Looking for the perfect travel pack for your next adventure—whether it's a weekend in Chicago or a two-week trek across Europe? Zach from Ridge and River is back with a side-by-side look at two of our favorite travel backpacks: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and the Gregory Border Traveler 30L.
Both of these packs offer sleek design, thoughtful features, and just enough space for those who like to travel light—but one might be a better fit depending on how you like to travel. Let’s break it down.
🧳 Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack – Big Capacity, Bold Features
Built for the Uber-Organizer
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is the go-to bag for travelers who love compartments, color coding, and being über-prepared. This 2025 update has a few key upgrades, most notably the new water bottle pocket—a feature we’re stoked to see make a comeback.
Key Features:
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Clamshell + Full Zipper Access for easy packing and unpacking
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Large mesh compartments for organization
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Laptop sleeve + quick-access top and side pockets
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New water bottle pocket
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TPU-coated polyester exterior for water resistance
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Detachable hip belt and padded shoulder straps for added comfort
“It’s like a traditional backpacking pack in disguise—padded, comfy, and built for longer hauls.” – Zach
Downsides to Consider:
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No longer includes a rain cover (bring your own for heavy downpours)
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Slightly heavier at 3.5 lbs, but that weight comes with extra storage
Whether you're heading out for a multi-week journey or just like having backup socks and a backup hoodie, the Allpa 35L gives you the room and comfort to pack confidently.
🔗 Shop the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
🔗 Shop the Allpa 35L Del Dia – Dark Edition
🎒 Gregory Border Traveler 30L – Sleek, Simple, Efficient
For the Fast-Packed Minimalist
Prefer to travel light and move fast? The Gregory Border 30L is a minimalist’s dream. With a sleek exterior, split-case design, and some smart internal compartments, this pack is all about efficiency.
Noteworthy Features:
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Split case opening with mesh dividers
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Collapsible water bottle pockets that tuck away when not in use
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ActiveShield compartment for separating dirty or wet clothes
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Lockable zippers on all major compartments
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DWR-treated exterior for light water resistance
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Eco-conscious construction
“If you’re that person who travels with two pairs of socks and a single middle layer—you’re gonna love this one.” – Zach
What You Might Miss:
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Smaller at 30L, and no hip belt
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Shoulder straps are thinner and less padded
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Weighs just 2.5 lbs, but sacrifices volume and structure
This is the ideal choice for quick getaways, carry-on-only travel, or anyone who values simplicity and speed.
🔗 Shop the Gregory Border Traveler 30L
🎯 So…Which One’s Right for You?
If you're team "pack everything and be ready for anything," the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is the clear winner. With more space, better load distribution, and backpacking-style support, it’s made for longer trips and heavier loads.
On the other hand, if you’re the "minimalist, fast-paced flyer," the Gregory Border 30L keeps things tight, efficient, and light. It’s perfect for 3-4 day trips, or if you’re bouncing from place to place without needing to carry everything on your back for hours.
🛒 Where to Buy
Both of these travel-ready packs are available now at Ridge and River, your trusted outdoor gear shop based right here in Toledo, Ohio.
📍 Want to try one on and feel the fit?
Visit our Ridge and River retail store in Toledo, Ohio → Google Maps
💻 Prefer to shop online?
Use code YOUTUBE10 for 10% off your next online purchase at ridgeandriver.com
▶️ Watch the full comparison video on YouTube: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L vs Gregory Border 30L
👀 Stay Connected
For more expert gear breakdowns, how-to’s, and packing tips:
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