Been using my GR1 since 2017, I live in South America but I always bring it on my trips back to the US, also took when I went to China for a few weeks. Very very good, simple design, totally happy with my purchase. The only consistent annoyance sometimes is when the bag is heavy and I’m in an area with warm climate, my back gets sweaty. Other than that, I love it, have no complaints about it. Glad I made the jump.
I have a GoRuck. I used it to travel to the Philippines for a medical mission in Jan 2019. The material they have used for GoRuck is so durable and reliable.
That's awesome, bjarne martens! We're glad you're still digging your GR1, it really is a trusty travel companion. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. 😊🙌 - Rebecca
I don't mind paying money for a quality product, but watching GR struggle to keep inventory then raise prices by 25% without any product improvements makes me feel like I'm paying an extra 100 dollars for a hot brand, not a quality product. I'm sure there are legitimate challenges like tariffs, cost of labor, costs associated with holding such diverse inventory, etc. that make keeping the cost low on their product but the optics of it don't feel that great as a consumer who thought the original price was a stretch for what the product provides.
LOVE my gr1 26. The zippers, the materials, it just feels quality. One thing that caught me off guard was the weight. Empty is about 4-5lbs. I was also frustrated on some recent flights that it did not fit under the aisle seat on some of the new planes.
I fell in love with my GR1. Got the 26L and it fits far more than I expected. You get 25% for military, first responders, teachers, students, which was great for me. Rock solid and I ain’t afraid to put it through its paces
For a simple pack it’s way overpriced. U.S made packs like Tom Bihn, Recycled Firefighter, Topo Designs, DSPTCH and Inside Line Equipment are much cheaper and great quality. Rocking the DSPTCH daypack right now.
Another great review. I have had issues in the past spending a lot of money on items. However, as I get older and know more about the terrible things in the world I am starting to buy more expensive well made products from great companies. Out with the fast fashion and in with durable products. I personally don't have a need for a 26L pack at this time but their products look very well made. The price is high but with the SCARS program that you mentioned isn't that enough to justify the price?
I have a GR1 that required some attention from SCARS. I will attest they exceeded my expectations. I bought a used GR1 and the previous owner wore a small hole about the size of a pencil eraser in the bottom corner. I emailed SCARS with pictures explaining I bought it second-hand. They didn't hesitate to honor the warranty and return it within a week. I have full confidence in their products and my experience with SCARS reinforced my investment in their products, owning one GR2, two GR1s, and various accessories.
TheToeKnee216 - Thank you! We completely agree, 'out with the fast fashion and in with durable products'! Nicely put. And yes, we'd say the SCARS program is enough to justify the purchase-it's a pretty incredible program if you're looking to get away from fast fashion, too! Adam - Great to hear you've had a good experience with the SCARS program. We have no doubt they will uphold their end! -Hannah
R U reading my mind? Have just started looking into this bag, as I found I have a gap among my bags for shorter trips. But I CANNOT justify 395 bucks. That is just crazy.
There are so many really great bags out there for $250-$300. I think the price increases diminished the bags value a lot. I thought some day I might buy one but no longer feel that way and the price point on the GR2 is way out there.
I know this is late as hell but they have walked that price back to $335 and I've found a 10% off coupon so you're looking at almost exactly $300. Still a LOT for a relatively simple bag, but it IS American-made...
The fabric used is too abrasive. I only wore the pack for about two weeks and I already started to see piling on my shirts. Unfortunately, the pack will be heading to eBay. Just picked up an Evergoods CPL24. The Goruck is probably slightly more durable, but the fabric used on the Evergoods is much, much better.
Put that GR1 through a GoRuck Tough or two and it’ll be nice and broken in. These packs are designed for rugged use. They look and feel better once they’ve been used.
@@JordanCrowderFilms I have a bad ankle, bad knees, and a not so great back from many real life "toughs". My days of rolling around in the mud for hours on end are over. I just need a well made bag to carry my stuff back and forth to work, and I would prefer that bag not to destroy my cloths.
I also have a 10L bullet ruck. Built well, but there is definitely color fading after 2 years. That was disappointing. I don’t think these bags are “lifetime” packs, as they will definitely show their age over time.
Hey Zbehr - we're glad to hear that the Rucker is working so well for you! The Rucker was specifically built for Ruck Plates, whereas the GR1 is aimed more towards travel and EDC with the added laptop compartment and false bottom. So, it really does come down to you and your travel style. But, we get what you're saying with the big price jump for these features. 😊 - Rebecca
Hey Zbehr - we hear you, the biggest difference between these two packs is the laptop compartment and false bottom on the GR1, so if you're carrying around a laptop with you, this will help to keep it more protected. Both packs are also made from 1000D CORDURA®. Capacity can also make a difference, so it may also be worth working out how much you prefer to carry so that you can find out which size pack will suit your travel style. Hope this helps! 😊 - Rebecca
Hey Jonathon! We haven't had our hands on the Aer Duffel Pack yet, but if anything changes we'll keep you updated over our social channels. And, if you want to check out the Aer products we've reviewed so far, you can use this link here: packhacker.com/travel-gear/aer/ 😊 - Rebecca
Just the GR2 for 2 years! Here's a link to the list that started it all: medium.com/pack-hacker/everything-you-need-to-travel-the-world-in-one-backpack-fab5e138af1c - Tom
Been doing a lot of research and still undecided on the best daypack to get. Currently leaning towards the osprey talon 22 since majority of my travel consist of casual stroll around and loads of hiking. Anyone know of any other decent backpacks ?
Hi bob-loads to choose from! Here's a link to all the backpacks we've reviewed: packhacker.com/travel-gear/category/backpacks/ Hope that helps! -Hannah
You should do a poll on your instagram account on whether or not the "swoosh" in/out sound is SUPER, SUPER, ANNOYING. At least turn it down? Otherwise solid production quality. Please consider :(
Pack Hacker i was gifted a PacSafe VentureSafe 25L G2 and use it with full carry (15-20lbs). In the +2 years of use no rips tears. I think there can be a good inbetween of edc and tactical materials without being an overpriced piece of gear. Still searching for that pack
