In looking for the best run commuting backpack, I stumbled upon GORUCK. Their GR1 is considered by many people to be the ultimate everyday backpack. So can the backpack that can do anything also run commute? Let’s find out…
Test Model
Size: 20 inch
Carrying Capacity: 26L, 1,587 cu. in.
Backpack Details
So GORUCK is the brainchild of this former special forces veteran who is smiling like a maniac in every picture. Seriously, the energy on the GORUCK site is tangible. He puts his dog, Monster, on like half the site! But, he is freaking adorable.
If you want to learn how to do web design, just look at www.goruck.com . The design is brilliant, clean, crisp, it won me over. If a purse company had a site with this kind of energy I would have bought one and would be trying to use it as a run commuting man bag. It’s the ultimate salesman for Goruck!
These bags are meant for rucking. Which is basically walking around with a heavy pack. They sell weights to put in them from 10 lbs to 45 lbs (I have a 45 lb one that I have been playing with). And, if that’s not enough, they also host GORUCK events which are basically SEAL Team/boot camp events. Think of them as team building events for badasses.
So for run commuting they are overbuilt in almost every way, stress points tested to over 400 lbs. They also come with their “Scars Lifetime Guarantee” – basically if the bag breaks while using it, they will repair or replace it for free. Forever bag? OK, I’m listening.
During the initial unboxing, I was a little underwhelmed. The bag is all 1000D Cordura – it is stiff and boxy, just like a brand new pair of Rainbow sandals are stiff flat boards that age into beauty and comfort like this…
I’m told the bag eventually molds to you, the plastic frame sheet conforms to your back and the straps shape to your shoulders. These are the beastly straps.
Thick and almost over padded, but surprisingly comfortable. The pack feels like you are giving a koala a piggy back ride. And if that doesn’t sound awesome to you then you are insane!
Here is one of the interesting things that is counter-intuitive to a running backpack.
The back has zero ventilation. The koala will get your back a little sweaty. But because it’s 1000D Cordura it doesn’t absorb the sweat, it just runs off. So it’s weirdly comfortable. I’ve run to work several times with it already in the hot, humid, Charleston weather and it’s been fine. All backpacks give me back sweat so it doesn’t bother me at all. Also the 1000D is basically rain proof. There are reviewers who do shower tests and the inside stays dry.
The bag opens up like a suitcase fully if you want. It makes packing it super easy. I can fold my clothes big and flat like they are going in a drawer. In usually roll my clothes to fit in a regular bag. In fact a few days ago I got my free scrubs delivered to me at work and there was still enough room on the run home. That’s my regular junk, my scrubs I wore that day, my towel and toiletries, 5 pair of scrubs and two scrub jackets! It’s the TARDIS of backpacks. It says 26 liters but it carries more. Magic!
The inside has zippered compartments.
The bag opens up like a suitcase fully if you want. It makes packing it super easy. I can fold my clothes big and flat like they are going in a drawer. In usually roll my clothes to fit in a regular bag. In fact a few days ago I got my free scrubs delivered to me at work and there was still enough room on the run home. That’s my regular junk, my scrubs I wore that day, my towel and toiletries, 5 pair of scrubs and two scrub jackets! It’s the TARDIS of backpacks. It says 26 liters but it carries more. Magic!
The inside has zippered compartments.
There is an elasticized pouch on the back of the bag which will hold 3 Nalgene bottles side by side perfectly.
There is an elasticized pouch on the back of the bag which will hold 3 Nalgene bottles side by side perfectly.
There is a section of MOLLE webbing at the top back inside of the bag that can be used for whatever you need. Look up MOLLE pouches and you will see how easy it is to customize this bag. There is MOLLE on the outside front and sides.
The back padding hides their “Bombproof” laptop carrier.
The back also has the removable frame sheet which you can take out to make a floppier bag or replace with a stiffer one. This is what makes it so comfortable. I can throw in soup cans for lunch and run without then smacking me in the kidneys for 5 miles. It also helps the pack stay flat and flush against your back.
The outside slash pocket is a miss for me. It’s way too deep and if the pack is full then it’s a tight squeeze to get things in and out. And it’s deep, all the way down to the bottom.
That’s my own patch I put on it. A runic compass, so I don’t get lost. I think it’s broke.
However, it contributes to the bags clean lines, so I’m torn. I would like a Jansport-style zippered pouch, but I love how flat the bag rides on your back. The koala hugs you close.
There is a saying in mountain biking “Strong, light, cheap. Pick two”. So, basically if something is strong and light, it’s not cheap. If something is cheap and strong, it’s not light. This phrase is attributed to the founder of Trek Bikes who further said that his main concern was that equipment should be strong and durable first. Then, try to make it as light as possible without making it weak. Cost is the last concern. As a run commuter, I get caught up in light gear. But, often times light is not durable.
The GORUCK GR1 excels at durable. Smash it, bash it, it’s 1000D Cordura! It’s overbuilt everywhere.
I mean just look at the stitching on the straps and handle. Oh almost forgot there is a Velcro access for a hydration bladder.
So, the GR1 is a tank, but like a tank it’s heavy. GORUCK says it’s 3.2 pounds. For comparison, the Under Armour Storm backpack here is 1 pound 3 ounces and they both fit about the same amount of stuff.
It is strong as shit, but heavy AF. And here is what could be the deal breaker; the price. $395. That’s not a typo. But, they do offer 25% off for firefighters, police, teachers, students, EMS, military, veterans, and government employees. You probably know someone that will qualify to make the bag $300. Still steep, but I gotta to tell ya, I haven’t looked back yet. I’m loving this thing. It’s the Cadillac of backpacks – over built and super comfortable. They have a 21L version called the Rucker that is pretty much the exact same pack without the laptop compartment and it’s $265 before the discount and $199 after discount, which is better. The Rucker has a thicker, stiffer non-removable frame sheet and has a little bit of difference inside.
http://news.goruck.com/gear-news/gr1-vs-rucker/
That’s an article comparing the two bags.
I really don’t know what to say. GORUCK’s site pumped me up and all the other reviews I read online convinced me to try it and the bag itself has made me fall in love with it. It shouldn’t make sense. It’s not feather-light but it makes up for it by being almost indestructible and just molds to your body like a nice pair of leather shoes. It’s just a soft, comfortable suitcase that you can run with.
They make other smaller bags, too, so check out their sizing and comparison pages to learn more.
http://www.goruck.com/rucksacks/compare-rucksacks/
http://www.goruck.com/ruck-sizing-guide/
Definitely check out their site. Seriously. It’s almost a cult, but I drank some of the Kool Aid (which is safer, since they drank Flavor Aid at Jonestown) and I’m a convert. I plan on getting a Rucker next.
Thanks for reading! Grabbing my GR1, ’cause I’m late for work and I gotta run…