Budget outdoor retailer Decathlon just released a 30L version of their Travel 500 Organizer backpack - a bag with built-in compartments and clamshell opening strikingly similar to the popular Cotopaxi Allpa series, but at a fraction of the price.
For travelers eyeing expensive travel packs but balking at $300+ price tags, this could be a game-changing budget alternative.
A Reddit post on r/onebag broke the news, noting the bag is "very similar to the Cotopaxi Allpa series" with its split ~50:50 design and zipped mesh compartment lids.
The Specs
Official measurements: 50×28×22 cm (19.7×11×8.7 inches) Volume: 30L Weight: 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs) with removable hip belt attached Design: Clamshell opening with built-in compartments divided roughly in half Price: Significantly lower than Cotopaxi (exact pricing varies by region, but typically €60-80 versus $279 for the Allpa 35L)
The bag is now sold under Decathlon's Quechua brand, following some recent product line reorganization on their website.
The Cotopaxi Comparison
The Cotopaxi Allpa series has become one of the most recommended travel backpacks in the onebag community, praised for: - Clamshell opening (like a suitcase) for easy packing - Built-in organization with mesh compartments - Durable construction - Comfortable carry - Clean, professional aesthetic
But at $279 for the 35L and $219 for the 28L, it's a significant investment - especially for travelers just starting out or on tight budgets.
Decathlon's Travel 500 Organizer 30L mimics the core features (clamshell, built-in compartments, similar capacity) at likely 60-70% lower cost.
The Weight Trade-Off
One Reddit commenter flagged a concern: "Weight 1.3 kg, which I find very heavy for a 30L bag."
This is valid criticism. For context: - Cotopaxi Allpa 35L: 1.7 kg (3.75 lbs) - Osprey Farpoint 40: 1.4 kg (3.1 lbs) - Tortuga Setout Divide: 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs)
At 1.3 kg for 30L, the Decathlon bag is indeed heavier relative to capacity than many competitors. Ultra-light travelers who obsess over every ounce will find this frustrating.
But for budget travelers, the question becomes: Is saving €150+ worth carrying an extra 200-300 grams? For many, the answer is yes.
Who This Bag Is For
First-time onebaggers: If you're not sure whether the onebag lifestyle works for you, testing it with a €70 bag makes more sense than committing €250+ upfront.
Budget backpackers: When you're already pinching pennies on hostels and transport, expensive gear feels wasteful. A cheaper bag frees budget for actual experiences.
Travelers testing organizational styles: Not everyone knows if they prefer built-in compartments versus packing cubes. Trying this layout affordably lets you discover your preference without financial regret.
People with backup bags: Maybe you have a hiking backpack but want something more travel-specific without replacing your whole kit.
Decathlon's Track Record
Decathlon has built a reputation for "good enough" outdoor gear at budget prices. Their products rarely match premium brands in durability or features, but they often hit 80% of the performance at 40% of the price - a compelling value proposition.
Their hiking boots, camping gear, and cycling equipment occupy a similar niche: not the best, but good enough for most people most of the time.
The question for the Travel 500 Organizer is whether "good enough" applies to a bag that will be hauled through airports, tossed on hostel floors, and carried for months.
The Budget Gear Debate
The onebag community is split on budget versus premium gear:
Buy once, cry once: Some advocate investing in quality gear that lasts years. A $300 bag used for 10 years costs $30/year. A $70 bag that falls apart after two years costs $35/year - plus the hassle of replacement.
Diminishing returns: Others argue that beyond a certain price point, you're paying for brand prestige and marginal improvements. A $70 bag might be 80% as good as a $300 bag - is that last 20% worth 4x the cost?
Context matters: A digital nomad using their bag daily for years should probably invest in quality. A vacationer taking two trips annually can get away with budget gear.
As one commenter noted: "While I personally don't like this type of layout/design, many do, and folks who are eyeing the Allpa might have a low-budget alternative here. It's also a good opportunity to try whether this type of backpack works for you at all."
Availability and Alternatives
The bag is currently listed on Decathlon France's website. Availability in other countries may vary.
Other budget travel pack alternatives include: - Amazon Basics Carry-On (40L): Around $40-50, very basic but functional - Cabin Max Metz (44L): ~$60-70, popular in Europe - REI Trail 40 (40L): ~$100, frequent sales
For travelers wanting the Cotopaxi aesthetic and features without the price, Decathlon's offering is worth watching - assuming it becomes widely available and early adopters report decent durability.
The Verdict
Does a 1.3kg bag that costs €70 replace a $279 Cotopaxi? Not for everyone. Premium gear has its place, and for full-time travelers, that extra durability and lighter weight may justify the cost.
But for budget travelers, first-timers, or people testing the waters of onebag travel, Decathlon's Travel 500 Organizer 30L offers an accessible entry point. Not perfect, but potentially good enough - and sometimes good enough is all you need.
As the Reddit poster concluded: "It's a good opportunity to try whether this type of backpack works for you at all."
The best travel gear isn't the most expensive - it's the gear that gets you out the door and into the world. If a €70 bag does that, it's worth more than a $300 bag sitting in your closet because you're too nervous to commit to the trip.
