The GoRuck GR1 (7/10, WIRED Evaluate) is the pack that launched the corporate, and nonetheless the perfect 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 might be the 21L. That is the proper measurement for rucking, on a regular basis carry, and weekend journeys should you pack gentle. I’ve even lived out of the 21L bag (with a shoulder bag for my digicam gear) throughout per week lengthy journey. It was a squeeze, nevertheless it labored. The 21L GR1 is deceptively massive and at all times appears to swallow extra gear than I feel it could actually.
My favourite factor in regards to the GR1 is its versatility. I’ve used this pack for aircraft journey (as a carry-on), rucking, mountaineering, 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 should you use it for rucking (or mountaineering, or no matter you need to name it) you’ll sweat and that sweat will soak into the pack. Ultimately it can 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 should you’ve been rucking so much 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 once you’re rucking). On the entrance outdoors of the pack there’s an angled zipper pocket for regularly accessed objects. This does get tight should you’ve actually packed out the inside, nevertheless 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 best way 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 surface of the again is made from very heavy responsibility 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 further compartments and organizers should you like (I preserve a Vanquest water bottle holder, which inserts a Nalgene, on the aspect of mine. See under for extra organizers and equipment). You may as well use that aspect MOLLE to connect a padded hip belt. The highest deal with will not be solely robust, however snug sufficient to hold the GR1 for fairly a methods. Additionally, you’ll be able to pull out the plastic framesheet behind the pack if you would 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 toes tall, or simply want extra room in your pack, the 26L model can be a fantastic pack, and does have a really good further zippered pocket on the high of the bag the place you’ll be able to stash your pockets, keys, and different small objects.