Gear Review: Cotopaxi Arrivo 18L Day Pack
Want to stand out on the trail and add some personality to your go-to hiking outfit? Look no further than the Cotopaxi Arivvo Day Pack. This bag’s bright colors give off a fun and exciting vibe that will keep you encouraged to use it on all of your outdoor adventures. Cotopaxi prides itself on their 100% repurposed fabric and one-of-a-kind color combinations on each pack.
Circumstances of Review: This pack was tested throughout January in the gusting winds of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and in the bitter cold of Utah’s deserts. It was taken through both snowy hikes and rocky trails that featured lots of scrambling.
We pride ourselves in testing all gear on multiple outings, and putting durability to the test in a multitude of weather, climate, and usability situations.
Cotopaxi Arrivo 18L Day Pack
Cotopaxi Arrivo 18L Day Pack
Arrivo 18L Day Pack Quick Facts:
MSRP: $55
Capacity: 18L / 10.56oz
Material: 100% repurposed nylon body with Mesh Straps
Features:
Drawstring closure
Front Zipper Pocket
One-of-a-kind color combination
360 day “no questions asked” guarantee from Title Nine
What We Love About This Pack:
The lightweight Arivvo Day Pack by Cotopaxi stands out not only in color, but in functionality on the trail. Surprisingly spacious, this pack was perfect for the never ending cycle of taking off and putting on layers back on while winter hiking. Our testers were able to fit winter jackets, shells, microspikes, their lunches, and miscellaneous hiking gear in this pack – and still have room to spare! The pack is on the minimal side with only one zippered pocket on the outside and an interior water bladder pouch, and this minimalistic design leaves allows hikers to utilize every nook and cranny of the 18 liters the pack carries.
The fan favorite aspect of the pack was the drawstring closure. Not only was it extremely convenient to use, it gave us the option to stretch the bag at the top a bit, providing the perfect amount of room to pack that last-minute piece of gear. Between looking stylish and fitting as much as a pack-mule, this bag is a win-win for day hikers!
The bag is part of Cotopaxi’s Del Dia line which is made using fabric left over from other companies’ large production runs. The idea is to keep perfectly good material away from landfills by using whatever scraps of material can be found. The Del Dia Collection also features completely one-of-a-kind bags thanks to Cotopaxi’s trust and pride in its Philippines workforce. The company encourages it’s employees to get creative with colors and the result is a variety of bags with endless color options.
What We Think Could Be Better:
Although the fabric is both unique and fun with the bright color combinations, one thing we wish was better was durability. While sliding down rock slabs with this bag in tow, the bottom section of the pack began to rip. It then made our testers a bit more apprehensive when sliding down rocks with it on – which can sometimes be an unavoidable part of hiking in Utah.
Additionally, the bag lacks side pockets, which are so convenient for holding water bottles. Our testers continually had to go in and out of the pack to take a drink, which can really slow down the pace of a hike, especially when running out of daylight on winter afternoons. With side pockets, this pack would be the perfect option for a convenient and lightweight bag.
Overall Value
For any day hiker who needs to bring along multiple options of gear, cameras, or any additional items, Cotopaxi’s Arrivo Day Pack is one that will not only get the job done, but will catch the eyes of the other hikers on the trail. With a MSRP of $55, the pack is somewhat on the less expensive side for hiking bags, and fits an incredible amount of gear for the price. With more space for less weight, we definitely recommend this pack for anyone who is trying to brighten up their hiking outfits with a fun – yet functional – piece of gear.
*These items were donated for purpose of review.
Review by: Kristina Goldhorn / Photography by: Colleen Goldhorn
