Cotopaxi bags have become increasingly popular in recent years. The Utah-based company makes outdoor gear and apparel, but their colorful, durable backpacks seem to be their claim to fame. I’ve seen the geometric and llama-branded bags everywhere from college campuses to hiking trails. But are the backpacks worth the price tag, which ranges from $60 for fanny packs to $200 for large backpacking packs?
What makes Cotopaxi bags unique?
There are a few key features that distinguish Cotopaxi bags from competitors:
- Unique, vibrant colors and patterns – The bags come in a wide range of bright colors and bold patterns with names like Chili Pepper Red and Llama Del Sol.
- Durable materials – They’re constructed with abrasion-resistant nylon and reinforced stitching. The company offers a 61 year warranty.
- Socially conscious mission – Cotopaxi is a Certified B Corporation and donates a portion of revenue to humanitarian causes. The products are made in factories with ethical working conditions.
- Adventure-ready design – The bags are designed for various adventures with compartments and straps for hiking, travel, cycling and more. They’re water resistant too.
So in terms of looks and mission, the bags definitely stand out from the competition. But how do they stack up in terms of function and value?
Cotopaxi bag pros
Here are some of the biggest advantages of Cotopaxi backpacks and bags:
Durable and high quality
The number one pro for Cotopaxi bags is their durability. They can really withstand wear and tear over years of use. The abrasion-resistant nylon exterior and reinforced stitching hold up well to the elements and being tossed around.
Users report the bags looking good as new after several years. The quality materials and construction mean you don’t have to replace it after just a season or two of use.
Comfortable to carry
Another common praise for Cotopaxi packs is their comfortable carry. The shoulder straps are padded and adjustable. The bags distribute weight nicely across your back.
The bags come in a range of sizes for different carry needs. Even when fully loaded their ergonomic straps and back panels allow you to comfortably tote the bags long distances.
Water resistant
The bags have a water resistant nylon shell that holds up well in light or short periods of rain exposure. It can withstand moisture from unexpected drizzles or splashes. Of course it’s not waterproof, so you wouldn’t want to submerge it completely.
Transitions from city to trail
With their outdoorsy look and hiking-friendly design, Cotopaxi bags work great on trails and outdoor adventures. But the stylish patterns and modern silhouette also make them very city-friendly. So it’s a bag you can take straight from the campus or office commute to a weekend backpacking trip.
Ethical company values
Cotopaxi has outstanding ethical values for a company. They are a certified B Corporation, with transparency about fair labor policies and practices. The company donates 2% of revenue each year to humanitarian causes and their products fund sustainable development.
So buyers can feel good supporting a socially conscious organization.
Cotopaxi bag cons
Cotopaxi isn’t perfect though. Here are some potential downsides:
Expensive
The bags are pricier than many competitors, sometimes significantly so. The Allpa travel pack for example costs $200, while many similar 35L backpacking packs cost under $100.
Bag | Volume | Price |
---|---|---|
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L | 35L | $200 |
Teton Sports Scout 3400 | 34L | $60 |
You’re paying a premium for the brand, mission and unique style. For buyers on a tight budget, the price tag may be too steep.
LimitedOrganization
The bags offer sufficient but basic organization. You won’t find the pockets and compartments you’d get in more technical hiking or travel packs. There aren’t a ton of internal dividers or laptop sleeves.
If you want serious gear organization the Cotopaxi designs may fall short. But they offer enough pockets and structure for general use.
Not great for heavy loads
While the carry is comfortable for lighter loads, it may not be ideal for very heavy hauls. The padding isn’t as robust as higher end trekking backpacks designed for 50+ pound loads.
Serious adventurers should look elsewhere for multi-day expeditions or thru hikes. But for most uses the carry system is perfectly comfortable.
Limited weatherproofing
As mentioned the bags aren’t fully waterproof, just water resistant. In wet environments or downpours they’ll eventually soak through. And there’s no waterproof rain cover included like with some hiking packs.
So travelers or commuters will want a separate rain jacket to keep gear protected from more extreme wet conditions.
Cotopaxi bag sizing and selection
Cotopaxi offers a diverse and versatile line of packs. They range from small hip packs to large expedition backpacks. Here’s a breakdown of the main styles and sizes:
Bag | Volume Range | Ideal Use |
---|---|---|
Hip pack | 2-3L | Hiking, festivals, minimalist carry |
Fanny pack | 2-10L | Travel, day hikes |
Daypack | 16-26L | School, work, day trips |
Backpacking pack | 35-65L | Overnights, multi-day hiking |
Travel pack | 35-45L | Weekends, extended travel |
Gear bag | 31-56L | Hauling sports equipment |
The “sweet spot” seems to be the mid-sized bags in the 20-40 liter range. That hits the minimal and modular commute or day pack size while still offering space for short trips. The Allpa travel pack is a very popular model as an adventure-ready weekender bag.
I’d only opt for the very large Cotopaxi packs if you really value the aesthetic and plan to haul major loads. More technical trekking packs offer better support and stabilization for expeditions.
Popular Cotopaxi backpack options
Here are 5 of the most popular and highly rated Cotopaxi packs:
Cotopaxi Batac 16L
This compact, squared-off pack has just enough volume for day hikes or commuting. The multi-pannel exterior adds stylistic flare while interior organization keeps essentials in place. It’s a great minimalist and affordable option.
Cotopaxi Luzon 24L
With bike-friendly features and a breathable back panel, the Luzon is ideal for two-wheeled adventures. Stretchy side pockets fit bulky items like helmets. Interior sleeves swallow tablets and laptops. The cinchable main compartment hauls groceries or larger loads.
Cotopaxi Teca 26L
The Teca daypack is built for the campus or office commute. Padded laptop and tablet sleeves protect electronics. Front mesh pockets organize smaller items. An air mesh back panel keeps you cool and an sternum strap stabilizes heavier loads.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
By far Cotopaxi’s most popular pack, the Allpa is sized for extended travel and hiking trips. Multiple compartments keep you organized on the go. It can swallow a remarkable amount of gear while remaining carry-on compatible for planes.
Cotopaxi Veloz 42L
This large expedition-ready pack is built for trekking and multi-day adventures. The lightweight but tough nylon hauls tons of gear miles down the trail. Plenty of straps and attachments let you haul trekking poles, ice axes and more.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, Cotopaxi bags undoubtedly have a unique style and identity. The brand ethos and quality design are clear differentiators.
The larger backpacking-specific packs seem a bit overpriced for what you’re getting. More technical packs have more robust suspension systems and organization for hardcore adventuring.
But the mid-sized daypacks and duffels offer great versatility for daily use, commutes and shorter trips. The durable construction and comfortable carry make them a pleasure to use. And travelers who want an on-brand, socially conscious bag find great value in Cotopaxi’s mission.
While the bags are expensive, if the look, performance and brand ethos speak to you they can be a worthwhile investment. The smaller packs especially deliver clear value for being durable, stylish and adventure-ready.