The GoRuck GR1 (7/10, WIRED Review) is the pack that launched the corporate, and nonetheless the very best and most versatile of the GoRuck lineup. The GR1 is available in 2 sizes: 21L and 26L, I’ve each, but when I needed to choose just one, it could be the 21L. That is the proper measurement for rucking, on a regular basis carry, and weekend journeys in the event you pack mild. I’ve even lived out of the 21L bag (with a shoulder bag for my digicam gear) throughout every week lengthy journey. It was a squeeze, nevertheless it labored. The 21L GR1 is deceptively giant and at all times appears to swallow extra gear than I feel it might.
My favourite factor in regards to the GR1 is its versatility. I’ve used this pack for airplane journey (as a carry-on), rucking, climbing, hauling digicam gear, and extra. I even strapped it to the again rack of my bike for an in a single day bikepacking journey. The one caveat I’ve is that in the event you use it for rucking (or climbing, or no matter you need to name it) you’ll sweat and that sweat will soak into the pack. Finally it should get smelly. That is simple to repair by washing with cleaning soap and water after which hanging it to air dry (by no means put the bag in a washer or dryer), nevertheless it does take some time. Make sure to plan forward in the event you’ve been rucking so much and don’t desire stares on the airport.
The GR1 consists of three compartments. Towards your again there’s a well-padded, inflexible laptop computer compartment (or ruck plate holder once you’re rucking). On the entrance outdoors of the pack there’s an angled zipper pocket for often accessed gadgets. This does get tight in the event you’ve actually packed out the inside, nevertheless it’s helpful for pockets and passport and the like. The within is one large compartment accessed by a U-shaped zipper in order that the “lid” folds utterly out of the way in which and you’ll load it out like a suitcase.
Internally there are three rows of MOLLE (Modular Light-weight Load Carrying Gear) webbing on the prime for including pockets and organizers, together with 3 inner pockets: a big elastic pocket on the again, and a zippered mesh pocket and a small strong pocket on the lid. The skin of the again is product of very heavy obligation 1000D cordura. The again panel and shoulder straps are 210D cordura. The lighter-weight again cloth is simpler on much less sturdy (however superior) materials like merino wool. There’s 3 rows of MOLLE webbing on the surface entrance and sides. This lets you strap on additional compartments and organizers in the event you like (I maintain a Vanquest water bottle holder, which inserts a Nalgene, on the aspect of mine. See beneath for extra organizers and equipment). You too can use that aspect MOLLE to connect a padded hip belt. The highest deal with will not be solely robust, however comfy sufficient to hold the GR1 for fairly a methods. Additionally, you possibly can pull out the plastic framesheet behind the pack if you need the again to be much less stiff, however I’ve by no means felt the necessity to do that.
Should you’re over 6 toes tall, or simply want extra room in your pack, the 26L version can also be a terrific pack, and does have a really good additional zippered pocket on the prime of the bag the place you possibly can stash your pockets, keys, and different small gadgets.
