u/Ok_Leave6921

Hi,

I was searching for my new travel bag and compared those three.

First, a bit about my travel style: I go on a lot of round-trip journeys (2–3 weeks, all over the world), and we often only stay in one place for one night to three nights.
So far, I’ve either brought my Bonfus Framus 48L or Patagonia Field Smith 32L—both roll-top bags. But I do want to try a clam shell bag.

I don’t want to have to worry about doing laundry every day. That’s why I always pack clothes for about 7 days.

Here is the test setup to pack up: in the packing cubes are:
- 6 T-Shirts
- 2 jerseys
- 3 Shorts
- 1 Swimming trunk
- 2 long pants
- 8 boxers
- 8 pair of socks

The rest you do can see in the picture (the neck pillow I didn't pack):

I'm 6'1 & 200lbs. So clothes are L / XL in size. Shoes are size 11.

I intentionally packed a little extra to simulate what it’s like when you don’t pack very neatly, or when you need a bit more because it’s not a summer vacation, or because you’re buying souvenirs, etc.

As for the backpacks: we’re starting with the Allpa 35L followed by the Bellroy Lite 38 and at the end the Allpa 28l: not all the stuff fit's (snorkeling gear, beach pillow (with the flowers), daypack).
Unfortunately I forgot to take picture from the open pack.

Summary:

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Bellroy 38L are similar in size. Everything fit inside the backpacks without having to use the outer pockets.

However, the Allpa 35L is slightly larger (by about 2–3 liters) and was a bit easier to pack.

That said, in my opinion, it has a minor design flaw. The zipper is offset slightly inward in the top third (2nd picture on the left side), making it a little difficult to close properly the pack of it is really fully packed. The Bellroy handles this better and is easier to close.

When packed, they’re about the same size: approximately 52 cm x 32 cm x 23–25 cm.

What I don’t like about the Bellroy is the smaller inner mesh compartment on the left side. Because of the vertical zipper, it’s significantly harder to fill than the same compartment on the Allpa.
Likewise, the sternum strap attachment is flimsier than on the Allpa.
In terms of comfort, the Allpa 35 wins.

Now, about the Cotopaxi Allpa 28. It’s may be big enough in a lot scenarios.
But there are two problems:
- As soon as you want to pack an extra pair of shoes, it gets tight.
- If you pack it with the same amount of clothes, it becomes taller than the other two (approx. 28 cm) and is therefore no longer carry-on compatible.

For summer trips, it might be a bit sleeker than the others since it’s slightly smaller. On the other hand, the other two are more versatile.

None of the three are really suitable as a personal item because the slightly stiffer back panel is too long (Allpa 28: 48 cm, Allpa 35: 50 cm, Bellroy Lite 38: 45 cm).

Although everything is somewhat flexible, I wouldn’t want to bend the back panel.

For me, it ended up being the Allpa 35L. Super comfortable, the easiest to pack, and the most spacious (best dimensions for carry-on luggage and with some extra room if you’re not using it as carry-on luggage).

Hi,

my cousin suprised me with a knife she bought in Japan.
I guess it's this one here?
https://sakai-tohji.co.jp/collections/category_id-024/products/a-10683?variant=42829281820884
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product/sakai-shiro-2-iwakuni-santoku-cooker-knife180-mm/?srsltid=AfmBOopEM8OWMHVnW3sS27-Ty8G2WbGUg9yueIr-33AAYZ2bAkDnA5od

What do you can tell me about the knive?

And to take care of it: How do I keep it sharp for this kind of steel? How to take care of it & the patina etc.?

Thanks guys!