Boundary Supply Prima vs. Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Boundary Supply Prima
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 53×31×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 88% |
| Price | $319 |
Feature by feature
| Boundary Supply Prima | Feature | Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 3 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 0 | Main Compartments | 5 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 500D Kodra Nylon YKK StormGuard | Axoflux 400D ripstop nylon |
Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×28×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $200 |
Key differences between the Boundary Supply Prima and Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack
- Compression straps: 2 on the Boundary Supply Prima; No on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
- Opening: Top flap on the Boundary Supply Prima; Clamshell on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Boundary Supply Prima; No on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Boundary Supply Prima; Yes on the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, backpack straps, laptop sleeve, 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. 167 accept both. 0 accept only the Boundary Supply Prima, and 9 accept only the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack.
Only the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Virgin Australia.
Boundary Supply Prima vs. Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack: which should you pack?
The Boundary Supply Prima carries the same capacity as the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack (30L vs. 30L), while the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack is the lighter pack at 1.5kg (vs. 1.9kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack fits 93% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Boundary Supply Prima; if you want to travel lighter, the Alpaka Gear Traverse Backpack is the better call.