The Goruck Gr1 (7/10, wired review) is the launch company’s packaging and remains the best and most versatile in the Goruck lineup. The GR1 comes in 2 sizes: 21L and 26L, which I have, but if I only choose one, it is 21L. If you pack the lights, this is the ideal size for driving, daily delivery and weekend trips. During a week of travel, I even lived from a 21-liter bag (a shoulder bag with a shoulder bag). It was a squeeze, but it worked. The 21L GR1 seems to be bigger, and it always seems to be more than I thought.
What I like most about the GR1 is its versatility. I have used this bag for airplane travel (as carry on), shooting, hiking, drag camera gear, and more. I even tied it to the back of the bike for an overnight bike tour. My only warning is that if you use it for harassment (or hiking or anything to call it), you will sweat and the sweat will be immersed in the packaging. Eventually it will smell bad. This is easy to wash with soap and water and then hang it to dry (don’t put the bag in the washer or dryer), but it does take a while. If you work hard a lot and don’t want to stare at the airport, be sure to plan ahead.
GR1 consists of three compartments. On your back, there is a full stiff laptop compartment (or disc holder when placed). There is a sloping zipper pocket on the front of the outside of the package for frequently visited items. This does get tight if you really pack the inside, but it’s useful for wallets and passports, etc. The interior is a large compartment accessed by U-shaped zippers, so the “lid” folds completely and you can load it out like a suitcase.
Inside, there are three rows of Molle (modular, lightweight loading equipment) webbing on the top to add pockets and organizers, as well as 3 internal pockets: a large elastic pocket on the back, and a zippered mesh pocket and a small solid pocket on the lid. The outer side of the back is made of a very heavy 1000D Cordura. The rear panel and shoulder straps are 210D Cordura. Lighter back fabrics are easier on less sturdy (but great) fabrics like merino wool. There are 3 rows of Molle webbing on the outside and on the sides. This allows you to tie to additional compartments and organizers if you want (I keep a Conquer Water Bottle holder suitable for Nalkin. See below for more organizers and accessories). You can also use this side Molle connection padded hip belt. The handle on the top is not only strong, but it is comfortable enough to carry the GR1 in quite a few ways. Also, if you want your back to be less stiff, you can pull out the plastic frame wires on the back of the pack, but I never felt the need to do so.
If you’re 6 feet tall, or just need more space, the 26L version is great, and does have a really nice extra zippered pocket on the top of the bag where you can hide your wallet, keys and other small items.
