Gregory Border 25 vs. Cotopaxi Allpa 26
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 | Cotopaxi Allpa 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | front |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| 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 | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| PVC-Free Coated 210D High Density 66 Nylon & 100% Recycled 450D Polyester with C0 DWR: designed without PFAS | 100% recycled polyester 450D TPU |
Cotopaxi Allpa 26
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×33×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 70% |
| Price | $145 |
Key differences between the Gregory Border 25 and Cotopaxi Allpa 26
- Passport pocket: Top on the Gregory Border 25; Front on the Cotopaxi Allpa 26.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Gregory Border 25; 16in on the Cotopaxi Allpa 26.
- Water bottle pockets: 1, side on the Gregory Border 25; 2, side on the Cotopaxi Allpa 26.
- Water resistant: Yes on the Gregory Border 25; No on the Cotopaxi Allpa 26.
Both have: luggage passthrough, backpack straps, sternum strap, built-in organizer.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 132 accept both. 4 accept only the Gregory Border 25, and 0 accept only the Cotopaxi Allpa 26.
Only the Gregory Border 25 fits
Etihad Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian.
Gregory Border 25 vs. Cotopaxi Allpa 26: which should you pack?
The Cotopaxi Allpa 26 carries 1L more than the Gregory Border 25 (25L vs. 26L), while the Gregory Border 25 is the lighter pack at 0.9kg (vs. 0.9kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Gregory Border 25 fits 72% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Cotopaxi Allpa 26; if you want to travel lighter, the Gregory Border 25 is the better call.