability, and proven effectiveness from my domestic and international travels, I have to say that this backpack is the one.

If this backpack ticks off all the boxes you have for a travel backpack that can be used as a personal item, yet opens up like a suitcase, then invest in the Cotopaxi Allpa 20L Backpack!

Cotopaxi Allpa 20L Travel Backpack Review