Best GoRuck Backpacks (2025): Rucking, Hiking, and Every Day Carry

The GoRuck GR1 (7/10, WIRED Review) is the pack that launched the company, and still the best and most versatile of the GoRuck lineup. The GR1 comes in 2 sizes: 21L and 26L, I have both, but if I had to pick only one, it would be the 21L. This is the perfect size for rucking, everyday carry, and weekend trips if you pack light. I have even lived out of the 21L bag (with a shoulder bag for my camera gear) during a week long trip. It was a squeeze, but it worked. The 21L GR1 is deceptively large and always seems to swallow more gear than I think it can. My favorite thing about the GR1 is its versatility. I have used this pack for plane travel (as a carry-on), rucking, hiking, hauling camera gear, and more. I even strapped it to the back rack of my bike for an overnight bikepacking trip. The only caveat I have is that if you use it for rucking (or hiking, or whatever you want to call it) you will sweat and that sweat will soak into the pack. Eventually it will get stinky. This is easy to ... Read full article.