GORUCK GR1 21L Review (Is it really BOMBPROOF?)

[@Nomads.Nation]

Do you want to help me build a game-changing backpack? 👉🏼 nomadsnation.com/building-a-backpack

[@MrLlama999]

Some long term user notes: The top inside pocket becomes your go to. The fabric, padding, and material break in and becomes softer and gentler on clothes over time. 1 day vs 3 years is different. You can add a key clip, sternum strap, and water bottle holder either molle. You left out that most of their manufacturing is now in the US. Mine is from the old Vietnam run.

[@robbany9449]

Jealous, Vietnam name GR are considered superior

[@jeffbrown8117]

Patches are way to show your personality, and make your bag your own! Like stickers on a lap top! I think they’re pretty cool.

[@Nomads.Nation]

I have dozens of tattoos and a few laptop stickers, but for some reason I still don’t quite get the patch thing. Just not my thing I guess haha

[@MVK_GS]

I like the whole patch thing. But let me explain where it comes from with Goruck. Like Jason McCarthy, I was on the US Army Special Forces. I spent nearly 15 years in SF until my retirement a couple of years ago. An SF battalion has three SF sub-organizations we call "companies" (the Brits call them squadrons). Each SF company has approximately 86 personnel. That includes six operational 12-man teams (if they are fully manned; we were usually short a couple of guys) and a headquarters element (command, control, admin). Each team has its own specialty and it's own personality. You'd have an underwater infiltration team, HALO team, mountain warfare team, etc.). Each team also tends to have its own logo (usually designed by whomever in the team has artistic talent for that). So, it's not uncommon to see that a team has baseball caps with the team's custom logo embroidered on it. The same goes with team patches. In Afghanistan and Iraq, we'd wear our team's embroidered patches velcro-attached to out upper sleeve, or on our body armor, or pack. Sometimes you'd even see individualized patches on velcro that was attached to our helmets. So, the "patches thing" in Goruck packs is heritage from its Army Special Forces roots.

[@AleB177]

Finally here's the new video format! Loving it! Especially the "microscope" view for the fabrics, as it's always kinda difficult to understand what a material really looks like from a normal camera perspective because of all the noise made by the fabrics.

[@Nomads.Nation]

yea we are still sorta soft-launching it, but soon all of our reviews will be in this format (with a few other epic additions 😏)

[@laelian]

You can add a water bottle holder with the basic GR1, there are MOLLE webbing on both sides and ton of water bottle holders can be attached with MOLLE

[@Nomads.Nation]

good to know!

[@lanceklein2746]

Love the format of this video, with the wall of packs behind you. The comparison section at the end was super-cool, just pulling stuff down and showing it. Nice!

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks Lance! This is the slow rollout of what we codenamed NN 2.0 - lots of small changes that we are still working on perfecting over the next few months

[@jenspoder8322]

Had mine for 12 years now. Have a molle bottle holder for when I need it. I have tried to replace it with more modern bags, but I just like the minimal design. I find that a lot of organization compartments in my bags is great if it fits my stuff exactly, but if you need versability, it's better to have something you can customize.

[@jenspoder8322]

Oh yeah. Have a custom patch with my name on it ;)

[@Nomads.Nation]

12 years = impressive!

[@vbhargave]

Thanks for the review, Aaron! I have never understood the fascination with the GoRuck brand. For the price, their backpacks lack many useful features, like a water bottle pocket, waterproof zippers, and compartmentalization. There are so many better options out there, like Aer, Evergoods, Able Carry, etc., for a lower price.

[@Nomads.Nation]

I think it comes down to GORUCK’s core values, and those won’t align with everyone. But they do have a cult-like following, so they are doing something right!

[@wallystevens285]

Comfort, nothing comes close under weight. I’ve owned the brands you’ve mentioned and love their styling, but not the harness system as much as GR. Just did a overnight Vegas and had my GR1 26l from airport and 8 miles of walking before hotel. My other bags wouldn't have been that comfortable.

[@Chazyfizzlez]

@@wallystevens285I personally think mystery ranch bags are WAY more comfortable under weight with their adjustable yoke system.

[@semzip8558]

Production value off the charts with this one Aaron

[@Nomads.Nation]

This is actually the first video of our new review format which we dubbed NN 2.0 - so stoked that you like!!

[@jonuiuc]

Nice to see your thoughts about this one. I like all the fabric versions that go ruck offers particularly the ripstop, heritage and dyneema, but the price, yeesh. As a sternum strap guy, I’d miss not having it. Weirdly I’ve come to perceive go ruck as an outdoor fitness brand, but the layout is decent for travel. EDC, I dunno is I like the laptop solution, always being blocked by the strap…. Anyways I have some experience with similar lesser priced alternatives, for improved edc/useful features the CTactical CT15 and CT21 / and for a lighter weight more streamlined take with slightly different look the Recycled Firefighter 12 or 24 hour bags.

[@Nomads.Nation]

I've heard great things about CT bags. Been trying to get a few from them for a while now, let's hope it goes through

[@craigsinclair-wood2684]

It was a field pack 1st, in the bush water bottle will rip off, fall out,and laptop compartment is really just for the people in the cities, i have 8 gorucks and they are outstanding piece of equipment .

[@Nomads.Nation]

Eight??!?? That’s impressive haha

[@errydm]

My Echo is still in rotation, which I bought around 12 years ago.

[@Nomads.Nation]

not surprised lol

[@robbany9449]

One of the big reasons I love my GR1 26L is the lack of branding (I use non-GR patches). Especially with premium products that demand a high price tag, there can be a negative connotation with spending said premium on something. I prefer to fly under the radar, since I spent the money I did for the longevity and build quality, not other's appreciation/admiration.

[@Nomads.Nation]

good to know!

[@JoeLopez]

I ran a 21l GR1 for a few years and now a Rucker 3. I love these bags. So rugged and durable. You are not taking headphones out of that front pocket while the bag is fully packed 😎

[@Nomads.Nation]

yea I wish I would have shown the tightness of the front pocket a bit more

[@oidokun]

I have the Slick GR2 40l which is great for 1 bag travel. The lack of water bottle holder isn’t a big deal since its mostly a to the airport and then to the hotel bag. The lack of waterbottle holder on their smaller bags kills me though, although you can always connect one on the models that have molle on the sides. And Im good on patches, dont need to advertise myself.

[@Nomads.Nation]

💯

[@percocetzh]

I definitely would have wanted to see a water bottle holder. I don't like putting my water bottles in the bag where I may have electronics (I wouldn't wanna risk not closing the bottle right). Given that it's an outdoor company a water bottle pocket just makes sense too.

[@Nomads.Nation]

It does… but still, they sell so many bags haha

[@user-hm9cd9yb8x]

I looked at the goruck packs a while ago, but concluded they lack features I need and the look was too tactical. Nice looking packs, but just not for what I need. Probably the biggest annoyance I've been having when looking at backpacks is with these $200+ packs not having a proper water bottle holder. I do like having a holder on the outside. There are some funny patches, but they can get a bit wild and weird. The laptop holder is interesting, but I wouldn't really like it because I carry a lot of electronics and usually those older thinkpads from 2017 that are built like a tank so they're usually more thick than a macbook (I usually have one laptop packed, but want to add another laptop at some point and a tablet plus other gear that would make tsa go wtf when I dump out my backpack contents). Also having to constantly adjust the straps to access the compartment would become cumbersome for me. I wish more of these $200+ backpack brands would design a seperate laptop pocket that at least has a second pocket on the inside to store either a tablet or a laptop

[@Nomads.Nation]

Understand your concerns, but all I’ll say is that GORUCK is huge, so whatever they are doing is working

[@RebeccaSmith77]

HA! I JUST found this video. I swear I searched your channel for Goruck, and I didn't find anything before. Am so happy you did this review. And I just asked your sister a couple weeks ago if she would be willing to review a GR2 26L (which I have since purchased). ❤ I have a few of their bags, and being a woman with a 5'2" narrower shoulder frame, I think size and bag type really matter for me with Goruck when it comes to comfort. Oh, and materials. I find my KR1 (kid ruck lol) and 18L double compartment bullet are most comfortable on my back because the straps are not as beefy and they're set narrower on the bag. Thanks again for the review!

[@Nomads.Nation]

thanks for your comment! Now I wanna review the KR1 haha

[@RebeccaSmith77]

@@Nomads.Nation do ittttt! ☺️ You really should. It is only 13L, but it fits a lot. Mine went to Ireland with me. Now I use it for my dog for walks and vet visits. If you get it, and find the straps are too short for you, maybe your sister can review it? ♥️ It comes with a removable frame sheet. I had to remove mine.

[@ChrisCarries_EDC]

Try accessing your stuff from that front slant pocket when the bag is fully packed. It's a pretty tight fit. No way does it have that "expansion" capability - you're just eating into main compartment space.

[@Nomads.Nation]

can't argue with that, I def wish I would have emphasized this a bit more

[@RyaniVice]

Matching backpack to Jordans love it

[@Nomads.Nation]

haha that was an accident, I swear

[@Ellman1231]

The patches craze seems to have originated in the custom patches that military, law enforcement, & medical personnel placed on their bags & uniforms (which were often standard-issue & hard to tell apart) to display names, ranks, units, etc. I saw this getting bigger as the tactical-style bags like GoRuck got bigger. That said, people now use them for a variety of purposes, but I personally just like customizing my bags. If I get bored, rather than buying a new bag I might swap out my "Just Here for the Coffee" patch & replace it with a dorky Star Wars patch. It's fun & collecting them is cheaper than collecting bags.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Makes sense! ☕️

[@rlfstr]

Just getting into the patch game because I'm waiting on a CamelBak HAWG MilSpec in olive green and I just think a simple brown leather patch would look really nice with the matte olive tone.

[@Nomads.Nation]

that makes sense to me

[@RealMuperSan]

The front slash pocket is probably the worst thing about it. Hard to practically use as it doesn’t have enough volume and is deep (ie hard to access and little stuff just drops to the bottom).

[@Nomads.Nation]

Agreed, but a lot of bags have that issue as well

[@MRamirez]

If I'm going to pay $350+ for a bag, I want the laptop zips to be waterproof. That alone is a deal breaker. A bombproof laptop compartment that fails in a downpour. I do love the internal mole, though.

[@Nomads.Nation]

can't argue with that

[@alanlamm5904]

You are late to the party, but glad you finally checked out the awesome Goruck!! Good review. Fair and honest. Thank you, Aaron!!!!

[@Nomads.Nation]

Feels good to finally be at the party 🎉

[@trueBluente]

I'm not "into patches" but got a patch for my CPL24 just for customization and adding some color. Im looking into getting a second patch, but all from Aliexpress, not gonna pay

[@Nomads.Nation]

Awesome! I would say that most bags will give you a 'pregnant' look if packed out the way it's not intended to

[@trueBluente]

@@Nomads.Nation ​ My CPl24 never got a pregnant look and I mostly use the front access pocket. But shown with my pack choice, you can "see" I like my bag to be as steramlined af, and this just doesn't fit it😉

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@trueBluente 💪 💪

[@ghostmonkey0432]

My alternative to is was a dsptch daypack, jansport hatchet, reilly, but there's just something about goruck that just is pick for day trips

[@Nomads.Nation]

💯

[@kavkazE]

like seeing it on your frame and also a smaller frame. More people need to cater to people of all sizes! Curious to see your thoughts on the bullet ripstop bag collection vs these.

[@Nomads.Nation]

cheers! hoping to get a bullet to review soon

[@YTB3r]

I really like your video review. The Goruck GR1 21L is awesome but itis so expensive. Luckily, I have found the CT21 backpack with great innovative features. I can install an additional pouch when I need to carry more items. I also have a Rush 12 5.11 backpack, thank you 5.11 for making it in Vietnam. If they made it in America, I probably wouldn't be able to buy it because it's too expensive.

[@Nomads.Nation]

CT is supposed to be great, I’m hoping to review those bags soon

[@Jane42.]

I thought the GR1 had a small top pocket like for sunglasses on the outside near the grab handle. Not the case?

[@Nomads.Nation]

Not sure, all I can say is based on what I’ve reviewed, which is this bag and the GR1 26L

[@lorettashumate446]

The new ones have the poxket.

[@TheRealHonestly]

Are these Huckleberry models something they bring back in stock? I don’t really care for the molle myself

[@Nomads.Nation]

not sure, maybe check with GORUCK

[@sebnarciso426]

Did Margaret find the bag pretty tall or digging in below the waist? I'm the same height

[@Nomads.Nation]

Margaret said "I didn't find it's tall/big (it's actually has a slim profile comparing to the Aer Travel pack 3 small which is my EDC backpack) and although I don't like the comfort of Goruck, the back panel didn't dig in my lower back"

[@venom5809]

This is the first Goruck that looks semi decent. I associate Goruck with people that cosplay as tough guys. The price is laughably ridiculous too. Patches are also super tacky. I added another bag to my collection yesterday, a Nomatic 20L travel backpack and it's honestly pretty amazing so far. The only that I can think of right now is maybe smoother zippers would be nicer but it might just be because they are weatherproof zippers. Costco had it on a super deal I could not pass up, $150.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Good price!

[@jenspoder8322]

No one, least of all me, would call myself a tough guy. I just like the "buy it for life" aspect of buying things that are extremely well crafted. Having had mine for EDC for 12 years, the lifetime value begins to look pretty good.

[@venom5809]

@@jenspoder8322 I have many many bags and backpacks in my house that are decades old some older than me too and they aren’t named Goruck. Most bags are buy it for life, unless you are an oaf even a $10 Targus backpack will last you forever. lol. These companies really have you all believing that bags are chairs are wearing out all the time. I have a couple year old Herman Miller Embody, a 10 year old Steelcase Leap that survived life in an office and a 29 year old Haworth Improv that did the same and all are like new, never had any warranty work done.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@jenspoder8322 can’t argue with that

[@unfi6798]

G'day mate.! Love the presentation, quick, fast & full of details. BUT...I think that computer compartment is more for am armour plate..?! hence thus its locality. Just thought we throw that out there matey. Cowabunga.!

[@Nomads.Nation]

great call! thanks matey

[@fherchannel468]

Please do a review of gr2 26l… excellent review!

[@Nomads.Nation]

Will do!

[@aaroncostello2984]

Cool vlog as always... i live in HK and of course with the hot summers having a water bottle handy is good but i'm not a fan of water bottle holders on the outside cause i'm a fan of the sleek look.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Hope you are enjoying the cold weather this weekend 🇭🇰

[@aaroncostello2984]

@@Nomads.Nation always lol 🥳🥳🥳🥳🧐

[@dennishowe]

No water bottle holder is a big miss, especially as you point out there is space for it.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Yea, it’s a very intentional choice that is missing them a lot of sales imo

[@ajmunn1229]

I have the regular version incoming, tried black ember but it was way too much org for me. Also have a CTB26 but its a smidge too big for the office. We will see if this is that perfect middle ground. Im not opposed to attaching a molle bottle pocket in a pinch...and keeping the sleekness when not needed.

[@Nomads.Nation]

be sure to let us know what you think about the bag after testing for a few weeks 💪

[@josephcalp1604]

Great review. Please do a comparison with the GR1 21 with any of the CT tactical 21 liter packs.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Will try my best 🫡

[@ramathing723]

Reminds me of those Raw Row South Korean backpacks.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Never heard of them, I’ll check em out!

[@bridgeschromaCN]

no idea how this brand got so much attention, i have a tad litespeed, take off the outer panel it's basically a goruck bullet, and this bag came out 10 years ago.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Well built bags + made in America + amazing warranty + built around passionate rucksack community = recipe for success

[@errydm]

@Nomads.Nation The made in Vietnams are also very good. Though the black versions have a blue tint to it.

[@bridgeschromaCN]

@@Nomads.Nationplus it's a Veteran-owned business!

[@errydm]

I have an Axiom 24. I still prefer my Gorucks even though the Axiom has a better compartment design.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@errydm for sure, my bag is made in Vietnam, its the best bag-making country imo

[@dawnmcelligott1334]

These bags are very well built, if you own one it will be for life. However, you either like them or not. I appreciate the bag, the way it was made agree, dangle stoppers cost next to nothing and the zipper for the laptop compartment should be better. I actually don’t love the super wide straps…for some of us gals they can be rubbing in the wrong places. I’ll pass on this bag.

[@Nomads.Nation]

I agree that while I'm very impressed with a lot of aspects, it's a pass for me in my day to day (but mostly because it's not an aesthetic I vibe with)

[@RaulDominguez23]

Can’t find this bag anywhere!

[@Nomads.Nation]

its a limited edition, hopefully it comes back around

[@NPofficer]

For the same amount of money, I'll get a Chuyen Tactical anytime 😝 CT has been evolving its design at a faster pace too

[@Nomads.Nation]

many would say that CT ripped off GORUCK, but I personally don't have a strong opinion about it

[@NPofficer]

@@Nomads.Nation we can say the same of tech backpack brands too, many of the designs are homogeneous across brands.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@NPofficer agreed, but not as blatant I don't think, and usually just a few features. Early CT bags were kinda carbon copies of GORUCK

[@NPofficer]

@@Nomads.Nation I don't disagree. Unfortunately, it is not (or not possible for it to be) patented

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@NPofficer totally agree, they are in line with the free market, but I can see how it might rub some ppl the wrong way

[@castgameforchubby810]

Randomly ask here, would it possible for me to find any Aer pruducts likes Go Pack 2 when visiting HongKong?

[@Nomads.Nation]

only option I know of is Suburban Hong Kong - they have two locations, one in Causeway Bay and the other in Kwun Tong. Give em a call 💪

[@muhanadalmaroof3243]

can this bag fit a 16" laptop and thanks for the review

[@Nomads.Nation]

I believe so but I’d double check with GORUCK to be 100% sure

[@DaveStern2]

kinda with you on this one .. can't explain the patch thing although got my first mystery ranch with the velcro panel on top and will patch it for sure; but overall I like the clean look better or maybe just more used to it. picked up the evergoods cap2 when it was released and sent it back for among other things that velcro outside for a patch, I'm like why did they ruin the nice outside with some hairy messy velcro? as for goruck, just not my vibe (but yes they have a really loyal following!.

[@Nomads.Nation]

So loyal haha

[@MoonRoomOfficial]

I understand who their target market is; its for rucking. for ppl who put rocks and weights in their bag and go running in the woods and mud in them. so If it breaks or gets damaged, they will fix it. makes sense for ppl who consistently breaks their bags and needs a lifetime warranty. for the average city slicker manybagger, this bag is overpriced and lacks actual functionality. especially this version without the mole. looks pretty but for that pricetag there's so many other great bags.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Makes complete sense

[@GodsGunsGlory777]

Nice looking bad. That price point is wild. Better be able to take a pistol round lol

[@jeffbrown8117]

6:40 for that price, and if you want me to take this hiking, deal breaker not having a water bottle holder.

[@Moosekeys]

They can use a hydration bladder tho

[@Nomads.Nation]

Problem solved!

[@blahblahtest8024]

hold up, you're in HK??

[@Nomads.Nation]

7 years now!

[@maicco333]

With you on the patches--really not into it. As for durability, I believe this is one of the Goruck models in which the stitching on the shoulder straps just attaches the webbing to the fabric at the top and bottom of the straps rather than going all the way through the straps themselves. I've seen a good number of posts about those webbing points being torn off, the fabric ripping, etc. I don't know why you wouldn't stitch all the way through shoulder straps. No sense. If this ISN'T one of those Goruck models, apologies, but it's definitely something folks post about. But Goruck is a cult, so criticism usually isn't welcome. (Personally, I think this pack just looks dumpy, though they make a few that look decent.)

[@Nomads.Nation]

Interesting about the shoulder strap stitching, I’ll keep an eye out for that. Regardless though, their lifetime guarantee has you covered

[@smilebot484]

minimal water resistance is a deal breaker

[@Nomads.Nation]

I wouldn't say it's minimal at all, but def not extreme water resistance

[@linedwell]

I know they're engineered to *Ahem* Go Rucking... But they're so overpriced and I dunno just too much bag for carrying a lunch box from home to the office and I wouldn't use it for hiking, id use a hiking pack. I dunno. For Rucking? great.. for anything else? You could buy an Osprey bag that's lighter and has a life time warranty for 1/5th the price... But, it has to be said, I'm very very POOR 😢😢😢 Also Also Alternative: 5.11 Bags. 👍

[@Nomads.Nation]

you aren't alone in your analysis, their price points are def aggressive

[@cnharitos]

I really cannot understand why someone would reasonably purchase this over most other bags, even at lower price points.

[@Nomads.Nation]

I think it just depends on what you value in a bag - it can make sense to me

[@pao_banaag]

Everyone keeps using the word bombproof with gorucks when they couldn't even survive being dragged behind a car for a bit as jb outside has demonstrated

[@Nomads.Nation]

Yea it’s more of a marketing thing, I saw JBs video, love that he did that haha

[@juri991]

geezus $335, nope, i am sticking to the Fyro cult

[@Nomads.Nation]

good choice 😉

[@houserhythm]

Man, that's a lot of money for not a lot of bag. No PU coated zips, no interior lining, no sternum strap, only 3 pockets... that should make the price lower, not higher. So the insane price must be due to US manufacturing and the warranty. A bag can be made in China, Vietnam etc. to the same quality standards for much cheaper and I certainly care more about my wallet than patriotism. And while the warranty sounds nice, I take really good care of my bags; as long as I'm covered for manufacturing defects, I don't need anything else.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Yes it’s a unique value proposition, but they have a huge following, so it’s clearly worth it to many

[@houserhythm]

@@Nomads.Nation of course. I think it's obvious my comment is my opinion and not trying to sound like "absolute truth." Different people have different opinions/priorities.

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@houserhythm for sure! just responding to your opinion with an opinion of my own 💪

[@TheIainternet]

BIG NO for the patch thing. Screams too much American military (nothing against them btw!). Can probably out-nerd you by telling you that folding magnifying glass you’re using is a printers loupe, used to check alignment in offset printing 🤓

[@Nomads.Nation]

That was impressively nerdy haha

[@dimm0k]

lol I thought Margaret was your son

[@Nomads.Nation]

she's 4 years younger than me

[@bani_niba]

$335 USD? It's an artifact of a cult, not a travel item.

[@TheIainternet]

Yeah! Over $700 Aus! Bonkers!

[@Nomads.Nation]

Love hearing the controversial opinions - it’s definitely not a bag for everyone

[@venom5809]

It caters to people that love to scream "inflation" and gas prices are so high but then go buy lifted trucks that get 8 mpg and spend $300+ on backpacks and even more on pea shooters and the peas to put in them. LOL

[@1azyb0t]

Just say "Molly", like the girl. Not "Molè", like the sauce. 😏

[@Nomads.Nation]

Maybe I’m just always hungry lol

[@FlightingVagner]

I am here just for street views of Hong Kong.

[@Nomads.Nation]

🇭🇰 ❤️

[@ivanchau11000]

To me personally, goruck has never been a brand to really appreciate because you’re paying so much for a mediocre product despite the great warranty. It resembles too much like those army looking bags you can get at Marshalls 🤣🤣🤣

[@oidokun]

Mediocre…rigggggght

[@Nomads.Nation]

Definitely didn’t feel mediocre to me, but I can understand what you mean

[@linedwell]

I don't know about mediocre, if anything, they're too well made for the average person. They do scream "Tactical... but for people that have never been in the military" I'd pick an Alice pack or an old school British Bergen over a GoRuck anything. 😁

[@adriancharles]

They make awesome products. Underfeatured, overbuilt, not for everybody. Pickup trucks aren't mediocre because they lack sports-car handling.

[@joshuachambers9464]

You’ve clearly never owned a GR