GoRuck GR1 review: Great for travel, running, the gym, and more

As we got Outside the home, gear freak Wired reviews The team writes about our favorite bags and EDCs. Today, reviewer Scott Gilbertson He raves about his GoRuck backpack. You can also check other Bag checking stories where Wired Writers share their right to choose.

The US-made GR1 from GoRuck is the best backpack I’ve ever used. The 26L version is large enough to hold everything I need for two weeks of travel. It can also work as a camera bag, gym bag, hiking or touring bag.

The GR1 bag costs a fortune (per bag), but given its practicality and durability, I’d say it’s worth every penny. I’ve been using it for three years, and it still feels like it did the day I got it.

I first became interested in the GoRuck GR1 because I hate running so much. I love walking, hiking and biking. But running? No thank you. However, I’m willing to admit that running is probably the cardio exercise with the lowest barrier to entry. Apart from a new pair of shoes every year or two, you don’t need anything. Just get out the door and torture yourself, I mean, run away.

Fortunately for me, I found stagnationalso known as the military term for hiking with a weighted backpack. In recent years, rowing has gained great popularity among civilians, Thriving on TikTok And between Efficiency seekers in Silicon Valley. The best definition of trauma I’ve seen comes from Michael Easter Comfort crisiswhich describes running as “cardio for people who hate running.” Sounds like me, doesn’t it?

Running involves carrying a heavy bag while walking (some people run, some people jog, I don’t either). Essentially, no matter how fast you move, the extra weight in your bag raises your physical output to a higher cardio level. But if you’ve ever worn a backpack hiking, you’ve probably learned the hard way that many backpacks aren’t up to the task of carrying heavy weights. Thin shoulder straps become like cheese on your shoulders, fabric sags, and items in your bag dig into your back and tailbone.

That’s when my editor said, “Oh, I have a GoRuck GR1 — rip-off is what it is to make To do.” And after a little personal research, I quickly had my GR1. Made from ultra-durable, water-resistant 1000D Cordura, it will get the shirt right off your back before anything happens to the pack. And the zipper pulls—perhaps the most overlooked feature in GoRuck packs—are great. They’re generously sized and easy to grip, even when you’re wearing thick winter gloves.