Hey folks,

I'm curious to see what all the fuss is about. I've seen a number of GoRucks for sale and reviewed here...as well as on ebay. These things seem to go for just about retail value, so clearly there is a huge demand for them. I'm sure these are well put together high quality packs, but it begs the question: What makes them stand out?

* They use standard coil zippers (not a fan)
* They use all plastic hardware (not a fan)
* They don't have a brightly colored interior to make things easier to see
* They are "Tacticool" and not fundamentally different than similar products from 5.11 or Maxpedition.
*They don't have waist support straps (a major complaint people voice over every other travel bag).

I'm sure the materials and stitching are top notch, but I'd love for someone to explain to me why I should be excited about these products.

Not to mention, you can't use them for business travel. Nor, would I use them in certain areas of the globe were the military look will get you "noticed", e.g. some Middle Eastern and many African countries.

In Israel, I used the Drago Backpack and I was constantly asked for my military papers and in Thailand, I kept getting searched. I've mothballed that bag for overseas travel.

Why does this person like Tom Bihn so much? Why is that person crazy over Redoxx? Why is another a huge fan of Patagonia? Ebags? REI? And on and on and on. The bottom line is that it is all a matter of one's own personal preference and some of us just appreciate Goruck. If that is not you, no problem. That is your own personal preference.

Neil, I absolutely get that different people have different taste. However, with the bags mentioned on this site for the most part people can articulate what differentiates one bag from another.

Example:
Briggs & Riley - Business like with Wheelie hardware on the outside unlike most other bags.
Tom Bihn - Unique styling with several bags targeted directly at air travelers... water resistant zippers, tie-downs for bundle wrappers.

Red Oxx - Tooth zippers + all metal hardware. Lifetime warranty. You break it, they fix.

ETC....


I'm not looking to criticize anyone. I really want to know what makes the GoRuck special. I'm looking to feed my bag habit here. :)

Is there something that makes the bag rougher than the 5.11 style alternatives? Is the design slightly more flexible for travelers? Are the backpack straps extra comfortable. I need some rationale.

Fair enough. I still have a 5.11 bag. It is good. Very similar to the Goruck 1. The main difference for me, and why I like the Goruck better, is:

1) It is American made. Personally, that means a lot to me. I like the company's story. I like it that it is a new young start up company and I hope they do well. This nation needs more of that.

2) I am a former Army officer and I like the military styling, but, at the same time I do not want a "Rambo" look that styling is not over the top. The Goruck 1it looks much less "military" than the 5.11 or other "tacticool" bags as someone noted on here.

3). On a similar note, it is very streamlined---no useless sternum straps, and other crap that is not needed. It is just a strong, simple, well made black bag. Nothing fancy. I appreciate that simplicity.

4). I think the quality is much better than the 5.11 and other similar bags. That is especially true of the backpack straps. They can hold 400 pounds and are very comfortable. Much stronger than the 5.11 straps.

5). I have other bags, too, by Tom Bihn, Redoxx, etc. I love them, too, just like I love my Goruck. So I am not stuck on just one brand. I like several ones.

But again, all of that is just my personal opinion!! :-)

I have a gr2. It's well built.
But I also think that like bihn, there is a bit of a loyal group, and its not the French.

I read this awhile ago.

http://www.practicalecommerce.com/articles/3797-3-Marketing-Lessons-from-Goruck-com


The only irony I find, and I would buy another go ruck, is that the non-us carriers have stricter carry on standards.
So if we really wanted to change global travel, and being global, an American company isn't the same selling point to the Germans, Brits etc.

Which is why I would say again that some of these companies do have great products, but there is another appeal beyond the actual product.

Apple is takes a different approach in their marketing, and it not in fact solely based on cost. After all, bihn and go ruck are generally more expensive than say ebags.

But again, I do like their bags, for what they are. My brother is in the Airforce active duty.

I have to say getting "noticed" is WAY over blown, trust me, you're not blending in. I've been working overseas for years and I still stand out. I've been speaking arabic since I was a toddler, but that doesn't hide the fact its being spoken by a pasty white guy. I could be walking around in a throbe and sandals and I would still be noticed.

The sternum strap and waist belt were cut off my Brain Bag the day I got it. I'm very happy I didn't have to do that with my GR2.

Andy, I think you're right. If you are a white guy in a predominantly Asian or African country you will get noticed. If you aren't white (I'm Sephardic with very dark skin), you make people very nervous, because you look the part; my wife always comments on the extra scrutiny we/she gets when she travels with me.

Although, I do use Maxpedition and Drago gear for my outdoor activities, e.g. backpacking and hunting. That's a very long-winded way of saying, "I tailor my luggage to the travel destination, as well as my travel needs"

I travel frequently for work, one or two nights, and am an extremely minimalist traveler. For me, the GoRuck Echo (their smallest pack) is absolutely perfect. Aspects I like:

- Laptop compartment is ideal for the MacBook Air, and makes it seem like it isn't there.

- Rather than being "military", the pack is actually very low-key. All black, with it's rectangular profile and no exterior attachments or straps, it looks very professional (in an understated rugged way). I don't use a tacticool velcro patch.

- Pack carries laptop, cables, toiletries, change of clothing, water bottle, umbrella, and running shoes (on occasions where I'm feeling optimistic).

- The size is perfect for overnight travel: I can walk around the city, hit the bars and restaurants, and just look like a local with my small laptop bag.

- I have owned many, many bags. This carries better than any, bar none: load it heavy, cinch up the straps, and go. (Note: I am reasonably small; large gentlemen may struggle with the Echo. See GoRuck's site for discussion).

In short: a pricy, premium product, but worth the money if you can afford it.

Well dammit, all the talk got me interested. I did lots of reading over on EDC forums and on the Goruck site (especially the detailed GR2 explained section).

I'm going to give it a try.

I may even make a detailed comparison review between this, my Skytrain, Airboss and TriStar. We'll see which bag is worthy to "rule them all."

One thing I can say right off the bat I'd love to see is one of these onebag type bags to incorporate a checkpoint safe feature with a top fold (saddlebag) Like the Codi CT3 backpack.