Trekarius 35L vs. Tortuga Pro vs. Cotopaxi Allpa (2026 Review)

If you’ve been scrolling through r/onebag or watching "Top 10" travel videos, you’ve seen the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro and the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. They are the industry giants. They have the massive marketing budgets and the "clean" studio reviews.

But as someone who spends 300 days a year in places the travel brochures tell you to avoid, I have a different set of priorities. I’m not testing these bags in a Starbucks; I’m testing them in the favelas of Brazil.

Here is the truth about the $200 Trekarius 35L compared to the $350 Tortuga and the $225 Cotopaxi.

Trekarius 35L vs. Tortuga Pro vs. Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (Quick Comparison)

1. The Price: The Elephant in the Room

Let’s get the "marketing tax" out of the way.

Tortuga Pro: $350 (nearly double the price of Trekarius).

Cotopaxi Allpa: $225 + shipping.

Trekarius 35L: $200.

At $200, I’m cutting out the middleman and the glossy magazine ads. I ship directly from the UK to wherever you are in the world. You aren't paying for my PR team; you’re paying for the materials and the design.

2. Structure vs. "The Baggy Mess"

One of the biggest complaints about the Cotopaxi Allpa is that it has zero structure. If it’s not stuffed to the brim, it sags like a wet plastic bag. It won't stand up on its own.

The Trekarius 35L was designed with a reinforced frame. It holds its shape whether it’s empty or packed for a month-long docu-shoot. Why does that matter? Because a sagging bag is uncomfortable and looks like a mess. A structured bag keeps the weight on your hips, not your shoulders.

3. Stealth vs. "The Rainbow Target"

I love the colors on the Cotopaxi, but let’s be real: carrying a bright, multi-colored bag into a high-risk area is like wearing a neon sign that says "I AM A TOURIST."

The Tortuga Pro goes the other way—it looks like a tech bag. It screams "There is a $3,000 MacBook inside me."

The Trekarius 35L is built for Stealth. It’s sleek, dark, and rugged. It’s the "Silent Professional" of travel packs. It doesn't look like a target; it looks like a piece of utility gear. In the places I go, "boring" is safe.

4. Technical Specs (Without the Fluff)

Zippers: The Tortuga has great zips, but the Trekarius uses PU-coated weather-resistant zips that aren't just for rain—they are a nightmare for pickpockets to mess with.

Access: The Allpa removed its side access in the latest version (big mistake). The Trekarius keeps dual-access because when you’re on a crowded bus in PNG, you don't want to open your entire bag to get your camera out.

The "Beat Up" Factor: The TPU coating on the Cotopaxi creases and scratches the second it hits the ground. The Trekarius is built with a high-denier, textured material that actually looks better as it gets scuffed.

The Verdict

The Tortuga is a great bag if you have $350 to burn and you’re mostly hanging out in airports. The Cotopaxi is fun for a weekend in Bali.

But if you want a pro-grade, structured, 35-liter powerhouse that was designed by someone who actually walks the streets, you save your $150 and buy the Trekarius 35L.

Shop the Trekarius 35L – $200 - Worldwide Shipping

FAQs

Q: Is the Trekarius 35L carry-on approved?

A: Yes. It is designed to fit international carry-on standards (55x35x20cm), fitting easily in overhead bins on major and budget airlines.

Q: What makes this bag "Anti-Theft"?

A: Unlike standard packs, we use PU-coated stealth zippers that are hard to find and grip, a slash-resistant base, and hidden "passport-first" internal pockets.

Q: How does the weight distribution feel when fully loaded?

A: The internal structured frame prevents "sagging." Combined with heavy-duty load lifters and a sternum rail, the weight stays centered on your spine, not pulling on your shoulders.

Q: Where is the bag shipped from?

A: All orders are dispatched from our warehouse in the UK, ensuring fast global shipping and no surprise "dropshipping" delays.