Thad Forester's official site

GORUCK Review: Kit Bag 32L 2.0

By

Now that I’ve had this kit bag for a few months and used it as EDC for work, for air and car travel, and for coaching, I’m ready to give it my review. In addition to this short article, you can watch my review below on YouTube:

Here are links to the two options of GORUCK’s Kit Bag that I discuss in this review:

Kit Bag 32L Ripstop Robic

Kit Bag 32L 1000D Cordura

Details:

Mine is Tidal Blue/Speed Tan, Ripstop Robic

  • Primary Material: 420D Robic Nylon
  • Internal Material: 210D Robic Nylon
  • Shoe Compartment Internal Materials: 1680 Ballistic Nylon & 210D Robic Nylon
  • Weight: 2.5lbs
  • 32L Dimensions: 17.5”W x 11.5″H x 9”D
  • Shoe Compartment Dimensions: 17.5”W x 2”D
  • 32L External Zipper Pocket: 14″W x 11″D

Description from GORUCK:

The Aviator’s Kit Bag is used on all Airborne flight operations (jumping out of planes or helos). Special Forces and other units started using the Aviator’s Kit Bags as travel bags, pilot flight bags, and deployment bags because of the large opening at the top, which is plenty big enough to comfortably allow body armor to fit inside.

We’ve modernized the aviator’s kit bag and added functionality for daily use, travel, storage, and organization. This Kit Bag now features even more pockets for more organization with not only many internal and external pockets, but also a bottom shoe compartment so you can keep your trainers, boots, or runners separate from the rest of your gear.

I show how easily my size 11.5 Rough Runners fit in this compartment with the bag loaded up.

Material:

This is the best feature of all. Even though GORUCK has several items, including rucksacks, that are made of Ripstop Robic material, I’m new to it. I really like this material. It’s strong, flexible, and it’s not as course as some of the Cordura bags. I like how it feels to the touch and when it rubs on the skin while carrying heavy weight. It has a high tear resistance. Read more about their Ripstop Robic Collections here.

Waterproof:

We had a football game recently where it rain the entire time–two games back-to-back. My bag sat on the ground and got soaked. This is it below. Nothing inside–my phone, wallet, paper plays, got wet. It did an excellent job repelling the water.


This cover helps keep water from entering from the main zipper.

Zippers:

As with all GORUCK products, all of their zippers are high quality YKK brand with easy, quick grip pulls (both inside and outside pockets).


Conclusion:

This Kit Bag did the job when we flew to DC last weekend. It was my carry-on, along with my trusty 26L GR2.

You can learn a little more about this Kit Bag, along with the water bottle pockets on each outside end, the metal clips on the strap and more at the YouTube video embedded above and here below. Thank you for checking out my review.

If you’re curious about other GORUCK gear and clothing reviews, check out my YouTube channel. I’ve used their products regularly since 2015, therefore I promote them b/c their stuff works best for my activities.

GORUCK Challenge Shorts vs. Lululemon Commission Shorts

By


As someone who wears both brands, this article is to share which one is the most versatile. I realize Lululemon and GORUCK don’t always have the same audience. They aren’t always used for the same activities. However, there is some overlap in uses. Plus, if someone didn’t know any better, they may think: “they are both expensive, so they both must be good for what I need.” This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Disclaimer: even though this article is on the shorts, all my comments apply to the GORUCK Challenge Pants and Lululemon Commission Pants (I have them both too).

Note: I did a review on the Challenge Shorts in late 2023, which you can learn more about them in that article and video. This review doesn’t go into as many specifics on the shorts.

*You can also watch my upcoming YouTube review on these shorts soon at my channel below:

Fit and Comfort

The Challenge Shorts have a 10.5″ inseam, which is longer than the Commission Shorts, offered at both 9″ and 10″. The 10.5″ length is noticeable in both appearance and feel compared to my Commission Shorts 10″ inseam.

Water repellant? Fast Drying?

I’m always interested how well my clothing repels water and dries. The pictures below show an experiment I did where I dipped both shorts in water and got completely wet, wrung them out, then hung to dry outside. After 2 hrs 45 mins, the results were: GORUCK were completely dry. Lululemon were very close to dry, but the pockets were still damp.

Additionally, the GORUCK Challenge Shorts bead water off at first whereas the Lululemon don’t have any repelling properties–they immediately get wet. I wrote more about their ability to repel and dry quickly when I rucked 28 miles in May 2024 in the pouring rain. They performed superbly.


Rain soaked Challenge Shorts at mile 19

Stretchy?

GORUCK has what they call 4-way stretch, which allow ample movement for all activities. This is where Lululemon definitely wins. Their Commission Shorts definitely stretch more and feel better b/c they are softer. They are also thicker than the Challenge Shorts (and all GORUCK Shorts and pants). So, if stretchiness is most important to you, then go with Lululemon.

Durability vs. Comfort

One of the most significant differences between GORUCK and Lululemon clothing is the balance between durability and comfort. GORUCK prioritizes ruggedness and the ability to withstand extreme conditions, making their clothing ideal for those who engage in tough physical activities like rucking, hiking, and other training, along with the option to easily blend in “out on the town”. Lululemon, on the other hand, focuses more on comfort and style, with an emphasis on performance in less demanding environments like offices, yoga studios and gyms.

Functionality vs. Aesthetic

GORUCK’s clothing is highly functional, with features designed to enhance performance in challenging conditions. The aesthetic is understated and practical, with a focus on utility. Lululemon, while also functional, places a greater emphasis on aesthetics. Their clothing is designed to look good both during workouts and in everyday settings, appealing to those who value style as much as performance.

GORUCK Challenge Shorts on a 98 degree summer hike.

Conclusion:

I also compared the GORUCK Challenge Short to Prometheus Design Werx Raider Field Shorts in this article and video.

I enjoy comparing the Challenge Shorts, and other GORUCK clothing, to other good brands b/c I wear GORUCK clothing and use their gear almost daily–in fitness, lounging, in the office and church.

Are there any questions you’ve got about the Challenge Shorts, or any other GORUCK clothing or gear? Let me know. You can email me at: thad@patriottothecore.com

Affiliate Note:

I am a GORUCK affiliate, so I get a small percentage commission with each sale if you purchase GORUCK products from my links. This does not cost you any additional money–the prices are the same for buyers. I do this b/c I have a weird obsession with good gear and clothing. I have used GORUCK products since 2015 and have been impressed with their quality and versatility. I don’t do this to make a living, only to help support my habit of buying high-quality items from GORUCK and other American companies.

GORUCK Belt Bag Review | Sling Bag | Hip Bag | Waist Bag | Fanny Pack

By

I think Jerry Seinfeld was on to something in the 90’s…. not a fanny pack, but a European Carry-all.

If you want in on the craze of fanny packs/belt bags/sling bags/cross body bags/mini hip packs/bum bags, etc. today, here is a good option. Why is it a good option? Mainly b/c it’s GORUCK. It’s a simple design and the material is tough and water repellant.

Below is a YouTube review I did, but this article goes more in depth than the video does.

Size

This belt bag currently comes in two sizes: Large and Small. The one I have in this video and these pictures is the Large. Here are the dimensions:

Large: 8″W 5″H 1.25″D, capacity is 1L
Small: 8″W 4″H 1.25″D, capacity is .4L

The large is easy to wear in the car as a driver with the seatbelt on.

Sitting at a restaurant while wearing the Belt Bag. It causes no discomfort and doesn’t restrict movement.

Strap length

One of the biggest questions for potential buyers and users is if the belt/strap is long enough to wear cross body. I show you in this vid how it fits me across body and around waist.

*Update: I wore this cross body while walking around the monuments in Washington, DC recently. The clip on the strap was in the perfect spot to rub my inner arm near my elbow when I walked. So, I had to wear it on my hip. That wasn’t a big problem, but if the strap was a little longer, this probably wouldn’t be an issue.

Overall length is just under 48″

Material

420D Ripstop Robic Nylon Exterior / 210D Cordura Interior. It’s hard to break and tough to rip. Plus, it repels water, just like with their backpacks.

Ripstop ROBIC material up close

In addition, it has waterproof AquaGuard exterior zippers

Waterproof YKK AquaGuard exterior zippers


Rucking Accessory

I’ve found this Belt Bag is a great, simple addition to rucking. When I ruck, I always have my phone to track my distance and listen to podcasts and talks. When I want to ruck in exercise shorts, like the GORUCK Training Shorts, my phone bounces in my pocket too much, so I don’t wear them to ruck. Instead, I wear shorts or pants that have a pocket where my phone won’t move.

With this Belt Bag, I can wear those Training Shorts, or any loose shorts or sweat pants, and put my phone in it and it’s secure and still easily accessible.

At $45, it’s worth trying it out. It is nice to have something to free up pocket space or to more easily carry some essentials (or what we may think are essentials).

There are a ton of options and brands right now. I get targeted online with new ones all the time. If you do research and want to buy quality, you’ve come to the right place. I have no doubts that there are many good options for your needs, but as a user and endorser of GORUCK, you can’t go wrong with the Belt Bag. Plus, as I’ve said with many of their other products, it comes with the SCARS Lifetime Guarantee. You break it. GORUCK fixes it.

You can see more accessories and bag here: https://www.thadforester.com/gr-accessories

Gift Idea: If you don’t know what to get someone you know who loves GORUCK products, a gift card is a great option. Just click this link and send them a gift card for $30 or much more.

What else do you want to know about it?

Shorts Review: GORUCK Challenge Shorts vs. Prometheus Design Werx Raider Field Short TRS ATB

By


In addition to this written review, you can watch my video review here with more details:


GORUCK and Prometheus Design Werx (PDW) are two companies that produce high quality clothing and gear. I have tremendous respect for them both.

The purpose of this review is to compare their material, fit, sizing, how well each repels water and how quick they dry. These shorts do not have the exact same uses–the PDW Raider Field Shorts are more technical–have more pockets and options. The GORUCK Challenge Shorts are more simple. So, I’m not comparing their uses/functionality, only the material and fit.

Sizing

Prometheus Design Werx Raider Field Shorts runs big in the waist. I wear a 36″ in the waist for all GORUCK shorts and pants (pretty much in every brand of pants). But, with these PDW shorts, I had to return the 36″ waist and get 34″. The 34″ fit perfect–just like 36″ in everything else.

How Do They Repel Water?

The above video covers this in detail, with video of getting them wet. The GORUCK Challenge Shorts definitely repel water better than the Prometheus Design Werx Raider Field Short. Neither is water proof, but the PDW get wet almost instantly, where the GORUCK repel initially.


How Quick do they Dry?

In the video, I soak both shorts in water, wring them out and hang to air dry outside. After 2 hrs 15 mins, I checked them both. The GORUCK Challenge Shorts were completely dry. The PDW Raider Field Shorts were all dry except the front pockets. Still wearable, but not completely dry.

Fit and Feel

GORUCK: 10.5″ inseam. I’m 6′ 1″ and the 36″ waist shorts come to top of my knees. Legs are a little bigger in the thighs. Despite the PDW Raider Field Shorts being more stretchy, I’ve never had any limitations while exercising or doing any activities in the Challenge Shorts (or Simple Shorts). They stretch too, just not as much as the PDW.

PDW: 10″ inseam. I’m 6′ 1″, the 34″ waist shorts come just above my knees, slightly shorter than the Challenge Shorts. Legs are a little smaller than on the Challenge Shorts. The material stretches well, better than the GORUCK shorts.

Overall

You can’t go wrong with either shorts, but they each have different benefits. For instance, if you want shorts to workout outside, get wet, muddy, sandy, dry fast, abrasion resistant, etc, then the GORUCK Challenge Shorts are the best option (really any GORUCK shorts, like the Simple Shorts too).

If you want shorts to work outside without restrictions, abrasion resistant, have plenty of pockets and features for hiking, camping, etc, and will dry fast, the Prometheus Design Werx Raider Field Short are a great option. But, once again, that’s not why I wrote this review. This review is focused on material and fit. Obviously, both shorts have much overlap in uses and strengths.

If you wear both shorts, let me know what you like and dislike about them, what you use them for, etc.

I use the GORUCK shorts much more than PDW b/c I do more rucking/hiking instead of camping, climbing and trekking.

This review is a short, simple review that hopefully gets right to the point. If you want more details and visuals, watch my YouTube video above.

Affiliate note:

I am a GORUCK affiliate, so I get a small percentage commission with each sale if you purchase GORUCK products from my links. This does not cost you any additional money–the prices are the same for buyers. I do this b/c I have a weird obsession with good gear and clothing. I have used GORUCK products since 2015 and have been impressed with their quality and versatility. I don’t do this to make a living, only to help support my habit of buying high-quality items from GORUCK, PDW, and other American companies.

Hand-made Morale Patch Boards | Father/Son Business

By


Our boys are always drawing gear, weapons, shoes, etc. and have wanted to start a business for a few years. We finally found something that we can do b/c we already make these patch boards for ourselves.

We thought Etsy would be the best and simplest place to sale our custom products. You can visit our store here:

https://jupiterpatchboards.etsy.com

This is a perfect gift for anyone in or retiring from the military, law enforcement, gov contractor, Boy Scouts, or a military family. We are a Gold Star Family and have collected many morale/tactical/unit/club patches over the years. Our boys and I use this board to display our patches and to easily swap them out on our caps, backpacks, vests, packing cubes, and kit bags.

We plan to offer different sizes, colors and patch board stands in the future, along with custom patches.

Below is a short video showing the boards being made by the boys and the finishing touches by me.


This .25″ x 12″ x 24″ wooden board is coated with clear shellac wood finish and is made to lean up on a shelf or be mounted to the wall (mounting hardware and patches not included).

Comes with black loop velcro tape applied on one side for easy attachment of patches of any size with a hook back side.

First Jupiter Patch Board Sale

By supporting our Etsy store, you are supporting very young entrepreneurs who are pumped to sell their product(s) online.

Here is our Etsy store link: https://jupiterpatchboards.etsy.com

We hope your enjoy your board because we not only make them, but use them in our home.


Another use for patches–and this one below is our custom patch, perfect for missionaries and/or church:


The patch in the video above is available in our Etsy store too: https://jupiterpatchboards.etsy.com