GORUCK GR1 26L Review (This pack is INSANE!)

[@mkphilly]

The reason you're one of the best at this is because you test most of your bags in real situations packed up!!!!

[@Nomads.Nation]

Thanks Mark! Gotta wear it in the wild to REALLY know the bag

[@bunyan6101]

Mole is a traditional Mexican sauce. M.O.L.L.E. , pronounced “ Molly” is an acronym for modular lightweight load carrying equipment. One is a series of straps and buckles and the associated pouches used in conjunction with P.A.L.S. Pouch attachment ladder system webbing( which is technically the name for the webbing on this and other military inspired bags) and the other is a typically dark chili and tomatoe sauce often fortified with chocolate. Not to be a snob which I realize this totally comes off as. It’s just something I would like to be corrected on especially if I review bags for a living. You might as well be calling it sriracha webbing.

[@Nomads.Nation]

I think I'll call it sriracha webbing from now on lol, but thanks!

[@annissim4]

I prefer carrying water bottles inside the bag for that sleeker look. When it's rainy season here, I use the holder only for carrying umbrellas

[@Nomads.Nation]

I’m a fan of that as well

[@fumeokid]

I don’t get the whole patch thing. Reminds me of like dressing up your backpack in 3rd grade. 🤷🏻‍♂️To each their own!

[@Nomads.Nation]

could not have said it better myself

[@ATAR1]

Not a deal breaker, but I do wish this had a water bottle holder. Can you do a review of the Boundary Supply Universal Bottle Pocket? That seems like a good option for this and the Evergoods CPL24!

[@Nomads.Nation]

ill try!

[@RealMuperSan]

For that price it should have a sternum strap and dangle stoppers. Water bottle holder or trolley pass through aren’t really needed for rucking, but first two items would be useful.

[@Nomads.Nation]

agreed

[@ghjong001]

I'm not sure I'd call the lack of bottle holders a con, when you specifically got the version without molle straps. The standard GR1 lets you attach or remove them (or other pouches) as needed, which I greatly prefer over integrated bottle holders (which inevitably get damaged, particularly at the drawstrings). 90% of the time, I go without - but when I need them, I really need them, and it only takes a few minutes to secure them to the sides. I think $400 is way too much if you're only using it as a travel backpack - but if you ruck every day and want a single, multipurpose pack, the GR1 is perfect. The rigid, padded laptop pocket lets you carry a steel plate flush against your back without any discomfort, and those chonky shoulder straps are specifically designed to let you carry large amounts of weight for long periods of time. I train daily with 40 lbs., and can't imagine doing that with any other backpack. It's a rucking pack first and foremost.

[@Nomads.Nation]

im just pointing out potential cons for people who are watching the video, and after responding to 5,000+ comments on this channel, I know that the hydro-homies are very... passionate about their water bottle holders lol

[@jonuiuc]

I like the heritage, but probably would only go with the smaller 21L just because of the weight. I also like the top pocket they put on heritages and some other fabric models. I don’t really love the laptop compartment on these, but I guess they are secure, just seems fussy with access if you are going to use a laptop day in and day out. GoRuck just seems more like an extreme outdoor fitness lifestyle brand that pursues sort of premium pricing based on that image, like Filson etc. You gotta love the look, but the warranty is part of the experience/proposition.

[@Nomads.Nation]

warranty is crucial at that price point

[@sglatitude]

2:12 yep, that’s me rockin’ 28L Aer Travel Pack 3 small, big and strong enough for 8kg load 🤭✌️

[@Nomads.Nation]

💪🏻 💪🏻

[@Killjoy.Z]

I want a big EDC bag that I can use for work and gym that would fit shoes, a good amount of smaller Gym gear, and a ton of other small items like Chargers and chords, at a slimmer and sleeker profile that has a stylish looks - the aer travel pack 3 seems like the perfect bag, no? I'm also 6'4

[@swimmer8585]

@@Killjoy.ZGoruck GR2. It’s expensive, but it will last you literally until you retire from work

[@sandiarms4719]

No sternum strap, bottle pocket, trolley sleeve or dangle stoppers for $400? Nope

[@RealMuperSan]

Agreed

[@bradlamrs]

also no luggage strap 😢

[@mikej243]

Their brand is making the most money with the least effort so it checks out.

[@oidokun]

Least effort? You’ve clearly never had your hands on one of these.

[@jeffbrown8117]

@@oidokunLeast effort in thr sense that they are very basic bags, featuer wise. I’m sure they’re very well made and premium feeling, but no place to put a water bottle on a 26L bag is nuts. It’s clearly meant for travel or hiking being 26L, so not having a spot for a bottle is wild. And by the same rationale, being packed out fiully, a 26L bag NEEDS a sternum strap and luggage passthru.

[@928ruf]

I use a GR1 26L which is big enough to carry all I need but I’m missing a water bottle and some more internal organisation….

[@Nomads.Nation]

💯

[@maicco333]

Totally with you on the patches. Don't even like the little empty loop spaces on my Cap1 and Cap2. One question about the straps on this, which you really seem to love. These look like they have the same structure of straps on other GoRuck packs that had some serious problems with durability. The problem seemed to be that the stitching was only attached to the top of the fabric on the straps. I.e., it didn't go all the way through the strap itself, as you see on other GoRuck packs and most other packs in general. So what's holding all that weight onto your back? Just a single piece of fabric. I'm sure it's high quality waxed canvas, but that seems like too much to ask of any fabric, even if the attachments are stitched onto it really well. Thoughts?

[@Nomads.Nation]

I no longer have the pack as it was lent to me for this review, so I can't give it a detailed inspection, but all I know is that in my experience GORUCK bags have been very well reviewed for their durability - especially the shoulder straps. But definitely something I'll keep an eye out on in the forums and the next GORUCK pack I review (3 more heading my way soon)

[@James-zy4nc]

What are you talking about? Their straps have the same design they’ve had for over a decade.

[@maicco333]

@@James-zy4nc You sound angry. Just look at the straps on a regular GR1 and a heritage GR1. On the regular one, the webbing runs down the entirety of the strap and is stitched/tacked down the entirety of the strap. On the heritage, it's only stitched at the top and the bottom of the strap, with no webbing. Also, at least for a while or at least on some models--and perhaps on these--the stitching simply went through the top layer of fabric on the "top" of the straps, not not all the way through the entire depth of the strap. There are whole threads about the straps ripping/tearing off on the heritage packs. I don't own either, just sharing what I've seen/heard/read. I actually think the black heritage models are gorgeous, but that doesn't mean they're as durable as the regular ones.

[@bani_niba]

Besides the crazy price and all of the missing features, quite heavy for truly minimal organization. Pretty much the opposite for what I would want.

[@Nomads.Nation]

I respect their game, but completely agree. Not a bag I'd use

[@9unks]

For me I'll be buying a Fyro all day over this. I'm a one bagger and $400usd is just too much. I do like the King Kong

[@sandiarms4719]

Yep, I’m holding out for the Fyro too

[@Nomads.Nation]

🫶🏽

[@Scan_Speak]

Just bought the Heritage in Black 26L. I've been wanting a Heritage version and being on sale...............

[@Nomads.Nation]

nice work 💪

[@daredevil2300]

Man. I love me some GORUCK but they are in timeout for me. After spending, let’s just say well into the 4 digits, every purchase had either a missing patch, damaged patch, or a “clearly used” returned item that I purchased as new. Other companies I would have dropped forever but I may come back to GORUCK, eventually.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Damn that’s rough. If it makes you feel any better I haven’t gotten any similar comments on the channel, so your probably just cursed ;)

[@daredevil2300]

@@Nomads.Nation ☠️ haha really hoping because I like their packs very much. Also good opportunity to diversify into other brands. I hear their is a new pack from a new pack maker about to hit the streets ahem ahem 🔥🔥🔥

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@daredevil2300 oh yea? sounds like a cool bag 😉🔥

[@dylantodd9574]

I’m your same size and I use the Heritage 26L for my regular work carry. Also took it to England as a travel pack and the size was great. Although, if I did it again I’d just my Cordura option because Waxed canvas in a humid rainy climate isn’t ideal.

[@Nomads.Nation]

yea waxed canvas def has its pros and cons

[@art0507]

I have the heritage 21L olive. Sold it to fund another backpack, and miss it ever since. I’m eyeing the slate one, but it’s not available for now. Agreed, its price is meh and wax canvas in our humid environment, I don’t know man.

[@Nomads.Nation]

if you like it you like it, can't argue with that

[@enghhb]

the best bag reviewer of all time

[@Nomads.Nation]

that means so much to our whole team, thank you!

[@lucho78]

What colorway is that…field tan?

[@Nomads.Nation]

Not sure, I think it’s retired now

[@FiLtheThriL]

What do I do with all these bottles!?

[@Nomads.Nation]

One of the great mysteries of the universe

[@mayedpowerlifting]

Check out the 5.11 Rush 12/24 2.0 as a much less expensive alternative with the same military vibe and features

[@Nomads.Nation]

Will do!

[@TK-nj3dp]

Really enjoyed the video, glad I found your channel.

[@Nomads.Nation]

Glad to hear it was helpful!

[@Nomads.Nation]

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

[@mkphilly]

Cool, but dying to see how you got a week's worth of clothing in that cube 😳😊 AND, with all that internal molle, there's not ONE hook on the straps to hook a last-minute item via caribiner: I use that constantly for an umbrella, my bottle or a small WAWA bag with stuff I didn't have room for in the bag or wasn't going to open the bag for at that moment.

[@Nomads.Nation]

good call haha, with all those external lash points you think they'd sneak one on the shoulder strap 😝

[@mkphilly]

@@Nomads.Nation love ya always taking the time to read and respond to comments!! Still wanna see that cube stuffing 😉

[@Nomads.Nation]

@@mkphilly ha "one week" is both incorrect and correct. Incorrect because it's really only 3-4 days worth of clothes. But correct because that's exactly what I would bring for a week of travel, with a laundry day on day 3.

[@mkphilly]

@Nomads.Nation yeah, at your age I could travel that light ....sigh

[@jeffbrown8117]

4:21 Alright Aaron, just hear me out. I totally get you aren’t into patches, but you’re saying you wouldn’t even want to cover up that velcro square with… I don’t know.. something? Like… I know you have other interests outside of back packs. Why not release a Nomads Nation patch and stick that on there? Or Some other interest you have? Isn’t it better than the alterntive of NOT putting something there?

[@Nomads.Nation]

Ha yes I'd rather take a patch than that square patch of hair, but I wouldn't do either if I had the choice. I think to me patches just look very adolescent - like something a first grader would do. Just my take and how they make me feel though, I'm glad all you patch peeps can keep on patchin' 💪

[@spyhunter6411]

The 26l is perfect for my every day. I’m tall, my wife is tall and we have a 3 year old. Carrying all that 26 all day! When it’s just me, 21 L works fine and is much more compact

[@Nomads.Nation]

makes sense, you go a whole tribe to pack for!

[@tonyg3091]

Which color is this?

[@Nomads.Nation]

Discontinued I believe

[@kavinathkobinathan2661]

What about your thouts on the trakke bannoche backpack ? :)

[@Nomads.Nation]

My thoughts are I really want to review it! Looks great but haven’t experience one yet - hopefully soon

[@kavinathkobinathan2661]

Looking forward to it

[@Scott__C]

I thought Goruck had moved some of their production to Vietnam and only some things were made in the US? Realistically it doesn't matter to me, as I don't care for the military-ish aesthetic.

[@Nomads.Nation]

some yes and some no as far as I'm aware, but good point, I should have looked up where this specific bag was made

[@Amanecer33]

Would you review the norite urth backpack in the future? Also if you can provide me with an affiliate link I would gladly buy it though you!

[@Nomads.Nation]

cool bag! we don't have an affiliate program with them but I appreciate the thought

[@smallvillefnf]

I think the thing that kind of makes me uneasy about this review is the misinformation about the style of the bag itself. This is the Heritage edition, which is why it comes in a waxed canvas and doesn’t have the Molle strips on the front. Speaking of the Molle strips, GoRuck offers a water bottle holder on their regular GR1. Another difference is the price. The non-heritage edition of this bag is $345 USD and not the $425 USD this bag is. I typically enjoy your reviews, but these distinctions matter.

[@Nomads.Nation]

thanks for your concerns! While I don't use the term 'Heritage' to describe the bag (my bad) I clearly explain from 1:00 - 2:00 that this is a limited edition / different waxed canvas version that differs from the original version. Pretty clear 💪

[@jeh966]

Bruh 400 $😮 i got the savotta 202 daybag 1000d cordura 70$

[@Nomads.Nation]

nice! yea GORUCK bags ain't cheap

[@JK8]

No water bottle holder is an automatic “I will never buy this.” Otherwise I like it a lot.

[@Nomads.Nation]

hydro homies in the house

[@nickcardillo5021]

The fact that they sell any at that price point with so few features is insane..No chest straps, compression strap, ventilation, no load distribution straps, no water bottle pocket and a primitive front compartment from 1980. People convince themselves that it's good value because of the "bombproof" construction inferred by some military pedigree. You can buy multiple good quality packs for the same cumulative price that will do everything better and outlast that ugly boxy thing.

[@Nomads.Nation]

the warranty def needs to be taken into consideration as well, but I agree that for the price its not the best value brand out there

[@crazycrazysnakeman]

Not a fan of the waxed canvas look

[@Nomads.Nation]

It’s a bit more controversial for sure

[@silviacoppi7442]

Not for me… I’m waiting for Fyro !

[@Nomads.Nation]

🔥

[@eitanlahyani1]

Few months ago I asked about a GORUCK reviews and here we are in the second one (BTW - would love a review for the Bullet 16L Laptop as well), my next question is.. what about Tom Bihn reviews 🧐

[@Nomads.Nation]

I’d love to do some TB reviews, just gotta get my hands on a few of their bags. Send me one!

[@GTJay]

Four. Hundred.....Perfect for the ultra rich or GORUCK fanboy crowd. Hard pass. On the H2O holder front; I carry a giant 2 liter super sucker which wouldnt fit if there were holders so....🤷‍♂️ No biggie. Im still stuck in the $400 and no dangle wrangles! 😅 #StopTheDangle

[@Scott__C]

Absolutely. Hate the dangle.

[@Nomads.Nation]

#stopthedangle

[@linedwell]

Way too expensive for me, way too over engineered for my needs. Perfect if you want to go Rucking. I bet most 'men' that buy them have never rucked... or served...

[@Scott__C]

The company is simply selling an aesthetic.

[@Nomads.Nation]

yea its a lifestyle brand at this point, I'd say most of their customers probably don't ruck

[@Salty_Biscuitz88]

Looks like some ninja turtle shell

[@Nomads.Nation]

Loll