Minimal one-bag backpack comparison Goruck Gr1, Tom Bihn Synik 22, Recycled Firefighter 24HR, CPL24

[@RecycledFirefighter]

Oh ya!!!! Thanks for the feedback! Glad my bag was chosen for your favorite for a short trip!!!! I work hard on my gear and it’s good to hear you love it! Check out my 12hr bag too!

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

If you check out my COVID edc video, I actually use a 12 hour daily right now.

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Also, feel free to reach out if you have anything new you want reviewed.

[@tamasbarad8202]

I like your reviews a lot, that toilet paper fill test was very creative. It is very interesting how the actual space differs from the announced net volume. My first bag for example was a Peak Design Everyday 30l, that as I measured topped at 28l without any deviders at the highest clip level. Otherwise was more of a 21-2 liter bag by packabilty. The Goruck is surprisingly spacious and utilitarian even at 20 liters (the +1 is the laptop sleeve). It does fit more than the (officially) 24L Evergoods CPL, for the CLP sacrifices a lot from the main compartment for the sake of the independent inner pockets. It also tapers down for aesthetic reasons. Dispite of this, volume and light weight is not necessarily the best means to evaluate a (travel) bag. With one big compartment you leave with your drawer and return with a trash can. Even if you use kits and packing cubes. I became a big found of devided travel bags of late, like the Tom Bihn Tri Star series. You can choose to not interact with certain parts of your bag. That's great if you stop at a lot of places and work on the go. I think I would pick the Synic from this group for similar reasons. But again, the Tri Star, or Western Flyer are the absolute best in my opinion.

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

I used to be a big fan of the synapse/synik organization style, but lately I've been using a lot more pouches for all my little things, so the goruck would probably match my current packing style most closely.

[@michaelreed649]

Very good review. It caused me to subscribe. I agree with all of your assessments and if I was to buy Another backpack anytime soon, it would be the Tom Bihn synik (30 due to laptop size) Once again, fantastic job! Have a blessed week!

[@PanaMaJwaaRd]

For those wondering. For travel or beach or pool or outdoor. The RFF is SUPER light! I found the RFF not a goo daily because of the lack of any kind of structure everything flops around and drops to the bottom in every pocket unless its packed, this is why for travel its awesome, because most of the time the space is used and that keeps things in place and also not moving around and gives it shape, and then its super ultra light on top of that. After that, its up to you on EG or the GR bag.

[@imlazy77]

Good work Andy. Exactly what I wanted with your video, how your loadout will fit in each bag. I personally don't like the look of the Synik but it does work well for your needs.

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Glad to hear you liked the video! I don’t mind the look of Tom Bihn bags like some, and I find their utility to be so great, especially with the accessories and O-ring setup. I didn’t want to distract from the comparison, else I’d have much more to say about that bag

[@arguchik]

I'm not crazy about the look of the Synik either - or Tom Bihn bags in general. I carried its little cousin, the Synapse 19, for ~8 years, though, and that bag was so convenient to use. I had to replace it finally because I just wore it out. (Also, my job changed and it was a bit too small to accommodate everything I needed to carry every day.)

[@mindbendernine]

Great review Andy. I have the Synik 30 and the RFF 24hr and the RFF holds more in the main compartment than my Synik 30. Yet, I force everything into the Synik to get my money's worth during weekend travels. Organization? The Synik wins. Practicality and Price? Hands down the RFF 24hr. In fact, the RFF is the bang for the buck backpack out there now. There is no reason to buy the GoRuck at its high prices when the RFF does the trick (minus the Molle webbing). Keep the reviews coming. I'm also looking at the Able Carry Max to replace the Synik 30, but the Synik is just too well organized to get rid of.

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

I’d be very interested in getting my hands on an able carry max, myself

[@garyeverett9714]

Really great review and I love that you tried them all on fully packed.

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Thank you!,

[@sixteenbitter]

Thanks for the comprehensive video. About the Synik; the laptop looks like it fits rather snug compared to the others. It wouldn't accommodate the 13" pro with a sleeve, would it?

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

I don't think a laptop in a protective sleeve would fit well in a Synik. In the past, I've used a Tom Bihn Cache inside the CPL24, and that fit in the laptop compartment fine.

[@leejuhsu]

Hi! Which noise cancelling headphone did you put in the pouch?

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

They’re the Bose QC 20, I think

[@gbaygoogle]

Excellent review: very comprehensive, organized and thorough. Thank you!

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

You're welcome, and thanks for your kind words!

[@postmaldernist1569]

Noticed that you said that that CPL's carrying comfort is "subjective." May I ask what specific issue you have with it? Been considering picking one up.

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Then CPL is a bag that pretty much requires you to wear it high up. It also has a way of bending forward over your shoulders in a way that some find super comfortable. For me, I find that it sometimes pushes a bit too much against my neck requiring me to hunch slightly. Still, it’s a great bag

[@postmaldernist1569]

@@AndyModellBackpacks Gotcha. Have heard that criticism before. Appreciate the response and the video!

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Glad to help. Good luck making your purchase decision!

[@matthewhendricks396]

While I’ve used both the cpl and gr1 heavily I noticed the cpl holds more than the gr1 but only if I distribute gear to all pockets since they are designed to have their own volume. The main compartment on its own is smaller.

[@Grace-kj2iz]

You have the vibe of Tim Cook during a keynote hahaha

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Hopefully that’s a good thing. Thanks

[@didierdog1110]

Great video! I wish the Synik came with maybe 2-3 more liters in size. It feels like the 22L is just a little too small, but the 30L seems just too big for EDC. Personally, I'm stuck between the Synik 22L and the v2 CPL 24 :/

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

The Synapse 25 may be what you’re looking for if you don’t require so,e of the Synik specific features. I really like my Synik 22, but I rarely need that much space for edc

[@stevengarcia8428]

This is definitely an epic comparison! You got a top shelf collection going on there!!! I always have been drawn in by Tom Binhs great external access pockets. I have also considered using Gorucks zipper pulls for my aer travel pack 2 xpac version. I cant wait to see a review of the CPL v2 24 liter review!!

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Thanks for the kind words! I put off ordering the CPL24 v2 until I could sell my v1, but when I do, I'll hopefully be able to film a review of that. The bonuses in the V2 definitely take the bag up a tier in utility. Recently, I've been using my Recycled Firefighter more and more because I love that organization in the front pocket.

[@stevengarcia8428]

Andy Modell The new cpl v2 improved their front pocket so much compared the v1. The recycled firefighter high vis orange is very nice! Its crazy that there are recycled firefighter bags with xpac as the inner liner!

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

I conferred with somebody who has an xpac RF 12 hour, they said: it's a dual laminate, x51 I think is what it's called. It's cordura laminated to xpac The yellow interior is not xpac, it's actual fabric of some sort

[@seechangenyc280]

Nice reviews! Assume you know the CPLV2 24 added pockets in the front pocket..

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Yep! You can see my review of the v2 here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGfRXn-DZqp9kK8

[@jorgecfrancojf]

Excellent review. This is what I was looking for. A side by side comparison on how much can fit in each bag. Thanks

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Glad I could help!

[@welshrecon]

They need a midsized synik.

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Do you find that the Synik 22 is too small? I feel like if you’re using the organization built-in, it fits a ton

[@welshrecon]

@@AndyModellBackpacks I possibly need a bit more of a bigger main container becuse I tend to have gym kit, trainers and squeeze some food shopping in on top..

[@basettabz]

Good work Andy. Very useful comparison.

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Thanks!

[@rymndv_]

Which would you say has the more comfortable straps?

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Most all of these have pretty comfortable straps. The Tom Bihn's new "Edgeless" shoulder straps are pretty great. The Evergoods's are nice if you like how the bag starts to curve with your shoulders, and people swear by the goruck straps once you break them in.

[@savagecub]

But where do you carry your tuxedo ?

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

I have it sent to my destination

[@savagecub]

@@AndyModellBackpacks Good luck with that !

[@HansSchiefelbein]

Great review, Andy. I’m struggling to pick my next pack, Tom Bihn (Synapse 25, actually) or GR1. GoRuck looks overbuilt to me and not enough organization. Price point of Synapse is better than Synik and I like the look. Tell me why someone would pick GR1 over Synapse/Synik.

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Somebody may pick the gr1 over the Synapse because of the clamshell. Comparing to the synik, main differences are the form factor (the goruck has more of a rectangular prism shape rather than the turtle shell), simplicity, or style. I find that I like using my Synik and Synapse bags when I have a lot fo stuff that I don't put into pouches, while I use bags like the goruck if I'm in a pouchy mood. If you see this video of mine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqvRnIp8n6yXZpY, the goruck is close to the Recycled Firefighter bag in how it would be used.

[@sup_orthobro]

You are a backpack scientist!

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

I’m just a normal scientist who happens to have a lot of backpacks.

[@sup_orthobro]

@@AndyModellBackpacks awesome!!!!!

[@Hermetic_]

Thanks for making this video. Question: Correct to assume the Tom Bihn is the loudest? Meaning the zippers jangle a-lot? I like a quiet bag ;)

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Of these, the evergoods and the tom bihn have metal ykk zipper pulls. The former has a phabric zipper pull attached that dampens the sound. The Tom Bihn bags come with some cord zipper pulls you can attach which do make the sound less. You can also cut off the metal pulls and just put the cord ones on directly.

[@Paul-ft5xy]

Have you figured out a way to carry an external water bottle pouch? I was thinking of just sewing on some mille on the left or right side.

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Call me crazy, but while I used to prefer side water bottle pockets, I’ve grown now to like the weight balance of having he water bottle in the middle. I find it makes the carry much more comfortable.

[@marg7887]

I want the lightest bag possible that still has some type of structure. Have you come across them. For travels.

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

There are many factors that apply, such as the size, how much structure / pockets you need, and comfort. I'd checkout reddit.com/r/ultralight or reddit.com/r/onebag if you want to see what others might use in similar situations to yours.

[@dalt45onico]

What size is your HeroClip ?

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Medium

[@MrSteffeck]

can you put in a link to the toiletry kit please!

[@MrSteffeck]

got it thanks anyway!

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Sorry it took me too long. Here's the bag on the manufacturer's website for anybody else who's interested: www.travelonbags.com/toiletries/wet-dry-1-quart-bag-with-plastic-bottles

[@zoolanderfred]

Nice comparison dude! I have the goruck 15L bullet and the recycled ff 12 and 24 hr bags. All great bags. I do like the goruck the best though.

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Why do you prefer the Goruck? I have a billet 10, but I like my RF 24 hr a bit more. I was thinking about getting a 12 hr for the lighter loads.

[@zoolanderfred]

Andy Modell Hi, I like the bullet better because it is stiffer and holds its shape a little better. Also the straps feel much better. They seem to fit ‘like a glove’. The RF bag straps just feel a little narrow and kinda not natural while wearing it. Narrow as in close together near my neck. And I feel to much padding in the straps for a bag that size. The Goruck just feels right while wearing.

[@Gummygirl.roblox]

Very informative 👍

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Glad you think so!

[@Dewint]

Which goruck should I get? I'm 5'7. Would 26l not too big?

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

I’m 5’9”, so a bit taller than you if that helps. I find that the most important question when it comes to size is what you’re putting in the bag. If you have 26l worth of stuff you carry, getting something smaller may not work even if it fits better. At the same time, finding a bag that fits well is a joy, I find that my Tom Bihn Synapse 19 and Aer Day Pack are the most comfortable bags I own for my body’s fit.

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Just saw now that you asked GoRuck specifically. I really like the size of my 21l gr1, though the 26l is still okay.

[@Dewint]

I'm still not sure which size should I get. I'm leaning towards 26l for now but height wise I just afraid 26l would look too big for me, though an extra space would be appreciated. Man, wish they still have gr2 26l.

[@hann87]

To be specific.. It depends on your torso size

[@itskrill]

wish you would have tried them all on. what they looked like fully packed out is one reason why we watch these viceos. 1. how much fits 2 what does it look like fully packed out. good video though thanks

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

I think most of these are packed out in my other videos, depending on which you’re interested in