The Allpa has changed the way many people travel, helping them switch from roller bags to a secure, organized one-bag setup. The main decision is whether the great internal organization is worth the risk of the exterior getting damaged.
DVSS Scorecard
- DVSS Score: 87.76/100
- Satisfaction Tier: Excellent
- Review Count: 1,717
STRENGTHS
- Clamshell Interior: Operates as a “horizontal wardrobe,” keeping items neat and accessible.
- Anti-Theft Zippers: Zippers tuck in to prevent unauthorized access and give great security.
- Internal Compartments: Built-in zippered pockets eliminate the need for external packing cubes.
- Comfort on the Move: Shoulder straps and back panel feel padded and comfortable for a 5’2″ frame.
LIMITATIONS
- TPU Coating Damage: The shell “wears off” completely after being checked on a single flight.
- Zipper Binding: The main compartment zipper is “frustrating” and tends to stick around the turns.
- Nalgene Incompatibility: The new side pocket does not stretch enough to fit a standard 32-oz Nalgene bottle.
- Shoulder Strain: Straps lack padding for tall users or for carrying maximum-capacity loads over 20 lbs.
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Contents
Allpa Secures 87.76 Despite Anti-Theft Zipper Binding
The Allpa earns its “Excellent” rating for keeping your belongings secure and organized, making travel by train, subway, or plane easier. Most buyers say it works well for different types of trips. Still, the high score hides some problems, such as stiff zippers and an exterior that can be damaged if handled roughly.
- DVSS Score: 87.76/100
- Satisfaction Tier: Excellent
- Review Count: 1,717
- Average Rating: 4.70
- Ideal For: Light international train and air travel for 5-to-12-day trips.
This score, based on our DVSS Methodology, shows that the pack is well-built and has a great interior design, though it can be scratched easily. Buyers love how easy the clamshell interior is to use and how secure the compartments are. Most durability problems happen when the bag is checked or scraped against rough surfaces.
Clamshell Design Replaces Packing Cubes for Travelers
The Allpa opens flat like a suitcase, turning into a “horizontal wardrobe” that makes packing simple. You can see everything inside at a glance, so you don’t waste time digging for things. The built-in zipper pockets keep your clothes and accessories in place, so you don’t need packing cubes for basic organization.
The two-sided interior is great for keeping clean and dirty clothes separate, and it compresses your stuff without needing extra straps. This setup keeps everything neat and easy to reach. People packing for a 12-day trip to Europe or a two-week trip abroad found they could fit everything they needed.
Exterior Shell Fails Upon a Single Checked Flight
The shell feels tough and holds up to normal travel use. But the black TPU-coated front panel scratches easily, and the coating can come off completely if you check the bag even once. The manufacturer’s warranty does not cover this kind of damage, since it excludes travel-related wear.
Users reported that the color also transferred to lighter-colored clothing when used in hot climates. For travelers relying on the pack for one-bag international travel, it must be used strictly as a carry-on item.
Zipper Stiffness Binds on Outer Compartment Corners
The exterior zippers are strong and feature a security feature: the pull tucks under a small cloth loop to help stop pickpockets. Still, the main zipper on the outside can get stuck when it goes around a corner, even if the pack isn’t full.
Users say the zipper is “rather frustrating” and hard to use at the last curve near the top flap. A fabric strip sewn across the zipper path is meant to prevent accidental opening, but it gets in the way. This makes it tough to open and close the pack.
Shoulder Straps Feel Comfortable for Light Loads Under 20 Pounds
The padded shoulder straps and back panel give good support, making the pack comfortable, especially for smaller users (5’2″, 130 lbs). The straps are made so they don’t twist backward, which often happens with other travel packs. But when the pack is filled to the max, the straps can get uncomfortable.
One big problem is that the shoulder straps have little padding, so they don’t support carrying more than 20 pounds for long. The rough strap material can also bother your skin if you wear a tank top or cami. So, comfort depends on how much you pack and what you’re wearing.
Hip Belt Design Is Too Minimalist for Tall Users
The hip belt mainly helps keep the pack stable instead of carrying the weight. For someone who is 6’1″, the belt sits above the hips and “doesn’t really do anything” to move the weight off your shoulders. It’s narrow, flimsy, and feels like an “afterthought in the design.”
The hip straps can be tucked away easily for travel on a train or plane, which is handy. The 42L version has a removable waist strap, but the 35L version’s belt can “stick out somewhere” since it can’t be removed. These straps are best for short-term support, not for long hikes.
Water Bottle Sleeve Only Fits Slimmer Bottles, Not Nalgene
The Allpa now has a side pocket for a water bottle, unlike older models. This new pocket fits slimmer bottles, and one user said their 52oz Hydroflask fits well and “doesn’t fall out.” But the pocket doesn’t stretch enough to fit a standard 32-oz Nalgene bottle.
Not being able to stretch is a big downside for travelers who use wide-mouth bottles. One user also said the side pocket got a hole “after only a couple of days of light use.” The new pocket replaces the rain cover that came with older versions.
Allpa Secures Under-Seat Status for International Train and Air Travel?
Choosing the right Allpa depends on which version you pick and how carefully you pack. It’s meant to take the place of a carry-on suitcase, so the main challenge is managing how much you put in. The design works well for “one bag life” as long as you don’t overpack or check the bag.
Real-World Loadout Test
- Tech: MacBook Pro 16-inch barely fits in the sleeve; 12-inch iPad with Magic Keyboard does not fit comfortably; electronics are secure due to good padding.
- Gear: Compression sacks or packing cubes are not needed due to the built-in zippered compartments; does not fit a 32oz Nalgene bottle; holds 4-5 days of winter clothes (less) or 8-12 days of summer clothes (more).
- Result: When the pack is full, the laptop sleeveis placement and weight distribution can make it uncomfortable to carry.
Quick-Fit Assessment
✓ You’re a Great Fit:
- You are consistently traveling carry-on only and will never check a bag.
- Your trip lasts 5 to 12 days and requires summer or light attire.
- You need an internal organization to replace all your packing cubes.
✗ Skip This If You:
- Exceed a moderate load of 20 lbs or have back and shoulder sensitivity.
- Carry a 32-oz Nalgene or require access to an external water bottle.
- Have a 16-inch laptop and a 12-inch tablet/keyboard combo.
Size Selection Guide: Matching Capacity to Trip Length
Picking the right size is key for carry-on rules and comfort. The Allpa comes in three sizes, and the best one for you depends on how you pack and how long your trip is. If the 35L feels “too small” for your needs, users suggest going up to the 42L.
Allpa (28L): The Personal Item Compromise
The Allpa 28L version is best if you want to be sure your bag fits under the seat on budget airlines. Some users found that dropping from 35L to 28L made the pack “too small” for what they usually bring. This size works well for short, light-packing trips of 1-3 days.
Allpa (35L): The Carry-On Mid-Ground
The Allpa 35L is the most popular choice and can hold up to 12 days’ worth of light clothing for warm weather. It sometimes fits under the seat if it’s not packed full, but some travelers say they have to compete for overhead bin space. The 35L has a waist strap that can’t be removed, unlike the bigger version.
Allpa (42L): Maximum Carry-On Volume
The Allpa 42L is the biggest size allowed by most international carry-on rules and fits well in overhead bins. People choose the 42L if they’re not sure the 35L will be big enough. This size is better for long backpacking trips or packing bulky winter clothes.
Carry-On Organizer With Secure Zippers, Risk of Scratching
This Allpa is the perfect companion for the security-conscious, organized traveler who prioritizes internal structure over external robustness.
The clamshell design and tuck-in zippers make it ideal for quickly moving through train stations and busy airports. The critical trade-off is the high likelihood of scratching the TPU coating if the bag is handled roughly, which is a major aesthetic risk.
Weekend Flier for Maximum Capacity, but But Hurts the Shoulders
If you want to pack for a week, you’ll appreciate how much the Allpa can hold for trips up to 12 days long. It’s roomy but not bulky, so you can fit a lot inside. But if you fill it all the way, the weight can feel “incredibly heavy,” and the thin shoulder straps may start to hurt.
Allpa Excels at One-Bag International Train and Air Travel
This pack is best for international travelers who want to keep luggage to a minimum and move easily on subways and trains. You can tuck away the shoulder straps and carry it like a duffel, which is helpful in tight spaces or when traveling with kids.
The main drawbacks are not enough padding for heavy loads and an exterior that scratches easily. It’s a good choice for people who pack light and never check their bags.
Check the price and availability:
Explore the Best Carry-On Backpacks (30L-45L) for more options.
