Unless you’ve been living under a rock, if you’re an outdoorsy-type, you’ve seen Cotopaxi backpacks in your recent travels.
- Rugged Water Resistant Nylon.
- Multiple Compartments.
- Multipurpose.
- Breathable Cushioned Back Panel.
- Shoulder Straps With Adjustable Chest, Waist, And Shoulder.
I first tested a Cotopaxi pack over a year ago, but within the last six months or so, I’ve watched this little-company-that-could take the travel and gear industry by storm
Most noticeable is the colorful Cotopaxi Luzon, which we reviewed last month, but my new favorite Cotopaxi pack is the Cusco.
At 26 liters, the Cusco is the ideal day pack size, but for some reason, it feels much larger.
I took the Cusco–quite appropriately, I think–to Cusco, Peru and the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu region, and it proved to be the only pack I needed on travel days on planes, on hiking days, on city touring days, and everything in-between.
Let’s start with looks: the Cotopaxi Cusco has an old-school, retro vibe with its water-resistant 630d nylon cotton canvas shell. It’s reinforced with suede leather bottom panels and zipper pulls, but it’s modernized with a laptop sleeve, padded back panel and shoulder straps, and water bottle pockets.
You get lots of storage organization in the oversized front pockets, one of which features a zippered mesh organizer area. Plus, you get a zippered top pocket with key clip. Typically, this is where I store the stuff I need to grab-and-go, like my keys and cell phone.
I found there to be plenty of space in the large main pocket for an extra layer, a puffer jacket (as long as it’s compact or stuff-able), my wallet and other essentials, and my DSLR camera.
On the plane, I also had my laptop, Kindle, and over-ear headphones along for the ride.
What I love most about the Cusco is its versatility.
It’s urban enough looking to appeal to students needing a solid backpack for campus or commutes, yet durable enough and comfortable enough for day hikes and travel.
I love the simplistic design, which looks good with any outfit or in any situation.
At only $89, it’s a solid pack that will see you through many situations, making it a great value.
A bit more about Cotopaxi: this company takes its responsibilities as an outdoor gear brand seriously.
- Rugged Water Resistant Nylon.
- Multiple Compartments.
- Multipurpose.
- Breathable Cushioned Back Panel.
- Shoulder Straps With Adjustable Chest, Waist, And Shoulder.
Cotopaxi and the Utah Refugee Services Office have come together to launch a skills-based volunteer program in Utah called the Refugee Coding Project. Started in partnership with the Bhutanese refugee community, the coding program has been so successful, community leaders and youth from five other key refugee communities in Salt Lake City requested the program and Cotopaxi met that demand.
Pick up the Cusco on Amazon in three colors, or look on the Cotopaxi website for additional earth-tones.
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