If there’s one piece of gear that has truly earned its keep on my adventures this year, it’s the Cotopaxi Elqui 24L Backpack. Whether I’m winding my way up alpine trails in Rocky Mountain National Park or navigating my day-to-day work life, this pack hasn’t just met expectations—it’s consistently exceeded them.
First Impressions
Let’s start with the look and feel. Cotopaxi’s design DNA is unmistakable, and the Elqui 24L carries that legacy forward. Clean lines, smart color combinations, and subtle branding make it equally at home on a trail or in a coffee shop. I went with a darker colorway to mask trail dust and everyday scuffs, and it’s held up well. Right out of the box, the pack felt lightweight yet durable, a rare combination that usually means you’ve got to sacrifice one or the other. Not here.
The recycled nylon construction gives it both environmental cred and trustworthy toughness. I’ve hauled it over granite boulders, set it down in the dirt, and stuffed it to the brim—and it still looks practically new.
Trail-Tested in Rocky Mountain National Park
The Elqui 24L has been my go-to for day hikes in RMNP, and it’s proven itself on everything from mild meadow walks to strenuous summit pushes. With a 2L water bladder in the built-in sleeve and plenty of room left for layers, snacks, and safety gear, it strikes that sweet spot between capacity and portability.
One of my favorite aspects is the ease of access. The front panel opening is a game changer when you need to grab something quickly without rooting through the top. I’ve stashed everything from a lightweight puffy to a first aid kit in there, and the layout makes it simple to find what I need, when I need it.
The stretch mesh front pocket is my go-to spot for tossing in my Tevas or Chacos when I know there’s going to be a lake or stream worth dipping into. That dump pocket expands like a champ and doesn’t sag or bounce annoyingly while I’m moving.
On the harness, the small stretch pockets on the shoulder straps are perfect for quick-grab items. I keep a couple of protein bars in one and my phone in the other—both stay secure and within reach. I didn’t realize how much I needed these until I had them. The hydration port is unobtrusive and works smoothly with my bladder hose setup.
Carry Comfort
Even when loaded with water, extra layers, and gear, the Elqui 24L carries like a dream. The EVA foam back panel with mesh offers solid breathability. I hike hot, so this is no small thing. The shoulder straps are padded enough to take the bite out of heavy loads without over-engineering the cushioning.
I typically hike without the waist belt on shorter outings, but it’s great to have it when I need more load stability for longer treks. The fact that it’s removable is a bonus—I can clean up the profile of the pack when I want a more streamlined fit. Same goes for the sternum strap. Cotopaxi really thought about modular comfort here.
Compression straps on the sides do what they should, tightening up the load when it’s not full and giving me places to secure trekking poles or a packable camp chair. I haven’t used the ice axe loops yet, but it’s reassuring to know they’re there for winter hikes.
From Mountain to Monday: The Everyday Test
When I’m not in the mountains, this pack slides into my daily life effortlessly. The interior sleeve that cradles my hydration bladder on trail days doubles as a snug laptop compartment during the week. My MacBook fits like it was made for it, and there’s still plenty of room for chargers, notebooks, and a packed lunch.
The top grab handle makes it easy to snag the bag from the car or overhead rack, and it’s surprisingly comfortable in hand. On days when I’m heading straight from work to the trail or vice versa, I don’t have to swap bags or adjust my loadout. That kind of versatility is priceless.
I also appreciate that this backpack doesn’t scream “technical hiking pack” when I’m sitting down in a meeting or grabbing coffee with colleagues. It strikes the perfect tone between outdoor rugged and urban sleek.
Durability & Sustainability
After months of consistent use, I’ve seen no signs of wear—no fraying, no failed zippers, no torn mesh. For a backpack made entirely from recycled materials, that’s impressive. Cotopaxi has managed to prove that sustainable construction doesn’t mean sacrificing toughness.
Even the little details hold up: the zipper pulls are grippy, even with gloves on; the buckles snap solidly; and the stitching is tight and clean. It feels like a pack I’ll have for years.
Final Thoughts: Who This Pack Is For
If you’re someone who splits your time between the backcountry and the city, this bag is built for you. The Elqui 24L hits a real sweet spot for day hikers, minimalists, and weekend warriors who want one bag that can do it all.
For the committed day hiker, you get ample storage, hydration compatibility, and trail-ready features in a compact, lightweight form. For the commuter or remote worker, you get sleek aesthetics, laptop storage, and comfort-forward design.
Is it the only bag you’ll ever need? Probably not—if you’re heading out on multi-day excursions, you’ll want something larger. But for 90% of what I do in the outdoors, and 100% of my day-to-day, the Elqui 24L has been the perfect companion.