09-04-2025
Which GoRuck Backpack Should You Buy?
I was first inspired to try rucking last year after reading this New York Times article, which suggests, 'if you have anything that weighs anything in your house, put that inside [a] backpack and simply go for a walk.' One hike with a cookbook-stuffed JanSport and an injured rhomboid muscle later, I found myself researching proper rucking backpacks. A $255 Rucker not being in my budget, I settled on GoRuck's 15L bullet. Billed as a daypack, the Bullet has the same 210D Cordura back panel and under-shoulder straps as the Rucker but a slimmer profile and less weight capacity. It can still fit a Ruck Plate in one of its three interior pockets, or a 20 lb. or 40 lb. sandbag in the main compartment, which helpfully opens flat. (I use a 20 lb. bag of rice from Walmart.) There's no hip belt, so I probably wouldn't attempt to go above 20 lbs., but for an average-sized woman in her mid-40s, I've found the Bullet to be perfect for short to moderate hikes. Weight feels evenly placed, the padded straps don't dig in or shift, and there's a D-ring inside to attach a hydration bladder, as there are no water bottle pockets. It's also the perfect size to double as a regular backpack for school or travel, and for $35 more you can spring for a version with a laptop compartment to make it a work bag. —Kat Merck $160 at GoRuck (Classic, 15L) $195 at GoRuck (Laptop, 16L)
The GR3 is available in either 35L or 45L sizes, with the latter being the largest possible bag that's still TSA compliant. Perfect for travelers that haven't yet learned how to travel light, the GR3 can carry everything you need for two weeks on the road (or a lifetime if that's more your style). The GR3 is made of the same materials as the other GR series packs and like the GR2 has two compartments. They're just much bigger compartments. It is in fact difficult to convey just how big this bag is except to say that if you're like me—under 6 feet tall—you will look slightly ridiculous with the GR3 on your back. For that reason, and the fact that I don't need this much space, I much prefer the GR2, which, despite being nearly the same capacity, is much more svelte.
One nice feature of the GR3 that the GR2 lacks is side compression straps (with buckles). These make the GR3 somewhat compressible, keeping it more manageable when it's not completely full, but even with these, and even on the 35L version, this is still a big pack and there's no hiding that. That said, if you need the room, the GR3 is the pack to get. GoRuck, should you read this, please consider a GR2 with compression straps.
