I took these Cotopaxi bags to the Amazon. Here’s how they held up.
For nine days, our writer lugged these new Allpa bags through humid rainforest, rugged streets, and mountainsides.
Ecuador is a country of beautiful extremes, from the lush Amazon rainforest to the rugged Andes mountains. Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, looms tall—far from the Pacific coastline and even farther from the Galápagos Islands beyond.
This spring I joined a nine-day small group tour through the Amazon in Ecuador, hosted by Intrepid Travel. It was the perfect environment to test a couple of pieces from Cotopaxi’s new line of Allpa travel packs. We started out in the capital city of Quito, which serves as a jumping-off point to other, more remote adventures.
After several hours of driving in a sprinter van along winding, bumpy cliffside roads, we arrived at sunset in Tena, the gateway city to the Amazon on the banks of the Arajuno River. We threw our packs into small motorized boats that zipped us along to Liana Jungle Lodge, only accessible by river.
From there, we began a daylong journey that took us on sweat-soaked treks through dense forest and along waterways—an experience that would contrast starkly from the chilly wetness of hiking in Cotopaxi National Park several days later.
Throughout the trip, the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack and the Allpa 38L Roller Bag kept my things dry and protected, even when the bags were tossed around in the bus or rolled across muddy, uneven ground. The travel pack—filled to the brim—was comfortable to carry around, even in high humidity. Surprisingly, the only time I had any trouble was in the airport, when the two-wheeled roller bag didn’t quite live up to expectations. Overall, I was impressed by the performance of these two updated Allpa bags.
What I packed on my trip to Ecuador
The new version of Cotopaxi’s Allpa 28L Travel Pack and the Allpa 38L Roller Bag.
The Cotopaxi Allpa Line
Cotopaxi is a well-known B-Corp outdoor gear brand with a popular line of travel packs called Allpa. This collection of backpacks and rolling bags blends practicality and durability to withstand the rigors of travel. They have suitcase-style openings for easy packing and unpacking, internal organization pockets, and a carry-on-friendly design. They’re built with high-quality materials and, in the case of the Del Día versions, re-purposed fabric.
In August 2024, Cotopaxi introduced a new version of the Allpa line that the company says builds on past strengths. The updated bags introduce features that came in handy on my trip, plus the most significant change: a shift to using 100 percent recycled fabrics across the entire line, according to the company.
The full Allpa line includes the new, compact Allpa 20L, ideal for shorter trips or minimalist travelers; the Allpa 28L and 35L, both of which offer more space within carry-on limits for most airlines; and the Allpa 42L, designed for longer journeys when you need to pack more gear.
For this particular trip, I traveled with the 28L Travel Pack and the 38L Roller Bag. I wanted a smaller piece of luggage for long hikes and to store items I needed more frequently. The roller bag gave me more room for heavier and bulkier pieces, such as jackets and warm layers. Read on for details on each bag and how they held up.
Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack Features
Buy it now at Cotopaxi
Like the previous version, the Allpa 28L Travel Pack has the same design and materials (TPU-coated polyester and ballistic nylon). But the new version introduces lots of features that helped make my trip more comfortable. There’s a stretchy exterior pocket that makes it easy to grab and store your water bottle. The luggage pass-through strap hooks onto the roller bag, which made a big difference for transporting my gear around the airport and on the hilly streets of Quito.
Rather than having to dig around a conventional backpack, the Allpa 28L has a suitcase-style, full-wrap zipper opening for quickly grabbing that layering piece when the temperature drops. I also found the sleek external pockets a welcome improvement for stowing your passport or other items you need handy.
I particularly appreciated the new air mesh shoulder straps while trekking through humid conditions. The thoughtful weight distribution was also important, especially for a petite traveler like myself (I’m 5 feet tall).
Cotopaxi Allpa 38L Roller Bag Features
Buy it now at Cotopaxi
The 38L Roller Bag retains all the features from the previous version, which travelers have come to appreciate. You’ll find the same sturdy construction, smooth-rolling wheels, and practical organization, with multiple compartments and mesh pockets for easy packing. It also preserves the line’s unique construction that melds hardshell suitcase and backpack, featuring a suitcase-style opening with large mesh zip pockets on either side of the interior.
Besides using 100 percent recycled materials, the 38L Roller Bag has a reinforced handle for increased durability. But the most significant change are the wheels, which now offer better maneuverability on uneven surfaces. That’s key for travel, especially in busy areas like Quito.
Despite these improvements, this bag has just two wheels rather than four. While I found it convenient to stack my 28L Travel Pack on top of this roller bag, the combo became heavy and cumbersome to wheel through the airport or other busy areas.
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Ecuador packing tips
Tip 1: Pack waterproof and quick-dry clothing.
While Ecuador’s rainy season generally runs from October to May, you’ll still need to pack plenty of waterproof clothing throughout the year. Even on the sunniest days, quick-dry clothing will ensure you aren’t soaked in sweat during your travels.
Tip 2: It gets surprisingly cold at night.
Sunny days turn into chilly nights throughout Ecuador, including in high-elevation Quito, where many travelers begin their journeys. If you plan on visiting Quito or the Andes, you’ll thank yourself for bringing warm layers.
Tip 3: Consider the different regions you will be visiting.
One of the most glorious aspects of Ecuador is its natural diversity, which can make packing difficult. As you build your itinerary, consider each region’s unique climate and how many days you plan to spend there. Think about multifunctional pieces and lightweight items that can be layered. This will help prevent overpacking for one leg of your journey, hindering you on another.
Tip 4: Don’t forget sun protection and bug repellent.
The equator runs through Ecuador’s northern region, which means the sun burns bright in the country. Pack a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that will work for your face and body. When the sun dips below the horizon, the mosquitos come out to play, especially in the Amazon. Keep in mind that mosquitos in Ecuador can carry a range of diseases, from yellow fever to dengue fever and malaria, all of which can be deadly.
Tip 5: Bring a filtering water bottle.
The tap water in Ecuador is not potable. Packing a water bottle with filtration will save time and money and is better for the environment.
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Final thoughts
For some, journeying through the Amazon is a lifelong dream. I was fortunate to join this trip six years after I applied for a research position in Ecuador that I had to put on hold for a position at National Geographic.
My trip was worth the wait. Hiking long distances through the jungle, following streams, and climbing up mountains tested my strength and resolve. But reaching the top of the world and gazing out at stunning panoramic views was rewarding.
Throughout it all, the Allpa packs stayed dry thanks to their water-resistant nylon construction and upgraded air mesh shoulder straps in the travel pack. They didn’t sustain any damage after being knocked around, lugged through high humidity and heat, and dragged across rough terrain.
Having both the backpack, with its internal mesh organizer pockets, and the larger roller pack allowed me to prepare well for Ecuador’s unpredictable weather. Besides wishing the roller bag had an additional two wheels for more seamless maneuvering, I was impressed by the durability and packability of both bags.
