The GoRuck GR1 (7/10, WIRED Overview) 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 might be the 21L. That is the proper measurement for rucking, on a regular basis carry, and weekend journeys if you happen to 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, but it surely labored. The 21L GR1 is deceptively massive and all the time appears to swallow extra gear than I feel it will probably.
My favourite factor in regards to the GR1 is its versatility. I’ve used this pack for airplane 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 if you happen to 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. Ultimately it would 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), but it surely does take some time. Make sure you plan forward if you happen to’ve been rucking lots 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 whenever you’re rucking). On the entrance outdoors of the pack there’s an angled zipper pocket for incessantly accessed gadgets. This does get tight if you happen to’ve actually packed out the inside, but it surely’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’ll load it out like a suitcase.
Internally there are three rows of MOLLE (Modular Light-weight Load Carrying Gear) webbing on the high for including pockets and organizers, together with 3 inside pockets: a big elastic pocket on the again, and a zippered mesh pocket and a small stable 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 surface entrance and sides. This lets you strap on further compartments and organizers if you happen to like (I preserve a Vanquest water bottle holder, which inserts a Nalgene, on the facet of mine. See under for extra organizers and equipment). You may also use that facet MOLLE to connect a padded hip belt. The highest deal with isn’t 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 an important 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 gadgets.
