A friend of mine had this pack and highly recommended it, so I decided to give it a go for a month-long trip abroad. For context, I don't own luggage, am an over-packer, and this is only my second international trip, so I was really going in blind. Honestly, I was attracted to this Cotopaxi bag in particular because it looks fantastic in some of the Del Dia colorways. The one I chose has a beautiful purple outer panel, and the best mix of bright colors on every other part.
I took it as a carry-on bag (very full: 1. 5 weeks' worth of multi-weather clothes, one of those hanging toiletry bags, an extra duffel folded very small for souvenirs, etc. ) on two sardine-packed Lufthansa flights to Georgia. It was technically a little bit over the dimensions, especially being so full (definitely over weight), and I did get funny looks from other passengers for having the largest and most colorful carry on bag. That said, even when passengers were being asked to check their wheeled luggage because the plane was so full, no one said anything to me. It also fit perfectly in the overhead. With this and a NF backpack as my personal item I was able to bring everything I could need for such a long trip without having to check a bag.
The plane went well; now for the train. Traveling in the Republic of Georgia, I went to four different cities by train with this bag alone for almost a week. Again, it fit perfectly in the overhead, even very full (I couldn't leave much behind). The outer pockets are extremely convenient for easy passport/wallet/Nintendo Switch access (yes, I could fit my entire Switch in its carrying case into the large front pocket) and provide very welcome organization. I also really appreciated the laptop pocket because the inner sleeve fit my 10 inch Kindle, while the larger pocket is slim enough that I felt comfortable hiding my passport, ticket, and wallet there for easy access on my back without worrying about them falling out. I also couldn't feel them poking me through the padding.
As far as the smaller features go, all of them are great. The corner gear straps aren't the most practical for larger things unless you have your own cord to lash on there, but I used a carabiner to hang a hat from one and strapped a neck pillow to another. The smallest zipper pockets are useful to keep me organized, and the two big ones inside are each a great size. I would definitely recommend packing cubes for the largest pocket if you're planning on a trip as long as mine, but you could go without if you have less stuff. The water bottle pocket is super stretchy and holds my tapered-bottom water bottle securely (30-oz. Owala).
The best thing about this bag, in my opinion, is that you can stuff it entirely full with two weeks' worth of things or you can use it as a weekender. It's a big bag, but when left unstuffed it doesn't look comically huge. I'm 5'8" and a woman so it is a bit big on me when full, but the hip belt also helps to displace some of the weight effectively. It does get tiring to carry after a while and will poke into your shoulders, but probably only when it's very heavy. It's extremely comfortable to wear for short periods. It feels much lighter on my back than I would expect.
Overall, I highly recommend this bag. Definitely get it in a unique, colorful, and sustainable Del Dia colorway if you don't mind standing out a bit while traveling. I recommend reading the PackHacker review on this bag before buying it as well.
Originally posted on Cotopaxi