Ideal EDC Bag or Top Loader Trouble? GORUCK M23

In this video, I'm reviewing the GORUCK M23. I did a first look + loadout video when it was first released and I'm back for the full review. I don't have many top loaders, so I spent quite a bit of time using this bag prior to review.
#edc #goruck #backpack
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⚡️ GORUCK M23: bit.ly/3vCP57S
🔗 Gear in this video:
⚡️ SD Card Holder: amzn.to/48m3X8U
⚡️ Peak Design Travel Tripod: amzn.to/3S5ZSPt
⚡️ Peak Design Smedium Camera Cube: amzn.to/47IBYzA
⚡️ Camelbak Waterbottle: amzn.to/3Hu2GRI
⚡️ Evergoods CAP2: bit.ly/47QwH9P
⚡️ Evergoods New ECOPAK CAP2: bit.ly/3OcNKuO
⚡️ Topo Designs Accessory Bag: amzn.to/3U2ulAK
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[@IdhamIdris]

Thanks for the review and insights on this bag!

[@Pack_roam]

Thanks for watching!

[@DevanGoodwin]

Good review! Got one arriving this week and looking forward to it as my primary use it outdoors with camera gear. These kind of bags appeal to me so much more than dedicated camera bags.

[@Pack_roam]

Thanks! Totally agree. Dedicated camera bags are typically too limiting for me.

[@sneakergearz]

Love the camera cube implementation. Have word they are releasing a Heritage version this year so I’m holding on until then.

[@Pack_roam]

Thanks! That loadout worked very well for me. I’ve heard the same thing regarding a heritage version. I’m going to want that. Turns out I like this bag a lot more than I thought it would.

[@johng89]

Great video I actually finally broke down and ordered one after I watched your initial video of this and it just came in yesterday so I’m going to load it out tonight hopefully and start trying it out! Glad it’s done good for you! I to am more of a clamshell guy I have a GR1, GR2, and a CPL28 so I think it will be some getting use to it but I definitely like how the material feels so far

[@Pack_roam]

Thanks! Yep, I completely passed on the M22 when it came out because I had no interest in it as a top loader. Decided to give the M23 a shot though and I’m glad I did. It’s a keeper.

[@johng89]

@@Pack_roam same here man! I’m excited to take it to work in the morning

[@semihehk]

Great video. I got the 21L, i like the side access to the main compartment. It would be great if there is a small loop at the top or at the side for me to hook something.

[@Pack_roam]

Thanks! The side access is great. Without it, I don’t think this bag would be nearly as usable. I can see what you’re saying about a loop. I keep my hero clip on the top handle.

[@Duanewrites]

Solid review. I tried the 26L and 21L. I ended up returning both and staying with my 26L GR1 and 15L Bullet. I liked the M23, but the 21L felt tight on my back if I put a laptop in the compartment. The 26L was huge.

[@Pack_roam]

Thanks! The 26L is pretty big, but carries extremely well for me.

[@gen3kali877]

On the plus side, if you ever need an expedient sleeping bag, you could always climb into the M23 26L.

[@FactFinderGeneral]

I stopped carry water in my bag after destroying several hundred dollars of textbooks 😂 Never again. In the pockets it's way less likely to leak even if screwed on wrong since they can't really tip.

[@Pack_roam]

Ouch! That’ll do it! I didn’t ruin anything, but could have ruined my iPad Pro and work laptop. Definitely more in favor of bottle pockets now.

[@rooks5996]

You should check out the waxed canvas version of this bag that just came out recently.

[@Pack_roam]

Got one inbound in Dark Oak. Should deliver tomorrow.

[@rooks5996]

Cool, I also got it in dark oak. I am assuming you got it in the 26?@@Pack_roam

[@Pack_roam]

I did go with the 26L. Love the dark oak. Going to try it out as a travel bag on a trip I’ve got coming up next week. I’ve never used a top loader as a travel bag. We’ll see how that goes.

[@rooks5996]

That's cool. Are you going to do another review on the waxed canvas one? And also if you were to choose one bag between the Gr1 and the m23 for an all purpse bag, what would be your only bag?

[@Pack_roam]

Yes, but it’ll probably be more like a comparison video than a full review. As far as M23 vs GR1… tough question, I love it. I like the M23 a lot more than I thought I would for a top loader, but the GR1 has been a long-time favorite for me. The on-body access on the M23 is what makes it a tough choice, because the GR1 just doesn’t do as well in that department, and I do also like the extra organization with the M23. On the other hand, I love how low-profile the GR1 is, it stays close to your body. It’s uncomplicated and extremely comfortable to carry. I do find myself carrying the M23 more often these days, but if I was forced to pick one… I’d pick the GR1. I feel like that could change though, the more I carry the M23. What would you pick?

[@sterling-oh6yd]

good review brother... exactly what i was looking for.... still not sure if 26l is best for me.... will figure it out.

[@Pack_roam]

Thanks! I usually go for bigger bags. I like the extra space. Plus, as a bigger guy, smaller bags don’t look/feel right on me.

[@sterling-oh6yd]

that’s the right mindset … for travel and especially handcarry i agree. for edc not sure if the 26l is to „ loose“ if only filled with daily needs. btw i am 6.3ft tall..

[@Pack_roam]

@@sterling-oh6yd I would say I’m rarely using all 26L for daily carry. Occasionally I may have something extra to stuff in and the space is handy. Otherwise, it’s typically “loose” when loaded out for EDC for me.

[@sterling-oh6yd]

@@Pack_roam my first goruck was the bullet and the 1st gen kit bag...... for handcarry travels i use a patagonia mlc 40l bag.... this might be too big for edc....

[@Pack_roam]

@@sterling-oh6yd yeah, for most people it probably is.

[@battlecreek1999]

Have you used the M23 for rucking with plates, or something similar? If so, how did it do in that application?

[@Pack_roam]

I have not, but I think it would do real well. It doesn’t have the padded plate pockets that the Ruckers have, but it does have the elastic interior pocket like the GR1. It’s definitely built tough enough, IMO.

[@battlecreek1999]

Thanks for the quick reply and information video!

[@Pack_roam]

@@battlecreek1999 Thanks for watching!

[@FactFinderGeneral]

It's definitely not built for it, that's not the intention of the design. Just get the rucker. Robic will get beat up if abused like that with weights.

[@kovenant7]

What's you favorite clamshell bag right now?

[@Pack_roam]

GORUCK GR1 26L. I always go back to the GR1. You have a favorite?

[@kovenant7]

@Pack_roam My main backpack now is Evergoods halfzip , its good but I want lighter stronger material like m23 or triple aught design litespeed. Triple aught Design is what I really want but the price is high.

[@Pack_roam]

@@kovenant7 I do love the M23, it might even overtake the GR1 as my preferred carry. I haven't used the TAD litespeed, but it's on my list. May have to pick one up to test it out. You're right though, it's pricey.