Rupert Parker Likes To Travel Light And This Gregory Border Carry On 40L Is Perfect.
Gregory are a long established US backpack brand from Utah who are now owned by Samsonite. The Gregory Border Carry On 40L is becoming one of my favourite travel bags. Shoulder straps and hipbelt can be stowed so it transforms from rucksack to hold bag with an easy flick of a zipper.
What’s clever about the main bag is that it opens like a suitcase with two compartments either side. The upper ActiveShield compartment is completely waterproof and is specifically designed for dirty washing and boots. It’s also been treated with Polygiene Stays Fresh which they say prevents the growth of bacteria, so no stink. You can also access it directly from the outside – so dirty stuff can be inserted without opening the main pack.
On the other side is the main storage area, keeping your clean stuff completely separate from the dirty. Even better, the lid contains two zipped mesh pockets, practical for socks, underwear or travel documents. The two compartments are held together by a big butch zipper and there’s room to stuff items of clothing in between for easy access
The reinforced front is water repellent and contains a large padded pocket with a smaller mesh compartment for cables and keys (with integrated key clip). On the top there’s also a small zipped pocket useful for passport and phone. On the side is a zipped expandable meshed water bottle pocket. What I really like is that at the back is a dedicated 15” laptop pocket which is also big enough to hold cable, charger etc.
The backpack can take quite a load and the shoulder straps are padded with breathable airmesh as is the wide hipbelt. The back panel is made from dual density foam and also has breathable airmesh. Fully loaded, I found it comfortable with the hip belt taking much of the weight and the extra sternum strap preventing it from swinging around.
It’s obvious that much thought has gone into the design of the pack. As a carry-on, going through security is a doddle. The dedicated laptop pocket and the front pocket means you can pull out computer and liquids without opening the main pack. And passport, boarding pass and phone can fit in the top pocket.
If you’re sending it into the hold, then all straps stow away behind the padded back and padded carrying handles on three sides make it easy to manipulate. One thing I’ve never seen before are loops at the end of some of the pocket zips. The idea is that you push the zip puller into the loop and then padlock the end of it. A very useful security addition.
Oh, and there’s a lifetime global guarantee which means you can get it repaired in any authorised service centre all over the world.
Tell Me More About Gregory Border Carry On 40L
Gregory Border Carry On 40L Available in black or brown.
Dimensions: 56H x 36W x 23D cm. Capacity: 40 L Weight: 1.33 kg
Cost: £150
If you enjoyed this review, why not check out these similar posts:
Mizuno Aerolite Golf Bag. A lightweight carry bag essential for carry golfers.
Life Light And Sound Journey. Stunning new immersive sound and light experience.
EU And UK New Border Regulations for 2025. Essential information about what you need for a great visit.
Travelling the Bernina Express. Legendary Alpine train from Italy to Switzerland
