I've been using the Goruck GR2 for about 4 months now. I LOVE it. I use it for back and forth to work and as my carryon when I travel. Lots of storage options, built like a brick craphouse and Made in America, which is hugely important to me. The GR1 sounds more up your alley. I went with the GR2 because I am 6'7" 350, so normal packs look like kids packs on me. Now, GoRuck also sells smaller bags that MOLLE inside or out, but as they are about $100 each, and not worth it for the piddly features, that is where I would make the leap over to tactical Tailor for something like that. I have mine outfitted with 2 Tactical Tailor Nalgene holders, one on each side, and the admin pouch on the front. Moderately clunky so when I don't need that stuff, I run it clean.
GoRuck is $$, but you get what you pay for if you ask me. There are other nice USA made options out there, but I liked the simplicity of the GoRuck.