In the interest of minimizing travel luggage, we’ve trained ourselves to pack light and use clothing that can be worn for a variety of occasions. That keeps us from dragging around a lot of things we don’t really need, and saves money in checking bags when flying.
Even for a weekend escape, when our chosen bag is a backpack, it’s not always easy to find the clothes we need without taking everything out. And when you want to separate dirty from clean items, you often have to bring a stuff sack or other bag.
The Gregory Border Traveler 30L pack has a split-case design with a zippered divider panel and mesh storage pockets that makes it perform a little like a suitcase—except it’s still just like a backpack that’s comfortable to wear on your back.
One side of the pack contains an ActiveShield compartment, built from recycled auto glass and using an exclusive Polygiene Stays Fresh technology to keep the growth of odor-causing bacteria at bay. It’s optimal for storing dirty or wet clothing (and shoes), to separate those items from clean clothes. You can get to the compartment through the main center-zippered pocket, or even through a zipper on the bottom of the pack, for quick access on the run.
Open the center zipper, and the pack is divided in two, with the ActiveShield compartment on one side and another packable compartment, plus two additional zippered mesh pockets, on the other—to keep you organized. There’s also an external accessed padded laptop/tablet pocket, a top quick-access pocket, and a front padded pocket with an internal mesh zippered pocket and key clip.
The backpack has a dual-density padded foam back panel with breathable air mesh, and a padded air mesh shoulder harness with sternum strap for wearing comfortably while you travel. Haul handles let you carry the pack by the top or side.
The pack is built with recycled fabrics, like recycled polyester and the aforementioned ActiveShield compartment that uses recycled auto glass.
The Border Traveler 30L pack comes in dark forest and total black color options, and lists for $149.95 on the Gregory site.