Gregory Border 35

Very comfortable, like most Gregory products, and loaded with features (maybe too many!). Excessive laptop protection detracts from main compartment capacity leaving little room for clothes, shoes etc. The smaller version of this pack has bottle pockets, which are great to have to keep hydrated during travel.

I'm a big fan of Gregory products, and have been for years. Their innovative solutions to back country and travel carry have always been well thought-out and, for the most part, practical. I'm also a fan of one bag travel, and this bag initially seemed to be the ideal solution.

Organization is great with lots of pockets and compartments for everything. The bag does this without looking too busy or techie, which is great for appearing low-profile while travelling abroad. It is also quite comfortable with handle on the top, bottom and sides making it easy to grab in and out of overhead compartments. 

My disappoinment came when it was actually time to pack it. I only travel with a tablet, and never a laptop because they are too heavy and cumbersome, but often still use laptop compartment for magazines, books and the like. With not much more than one day's change of clothes, layer, shell and an extra pair of shoes, the main compartment was full! Generally I look to get a weeks worth of stuff in my carry-on luggage, but it wasn't going to happen here.

The problem ended up being one of the bag's biggest pros, pockets and organization. The padding for both laptop and separate tablet compartments was so generous, it cut into the capacity of the rest of the bag.