GoRuck GR1 (21L + 26L) Review
"Hardest Core™"
Expensive, but it’s got an amazing warranty. A simple, understated, powerful bag that will gladly see you through anything in life.
- Unbelievable Build Quality: the quality of materials, sewing and construction on this bag is off the charts.
- Excellent Warranty: the bag is bombproof, and the SCARS warranty is there for everything else. Basically, you never have to worry about this bag because they’ll repair or replace it.
- The Aesthetic is Killer: it just looks so good. Simple + sturdy, minimal + uncluttered, utilitarian + comfortable. Just a gorgeous looking/feeling bag.
- Multiple Sizes: the bag comes in a few different sizes. I like the 21L for daily use and the larger sizes for minimal travel.
- Daily Carry & Minimal Travel: the 26L is definitely doable for minimal travel!
- A Life-Long Companion: this bag will be with you through SO MANY ADVENTURES. Buy one and forget about other bags for a couple decades.
Simple, minimal, tough, bulletproof, classy as f*ck. What more can I say? I wish there was a better quick access pocket and a little more organization, personally. But this thing is a life-long companion.
More on the GoRuck GR1 (21L + 26L)
What I like
- Unbelievable build. 1000D Cordura, YKK zippers with silent pulls, everything reinforced. Made by hand in the USA.
- SCARS lifetime warranty. You're never going to need another bag for that job.
- The aesthetic. Tough, simple, and it breaks in over time into a lifelong companion.
- One of my favorite handles in the entire world.
- Great straps and back panel. The laptop compartment is strong and protected.
- Clamshell main compartment with just a ton of space, plus lots of MOLLE for attaching things.
- 21L is the daily carry size; the 26L works for minimal travel.
Watch for
- The front pocket is basically unusable. Everything falls to the bottom. A long, thin tech pouch is my move.
- No quick access pocket and no water bottle pocket.
- Very little organization, so plan on pouches.
- You have to flip a strap out of the way to get into the laptop compartment.
- No breathability on the back. And it's expensive.
Specs
- 21L or 26L, about 2.8 lb (21L), fits a 15" laptop.
- 1000D Cordura throughout, YKK zippers with paracord pulls.
Where I've covered it
- GoRuck GR1 Backpack Massive Review at 0:00 (full review)
- 17 Favorite MINIMAL EDC Backpacks at 33:18
- 14 Excellent Diaper Bags for Dads at 13:21
- 13 Large Laptop Backpacks at 6:48
- 50 Favorite Daily Carry Bags at 32:42
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