GORUCK GR3 vs GR2 | A Comparison on the Features, Function, and MOLLE

Full GORUCK GR3 Review: • GORUCK GR3 Review | Ne...
Full GORUCK GR2 Review: • Best Backpack for One ...
0:00 - Intro
0:43 - External Components
2:57 - Inside The Pack
5:45 - The Verdict
Custom Kydex Framesheets for GORUCK Bags: packha.kr/xiwn
SHOW NOTES:
In this video, Tom Wahlin of Pack Hacker compares the GORUCK GR3 and the GR2. Two solid, durable options for one bag travel.
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[@PackHacker]

Our instagram poll has spoken! Out of 71 votes, 82% of people prefer the GR2 over the GR3: packhacker.com/app/uploads/2018/05/IMG_6032.png

[@PhatNutz]

appreciate the comparison between 2 badass bags 👍

[@PackHacker]

Thanks Phat Nutz! 👍👍

[@markkrell7845]

Great Review! i’m the 18%.

[@RevolverOcelot79]

Fantastic review. I'm about to purchase ma GR2 (34L) and you've pushed me more in the GR2 direction than the GR1. Thanks much and I've just subscribed!

[@PackHacker]

Awesome Larry! Let us know how it works out for you 👍

[@crueltyinpoetry]

Hiya! How'd that end up working out for you? Are you still a heavy user?

[@ryta5465]

I have GR1 26L. This is kinda too small for my camera gear equipments, including a gimbal, lenses, camera bodies, etc. I'm wondering if I should buy GR2 or GR3 for larger spaces but easy to carry for camera shooting...

[@toodamnskippy6220]

Thanks for another great review/comparison. I’ve had several GR2s but always reverted to the GR1 due to the number of compartments, zippers and flaps as well as the weight. The GR3 has solved the dilemma for me. You got it right using the term bucket, it’s much easier to load, unload and search without trying to remember which pouch you used to store your item. The 3 is a bit too expensive but the additional capacity is very useful. I’ve had the 3 on two international flights so far and about to head out on two more in the near future. My GR1 has been relegated to EDC as required. I think Goruck has a winner in the GR3.

[@PackHacker]

Hey Alan Zunder- thanks for the detailed response! Glad to hear you're digging these packs too 👍

[@johnking7535]

Goruck offers upgrades to almost any bag for a nominal fee. MOLLE on the bottom, compression straps and the handles can be added to the GR2.

[@PackHacker]

Hey Patrick, thanks for sharing. Have you had any experience upgrading your pack with GORUCK? 😊 - Rebecca

[@johnking7535]

@@PackHacker . No I haven't had the chance to try their upgrade services. I just found out about it recently and wanted to share with others. From the little research I've done, others who have had upgrades are very happy.

[@PackHacker]

That's awesome to hear Patrick, thanks for sharing this with the community! 👍 - Rebecca

[@mr.delacruz559]

So very happy that I stumbled onto your channel after looking for GR3 reviews!! I had to subscribe!! I’m currently saving up for the GR3 & you helped me make my decision between the GR2 & GR3. My favorite pack or Ruck for edc or day hikes is my DayRuck by THE HIDDEN WOODSMEN. Which is handmade by Malcom with 100% USA materials. Do you plan on ever reviewing his rucks? I own just about everything he makes from possibles pouches to belt pouch, kit pouch & they are all top notch. I think would be awesome to get your opinion. Thanx & keep up the awesome work!!

[@PackHacker]

Good to hear! It's a solid choice - hope it works out well for you! We haven't had much experience with The Hidden Woodsman yet but may check it out soon.

[@alejandropintos7549]

Spotted the Cotopaxi Allpa in the back, should we be expecting a comprehensive review? Cool video, as always

[@PackHacker]

Awesome Alejandro! Yep - expect a Cotopaxi Allpa review soon-ish. We mentioned it over on our Instagram story earlier today as well.

[@robww5921]

Great comparison video and always love the detail you go into. If you were doing your trip again now would you take gr2 or 3?

[@PackHacker]

Awesome Rob - glad it was helpful to you! They're both solid packs - maybe we'll get into some pack-agnostic loadouts and lists for future videos on what can fit in what! It's different if you're trying to haul a bunch of gear (camera, tech) vs staying minimal with clothes & the basics.

[@david-jb5jh]

There was no response because he’s too lazy to respond to the comments personally an admin does instead

[@Jimmmer]

You expect him to respond to every comment....in EVERY video lol genius

[@onaippiano3491]

You guys should review millican or riutbags backpacks. I have found little to no review for those bags. Both companies mainly focus on daily carry, but also make travel bags

[@PackHacker]

Hey Walking Pedestrian- hopefully we can help you out soon!

[@tjack...]

I have the older version of the GR2. It has a compression strap. Pretty for attaching the brick bag.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing the knowledge Jack- interesting to see a pack evolve!

[@BM-ir4lh]

Same. Gen 1 was a bit different

[@PackHacker]

Hey Brock Myers - do you still use this version? Wondering what you think in comparison to the updated pack! 🎒

[@Maestro4862]

I just got back from a trip to SE Asia and had taken the Farpoint 40. Had catastrophic zipper malfunction day 2 so when I got home I wanted to find a much more durable carryon. Picked up the GR3 and def wish I would have bought this a long time ago, it's my first goruck. I got lucky and found it on eBay for $340. I replaced the stock frame with .118" kydex sheet I got from Amazon and would like to add molle for a water bottle and first aid attachment to the sides. I haven't yet checked locally but was wondering if GoRuck offers mods or know of any custom place I can mail it and get that done? Your last video helped me decide this ruck was for me and have been looking forward to this next installment. Thanks so much!

[@PackHacker]

A broken zipper is never a fun time. How old was your Farpoint 40? Glad you're digging the GR3! Besides the Kydex mod, we're not sure where you'd be able to send the GR3 for additional mods. GORUCK may offer some sort of modification, but we've never tested it. Best of luck Paxton!

[@Maestro4862]

Wow, sorry for late reply. I emailed GoRuck at the time of this post (late May 2018) and received this reply: "We are currently developing a customization feature through our SCARS department, but it's not up and running yet. Please stay tuned to social media for SCARS updates." and the Farpoint 40 was basically brand new. Yes, I did have it packed up pretty well but the zipper got hung up on the green inner lining and it went from bad to worse! Just bad luck I guess ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@PackHacker]

Hey Paxton! Thanks for the update. A real bummer to hear about your Farpoint 40 zipper issue. Best of luck! 🎒

[@nathantja]

I'm not sure if you addressed it but the GR2's bottom panel of ballistic nylon is from older models. I believe they swapped it out for the standard 1000D cordura for durability reasons.

[@PackHacker]

Hey Nathan! Yes, we mention the ballistic nylon on the bottom of the GR2. We're verifying with GORUCK now if they use the standard 1000D Cordura on the newer models or the ballistic nylon.

[@PackHacker]

Hey Nathan - we followed up with GORUCK and you're correct, they don't use ballistic nylon in any of their newer models, mainly due to the colorway options they have. Here's what GORUCK shared with us: "The fabric on the bottom of the older GR2s was Ballistic Nylon. We switched to making the GR2s entirely out of 1000 D Cordura because the Ballistic Nylon only came in one color, black. In order to make the GR2s of all colors the same construction we switched to all 1000 D Cordura. We do not use the Ballistic Nylon on any of our newer models." To note, we've seen and used ballistic nylon in many different colors (check out our DSPTCH Travel Pack review), but maybe GORUCK doesn't want to involve a bunch of different colors for such a small area of the pack.

[@bambusbjoerntech6932]

I think the Hip Belt on the GR2 is sufficient. You have to pack light on most Airlines anyways :D

[@iiiGoPoop]

Do you think the gr3 would be a good option for backpacking/hiking? And potential bug out bag or is it mainly for travel. I’m very ocd so like the idea of packing cubes but worry about sleeping bag and shelter items but it seems big enough

[@PackHacker]

Hey there! You would probably want a little more out of the harness system and ventilation to make it a good option for backpacking/hiking. It has proved to be a very reliable bag for travel though! - Austin

[@RedEagle556]

I'm thinking of traveling to Japan this winter for maybe a week or two and was wondering would the GR2 be good enough for traveling?

[@PackHacker]

It'd be good enough and then some 👍👍

[@ww24363]

Can you please review: Mastiff Outdoor Tactical EDC Backpack 1000D Nylon MOLLE Military Gear Dayruck

[@PackHacker]

Hey ww24363 - thanks for reaching out. We currently have no plans to review this pack in the immediate pipeline, but we'll check it out. 😊👍 - Rebecca

[@deancoronado4898]

How are the mesh pockets on the outside for use with armor plates in a pinch?

[@deadweight2049]

Just use the laptop pocket, the gr2 has one, not sure about the gr3.

[@philippebeland9585]

So which one do you prefer? Personally?

[@PackHacker]

Hey Phillipe - they're both great packs with key differences-it really depends on the use case. - Tom

[@RealMuperSan]

Your GR2 looks like it got good use.

[@PackHacker]

Oh yes! But it's still going strong! Thanks for watching, - Nathan

[@alexxhamilton]

Is that the GR3 45L ?

[@The-Tech-Man]

If the GR2 has the exact same hip belt system as the GR3 it would be the PERFECT bag.

[@PackHacker]

Nice call!

[@thegoldenthread]

This is how I feel, as well. I prefer the size and compartments of the GR2, but backpack more than I travel and I want that beefy hip belt.

[@ezmac0289]

Very curious how the GR3 compares to the ReFactor Tactical ASO Bag

[@PackHacker]

Hey ezmac028 - we haven't got our hands on The RE Factor Tactical ASO Bag yet, but if anything changes we'll keep you updated! 👍 - Rebecca

[@ezmac0289]

@@PackHacker It claims to do a lot and the reviews are really good. Seems to have a similar ethos to the GoRuck brand, but I don't have any first hand experience with their products yet. www.refactortactical.com/products/advanced-special-operations-bag?variant=36903765514

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing, we'll check it out! 😊 - Rebecca

[@jenniferharris7633]

We are retiring our 20 y.o. Hartmann tweed rolling carry ons and will be replacing them with our very first backpacks. I'm not a minimalist packer, like to bring my girly things and would rather pack more and launder less. So is the G2 40L too large for a feminine 5'5", 140#, fit frame? I'm not petite, but I'm not a bruiser either. Can't find any YT reviews that offer a woman's POV on the Gorucks.

[@PackHacker]

Hey Jennifer - due to the materials used on the GR2, this pack will be pretty heavy when it's at full capacity. However, while there are packs that are better suited to a smaller frame, that doesn't mean that this pack will not be comfortable for you to carry. We currently haven't tested this pack on a smaller frame, but we have found that working out the features that are most important to you will help you decide on the right backpack. For example, deciding on the materials, specific features, the carry and your travel style will make it easier for you to come to a decision. We also recommend checking out our Backpack Guide packhacker.com/guide/best-travel-backpack/ which includes a list of recommendations and goes through the different harness systems and many other sections, which will help you work out the best backpack for you. Hope this helps, let us know if you have any more questions. 😊👍 - Rebecca

[@jenniferharris7633]

@@PackHacker Thanks, Rebecca. I have since watched your other vids and am now very interested in the Tortuga Setout. Lighter weight, much more affordable and l like the shape. Thank you for providing uber helpful info through YT.

[@PackHacker]

You got it, Jennifer! We're currently testing the Tortuga Setout Backpack in the women's fit and we have a review coming out soon, so keep an eye out! 😊 - Rebecca

[@grinl]

How do they do for back ventilation? I have a smaller Go Ruck and it leaves a lot to be desired because the back of your shirt gets covered in sweat when it goes above 80 degrees.

[@PackHacker]

Hey Mike! There isn't any mesh on the back of either of these packs, but we've generally found that on a hot enough day, it's pretty hard to avoid back sweat no matter which bag you've got on.

[@joshczerpak8669]

I’m looking to purchase this bag possibly. Right now I’m stationed in Germany, but possibly looking to do some travel to neighboring countries. Right now I use the 5.11 rush 72 for weekend travel, although it may be too big for what I bring with me for the weekend. Was wondering if anyone had input between the 2 bags from personal use

[@PackHacker]

Hey Josh - Tom here! Any specific questions I can answer for you here? I've used both personally. The 45L GR3 is 10L smaller than your Rush 72, but due to the boxy size I'm confident you can still fit quite a bit in if your Rush isn't fully loaded. - Tom

[@nelmak8368]

Can't decide what to choose - GR2 34Lor Aer Travel Pack

[@PackHacker]

Can't go wrong with either!

[@jarret45]

GR2, son.

[@rickderico356]

Such a shame... No hip belt on the GR2 and no organization in the GR3. Looks like I'll have to wait for a GR2.5 with the best of both worlds.

[@PackHacker]

Hey Rick - the molle on the side of the GR2 can be used to attach a hip belt, but we get that this isn't always ideal! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with the community. 👍 - Rebecca

[@marshallcierovola376]

You didn't talk about the laptop sleeve. So no differences there except the sturdier frame protects the Gr3 better?

[@peterthorpe1579]

Where can l find a GR2/GR3 in Canada?

[@PackHacker]

Hey Peter - we recommend contacting GORUCK directly to find out the best way to purchase one of their packs in Canada. 😊👍 - Rebecca

[@YTB3r]

i really like Goruck Backpacks but these are too expensive :)

[@nikuiloveyou8245]

wish they'd come out with a single compartment version of the 34L gr2 TBH

[@chrisjavier1767]

NIKU ILOVEYOU +1 on that I do love my GR2 because it let’s you organize more, but a single compartment GR2 would be quite possibly the most perfect backpack ever created

[@PackHacker]

That'd be cool to see 👍👍

[@myckeee]

I use cutting boards as a frame sheet lol

[@PackHacker]

😂😂😂 If it works, it works!