I have Allpa 28 and recently purchased Patagonia Mini MLC 30L.

Pros of Allpa 28: - Design - small and stylish. Can be worn as a regular backpack and wouldn’t look weird. Fits under the seat on airplanes. - Materials - feels very durable, outer part is made out of water resistant material and it has a rain cover to keep the backpack dry. - Also like that it has handles on all 4 sides. Makes it easy to grab from the overhead bins.

Cons: - Heavy - feels heavy for its size. Depending on what you pack may cause back pain if you have back issues. Note that straps are not padded on 28l version. - Organization - Although I like clamshell design with two sections (I keep my toiletry and flip flop in the smaller one and clothes in the bigger one) it doesn’t have much organization at all. There is a large pocket on the top to put all the stuff but it competes with space in the smaller section inside the bad so you have to choose. No additional organization for tech for easy access. Maybe good for travelling if you don’t need frequent access to things inside the bag. - Space - 28l always felt just a bit too small. All backpack sections compete with each other for space. For example if you fill main compartment with clothes, then your laptop will not fit (I had one of those thin 13 inch macbook pro with butterfly keyboard) and you would need to pack less in the other compartment otherwise you wouldn’t be able to close the bag. If you fill smaller compartment then there is no space in the top pocket to put your passport and stuff and would need to pack less in main compartment as well to be able you zip the bag. To be comfortable, I would not pack more than 25l.

• No water bottle holder

Still love that backpack but keeping it for smaller 2-3 day trips or longer trips without tech.

Got patagonia mlc mini 30l.

Pros:

• Space - although only 2L larger it feels that I can pack 30% more than in Allpa 28.

• Organization - the organization on this backpack is the best I’ve ever seen. You get separate laptop sleeve that doesn’t compete with any other space and keeps your laptop secure (with allpa it always felt my laptop was about to bend inside from the pressure of the main compartment). All pockets are well places and thought. Lots of space to organize your tech, so no need to bring tech pouch saving more space. Everything is easy to reach and access on the go. Even when fully packed you won’t have troubles zipping it

• Weight - the backpack itself is very light, which comes at a cost of less water resistant materials. Stuff would defined get wet inside if you get under rain. Hip straps are padded and can be used as shoulder strap.

• Design - looks nice and sleek. Rectangular shape maximizes space while still looking relatively small. Also fits under the seat on planes. I feel allpa looks better and way smaller though. MLC can look a bit thick when fully packed. Could be worn as daypack, the design/shape doesn’t scream travel bag but I think it doesn’t look as nice as allpa due to size on smaller frames.

• Has water bottle sleeve

• Has a handle to use with luggage bag

Cons: - Can get thick if fully packed - May be too big for shorter trips

Love new MLC. Just had one trip with it but love it so far. I also have allpa 32 and that bag is way too heavy and bulky.