Picked up this Cotopaxi Taal on ebay, new with tags, and tried it out. There are actually a lot of cotopaxi "Del Dia" bags on there, probably because of the random nature of the colorways, people tend to put them up for sale. This works out as if you get it on resale you actually get a good preview of the color you will potentially be buying. I overall have started to like this sort of bag, due to my experience with the Chio-X and Quickdraw. Its just a good size and convenient to wear and use. The Cotopaxi is a lot less structured than those two bags, but is good as a packable for a 2nd bag when traveling and the like (also sometimes like in summer, you may just want more color). You can actually stuff this whole thing into the front packet and it gets really flat and compact. The strap can also be pulled to the sides and converted to a really soft backpack, as a bigger guy, I'll say this will work for a small framed person, but looks pretty ridiculous if you have a broader build (to be fair most 16L and smaller backpacks look silly on me which is why I err towards big slings and side bags/totes in that size). But the one issue I have with the bag is even in tote mode the strap is not long enough for me to comfortably use crossbody. On a smaller frame the length is probably fine, I can still wear it but it just sits a too little high for me. The strap length works if I use in as a shoulder bag, but I prefer crossbody so the strap doesn't slip off my shoulder. I will put this one up for sale on Nomad Nations upcoming community market. I did like the fabrics and construction used on this type of bag, so I did order another packable sort of Cotobaxi bag, a Luzon backpack. Early returns on that one are good. I also got a Tom Bihn Sidekick and Pakt 5L sling recently, and will post in the future about all those bags when I have time. More on reddit.com

It does the conversion really awkwardly in general, but I think if you swap between carrying light stuff as a shoulder bag and a little bit more heavy stuff in backpack mode you're fine. Since the straps like to be facing sideways like a shoulder bag, putting them on your back (turning both 90 degrees inward) ends up twisting the fabric a bit. Also, due to the way the straps are designed as single loops on each side, there's not much adjustability unless you start scrunching up the top to bring the sides closer together. You basically cinch down the shoulder strap and feed all of the strap's webbing through to both sides. That webbing then becomes your backpack straps. Very simple zippered pouch on the outside. More on reddit.com

Man, I have two of the big Patagonia black hole totes and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Super heavy duty, ridged enough to stand up on their own, and just the right size. I don’t think you can find better! More on reddit.com

Just an idea as someone with a Cotopaxi (28L). Packing cubes don’t save any space with suitcase style bags like the Allpa. You can most likely fit a few more things without them. I’d try it out and see how it feels but some people just like the cubes better 🤷‍♂️ More on reddit.com