Gregory Border 25 vs. Thule Aion 28L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Gregory Border 25
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×33×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 72% |
| Price | $140 |
Feature by feature
| Gregory Border 25 | Feature | Thule Aion 28L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | 32L |
| 0 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | optional |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 16in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| PVC-Free Coated 210D High Density 66 Nylon & 100% Recycled 450D Polyester with C0 DWR: designed without PFAS | Waxed P600 polyester canvas |
Key differences between the Gregory Border 25 and Thule Aion 28L
- Opening: Other on the Gregory Border 25; Clamshell on the Thule Aion 28L.
- Hip belt: No on the Gregory Border 25; Optional on the Thule Aion 28L.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Gregory Border 25; 16in on the Thule Aion 28L.
Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, backpack straps, sternum strap, built-in organizer, water bottle pockets, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 136 accept both. 0 accept only the Gregory Border 25, and 3 accept only the Thule Aion 28L.
Only the Thule Aion 28L fits
Great Lakes Airlines, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Gregory Border 25 vs. Thule Aion 28L: which should you pack?
The Thule Aion 28L carries 3L more than the Gregory Border 25 (25L vs. 28L), while the Gregory Border 25 is the lighter pack at 0.9kg (vs. 1.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Thule Aion 28L fits 74% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Thule Aion 28L; if you want to travel lighter, the Gregory Border 25 is the better call.