The Border 30 is my first Gregory Mountain Products pack. My obsession starts with the active shield compartment that’s vapor and odor resistant, plus easy to clean. After hiking in Moab I left my stinky clothes in the compartment to test the technology. When I pulled them out, the clothes immediate went into the washing machine, but there was no hint of stink in the bag. The compartment is made of polygiene with the active ingredient of biocide to eliminate odors. 

Here are details on the Border 30. It’s 21.5” tall and 14” wide with a depth of 7.9”.  It weights 2.5 pounds. The split case design has multiple pockets of 2 inside and 2 on the exterior. The electronic slot can hold up to a 15” laptop.

There are a couple of other features I really like. There are three discreet handles, in addition to the comfortable straps. The handles make it easy to get this pack in and out of car or plane overhead. The zippers have covers for added protection. This pack, like all Gregory backpacks, comes with a lifetime guarantee.

This was my carry on pack for trips to Banff, Canada, and Fairbanks, Alaska. I used it as my overnight pack for a night in Coldfoot, above the Arctic Circle. It’s comfortable and breathable, which means no sweaty back. I still can’t believe how much cold and ski gear I can get in this bag. For Banff, I even had my ring light and tripod in it for television live shots. On the back is a hidden slot so it can easily slide on the handle of a roller.

The durability of the bag was put to test while I snowmobiled and overnighted in Yellowstone National Park. While parked at Norris Geyser Basin, my guide and I had put our coats over our packs that were strapped on to the snow machines. We did this because ravens are known to “yard sale” backpacks and duffles as they hunt for food. We we got back to the parking area, our coats were on the ground which meant ravens attacked. They opened the pack, but weren’t able to get into the inside compartments. Gregory Border 30 is raven tested and the bag won.

I also really like Gregory’s commitment to sustainability. All fabrics in my pack are mad from recycled materials resulting in a 40% reduction in carbon footprint when compared to a conventional nylon pack.

Check out the Go Gear section for more of Jennifer’s finds for travel and outdoors.