The GoRuck GR1 (7/10, WIRED Evaluation) 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 decide just one, it will be the 21L. That is the right dimension 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, however it labored. The 21L GR1 is deceptively massive and all the time 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 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 wish to name it) you’ll sweat and that sweat will soak into the pack. Finally it’s going to 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), however it does take some time. Be sure you plan forward should 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 while you’re rucking). On the entrance exterior of the pack there’s an angled zipper pocket for steadily accessed objects. This does get tight should 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 utterly out of the best way 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 made from very heavy obligation 1000D cordura. The again panel and shoulder straps are 210D cordura. The lighter-weight again material 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 should you like (I hold a Vanquest water bottle holder, which inserts a Nalgene, on the aspect of mine. See under for extra organizers and equipment). You too can use that aspect MOLLE to connect a padded hip belt. The highest deal with is just not 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 would like the again to be much less stiff, however I’ve by no means felt the necessity to do that.
In case 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 additional zippered pocket on the prime of the bag the place you possibly can stash your pockets, keys, and different small objects.
