The GoRuck GR1: One Backpack to Rule Them All? We Put It to the Test.

For three years, I've been carrying the same backpack. Not because I'm lazy, but because the GoRuck GR1 has yet to give me a reason to switch. Made in the USA from tough-as-nails 1000D Cordura, this 26-liter pack has survived everything from two-week family trips to muddy hikes and daily gym sessions. It still looks brand new.

I got into rucking—basically walking with a weighted pack—because I despise running. The GR1 is built for it. Load it up with a 20-pound plate, and those wide, comfortable straps won't dig into your shoulders like cheaper packs do. The zipper pulls are big enough to grab with winter gloves, and the fabric sheds water like a duck's back.

But here's the thing: the GR1 isn't just a rucking pack. It's become my everything bag. It slides under airplane seats, so no fighting for overhead bin space. The full-length side zipper lets me grab my camera gear without unpacking everything. I've stuffed it with a jiujitsu gi, beach towels, a laptop, and snacks for the kids—all at once.

The secret is the layout: four pockets (including a tiny one for keys and sunglasses) plus a big open compartment that swallows clothes, gear, and whatever else. There's MOLLE webbing inside for attaching pouches, and I added a water bottle holder on the side. The only downside? It's 3.1 pounds empty, and the military look isn't for everyone. I could do without the MOLLE on the back, but I've learned to live with it.

At $395, it's pricey. But if you want one bag that does almost everything—and does it for years—the GR1 is worth every cent. Just keep a dedicated hiking pack for the trails.