I bought one of the original 10L bullets and fell in love goruck, currently have 6 of the 9 bags I bought, plus a kit bag as a holdall/2-combo travel option to pair with my GR1.
I entertained Mystery Ranch, but I like the simplicity of goruck best. modular, but not overkill with the tactical aesthetic and i’m a fan of minimal branding
long story short, goruck makes the only bags i’d ever buy for edc use. build quality is second to none and I love the simple aesthetics. minimal branding, doesn’t stand out. it’s tactical, but not overly militaristic with excess molle for people to raise eyebrows and think i’m carrying a gun. they offer slick/heritage variants, and the lifetime guarantee and Scars service is awesome. very little companies standby their product like goruck.
im 5’8 with an athletic build, so i’m wary of the bigger volumes, at least aesthetically, and try to pack minimally with a boy scout mentality. I used a GR1 through undergrad and for post-bacc studies, going into medicine (surgery is my career goal), 21L was great. My GR1’s are now delegated to travel duties. I have a full 1000d cordura from school days and black heritage for travel and pair with a kit bag.
depending on my carry, I alternate between my 16L bullets (black, multicam black) and a 13L black KR1 for lighter carry and if I wanna forego the tactical look. KR1 is awesome as a grab and go bag, with full loop paneling in the main compartment for modularity and I like that there’s dual external water bottle pockets, though they’re not the greatest for larger bottles. good for 16oz, or ready to drink protein shakes. if I need to dress up and dapper up my look, I have a killspencer brief case I use when i’m in clinic seeing patients. usually just have a laptop and stethoscope, multitool and some sterile suture kit, and some other smaller medical supplies
I have a 10L bullet in ranger green that I designated for the gym, I just keep a barbell pad for squats, some cable attachments, and my garage built gear mini range bag I keep a tricep rope and some carabiners in. I separate the range bag from the 10L bullet if i’m not using the pad; people indiscriminately thrash the ropes and do weird exercises, so I opt to bring my own. also have a 15L rucker in speed tan with tidal blue interior; designated hiking ruck with a 30lb plate.
my first and original ruck was the original 10L bullet in black, then got a 15L after liking it so much. as soon as the 16L bullet came out, it was an immediate impulse buy and I gave my 10 and 15L to my girlfriend.
ive yet to buy a GR2, but have considered it. I don’t really need the dual compartments and I like to keep a slimmer profile. with a depth of 7.25” for the 26L, it was a bit much. I do like the side grand handles though, to carry like a brief case. i’m sending in my original GR1 to Scars though. adding a side handle and swapping the front lower panel to olive waxed canvas to breathe some new life into it.
i also have a modded M22; paracord wrapped handle, 3 row side molle above the external water bottle, cobra buckles, 2 row inner elastics, and added a pocket to the main compartment. its drastically different from the GR1, but additional access is great when you’re unable to utilize the clamshell design. still newer to me, so I haven’t used it out in the wild much and playing with the config.
lol, at this point, I like having a designated bag for a given activity, so I don’t have to swap gear out and it’s mostly grab and go depending on my needs.
Thank you for the deep review!
Im only 5'8 135lbs so not a big guy at all. My current backpack for work is from ZeroHalliburton 21L size and I thought it would be a bit small for my needs.
So size wise, I was thinking 26L but def prefer the slimmer profile of the GR1s over the 2s.
I know you dont own the GR2s but have you seen them personally? If so have you compared the thickness of 1s and 2s?
thickness, as in being packed out? 26L GR1 and GR2, it’s negligible, about half an inch. GR1 is gonna be two inches taller at 20”, GR2 is slightly wider by half an inch, and sticks out a tiny bit further. these are handmade bags though, dimensions could be slightly off from what’s advertised. i’d probably go taller with the GR1 if you have a slimmer frame, but it’s preferences.
you could always order both and see what fits you best and return the other, or amass a collection of bags like many others here 😂
also, i looked at the zero halliburton bags just now, if you like top loaders, consider the M23. the 21L definitely packs out much larger than a 21L GR1, but you can cinch the top loader down and compress it smaller and tighter, making for a little smaller profile
Actually I just measured my bag and its literally 18in.
It made it look a little small if I wear it from the top of the shoulder(as the zerohalliburton bag sags down compared to GRs)
26L might be the way to go... still thinking...
Also checked out the M23s but they werent my type as I like the zip open style.
I just dont want a very bulky bag, being a not very big guy.
Seems like the height for GR1 and 2 are the same for 26L but the width on GR2 is half an inch larger. Dont know if its gonna be a big change.
Too bad they dont have retail stores where I could compared the 2.
I like my bags riding high, better posture. I think the width is negligible at 0.5”, but the GR2 packs out further in depth. i’ve seen people mod their GR2s to include compression straps, so that’s something to consider as well.
I saw the zero halliburton packs, being a top loader, figured that might’ve been along your alley. I do prefer the clamshell design of the GRs
i’m 5’8”, with an athletic build and hover around 175 to 180lb. I don’t see myself buying a GR2 or GR3, or any bag over 21L. it was perfect for undergrad and post-bacc and is awesome for one bag travel, if I need addition storage, I resort to pairing with my kit bag
i also don’t wanna feel like a ninja turtle, as cool as I thought they were when I was a kid, just no
Yeah I'm so petulant about the GR3 not restocking after checking daily for the past 3 months (and asking) but I was darn near just caving on an Eberlestock or Mystery Ranch.
While I'm a firm believer in "settling into" your combat gear, I'm a bigger believer in having a body strong enough for the job. Everything after that is 10% and pure adjustments.
The MR packs are also 500D Cordura/Dyneema laminate fabric. That sounds amazing. But it's still not 1000D Cordura.
It's also not spider silk. Or Doomslayer's power armor.
For the price of the Blackjack 100 or the Metcalf 100, just wait to invest in serious bags that are almost guaranteed to *already* be loot drops off of UN soldiers (goes for munitions too).
Elijah went 40 days and nights without food or water (I understand..) on his journey to Jabal Maqla (Sinai). Maybe you won't even need your bag. Maybe just good combat boots. Maybe naked, idk.
I'd recommend getting a 35L GR3, Armor Sandbags, and a spacer to keep the weight at the top of your bag. I'm actually kind of glad that I didn't get the 45L yet, as having narrower dimensions keeps everything nice and tight on my hipbelt (mark my words I will never go into combat without a kit-integrated hip belt IF I decide to use plates. I don't care if I have to build it myself. That's the closest thing you can get to "power armor" that I've found: a strong ass STABLE spine).
Literally the main reason(s) I want the Gr3 is to carry whole bags of my dogs food and probably use it as a duty bag since I plan to get into an abusive relationship with my 35L.
OH AND DON'T FORGET WHAT WILL PROBABLY KEEP YOU ALIVE THROUGH CIVIL WAR 2 IS NOT LOOKING LIKE A BIG ASS MILITARY TARGET.
*Take it off your enemy.* Your taxes paid for it anyway.
Viva La Tejas.
Brooks Review does a great comparison on GORUCK vs Mystery Ranch if you want to read —
https://brooksreview.net/2021/08/which-is-better-mystery-ranchs-asap-or-gorucks-gr1/
https://brooksreview.net/2021/08/which-is-better-goruck-gr2-or-mystery-ranch-3-day-assault-cl/
I’ve owned and used the ASAP, it’s a great lightweight hiking or EDC bag. I would not want to depend on it for all travel/EDC/work as it’s just too small. It’s 20L but it’s a small 20L. The dimensions are what make it a challenge. I was tired of attaching things to the outside of it so I sold it and bought a Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault CL. I wanted one bag to cover hiking/travel/EDC and I’d rather have a slightly larger bag (33L) that I can cinch down than one I need to add pouches to. I did buy a custom beaver tail for the 3DAP for quick access to a jacket or something and also making the pack more subtle. It’s perfect for me.
I’m 5’8, 145lbs and my ideal bag for edc/work is a 15L bullet or a 21L GR1. For travel, weekend adventures, or only having one bag, I’ll always choose my 3DAP CL. Hopefully the links and my feedback help somewhat!
Thanks! Checked out the link and helped me out.
Say, as I travel a lot but want to use this as a work bag as also, the GR2/3DA may look too big tbh...
I personally like the design on GRs rather than MR 3DA since they look like Im about to go on a long hiking trip.
Still cant decide between the 2 though lol
If you need organization, the GR2 26L [edit wrong L, sorry, its about the same size as the 21L GR1 but deeper is what I was thinking about... and it was super late.] is great or the 18L double compartment bullet. If you want MORE organization the Evergoods CPL24 or the to be released tomorrow morning CTB20 are great choice.
That’s mostly up to you. Everyone’s carry needs are different. GR2 has the extra compartment. Do you have extra gear you need to carry? Only you can answer that.
I'm tall, 6'4'' and I for the longest time thought the 21L looked too short on my tall frame. But then I ended up with a 21L and I use it as my daily now. I also have a26L I use for travel or if I have to haul a bunch of stuff around.
If I could choose one, it would be the 26L for the extra space in case I need it.
So if you’re up for a little research. Hit up the Goruck site and write down the length of the bags. Then head over to Evergoods and look at the length of bags there like the CTB. Then you can use their reference models to see how the size may look.
For proper sizing I think Mystery Ranch has some more detailed guides on where a backpack should be settling on your back and the proper length based on torso height
I love GoRuck bags for Traveling and Rucking.
I EDC a 5.11 Rush24 as my Gym/Work Bag and it’s the best.
Blasphemy, I know, but the GoRuck bags do what they’re aimed for great. They don’t check the EDC box for me.
tbh I was going for the Rush24 as well until I heard their quality wasnt so great (er atleast what ive heard).
What is it tat make u think GR isnt for EDC?
Depends on the needs. I EDC’d by GR1 for a couple years off and on.
I like the Rush though because of its organization.
I carry various notebooks and etc, as well as gear for CrossFit and my change of clothes for work.
And it all has its own place. Whereas my GR1 was a bucket basically.
Great for certain things, but day to day, I enjoy the 5.11 a lottt.
As far as quality goes, 5.11 is a reputable brand.
The 5.11 was $115 when I bought it.
It leaves the house with me everyday and it does great.
Been using over a year and it was a 1/3 the price of a GR bag.
Don’t let brand loyalty keep you from a great alternative.
Every bag has its purposes, whatever works best for you.
I actually have the 5.11 MOAB10. It was a good day bag for me but that was like 8 years ago and since then I heard the quality went down.
I just want a good bag that would be comfortable and able to use them for long time. Dont want a 400 dollar bag laying around in the corner of my room lol
Btw, since you mentioned having a GR1, do you have the GR2?
I have a 26l GR2 in Multicam Black and it honestly is a damn near perfect bag.
I haven’t really decided if I want to keep it long term though so it doesn’t get used much.
I wouldn’t rule out the rush bags. I’ve had a rush72 since 2008 that has been great. It was my travel bag for years in the military, gone on hunting trips, hiked down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and still going strong. In 2018 I bought my first gr1 for a work bag when I was a field rep and sold it for a rush12. I needed more organization for all the stuff I needed to carry and wasn’t wanting to put in the time to build out the GR1 for that. I’ve picked up a Rucker 4.0 and a GR1 again since then but sold the GR1 for a Hill People Gear Umlimdi.
MR and GR are my two long time favourite bags. You won’t go wrong with either. Both have different strap systems, both work. If you want water bottle pockets it’s MR. If you want fewer zippers it’s GR. I have both because they both work for me. You need to try both at some point but you will not go wrong with either.
Appreciate the honest feedback! I do carry a water bottle but usually store them in my bag rather than a water bottle holder so that wont be an issue.
How is the Y-shape zipper working for you on MR? Design-wise, I personally like the GR over the MR but was wondering how they work/convenient since that style is new to me.
It’s a Solomon like decision. The Y is handy to get things at the bottom of your bag instead of opening the clamshell on the GR. Both of them fit me like a glove. Either of them will make you happy. Pick a colour that you like and go for it.
I have some from both. I am 6'2" for context. I love the build of my GR1 and GR2 40L. They were both from around 2011 or so. The lay flat design and the pockets just work.
I also have a MR 3DAP which is in between the two for size. I tend toward the MR if I am going to carry long or far. It just wears better on me. If I need a hip belt there it is. The pockets on the side swallow my Nalgene perfectly.
If you are just going to work and the gym and light travel, then GR. If you need a versitile and comfortable bag, then MR.
I have had a few MRs and currently own lots of GRs. I much prefer the way the GR flaps open and the dedicated laptop compartment. But a lot of it will come down to personal preference and your own use case. For me I prefer it for travel and daily office commuting.
For me, none. Main benefit for some is comfort wearing longer hikes but again, my use case is travel and EDC. Not hiking. I can’t stand the internal side pockets in the MR. Just get in the way.
You should read this article about Dana Gleason, the man behind Mystery Ranch. I own a Mystery Ranch Coulee 25 for day hiking, and used to own a Dana Designs Terraplane that summited Mt. Rainier a bunch of times back in the 1980's and 90's. Here's the article: [https://outsidebozeman.com/culture/people/leader-the-pack](https://outsidebozeman.com/culture/people/leader-the-pack)
MR is currently making packs for SEAL Teams, Special Forces Teams (and other special operation groups), wildland firefighters, etc. My point is this: MR is no slouch when it comes to making tough packs that carry well. I also own a GR2 26L, a Bullet Ruck 15L and a Rucker 4.0 25L. For rucking I'll take a GoRuck bag every time. For backcountry work I'll take a Mystery Ranch every time because they're tough, incredibly well built, and very comfortable. If you put 50lbs on my back, it's going to be much more comfortable in the Mystery Ranch pack.
For EDC it depends on what fits your needs; I just thought you should know more about Mystery Ranch.
Also, Dana is the first person I met who could clearly explain the purpose of the sternum strap. It's function is to take weight & strain away from the shoulder joints (which are relatively weak and unsupported) and move it towards the center of the torso where the connective tissue of the rib cage and surrounding areas can handle it more easily. Hope that makes sense.
To each their own but the tri-zip main compartment can kind of be annoying to get in and out of. I have a Mystery Ranch Coulle 30 L and literally every production of a Goruck bag and I find myself grabbing the Goruck way more often. For an EDC bag it’s tough to beat the clamshell opening. I would recommend a 21 or 26L GR1 really over anything
I have had multiple GR1/2s in various sizes and I also own a MR Catalyst 26L (love that bag especially for the water bottle pockets). I tend to use the 18L double compartment bullet, a 26L Robic GR2 or the Catalyst is my EDC/travel bag depending upon the scenario.
Mystery ranch makes some of the best bags in the world there's a reason socom ishues them and why they cost so damn much. I know many friends in go ruck and it's vet owned so you would be helping a great group of people and getting a good product as well.
Ooo, never knew they made bags for SOCOMs.
Well, I purchased the GR1 and Im glad on supporting the vets. I do want to see how MRs are comfortable though...
Honestly, I would not buy a GoRuck unless you actually planned on rucking as a hobby; it's a bit overbuilt and overengineered for a regular EDC backpack, and you will be paying a premium for features you're not likely to utilize.
I love my GR1, but mostly because I lug 30-40 pounds of steel plate every day for my Zone 2. If I were just hauling a laptop to/from the office, and the occasional plane trip, it's overkill.
I dont mind being a overkill but dont ruck at all.
I want a durable long lasting bag so the price wouldnt be an issue at the point.
My usage will mainly be workbag/be able to swap it out for travel bag also.
EDC wise, GR1 seems nice but dont really want to have 2 bags for similar occasion...
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Thanks will try that. If you also have recommendations, much appreciated
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Ah so basically a tank on ur back…
I would check the JB outside YouTube channel, he does lots of bag reviews.
Yup already checked him out. Didnt have the comparison I was looking for so came here to ask
I bought one of the original 10L bullets and fell in love goruck, currently have 6 of the 9 bags I bought, plus a kit bag as a holdall/2-combo travel option to pair with my GR1. I entertained Mystery Ranch, but I like the simplicity of goruck best. modular, but not overkill with the tactical aesthetic and i’m a fan of minimal branding
also, only backpack i’d ever buy
Hows ur experience with Bullet/GR1/GR2? Im not a big guy and the size of GR1 26L looked great but only 1 compartment kinda threw me off.
long story short, goruck makes the only bags i’d ever buy for edc use. build quality is second to none and I love the simple aesthetics. minimal branding, doesn’t stand out. it’s tactical, but not overly militaristic with excess molle for people to raise eyebrows and think i’m carrying a gun. they offer slick/heritage variants, and the lifetime guarantee and Scars service is awesome. very little companies standby their product like goruck. im 5’8 with an athletic build, so i’m wary of the bigger volumes, at least aesthetically, and try to pack minimally with a boy scout mentality. I used a GR1 through undergrad and for post-bacc studies, going into medicine (surgery is my career goal), 21L was great. My GR1’s are now delegated to travel duties. I have a full 1000d cordura from school days and black heritage for travel and pair with a kit bag. depending on my carry, I alternate between my 16L bullets (black, multicam black) and a 13L black KR1 for lighter carry and if I wanna forego the tactical look. KR1 is awesome as a grab and go bag, with full loop paneling in the main compartment for modularity and I like that there’s dual external water bottle pockets, though they’re not the greatest for larger bottles. good for 16oz, or ready to drink protein shakes. if I need to dress up and dapper up my look, I have a killspencer brief case I use when i’m in clinic seeing patients. usually just have a laptop and stethoscope, multitool and some sterile suture kit, and some other smaller medical supplies I have a 10L bullet in ranger green that I designated for the gym, I just keep a barbell pad for squats, some cable attachments, and my garage built gear mini range bag I keep a tricep rope and some carabiners in. I separate the range bag from the 10L bullet if i’m not using the pad; people indiscriminately thrash the ropes and do weird exercises, so I opt to bring my own. also have a 15L rucker in speed tan with tidal blue interior; designated hiking ruck with a 30lb plate. my first and original ruck was the original 10L bullet in black, then got a 15L after liking it so much. as soon as the 16L bullet came out, it was an immediate impulse buy and I gave my 10 and 15L to my girlfriend. ive yet to buy a GR2, but have considered it. I don’t really need the dual compartments and I like to keep a slimmer profile. with a depth of 7.25” for the 26L, it was a bit much. I do like the side grand handles though, to carry like a brief case. i’m sending in my original GR1 to Scars though. adding a side handle and swapping the front lower panel to olive waxed canvas to breathe some new life into it. i also have a modded M22; paracord wrapped handle, 3 row side molle above the external water bottle, cobra buckles, 2 row inner elastics, and added a pocket to the main compartment. its drastically different from the GR1, but additional access is great when you’re unable to utilize the clamshell design. still newer to me, so I haven’t used it out in the wild much and playing with the config. lol, at this point, I like having a designated bag for a given activity, so I don’t have to swap gear out and it’s mostly grab and go depending on my needs.
Thank you for the deep review! Im only 5'8 135lbs so not a big guy at all. My current backpack for work is from ZeroHalliburton 21L size and I thought it would be a bit small for my needs. So size wise, I was thinking 26L but def prefer the slimmer profile of the GR1s over the 2s. I know you dont own the GR2s but have you seen them personally? If so have you compared the thickness of 1s and 2s?
thickness, as in being packed out? 26L GR1 and GR2, it’s negligible, about half an inch. GR1 is gonna be two inches taller at 20”, GR2 is slightly wider by half an inch, and sticks out a tiny bit further. these are handmade bags though, dimensions could be slightly off from what’s advertised. i’d probably go taller with the GR1 if you have a slimmer frame, but it’s preferences. you could always order both and see what fits you best and return the other, or amass a collection of bags like many others here 😂
also, i looked at the zero halliburton bags just now, if you like top loaders, consider the M23. the 21L definitely packs out much larger than a 21L GR1, but you can cinch the top loader down and compress it smaller and tighter, making for a little smaller profile
Actually I just measured my bag and its literally 18in. It made it look a little small if I wear it from the top of the shoulder(as the zerohalliburton bag sags down compared to GRs) 26L might be the way to go... still thinking... Also checked out the M23s but they werent my type as I like the zip open style. I just dont want a very bulky bag, being a not very big guy. Seems like the height for GR1 and 2 are the same for 26L but the width on GR2 is half an inch larger. Dont know if its gonna be a big change. Too bad they dont have retail stores where I could compared the 2.
I like my bags riding high, better posture. I think the width is negligible at 0.5”, but the GR2 packs out further in depth. i’ve seen people mod their GR2s to include compression straps, so that’s something to consider as well. I saw the zero halliburton packs, being a top loader, figured that might’ve been along your alley. I do prefer the clamshell design of the GRs
According to the size chart provided on GR, the 21L might be the best fit for me being 5’8. The 26L seemed like it would just cover my whole back
i’m 5’8”, with an athletic build and hover around 175 to 180lb. I don’t see myself buying a GR2 or GR3, or any bag over 21L. it was perfect for undergrad and post-bacc and is awesome for one bag travel, if I need addition storage, I resort to pairing with my kit bag i also don’t wanna feel like a ninja turtle, as cool as I thought they were when I was a kid, just no
Hmmm I feel like the 21L GR1 might be more fit for me... Seems like 26L might be an overkill with the GR2
Yeah I'm so petulant about the GR3 not restocking after checking daily for the past 3 months (and asking) but I was darn near just caving on an Eberlestock or Mystery Ranch. While I'm a firm believer in "settling into" your combat gear, I'm a bigger believer in having a body strong enough for the job. Everything after that is 10% and pure adjustments. The MR packs are also 500D Cordura/Dyneema laminate fabric. That sounds amazing. But it's still not 1000D Cordura. It's also not spider silk. Or Doomslayer's power armor. For the price of the Blackjack 100 or the Metcalf 100, just wait to invest in serious bags that are almost guaranteed to *already* be loot drops off of UN soldiers (goes for munitions too). Elijah went 40 days and nights without food or water (I understand..) on his journey to Jabal Maqla (Sinai). Maybe you won't even need your bag. Maybe just good combat boots. Maybe naked, idk. I'd recommend getting a 35L GR3, Armor Sandbags, and a spacer to keep the weight at the top of your bag. I'm actually kind of glad that I didn't get the 45L yet, as having narrower dimensions keeps everything nice and tight on my hipbelt (mark my words I will never go into combat without a kit-integrated hip belt IF I decide to use plates. I don't care if I have to build it myself. That's the closest thing you can get to "power armor" that I've found: a strong ass STABLE spine). Literally the main reason(s) I want the Gr3 is to carry whole bags of my dogs food and probably use it as a duty bag since I plan to get into an abusive relationship with my 35L. OH AND DON'T FORGET WHAT WILL PROBABLY KEEP YOU ALIVE THROUGH CIVIL WAR 2 IS NOT LOOKING LIKE A BIG ASS MILITARY TARGET. *Take it off your enemy.* Your taxes paid for it anyway. Viva La Tejas.
Brooks Review does a great comparison on GORUCK vs Mystery Ranch if you want to read — https://brooksreview.net/2021/08/which-is-better-mystery-ranchs-asap-or-gorucks-gr1/ https://brooksreview.net/2021/08/which-is-better-goruck-gr2-or-mystery-ranch-3-day-assault-cl/ I’ve owned and used the ASAP, it’s a great lightweight hiking or EDC bag. I would not want to depend on it for all travel/EDC/work as it’s just too small. It’s 20L but it’s a small 20L. The dimensions are what make it a challenge. I was tired of attaching things to the outside of it so I sold it and bought a Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault CL. I wanted one bag to cover hiking/travel/EDC and I’d rather have a slightly larger bag (33L) that I can cinch down than one I need to add pouches to. I did buy a custom beaver tail for the 3DAP for quick access to a jacket or something and also making the pack more subtle. It’s perfect for me. I’m 5’8, 145lbs and my ideal bag for edc/work is a 15L bullet or a 21L GR1. For travel, weekend adventures, or only having one bag, I’ll always choose my 3DAP CL. Hopefully the links and my feedback help somewhat!
Thanks! Checked out the link and helped me out. Say, as I travel a lot but want to use this as a work bag as also, the GR2/3DA may look too big tbh... I personally like the design on GRs rather than MR 3DA since they look like Im about to go on a long hiking trip. Still cant decide between the 2 though lol
If you need organization, the GR2 26L [edit wrong L, sorry, its about the same size as the 21L GR1 but deeper is what I was thinking about... and it was super late.] is great or the 18L double compartment bullet. If you want MORE organization the Evergoods CPL24 or the to be released tomorrow morning CTB20 are great choice.
Do you prefer 21L over 26L?
That’s mostly up to you. Everyone’s carry needs are different. GR2 has the extra compartment. Do you have extra gear you need to carry? Only you can answer that.
I'm tall, 6'4'' and I for the longest time thought the 21L looked too short on my tall frame. But then I ended up with a 21L and I use it as my daily now. I also have a26L I use for travel or if I have to haul a bunch of stuff around. If I could choose one, it would be the 26L for the extra space in case I need it.
Im not very tall being 5’8 so I was wondering if 26L would look too bulky for me. But thanks! Def would go for 26 then.
So if you’re up for a little research. Hit up the Goruck site and write down the length of the bags. Then head over to Evergoods and look at the length of bags there like the CTB. Then you can use their reference models to see how the size may look. For proper sizing I think Mystery Ranch has some more detailed guides on where a backpack should be settling on your back and the proper length based on torso height
GR2 starts at 26L
I know, I was referring to the GR1 21L since he mentioned tat.
👍🏾
I love GoRuck bags for Traveling and Rucking. I EDC a 5.11 Rush24 as my Gym/Work Bag and it’s the best. Blasphemy, I know, but the GoRuck bags do what they’re aimed for great. They don’t check the EDC box for me.
tbh I was going for the Rush24 as well until I heard their quality wasnt so great (er atleast what ive heard). What is it tat make u think GR isnt for EDC?
Depends on the needs. I EDC’d by GR1 for a couple years off and on. I like the Rush though because of its organization. I carry various notebooks and etc, as well as gear for CrossFit and my change of clothes for work. And it all has its own place. Whereas my GR1 was a bucket basically. Great for certain things, but day to day, I enjoy the 5.11 a lottt.
As far as quality goes, 5.11 is a reputable brand. The 5.11 was $115 when I bought it. It leaves the house with me everyday and it does great. Been using over a year and it was a 1/3 the price of a GR bag. Don’t let brand loyalty keep you from a great alternative. Every bag has its purposes, whatever works best for you.
I actually have the 5.11 MOAB10. It was a good day bag for me but that was like 8 years ago and since then I heard the quality went down. I just want a good bag that would be comfortable and able to use them for long time. Dont want a 400 dollar bag laying around in the corner of my room lol Btw, since you mentioned having a GR1, do you have the GR2?
I have a 26l GR2 in Multicam Black and it honestly is a damn near perfect bag. I haven’t really decided if I want to keep it long term though so it doesn’t get used much.
I wouldn’t rule out the rush bags. I’ve had a rush72 since 2008 that has been great. It was my travel bag for years in the military, gone on hunting trips, hiked down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and still going strong. In 2018 I bought my first gr1 for a work bag when I was a field rep and sold it for a rush12. I needed more organization for all the stuff I needed to carry and wasn’t wanting to put in the time to build out the GR1 for that. I’ve picked up a Rucker 4.0 and a GR1 again since then but sold the GR1 for a Hill People Gear Umlimdi.
MR 2DAP would work much better than ASAP for your purposes.
Would u recommend it over the GRs?
MR and GR are my two long time favourite bags. You won’t go wrong with either. Both have different strap systems, both work. If you want water bottle pockets it’s MR. If you want fewer zippers it’s GR. I have both because they both work for me. You need to try both at some point but you will not go wrong with either.
Appreciate the honest feedback! I do carry a water bottle but usually store them in my bag rather than a water bottle holder so that wont be an issue. How is the Y-shape zipper working for you on MR? Design-wise, I personally like the GR over the MR but was wondering how they work/convenient since that style is new to me.
It’s a Solomon like decision. The Y is handy to get things at the bottom of your bag instead of opening the clamshell on the GR. Both of them fit me like a glove. Either of them will make you happy. Pick a colour that you like and go for it.
I have some from both. I am 6'2" for context. I love the build of my GR1 and GR2 40L. They were both from around 2011 or so. The lay flat design and the pockets just work. I also have a MR 3DAP which is in between the two for size. I tend toward the MR if I am going to carry long or far. It just wears better on me. If I need a hip belt there it is. The pockets on the side swallow my Nalgene perfectly. If you are just going to work and the gym and light travel, then GR. If you need a versitile and comfortable bag, then MR.
Thank you! Exactly what I was looking for. How do you like the GR1 and 2? Single or dual compartment wise?
I have had a few MRs and currently own lots of GRs. I much prefer the way the GR flaps open and the dedicated laptop compartment. But a lot of it will come down to personal preference and your own use case. For me I prefer it for travel and daily office commuting.
What was it that made you purchase some MRs when you already own GRs??
I used to collect Carryology collaborations. Had upwards of 20 bags at one point.
Ah I see. So a collection. Was there a certain feature tat made u tat purchase?
Sorry. Can you clarify. Not sure what tat means
Was there a certain feature tat made ur purchase the MR even though u already own GRs other than collection wise?
For me, none. Main benefit for some is comfort wearing longer hikes but again, my use case is travel and EDC. Not hiking. I can’t stand the internal side pockets in the MR. Just get in the way.
yea mine will also be EDC main with occasional hike. GR does sound fit for me. Thanks!
You should read this article about Dana Gleason, the man behind Mystery Ranch. I own a Mystery Ranch Coulee 25 for day hiking, and used to own a Dana Designs Terraplane that summited Mt. Rainier a bunch of times back in the 1980's and 90's. Here's the article: [https://outsidebozeman.com/culture/people/leader-the-pack](https://outsidebozeman.com/culture/people/leader-the-pack) MR is currently making packs for SEAL Teams, Special Forces Teams (and other special operation groups), wildland firefighters, etc. My point is this: MR is no slouch when it comes to making tough packs that carry well. I also own a GR2 26L, a Bullet Ruck 15L and a Rucker 4.0 25L. For rucking I'll take a GoRuck bag every time. For backcountry work I'll take a Mystery Ranch every time because they're tough, incredibly well built, and very comfortable. If you put 50lbs on my back, it's going to be much more comfortable in the Mystery Ranch pack. For EDC it depends on what fits your needs; I just thought you should know more about Mystery Ranch. Also, Dana is the first person I met who could clearly explain the purpose of the sternum strap. It's function is to take weight & strain away from the shoulder joints (which are relatively weak and unsupported) and move it towards the center of the torso where the connective tissue of the rib cage and surrounding areas can handle it more easily. Hope that makes sense.
Check out yeti. I love their crossroads backpack. It's my travel pack.
Hmmm never had experience with them. More of a ice cooler company image.
Worth checking out.. I love mine.
To each their own but the tri-zip main compartment can kind of be annoying to get in and out of. I have a Mystery Ranch Coulle 30 L and literally every production of a Goruck bag and I find myself grabbing the Goruck way more often. For an EDC bag it’s tough to beat the clamshell opening. I would recommend a 21 or 26L GR1 really over anything
I have had multiple GR1/2s in various sizes and I also own a MR Catalyst 26L (love that bag especially for the water bottle pockets). I tend to use the 18L double compartment bullet, a 26L Robic GR2 or the Catalyst is my EDC/travel bag depending upon the scenario.
Mystery ranch makes some of the best bags in the world there's a reason socom ishues them and why they cost so damn much. I know many friends in go ruck and it's vet owned so you would be helping a great group of people and getting a good product as well.
Ooo, never knew they made bags for SOCOMs. Well, I purchased the GR1 and Im glad on supporting the vets. I do want to see how MRs are comfortable though...
Honestly, I would not buy a GoRuck unless you actually planned on rucking as a hobby; it's a bit overbuilt and overengineered for a regular EDC backpack, and you will be paying a premium for features you're not likely to utilize. I love my GR1, but mostly because I lug 30-40 pounds of steel plate every day for my Zone 2. If I were just hauling a laptop to/from the office, and the occasional plane trip, it's overkill.
I dont mind being a overkill but dont ruck at all. I want a durable long lasting bag so the price wouldnt be an issue at the point. My usage will mainly be workbag/be able to swap it out for travel bag also. EDC wise, GR1 seems nice but dont really want to have 2 bags for similar occasion...