GORUCK M23 (21L) Review - Goruck's New Best EDC Backpack?

Review of the Goruck M23 which takes the bombproof laptop compartment and harness of the GR1 and combines it with a classic top-loader rucksack layout and thoughtful organization to create a unique and versatile addition to Goruck’s lineup.
What do you think of the M23? What is your favorite rucksack style backpack?
Goruck M23 (21L): alnk.to/eDQ4KsE
Music: “Luly” - Text Me Records / Grandbankss
#goruck #everydaycarrybag #whatsinmybag
00:00 - Intro
00:53 - Aesthetic and materials
02:41 - Handle / Self Standing
02:58 - Wearing the bag
03:24 - Harness
04:47 - Quick access pockets
07:24 - Laptop compartment
08:35 - Main compartment
14:07 - Pricing & Alternatives
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Items featured in video:
Wandrd Accessory Straps: shrsl.com/20qyz
Water Bottle: shrsl.com/275i3
Anker Battery: amzn.to/3thjWlU
Anger Wall Adapter: amzn.to/3UFkWMq
Tom Bihn Ghost Whale Pouch: shrsl.com/3sgw7
Evergoods CAP2 Pouch: bit.ly/3iecdAk
Tablet: amzn.to/3EptXny
Headphones: amzn.to/3Eo85cm
Sunglasses: prf.hn/l/jWbged9
Playing Cards: amzn.to/3fZ5GLH
Mini Medical Kit: amzn.to/3UKkL2k
Manicure Set: amzn.to/3UKkRXK
Flashlight: prf.hn/l/0GnaAwl
Notebook: amzn.to/3Fw9gqW
Portable Standing Desk: amzn.to/3NWYb4A
Harddrive: amzn.to/3A7Sc7j
Mouse: amzn.to/3WWy3L1
Packing Cube: prf.hn/l/0GBAlL1
Dopp kit: prf.hn/l/ER9ezGO
Hero Clip: amzn.to/3TvWfkz
Multitool: bit.ly/3UMw622
Rain Jacket: amzn.to/3A8BqVu
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[@ParkerBinion]

100% agree with Danny here - "The Bullet Dual Compartment in particular has quickly become one of my favorite smaller EDC bags. It's like a mini-GR2 with a lot of great organization."

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! That two compartment bullet has continued to impress me!

[@charmaine.s_EDC]

If it comes in heritage or more colors. I would buy the Bullet 2-compartment as well 😊

[@soundconspiracy]

Great, thorough review. Thanks!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful!:)

[@Duanewrites]

I tried the 26L, and liked it a lot. It's a big bag! I wasn't sold on the material, so I returned it. I'm partaial to the GR1, but think the M23 is a great alternative. If GORUCK releases other colors or materials, I will buy it again.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! I can definitely see how the material isn’t for everyone and I agree the 26 did seem like it would be a really big overall, hopefully they do come out with a heritage version at some point!

[@rooks5996]

Get the heritage version before they sell out

[@terrycoye3373]

Nice intro to this new bag, Danny! I see that a tripod or yoga mat can be strapped to the front, but could they alternatively be strapped to the bottom of the bag?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! There’s not really any way to strap something to the bottom unfortunately

[@narakusdemon.88]

Hey Danny, you mentioned that the 14 inch MacBook pro had trouble fitting. Can a MacBook pro dit into a GR1 21L? I have a pretty thin 15 inch which barely fits, but I know the MacBook is a bit thicker now and was considering to get one but I might have to think if it can't fit into a GR1 21L.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! The 14in MacBook Pro fits well in the gr1 and in this one as well (but it wouldn’t be able to fit anything larger)

[@battlecreek1999]

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

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! I’m gonna be doing some longer term tests on the robic nylon bags, but in general this has done pretty well for rucking (in general for any of these bags I wouldn’t use a plate and my laptop in the bag at the same time)

[@Kdub780]

Hey Danny. How does this wear compared to a 21L GR1 when carrying a laptop? If I find that too small on my back, would this one also be a no go?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! If the 21l gr1 feels too small than I think this one will feel the same

[@cbassplissken]

The price increase is kind of a bummer. The robic nylon kind of makes these bags look puffy and wrinkly or is it just me? Would have preferred a true external water bottle pocket with some molle on top. Overall though this seems to check a lot of boxes for people with some nice internal improvements but not for me.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Agree the external water bottle pocket would have been cool to keep and the price increase is unfortunate

[@SergioJoaquin-nb990]

If only goruck release this in 1000d cordora, i will buy this in a heartbeat

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I agree it would be great to see this in some additional fabrics!

[@rooks5996]

They came out with a heritage verison of this in black, dark oak and olive.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the heads up! Was able to grab one of the dark oak ones!

[@rooks5996]

@dannypacks No problem, I also ordered a dark oak one (21L).

[@matrixman339]

Do you like the M23 or the two compartment bullet better for edc?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and definitely a tough choice! I haven’t tried the 18l bullet so that could sway me slightly and I really like the layout of the bullet but would probably lean towards the m23 due to the wider straps and I just like the overall look a lot

[@matrixman339]

@@dannypacks thank you for the feedback! Still deciding between the two myself, but your videos have definitely helped a lot and I really enjoy watching them!

[@dcmiguel7777]

I actually like this more than my gr1

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for sharing your experience with the bags! So far it is definitely giving the gr1 a run for its money for me as well!

[@patricklescano]

Is the bottom padded?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! The bottom is not really padded unfortunately

[@patricklescano]

@@dannypacks thank you!

[@doorbox788]

i’m still sad they changed it to nylon. It’s a good nylon (i have the gym bag) but it certainly isn’t as quality as cordura

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and that’s a fair point! I like the feeling of the nylon so far but will be curious to see if it can hold over the longer term, cordura does feel more robust overall

[@RealMuperSan]

I don’t understand why companies still insist on encouraging us to use laptops as a frame sheet 😊

[@RealMuperSan]

@Crying-Croc the stress it can put on a laptop can cause bending issues if overpacked or you’re not too careful with it.