chadridv
Gold Member
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2009
- Messages
- 1,080
So I will start by saying this bag has obviously not stood the test of time, but so far it is shaping up to be the last pack I'll buy.
First off, I know there are plenty of amazing packs out there and I've owned many of them; TAD Gear, Mystery Ranch, Maxpedition, Kifura, Kelty and Oakley. Of course I know there are many more out there as well. Although I'm positive there are much much more experienced guys out there, I still consider myself a "Pack Rat", and like all of you, I was really looking for the practicality of an EDC along with military toughness and durability. I believe I've found it in this pack.
OK lets get into this, there's a lot to talk about.
To me this pack is the perfect size. We're looking at 26 liters (1587 cubic inches). I absolutely love TAD Gear packs but from strictly a size perspective, I was always torn between the litespeed and the FAST pack. This pack falls right in between. The actual capacity of this pack is really only half the story though, the other half is the amazingly efficient use of space. As you'll see in my pics, this pack opens completely and makes it really easy to access and organize all your stuff.
I also love the pocket/compartment design of this pack. It features two interior compartments, one exterior compartment, and a nearly full length compartment that doubles as a hydration/laptop space. Having interior pockets was extremely important to me, because I hate the idea of carrying valuables in a pack that only has pockets/pouches located on the exterior surface! I also carry a laptop almost everyday, and only really leave it behind for long hikes or bike rides, so for me there's no conflict as to when and what that compartment will be used for. It also seems extremely safe to store my computer.
I will likely add more to this write up, but for now I will skip to a general assessment and top priority in choosing this pack for me. MINIMALIST!!!! this pack is so simple, smart and low key which is something extremely important to me in choosing a pack. I love hiking, camping and biking, but I don't hunt or own guns, and spend the majority of my time commuting into Manhattan or needing to keep some random things with me while driving.
With that said, this pack fits my needs perfectly. I have no doubt in its capabilities for a long hike, or an overnight camping trip. It does feature a few strips of molle on the sides, a few more on the front bottom and some on the inside of the pack, where i chose to attach a TAD Gear OP1 pouch. Molle webbing was a necessity to me, but it was important to me to have just the right amount. I have almost no need for a bag that is completely covered in Molle and that screams tactical. To me it draws unwanted attention, and is frankly unnecessary for my daily needs. Another aspect of this bag that I adore as being simple and minimal!
on the same token, extra straps, belts and attachments are features that I never liked on packs but completely understand depending on the intended use. In fact, I was extremely apprehensive about buying a pack without a sternum strap, as well as a waist belt. I've filled this bag with clothing, some toiletries, a hard drive, laptop power converter and laptop and amazingly had no problems walking all over NYC for a day.
The shoulder straps are well padded and very wide. The attachment location and general design of the shoulder straps surprisingly make it extremely comfortable when carrying a reasonable load.
Lastly, I will just say the overall build quality of this bag is excellent. It seems pretty damn bullet proof and likely to last forever. I will let the pictures do the rest of the talking.
But first, I have a very brief Con list which I must share. As you can see from this whole write up I have a lot of really amazing things to say about this bag so I think a Pro list may be redundant. So here is a very short list of Cons that I have noticed.
CONS:
Price - this bag was $295. Worth the price? If this is the last pack I buy, then absolutely. No doubt expensive, but hand made in the USA and guaranteed for life.
No Waist Belt or Sternum Strap - I know this is something I mentioned that in excess can be something that turns me away from a pack, but it is still something you'd normally expect when spending nearly $300. I personally would have liked to have a sternum strap, somehow added to this bag. I would have probably used it often, as where a waist belt I likely won't miss.
Organization Pouch Needed! - As I mentioned and as you'll see in my photos, i have add a TAD Gear OP1 pouch to this pack. Although the two interior pockets in this bag might be enough for you, they aren't for me. I needed something to organize my pens, tools, first aid supplies, and even small valuables. This happens to be my personal preference of organization and may not be necessary for everyone, but something to keep in mind for sure as a potential extra expense.
If you need specs on the pack, you can find everything you need on Goruck's website. OK here are the pics! Hope this is helpful to people considering this pack. Enjoy!
First off, I know there are plenty of amazing packs out there and I've owned many of them; TAD Gear, Mystery Ranch, Maxpedition, Kifura, Kelty and Oakley. Of course I know there are many more out there as well. Although I'm positive there are much much more experienced guys out there, I still consider myself a "Pack Rat", and like all of you, I was really looking for the practicality of an EDC along with military toughness and durability. I believe I've found it in this pack.
OK lets get into this, there's a lot to talk about.
To me this pack is the perfect size. We're looking at 26 liters (1587 cubic inches). I absolutely love TAD Gear packs but from strictly a size perspective, I was always torn between the litespeed and the FAST pack. This pack falls right in between. The actual capacity of this pack is really only half the story though, the other half is the amazingly efficient use of space. As you'll see in my pics, this pack opens completely and makes it really easy to access and organize all your stuff.
I also love the pocket/compartment design of this pack. It features two interior compartments, one exterior compartment, and a nearly full length compartment that doubles as a hydration/laptop space. Having interior pockets was extremely important to me, because I hate the idea of carrying valuables in a pack that only has pockets/pouches located on the exterior surface! I also carry a laptop almost everyday, and only really leave it behind for long hikes or bike rides, so for me there's no conflict as to when and what that compartment will be used for. It also seems extremely safe to store my computer.
I will likely add more to this write up, but for now I will skip to a general assessment and top priority in choosing this pack for me. MINIMALIST!!!! this pack is so simple, smart and low key which is something extremely important to me in choosing a pack. I love hiking, camping and biking, but I don't hunt or own guns, and spend the majority of my time commuting into Manhattan or needing to keep some random things with me while driving.
With that said, this pack fits my needs perfectly. I have no doubt in its capabilities for a long hike, or an overnight camping trip. It does feature a few strips of molle on the sides, a few more on the front bottom and some on the inside of the pack, where i chose to attach a TAD Gear OP1 pouch. Molle webbing was a necessity to me, but it was important to me to have just the right amount. I have almost no need for a bag that is completely covered in Molle and that screams tactical. To me it draws unwanted attention, and is frankly unnecessary for my daily needs. Another aspect of this bag that I adore as being simple and minimal!
on the same token, extra straps, belts and attachments are features that I never liked on packs but completely understand depending on the intended use. In fact, I was extremely apprehensive about buying a pack without a sternum strap, as well as a waist belt. I've filled this bag with clothing, some toiletries, a hard drive, laptop power converter and laptop and amazingly had no problems walking all over NYC for a day.
The shoulder straps are well padded and very wide. The attachment location and general design of the shoulder straps surprisingly make it extremely comfortable when carrying a reasonable load.
Lastly, I will just say the overall build quality of this bag is excellent. It seems pretty damn bullet proof and likely to last forever. I will let the pictures do the rest of the talking.
But first, I have a very brief Con list which I must share. As you can see from this whole write up I have a lot of really amazing things to say about this bag so I think a Pro list may be redundant. So here is a very short list of Cons that I have noticed.
CONS:
Price - this bag was $295. Worth the price? If this is the last pack I buy, then absolutely. No doubt expensive, but hand made in the USA and guaranteed for life.
No Waist Belt or Sternum Strap - I know this is something I mentioned that in excess can be something that turns me away from a pack, but it is still something you'd normally expect when spending nearly $300. I personally would have liked to have a sternum strap, somehow added to this bag. I would have probably used it often, as where a waist belt I likely won't miss.
Organization Pouch Needed! - As I mentioned and as you'll see in my photos, i have add a TAD Gear OP1 pouch to this pack. Although the two interior pockets in this bag might be enough for you, they aren't for me. I needed something to organize my pens, tools, first aid supplies, and even small valuables. This happens to be my personal preference of organization and may not be necessary for everyone, but something to keep in mind for sure as a potential extra expense.
If you need specs on the pack, you can find everything you need on Goruck's website. OK here are the pics! Hope this is helpful to people considering this pack. Enjoy!
:thumbup:
I've wanted to try a goruck pack for a while. They have a nice design and seem well thought out, but those few flaws that you pointed out are what always stop me from picking one up for that price 
