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▲ 23 r/Goruck+40 crossposts

I stumbled across this book from another post recently that completely changed how I think about food.

We’re so used to fridges, supermarkets, and next day delivery that I honestly never stopped to think about how people actually ate before all that existed. This book is basically a collection of old recipes that were designed to last months or even years without refrigeration. The same kind of food our great grandparents (and great great grandparents) relied on.

What surprised me most wasn’t even the recipes, it was the mindset. Everything was about making food stretch, using what you had, and not relying on systems that could disappear overnight. Reading it made me realize how dependent we are now compared to even a couple generations ago.

I’ve tried a handful of the recipes so far. Some are definitely outside my normal rotation, but a few were genuinely good and oddly satisfying knowing they’d keep without power or fancy storage.

It’s less of a cookbook and more of a little history lesson disguised as one. Made me appreciate how resilient people used to be, especially when it came to food. I wanted to make this post as a bit of a shoutout to the creators for putting it together and the person who shared it here a couple months back (I couldn't find the old post to go back and comment).

Here's the website I bought the cookbook from, it's a pretty niche book so I don't think it's available on any mainstream platforms - survivalsuppers.com

u/-plss- — 7 hours ago
▲ 103 r/Goruck

Found my dream bag and my first Goruck.

Initially I was going to buy the cordura version but when perusing the Goruck site a couple days ago I noticed the canvas DC Bullet in Dark Oak was available and purchased it immediately. I was between this color and the slate but I'm very happy with this color. I may get the slate in the future to vary between two bags.

It is a fantastic EDC size and feels very comfortable however I am not sure how hot this would feel on the back on very hot days (live in Florida). Overall very happy to have this as my first Goruck and to be joining the community of other Goruck fans.

u/anth0nium — 1 day ago
▲ 360 r/Goruck+4 crossposts

What started as a simple question quickly snowballed into the analysis I'll describe below. Like many of the degenerate carriers on this sub, I frequently find myself consuming internet bag reviews. Sometimes, it's in preparation for a bag purchase; sometimes, it's recreational. For me, Pack Hacker (PH, henceforth) is typically a first stop whenever I'm researching a new bag. Deep into a review binge one night, I found myself wondering how much reviewer subjectivity impacted PH's scores. Each review is attributed to either an individual author or the "Pack Hacker Team." I was also curious whether their average scores had drifted over time. My theory was that an established site with a solid reputation, like PH, could afford to be more discerning with their reviews, so maybe average scores would decrease over time. Spoiler alert, this turned out to be wrong.

Over the past few nights, I ran an analysis of the "Bags & Luggage" reviews published on PH. There are just over 1,000 reviews in this category, making it a healthy dataset for analysis. Here are some of the top-level results:

Top-level analysis results from the Bags & Luggage category on PH

Initial takeaways (again, only pertaining to the Bags & Luggage category):

  • The vast majority of bags and luggage receive a score between 7.0 and 8.5. The mathematical average across the entire dataset sits right at 7.58.
  • The Pack Hacker Team handles the bulk of the reviews collectively (255 reviews), but when it comes to individual contributors, Lauren Maternowski (235) and Eric Hergenreder (208) are by far the most active gear testers on the site.
  • I looked at the 10 brands with the highest volume of reviews on in the Bags & Luggage category to see which ones perform the best on average. Unsurprisingly, Aer, Peak Design, and Tom Bihn consistently earn the highest average scores, all sitting comfortably around the 8.0+ mark ("Great" status).
  • PH's review output for bags and luggage has grown significantly over the last few years, with a huge ramp-up starting in 2022 and reaching its peak in 2025 with over 320 published reviews. They're currently on pace for 600 reviews in this category for 2026.

And down the slippery slope we go. Next, I wanted to answer the question I initially set out to address regarding reviewer bias and subjectivity. Here's what I found:

Average reviewer score given in the Bags & Luggage category

This is remarkably consistent. If we want to nitpick, the data could suggest that Tom tends to grade slightly more generously than the rest of the pack, averaging a 7.70. In contrast, Kristyne is the strictest grader among the top 5, coming in with the lowest average score at 7.50. Overall, though, a 7.50-7.70 spread on the average across reviewers is pretty tight.

Next, I wanted to curate a short list of superlatives. For your reading pleasure:

  • Highest Rated Bag: The Aer Travel Pack 4 (35L) took the crown with a near-perfect score of 9.3 / 10
  • Lowest Rated Bag: The Nomatic Travel Bag came in with the lowest valid score in the dataset at 5.4 / 10
  • Most Reviewed Brand: Bellroy is the single most featured brand in the Bags & Luggage category, with a whopping 62 individual reviews
  • Largest Capacity: The Rux 70L gear hauler topped the charts with a massive 70 Liters of storage volume
  • Smallest Capacity: The Nomatic Access Pouch is the tiniest reviewed item, holding a microscopic 0.4 Liters (essentially just enough room for a phone, wallet, and keys)

Looking a little more closely at the sub-score categories (i.e., Form, Design, and Value). My AI assistant (Gemini, in this case) suggested a violin plot to compare this data. If you can look past the overtly sexual way in which this data is plotted, it's actually pretty interesting:

Get your mind out of the gutter

It seems that PH is slightly more critical of Value and Design than they are of Form. At the risk of over-extrapolating, maybe gear makers have gotten really good at making bags look nice and picking high-quality materials (Form), but they still struggle to perfect the internal layouts (Design) or justify the high price tags (Value). The sub-score averages:

  • Form Average: 79.1 / 100
  • Design Average: 74.9 / 100
  • Value Average: 74.1 / 100
  • Overall Average: 75.9 / 100 (Shown as 7.59/10 on the site)

And some updated superlatives:

  • Highest Form Score: Veilance Nomin Pack
  • Highest Design Score: Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L
  • Highest Value Score: GORUCK GR2
  • Lowest Form Score: AmazonBasics Carry-On Travel Backpack
  • Lowest Design Score: Fjallraven Splitpack
  • Lowest Value Score: Arkadia Sea To Sky Packable Daypack

The last thing I wanted to look at with regarding to the score values was whether there exists any correlation to other factors (including the year in which the score was generated). Here's a heatmap showing degree of correlation between the quantities that PH reports:

Heatmap showing correlation between factors for Bags & Luggage

Here is where my theory about score decreasing over time was disproven. There's actually a slight positive correlation between the Review Year and the Overall Score (as well as the Design and Value sub-scores). This suggests that as the years go on, the team is generally finding bags to be better designed and more fairly priced. Form, on the other hand, appears to be trending slightly down: while bags are getting better designed internally, the team is becoming harsher critics of the actual materials, aesthetics, and outer silhouettes.

I was also curious whether there was a score bias toward any particular bag type. Of the 1,079 bags reviewed by PH in this category, here's the score breakdown by bag type:

  • Backpacks: 762 reviews (Average Score: 7.59)
  • Sling Bags: 134 reviews (Average Score: 7.65)
  • Rollers & Suitcases (Carry-Ons): 66 reviews (Average Score: 7.51)
  • Tote Bags: 50 reviews (Average Score: 7.56)
  • Duffel Bags: 34 reviews (Average Score: 7.59)
  • Daypacks: 22 reviews (Average Score: 7.44)
  • Camera Bags: 11 reviews (Average Score: 7.42)

You'll see here that slings actually hold the highest average score out of all the bag categories. Camera Bags and Daypacks, however, tend to score just a bit lower than the standard travel backpacks.

Last but not least, I wanted to get a sense for how the brands stack up against one another. Keep in mind here that not every brand has received an equal number of reviews. I've limited this list to only the brands which have received 5+ reviews by PH, which took the list from 204 brands down to 45. Here's the brand ranking, with the number of PH reviews in parentheses next to the brand name:

Definitive ranking of brands in the Bags & Luggage category

And here's a summary of the rankings:

  • Best of the Best (8.0+ average):
    • Goruck (8.31 / 8 reviews): GORUCK officially takes the crown
    • Evergoods (8.18 / 23 reviews)
    • Aer (8.11 / 60 reviews)
    • Peak Design (8.04 / 27 reviews)
  • Bottom of the Pack:
    • Nomatic (7.15 / 20 reviews)

Ultimately, most of this analysis was unsurprising. Maybe the most surprising thing to me was how remarkably consistent PH is across their group of individual reviewers. They seem to be discerning when it comes to dishing out high review scores, which is obviously a good thing when many of us are leaning - in some cases, heavily - on their evaluations prior to making a bag purchase. If anyone is interested in any other plots, let me know and I'll do my best to generate them.

Disclosures: I am not affiliated with any review site. I'm just a dude who likes bags (and data).

reddit.com
u/fifthwave — 13 days ago
▲ 34 r/Goruck

is this goruck gr2?

hi im korean and my english bad sry

someone gave me goruck bag but i cant find which model is

i found tag wrote goruck gr2 built in the usa 40l

so i searched but it doesnt match my bag

gr2 have webbing but mine no webbing

and gr2 slick? that model no webbing but no flag too

is my bag fake?

u/abcdidk1 — 2 days ago
▲ 24 r/Goruck+1 crossposts

After my first generic backpack literally fell apart, I went on a mission to find a bag that was "bombproof" but compact. That search turned into a multi-year journey through some of the best brands in the business. I wanted to share my transition from GoRuck to Aer to Evergoods, and why I eventually came back home.

The Journey:

• GoRuck GR1 (21L):
This was my first "real" bag. I loved the toughness and the size, but the lack of quick-access drove me crazy. That front "slash" pocket is famously tight once the bag is packed out.

• GoRuck GR2 (26L):
I thought more space was the answer. It had better organization, but it felt like overkill for daily use. I felt like I was heading out for a three-day ruck every time I just wanted to go to a coffee shop.

• Aer City Pack Pro:
I switched gears to Aer. The organization and materials were top-tier, but the comfort just wasn't there for me. The straps didn't distribute weight well, and my shoulders would start screaming after just two hours.

• Evergoods CTB26:
This was a massive upgrade in comfort and pocket layout. However, when fully loaded, it felt surprisingly bulky and lost that "sleek" profile I was looking for.

The Realization:

Every time I tried a more "technical" bag with a million pockets, I found myself missing the simplicity of GoRuck. There is something about just throwing your gear in a tough-as-nails Cordura bucket and going.

The Winner: The M26
I almost pulled the trigger on the M23 (21L), as the drawstring opening and the ability to stash a jacket under the lid seemed perfect. But the lack of a dedicated quick-access pocket at the top kept me on the fence.

When the M26 dropped with the added top pocket, I knew the search was over. It solves the "on-body access" issue I had with the GR1 while keeping that legendary GoRuck carry comfort. I’m currently waiting for it to arrive and couldn't be more hyped.
I’d love to hear from the community:

1. what are yout thoughts on the M26?

2. Has anyone else done the "GoRuck -> Aer/Evergoods -> GoRuck" circle?

3. What was the "dealbreaker" that finally ended your search for the perfect bag

u/IDNISSIM — 7 days ago
▲ 110 r/Goruck+1 crossposts

One of my even longer rucks...

Appearing to be homeless helps when moving through Denver in the middle of the night :)

These super long rucks probably take a stronger mind than body. There is a constant internal conversation with the body checking in to ensure everything is working properly.

Pack weight started at around 45lbs with dual water bladders. I wanted enough water in my pack to make it through the entire event without stopping. The only time I ever stopped was to pee and take pictures of the various way points. Probably one of my greatest rucking related accomplishments.

u/3one5 — 5 days ago
▲ 18 r/Goruck

Today I left the house without my trusty Foliage Green GR1 for the first time since 2013.

That bag has been my everything ( except carry-on) bag since I bought it. It has +6K miles on it hiking and rucking, been thru rain, hail snow and ce. Been carried to boiler rooms, chiller plants and offices. Carried manuals, test equipment, beer, Bourbon, gym clothes, laptops, iPads and god knows how many other things.

Its had cats and puppy’s fall asleep in it and play king of the hill on it.

Its been layed on / in dirt, mud, grass, weeds (poison ivy once) a river or 2, countless desks and chairs and a board room table every now and then and its never failed. It does need a couple new zipper pulls….

Anyway, last year instead of retiring I took a different job in a different city as a kinda wind down to my career. Gave the Mrs and I a great adventure living in a downtown condo and being cool as hell!

New boss was actually my CO in a different world a life time ago so it’s fun to be able to be myself at work. Well it was until 2 weeks ago when He and I got a call from HR.

It seems my “ Military “ bag makes a couple soy boys and a Karen uncomfortable when combined with the way the Boss and I talk to one another. Its “ aggressive and scary” and they need a safe place to work that isn’t “ full of toxic masculinity “

We were advised to try and maintain some sense of compassion and empathy for the idiots amongst us ( HR managers husband is in the Air Guard) and it was suggested perhaps I use a different bag at work. Ma’am yes ma’am !

https://preview.redd.it/4vdyimkltpzg1.jpg?width=3392&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1a9818e661d8de212f425370cc7d7ce4657c7d64

https://preview.redd.it/h22fdikltpzg1.jpg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e3d47b1e5d942df1abc284e3f3e0aa80dfc510bc

https://preview.redd.it/eu9anikltpzg1.jpg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=05d8efe6f328b3782ca9fde09d825339ca4eaba5

reddit.com
u/True-Plankton-3081 — 7 days ago
▲ 9 r/Goruck

GR1 for International Travel

Hey y’all, this might be a dumb question, but would love to hear people’s experiences (or lack there of).

I have several Gorucks, and absolutely love my 21L GR1 in black. I recently moved into a new role for work and will be traveling to across Europe, Tokyo, and the Philippines and am a little apprehensive about bringing my GR1 based on the tactical look.

For those of you who have traveled internationally with a GR1 - did you get any flack fife the pack? In black I think it’s pretty subdued. But I’m worried that the molle may attract attention?

I think I’m probably overthinking this, but would love to hear people’s experiences traveling from the US with a Goruck.

reddit.com
u/Spalding1856 — 5 days ago
▲ 7 r/Goruck

Reflective 4.0 20L

I have been looking for my first pack. Found this used 4.0 for sale on marketplace, but man that reflective strip is bright! Might have to look past it considering its only $125 and says only used a few times, like new.

I don't even see the 4.0 listed anymore, so guessing there isn't much stock left for a discontinued blow out sale? The ranger green or blackout would be my choice if buying new.

u/TheCrappieFisherman — 2 days ago
▲ 47 r/Goruck

SCORE!

GR1 26L THROWBACK !

Amazing! Like many of you today I was looking at the new Rucker 5.0 release.....and then I came across this single Throwback beauty!

The irony is that just today Goruck refunded me back the cost for the current version MiUSA GR1 26L that I returned due to buyers remorse over the Aquaguard zippers. I had ordered that bag before the price increase to replace my 2018 26L bag.

Soon I will be in possession of a trinity of Throwback bags::

GR1 21L
GR1 26L
GR2 40L

u/buddy0329 — 6 days ago
▲ 0 r/Goruck

GR2 34L Coyote?

Anyone know where I can get ahold of a 34L GR2 in Coyote? All the reviews I’ve seen of the 26L make it seem like it’s like wearing an oversized cube on your back and the 40L is massive based on pics I’ve seen.

reddit.com
u/ADO_PM — 1 day ago
▲ 9 r/Goruck

I’m done with Mackalls

This is the third pair in a row of Mackalls I’ve had that have fallen apart after about 120 miles. The previous pair ripped at this same spot, and the pair before that had the rubber separate from the mesh near the same spot. So I’ve given up on these entirely and now trying the MACV boots.

I had no problems with the Ballistic Trainers but they’re rarely in stock. I actually got another pair of those (on sale) in addition to the MACVs in my last purchase to replace these busted Mackalls.

Anyway, I post this because I’ve not see this come up in review of these and I know for a fact they’re falling apart because, again, this is the third pair in a row for me. Buyer beware.

u/jonst0kes — 4 days ago
▲ 38 r/Goruck

Beware of sending your 10L Dyneema Bullet to GORUCK SCARS for repair!

Recently acquired a 10L Dyneema Bullet and decided to send it in for repair as the attachment points of the straps were fraying and slightly detaching.

I read good things online and from this group for the strap repair of a dyneema bag and so I sent it in.

Got the bag back today after about a month and the repair was interesting; they just folded the top of the back into the back panel and sewed it together and now the bag is lopsided, and they didn't even fix the other side of the strap that was also fraying. In addition, the stitching of the folded over part of the repair is already coming off after trying the bag on.

I've reached out to GORUCK to see what they can do about it.

u/OkHoliday8680 — 9 days ago
▲ 4 r/Goruck

Looking for a EDC bag to add to my current bags. I've always been interested in trying a Goruck product. I see the Black Frogskin DC Bullet is currently on sale. Would that be a good entry into the brand? How comfortable is this bag for those that own it? Not looking to ruck currently. Just something to switch from my usual to get to the office and back.

reddit.com
u/anth0nium — 7 days ago