Article by Jeff Valliere
Cotopaxi 65L Roller Bag ($395, $350 for 38L version)
The Cotopaxi 65L Roller Bag is essentially a beefed up Allpa pack (see our review of the Allpa 42L here) that has been transformed into a burly roller. The roller bag comes in two sizes, 65L as tested and a 38L. Both are made of a durable, water resistant polyester and lightweight yet strong ballistic nylon paneling, made from 100% recycled fabrics sourced from pre-consumer waste. Choosing which size is a toss up, as the 65L is voluminous and perfect for most ~week long trips, where the 38L is a more tidy size for shorter trips.
Specs:
65L (4000 cu in)
27 x 16 x 13 in (69 x 41 x 33cm)
8lb 4 oz (3.6 kg)
Main body: 100% recycled 840D, TPU-coated nylon
Secondary body: 100% recycled 840D ballistic, ripstop nylon
Lining: 100% recycled ripstop polyester
Features:
Split case design for organization
Water-resistant, TPU-coated fabric
Molded EVA back panel
Top accessory pocket
Multiple grab handles
Durable wheels & extendable handle
The 65L Roller bag is rugged and tough, with a rigid frame, a molded EVA back panel and multiple grab handles, which is great for lifting it easily from just about any angle. The design is simple, secure and straight forward. At a little over 8lbs, it is not the lightest roller out there, but it is a fair trade for the quality and overall performance.
The back panel is really tough and solid, so if I have anything I don’t want bumped or banged, I will load it closest to the back panel and protect on top with clothes.
On top there is an easy access pocket for essentials, that is voluminous and has internal mesh organizers within, along with a key clip.
I like this key clip, where I obviously wouldn’t send my car key as checked in baggage, but once I am at my destination, I will clip it here to reduce chances of losing it in my day pack.
This pocket with an inner zip pocket is handy for items you need to quickly access and the zip pocket is handy for smaller items, charge cables, snacks, toothbrush, sunglasses, etc…
The sewn in straps with built in handles are great to either expand when you are filling to the max, or snugging up when less full.
More strap adjustability on the other side.
On the bottom is a hard plastic handle for protection, as well as yet another way to pick up and to rest upon when the bag is standing up.
The 3” wheels with a ball bearing hub are durable, spin nicely and do not swivel, which is great when hurrying across airports and such. Swivel wheels are OK for the non hurried casual traveler, but if you are the type that tends to run for that last bus of the night, or is running late for your flight for whatever reason, then this is the roller bag for you! I have tested this bag jogging across vast airport parking lots and from baggage claim and it is quite stable and handles well.
When folded open, the lower section is housed by the EVA back panel forming a solid bathtub. This is a good spot to put any delicate items, or lay out folded pants or shirts.
On the opposite side is the more flexible outer section that is not quite as large as the other side, but still roomy and a good opportunity to use organizing cubes for socks, underwear or whatever you put here. Since the outer section of this half is the soft side of the roller bag, I mostly just put soft items here.
Recommendations/Conclusions:
The 65L Roller bag is an ideal pick for anyone looking to travel from just a few days (if you need to bring a lot) or if you are an efficient packer for a week or two (of course season can be a factor here). On a recent 3 day work trip to Salt Lake City in December, I needed a variety of work clothes for various events, as well as running clothes/gear, extra running shoes and warm winter jackets. I had plenty of room for this, but most importantly, I ended up accumulating a few large items from holiday parties/raffles and I was very thankful that I had the extra room.
This will be my go to luggage moving forward for anything from a several day winter work trip to week plus long family vacations. I love the quality, utility, performance and how quick, easy and efficiently it rolls and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top notch piece of travel gear.
The Cotopaxi 65L Roller Bag is available from our partners
REI SHOP HERE
AMAZON SHOP HERE
Jeff Valliere loves to run and explore the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and more technical the better. He has summited all of the 14ers in the state and can be found on mountain trails daily, no matter the weather, season, conditions or whether there is daylight or not. On the side he loves to ski (all forms) bike and hike, often with his family, as he introduces his 12 year old daughters to the outdoors. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, but has called Colorado home for over 25 years. He is 5’9” and 145 lbs.
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