Looking to travel light without sacrificing your essentials? Whether you’re heading out on a month-long trip across Europe, South America, or just road-tripping across the U.S., Zach from Ridge and River is showing you how to pack for a four-week journey using just the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack.
This isn’t a camping setup—it’s all about city backpacking, using trains or cars, and staying in places with washer/dryer access. If you’re based in or around Toledo, Ohio, this guide is especially useful for your next long-haul flight out of Detroit or Cleveland.
🎒 The Bag: Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack
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Large enough for a 4-week minimalist trip
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New side water bottle pocket (fits a Nalgene!)
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Padded laptop compartment with a security zipper (Zach fits a 15” MacBook)
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Plenty of internal space, even with overpacking
🧳 Pro Tip: Zach still had room left over even after packing for a month.
🧼 Essentials: Toiletries & Tech
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Small Cotopaxi Cubo Travel Cube for organizing hygiene items
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Deodorant, toothbrush/paste, meds, and travel first aid kit
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Tech like a laptop, cables, and GoPro stored in the padded back compartment
👟 Footwear: Durability & Recovery
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Daily driver: Arc’teryx Norvan LD 4 GTX
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Breathable, waterproof, and rugged enough for any terrain
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Recovery option: XTRATUF Riptide Sandals
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Like a Croc, but way better—light, cushy, and easy to pack
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🧦 Base Layers & Socks
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3 pairs of Darn Tough Socks
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3 pairs of underwear
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All moisture-wicking and odor-resistant
Zach’s rule of thumb? 3x3 for socks and underwear gives you a full week between washes.
🧥 Layer System for Any Weather
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Puffy Jacket – Zach uses an Arc'teryx Cerium (650-fill down)
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Arc’teryx Beta LT Shell – Lightweight, packable rain protection
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Mid-layer fleece (e.g., Patagonia R1 or similar)
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Free Fly Windbreaker – Packs to the size of a Twinkie, great for breezy evenings
👕 Clothing Breakdown
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Cotopaxi Cambio Button-Up – Breathable, stylish, and rugged enough for adventure
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Flylow Flannel – From trail to tavern
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Free Fly Elevate Sun Hoodie – Ultra-stretchy and breathable
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2 athletic tees: Free Fly + Arc’teryx Cormac
👖 Pants and Shorts
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KÜHL Silencr Pants – Rugged and trail-ready
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Another pair of stretchy comfort pants for travel days
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Active Breeze Shorts + Outdoor Research Hiking Shorts – one quick-dry, one durable
🏖️ Towel & Extras
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Nomadix Original Towel – Anti-microbial, full-sized, and always ready
✅ Final Thoughts from Zach
This setup is simple, effective, and incredibly freeing. With the right gear—lightweight, anti-microbial, breathable—you can do a whole month out of one pack. It’s not about overpacking. It’s about packing smart.
If you’re heading out from Toledo, Ohio, or just love the idea of minimalist travel, this Cotopaxi Allpa 42L setup might be your next go-to.
🛒 Ready to Pack Your Own Bag?
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Grab the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack
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Browse all the featured gear at Ridge and River
📍 Want to see it in person?
Stop by our Ridge and River retail store in Toledo, Ohio!
👉 Google Maps - Ridge and River Toledo
🎥 Watch the full video breakdown here:
YouTube - What’s in My 4-Week Travel Pack
📲 Stay Connected:
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Follow us on Instagram for fresh gear drops: @ridgeandrivergear
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Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more gear breakdowns: Ridge and River YouTube
