The GoRuck GR1 (7/10, WIRED Evaluate) is the pack that launched the corporate, and nonetheless one of the 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 right measurement for rucking, on a regular basis carry, and weekend journeys in case you pack gentle. 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, however it labored. The 21L GR1 is deceptively giant and at all times appears to swallow extra gear than I feel it may possibly.
My favourite factor concerning the GR1 is its versatility. I’ve used this pack for aircraft journey (as a carry-on), rucking, mountain 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 case you use it for rucking (or mountain climbing, or no matter you wish to name it) you’ll sweat and that sweat will soak into the pack. Ultimately it should get smelly. That is straightforward 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), however it does take some time. Make sure to plan forward in case you’ve been rucking lots and don’t desire stares on the airport.
The GR1 consists of three compartments. In opposition to your again there’s a well-padded, inflexible laptop computer compartment (or ruck plate holder if you’re rucking). On the entrance exterior of the pack there’s an angled zipper pocket for ceaselessly accessed objects. This does get tight in case you’ve actually packed out the inside, however it’s helpful for pockets and passport and the like. The within is one huge compartment accessed by a U-shaped zipper in order that the “lid” folds fully out of the way in which and you may load it out like a suitcase.
Internally there are three rows of MOLLE (Modular Light-weight Load Carrying Tools) webbing on the high 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 made from very heavy obligation 1000D cordura. The again panel and shoulder straps are 210D cordura. The lighter-weight again cloth is less complicated on much less sturdy (however superior) materials like merino wool. There’s 3 rows of MOLLE webbing on the skin entrance and sides. This lets you strap on additional compartments and organizers in case 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 may as well use that aspect MOLLE to connect a padded hip belt. The highest deal with shouldn’t be solely sturdy, however snug sufficient to hold the GR1 for fairly a methods. Additionally, you possibly can pull out the plastic framesheet at the back of the pack if you’d like the again to be much less stiff, however I’ve by no means felt the necessity to do that.
In the event you’re over 6 ft tall, or simply want extra room in your pack, the 26L model can also be an incredible pack, and does have a really good additional zippered pocket on the high of the bag the place you possibly can stash your pockets, keys, and different small objects.