Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender

but it was just too big and heavy. The material always felt like despite being thick, thorny branches and whatnot would destroy it.

My goal was to find a robust carry-on that was easy to carry, maneuver through an airport or on a plane and was true to size. Looking at a lot of wheeled carry-ons, including the one I’ve used for a number of trips, even though the dimensions met the maximum allowed carry-on size, space was lost due to the framework of the wheels and handle. Additionally, since I also usually have a checked bag, I have to deal with two rolling bags, or have my carry-on slung over my shoulder and try to balance that and deal with my suitcase. I reviewed a lot of bags and was leaning towards some of the more expensive ones thinking that the material and design were better, but fortunately, the eBags TLS weekender kept popping up

It in theory is international carry on size with detachable waist strap. But holy cow they missed the boat on some CRUCIAL elements, chiefly a complete lack of compression straps and load lifters. If you don't stuff it super full it flops around on your back, but when fully packed it bulges out and down and while the straps are padded and should be comfortable they don't balance the weight at all. Also I'm not a super tall guy (5'10") but the waist belt hits at the bottom of my rib cage when the backpack straps are tight enough to stay on, not a huge deal as its removable but it means there is no help supporting the pack

The Shoulder straps themselves have some decent padding throughout, and are decently thick, and dense with foam.. There are some plastic loops here to...

You might not think it by looking at it, but I got all of my clothes and shoes for an entire two-month road trip, plus a few items I picked up along t...

I love the front pocket because I keep things I want quick access to before I board the plane.

-Zippers are quite robust and very theft-proof. -Stowable straps. This is potentially a game changer if you want to pass-off your 35L backpack as a personal item at the airport

Of course, I did have people in line behind me occasionally bumping it because it sticks out but after a warning look to a Frenchman after 2 unnecessary bumps into my backpack when I'd been up since 3am and was ready to scream, he got the message and gave me more space, ha ha! My only complaint is the little tab things on the zippers seem to fall off easily. 2 have fallen off. Doesn't affect you being able to zip it, or the actual zipper itself, but it's annoying because I wasn't yanking anything to make them fall off. Still, I love this backpack and highly recommend it

The internal zip-up compartments are pretty handy for organization and may cut down on a packing cube or two, depending on how you pack -- but I still found myself using packing cubes for organization. The laptop compartment is just right and useful for a secure spot that sits up against your back. The pockets for the straps to tuck into is super handy in the event you have to check your bag and want to protect the straps. The bag itself was a hair bit heavier than I expected it to be, but didn't turn out too bad

I have been very underwhelmed by the design of the laptop pocket though. I don't think the padding is sufficient to actually protect the laptop and it is kind of hard to slide a laptop in and out of the bag when it is full. A flap in the pocket actually ripped on first use because of this. Otherwise, the backpack does everything as advertised and has served me well

I've never used a backpack that strikes such a great balance of comfort, fit, organization, and design. When I travel, all my gear goes in my pack, from my socks to my laptop. I can pack everything comfortably inside my Allpa, get whatever I need when I need it, and even put it under an airplane seat.

Which for me for a weekend getaway where I'm going to the airport, coming home in the airport and for the most part not like wearing my bag consistent...