Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac vs. Gregory Border 18
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×31×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 94% |
| Price | $250 |
Feature by feature
| Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac | Feature | Gregory Border 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| VX-42 X-Pac (also in 1680D Cordura ballistic nylo) | 210D High Density Nylon |
Gregory Border 18
| Capacity | 18 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×29×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $120 |
Key differences between the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac and Gregory Border 18
- Compression straps: 4 on the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac; No on the Gregory Border 18.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac; 15in on the Gregory Border 18.
- Water bottle pockets: 1, side on the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac; No on the Gregory Border 18.
Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, backpack straps, sternum strap, built-in organizer, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 174 accept both. 3 accept only the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac, and 1 accept only the Gregory Border 18.
Only the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Ravn Alaska.
Only the Gregory Border 18 fits
Air Niugini.
Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac vs. Gregory Border 18: which should you pack?
The Gregory Border 18 carries 2L more than the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac (16L vs. 18L), while the Gregory Border 18 is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 1.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Aer Tech Pack 3 X-Pac fits 94% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Gregory Border 18; if you want to travel lighter, the Gregory Border 18 is the better call.