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GORUCK GR1, GR2, GR3, Rucker – Are They Worth the Money?

February 18, 2024 By Thad Forester

In the realm of rucksacks (aka backpacks), where choices abound and price tags vary widely, one brand stands out for its exceptional quality, durability, and rugged yet simple design: GORUCK. While some may balk at the higher price point of GORUCK backpacks (I agree their prices hurt!), those who have experienced their unmatched performance understand that they are more than just bags to carry stuff; they are investments in reliability, functionality, and longevity. Here’s why GORUCK backpacks are worth every hard-earned dollar.

You can also watch my YouTube review below:

Built to Last

GORUCK backpacks are not your average backpacks. They are built to endure the harshest conditions and toughest challenges. Constructed from military-grade materials like Cordura fabric and featuring bombproof stitching and laptop compartment, these backpacks are designed to withstand years of heavy use without showing signs of wear and tear. Whether you’re trekking through the wilderness, commuting in the urban jungle, or traveling around the globe, a GORUCK backpack will be your trusty companion for the long haul. They were tested for years before coming on the market, which means they are meant to be used and abused–not kept safe and clean in your closet and car.

Sloss Furnace push-ups

If you plan on doing a GORUCK event, their gear is definitely recommended. Since it will get wet, muddy, dragged, thrown, used as a weight, and carry heavy weight in most of the GORUCK events, you want their gear that is built for this very purpose.

Versatility

One of the hallmarks of GORUCK backpacks is their versatility. From everyday carry to outdoor adventures to missionary and humanitarian work to tactical missions, these backpacks are designed to adapt to any situation. With features like YKK high-quality zippers and pulls, MOLLE webbing, bomb-proof padded laptop compartments, and hydration bladder compatibility, GORUCK backpacks are as functional as they are durable. They seamlessly transition from work to play b/c they don’t have any loud branding, making them the perfect choice for those who demand performance and reliability in all aspects of their lives. They also have that “stealth” look so you don’t stand out or look too tactical, especially when you want to blend in. I guess “stealth” is debatable depending on the color you choose.

In addition, they are water resistant. My image below (and my video on YouTube) show how water beads off.

Unrivaled Comfort

Comfort is paramount when it comes to backpacks, especially for those who carry heavy loads for extended periods. GORUCK understands this, which is why their backpacks are engineered for maximum comfort even under the heaviest loads. With heavily padded shoulder straps, a contoured back panel, and a sternum strap for added stability (sold separately), GORUCK backpacks distribute weight evenly and hold the weight up high on your back, therefore minimizing fatigue and allowing you to stay comfortable and focused no matter how far you roam. If you really need it, you can get a padded hip belt.

Lifetime Warranty

Every GORUCK backpack comes with the SCARS lifetime guarantee, which means that if your backpack ever fails due to manufacturing defects or normal wear and tear, GORUCK will repair or replace it free of charge. This unparalleled warranty not only provides peace of mind but also underscores GORUCK’s confidence in the durability and reliability of their products. It’s the best manufacturers warranty out there. Period. I’ve used it with my GR2. They fixed it after 5 years and it’s good as new.

Conclusion

In a world where disposable consumer goods are the norm, GORUCK backpacks stand out as a beacon of quality, craftsmanship, simpleness, and durability. While they may require a larger upfront investment compared to cheaper alternatives, their unmatched performance, versatility, comfort, and lifetime guarantee make them a wise long-term investment for anyone in need of a reliable backpack that can keep up with their adventures, wherever they may lead. GORUCK will go the distance. And if you’ve found a backpack/rucksack that will stand the test of time longer and better than GORUCK, please share with me–I’ll be interested to know.

I own the GR1, GR2, and Rucker. I don’t have the GR3, Bullet, M23 or other rucksacks. Here are direct links to the backpacks I use and have referenced in this article:

GORUCK GR1: I own the 26L. Starting at $335.
GORUCK GR2: I own the 26L. Starting at $405. *Note: a YouTube watcher said GR didn’t come out with the 26L until a few years ago, so my GR2 is a 34L. I never knew for sure b/c I bought in 2015 and didn’t have a GR account then, so I can’t go back and check.
GORUCK Rucker: I own the 15L. Starting at $245, but the 39L Long Range Rucker is on sale for $225

Sizing note: a friend of mine is 5’10” and has the 26L GR2 (which is the same height at the 26L GR1). He doesn’t like wearing it with weight b/c it rubs his lower back–it’s too long on him. I’m 6’2″ and haven’t had that issue. So, if you’re 5’10” or shorter, or have a short torso, you may want to get the 21L, or other shorter rucksack. GORUCK recommends getting the 21L if you’re under 6′ tall, and the 26L if 6′ or over. FYI, the 21L is about 2″ shorter than the 26L.

Here is another article I wrote on the GORUCK GR1

Mentioned in the YouTube video is a review on the Bullet Rucker 4.0:

Filed Under: GORUCK Reviews Tagged With: backpacks, edc, goruck, rucking, rucksacks

Best Backpacks for LDS (Latter-day Saints) Missionaries | Elders

February 17, 2024 By Thad Forester


Although this article is geared to the reasons why LDS missionaries should choose the 21L GORUCK GR1 backpack, you can also watch my video review below on why the GORUCK backpacks are worth the money. I’ve had one since 2015 and use it all the time. It’s my only travel bag when flying.

When I think of people who use backpacks daily, missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) come to mind first, probably because I was one and used a backpack (crappy one that I’ll discuss later) Every. Single. Day.

A few months ago, I polled 22 current and returned missionaries serving all over the world in every climate and multiple terrains. 90% of them used or use a backpack or satchel and reported they wish they’d had a better backpack that was more comfortable and lasted longer. Some of these elders served 25+ years ago (like me) and still remember their crappy backpacks. I’m late to the game now, but below is a great solution for you and your missionary.

Before I go any further, I know that the current official guidance for LDS missionaries states: Backpacks may be used for luggage but not for daily missionary activities.  But, l think there are many missions throughout the world that allow backpacks for daily use, aka: proselyting. They are the best option when carrying weight and/or multiple items b/c your hands and arms are free and you’re walking upright w/out a bag bouncing off your hip or rear.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), heading on a mission is an incredibly significant journey. Whether you’re going to a bustling city or a remote village, your backpack becomes more than just a vessel for carrying belongings—it becomes a trusted companion on your mission. In this post, I’ll explain why the GORUCK GR1 stands out as the ideal backpack for LDS missionaries, especially Elders, or young men.

GORUCK GR1 open
Opens flat for easy access to everything.

Stealth and Professionalism

In many mission environments, maintaining a low profile and projecting professionalism are crucial. The GORUCK GR1’s sleek and understated design allows you to blend in seamlessly while exuding an air of professionalism and preparedness. Its discreet appearance and lack of external branding make it ideal for situations where drawing attention to yourself may not be desirable. Whether you’re teaching a lesson, attending a meeting, contacting on the street or simply navigating daily life in your proselyting area, the GR1’s stealthy design helps you maintain a professional demeanor while carrying all your essentials with ease and in comfort.

Durability and Reliability

One of the most crucial aspects of any mission backpack is durability. LDS missionaries often find themselves in various environments, from urban settings to rugged terrain. The GORUCK GR1 is built to withstand the demands of these diverse landscapes. Constructed from military-grade materials and boasting a bombproof design, the GR1 can handle whatever challenges come your way. Its tough Cordura fabric, robust YKK zippers, and reinforced stitching ensure that it can endure the rigors of daily use, keeping your essentials safe and secure throughout your mission.

It will also be a backpack you’ll use when you return home–whether it’s for college, work, or every-day carry. Plus, with the Scars Lifetime Guarantee, you break it, they fix it. They are meant to be used and used often. It’s the best manufacturer guarantee on the market. I’ve used it so I know firsthand.

Plus, how often do missionaries get caught out in the rain? The GR1 is water resistant and cleans up easily when it gets dirty or muddy. And if you take a fall while riding your bike down the street at 20 mph, it probably won’t damage your GR1–it’s tough. If it does rip, they will fix it.


Versatility and Functionality

Versatility is key when it comes to mission backpacks, and the GORUCK GR1 excels in this aspect. With its thoughtfully designed compartments and organizational features, it offers ample storage space for everything you need to carry, from an extra jacket or raincoat to snacks to Books of Mormon and Bibles to study materials, pepper spray and electronic devices. The main compartment is spacious enough to accommodate bulky items like books, while the interior and exterior pockets provide convenient access to smaller essentials like pens, notebooks, keys, and water bottles. Additionally, the MOLLE webbing allows for customization with additional pouches or accessories, adapting to your specific needs and preferences. In addition, the Bombproof Laptop Compartment next to your back is extra reinforced and has a false bottom so that when you set your ruck down, your laptop (or tablet) won’t even notice.

Comfort and Support

You may be on your feet or bicycle for 9 hours/day so comfort is essential. When I was a missionary, I used a Jansport backpack. I’d load it up with books to give out and with my heavy scriptures (quad). The weight sat low on my back, not high. The straps were thin. There was no padding between my back and what was inside my backpack. Many missionaries had back pain b/c they had horrible backpacks that weren’t meant for carrying weight, especially for extended periods of time.

The GORUCK GR1 is engineered for maximum comfort, with extra padded shoulder straps, a cushioned back panel, and a sternum strap (sold separately) that distributes weight evenly and reduces strain on your shoulders and back. It’s designed to carry the weight high on your back, therefore more comfort and you can carry more weight. Whether you’re navigating crowded city streets or hiking through rugged terrain in a remote village in Brazil, you can rely on the GR1 to provide the support you need to stay comfortable and focused on your days tasks.

Additional Info

-You can personalize with a patch–maybe of the country or state where you’re serving, or your initials, CTR, JC, a scripture, or anything else. If you’re in a sketchy area or in a foreign country, you may not want a bright USA flag patch. The locals may take to you more if you sport something local to the area, like their flag.


I just got these 3″ x 2″ velcro patches in stock. Mark 16:15 reads: “….“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”


If you want these for your GR1 or any other bag or backpack, you can order from my Etsy shop:

https://jupiterpatchboards.etsy.com

Note: these have the velcro hooks on the back, so you’ll need the loops to attach it to. All GORUCK backpacks come with the loops for patches.

Note: the small pack that I put my Bible into in this video above is a 3L Shadow Pocket. It has infinite uses–especially for traveling (organize gear, dopp kit, electronics, cords, books, medicine, etc).

https://jupiterpatchboards.etsy.com

A more subdued look

-You can and will use it after your mission. It will last no matter the abuse you put it thru.

-Price is high–starting at $335 for the 21L GR1. Why? All GORUCK gear and clothing has sticker shock, but it’s b/c of the quality and lifetime guarantee. Try it out.

Conclusion

GORUCK has several backpack/rucksack options. I have the GR1, GR2 and Bullet Rucker. I single out the 21 liter GR1 here b/c I think it’s the best option for Elders/missionaries b/c of the size and simplicity. The GORUCK GR1 is the ultimate backpack for LDS missionaries, offering unmatched durability, versatility, comfort, and professionalism. With its rugged construction, thoughtful and simple design, and lifetime guarantee, the GR1 isn’t just a backpack—it’s a trusted companion on your journey for the next two years and beyond.

If you’ve found a better backpack option for your mission, please share. It’ll be hard to convince me there is one with better quality than the GORUCK line, but hey, I’m open to hearing what you’ve used.

*Also, if backpacks aren’t allowed in your mission or if you don’t need to carry many books/items, I will be reviewing a sling bag/belt bag soon since many missionaries are using these.

The simple design of the GR1 goes well with a professional/business look

Please send me pictures of you or someone you know with your GR1 (or other GORUCK rucksack or kit bag) on your mission. I’ll share them here. Email: thad@patriottothecore.com

I also wrote an article on the best pants for LDS missionaries. You can read that here.

Filed Under: GORUCK Reviews, Missionary Gear Tagged With: edc, everyday carry, goruck, gr1, hands free, international missionaries, lds missionaries, mormon missionaries, professional bag, shelter now missionaries, volunteer work

Ep 061 – Lt. Col. Dave Grossman: Killology 101

October 29, 2018 By Thad Forester

Dave Grossman

“Dear God, I wish I could have been on one of those planes.  Maybe I could have made a difference.” (spoken by the sheepdogs; the warriors).

What do you ask the expert in the study of the psychology of killing?

Among the many things we discuss today are the differences between sheep, wolves and sheepdogs.  Which one are you?  Well he’s going to describe each one and how they respond to threatening situations.  There are evil men in this world and they are capable of evil deeds.

We also talk violence on TV, sleep deprivation, teen suicide, everyday carry (EDC) and veterans health.  I love his reasoning for turning off the cell phone/tablet at night–do not take to bed.  This was very interesting.

Learn more about Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, his books and academy here:

www.killology.com

Grossman Academy

On Combat

On Killing (perennial bestseller)

Stop Teaching our Kids to Kill

Warrior Mindset: Mental Toughness Skills for our Nation’s Peacekeepers

Sheepdogs – Meet our Nation’s Warriors (children’s book)

Why Mommy Carries a Gun, American Sheepdogs (children’s book)

*Replay from 7/10/17

Copyright 2018 Thad Forester
http://www.patriottothecore.com
email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

Rock Tune by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

http://media.blubrry.com/podcast_patriot_to_the_core/feeds.soundcloud.com/stream/520522254-user-645944549-davegrossman2-061.mp3

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Filed Under: Patriot to the Core Tagged With: aggression, edc, fake news, on combat, on killing, sheepdog, suicide, teen suicide, veterans health

Ep 052 – Matt Larsen – Father of Modern Army Combatives

March 12, 2018 By Thad Forester

matt larsen

Matt Larsen is the most successful hand-to-hand combat trainer and program developer in history.  Regarded as the father of the Modern Army Combatives Program (MACP), Larsen overhauled the Army’s hand-to-hand combat doctrine by rewriting the Combatives field manual in 2002 and updated the manual in 2009.

Larsen shared with me his background and why the Combatives Field Manual needed rewriting and why he was the guy to do it.  Matt, who owns Matt Larsen’s Combat Fitness Center in Springfield, Virginia is a former Marine and Army Ranger, and has decades of experience in the martial arts field.  He’s also a Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame combatives instructor Matt Larsen.

Here are a few topics covered:

  • There are 10,000 sources of bad information when it comes to getting realistic training in self protection and combatives
  • Being comfortable with interpersonal violence
  • How do you train a group of people who aren’t self motivated, even in the most elite military roles?
  • How getting humiliated in the boxing ring motivated him in his early years
  • How does Matt train – real time or slow and methodical?
  • Weapons malfunction in CQB situation based on real life experiences and Matt’s high speed combat takedown in a home
  • Type of blade to carry and how to deploy (He mentions SOCP dagger)
  • Skills needed for every-day men and women to protect themselves

Based on my last three shows, it appears I have a pattern of guests who teach how to protect yourself and your family.  Although not intentional, I like what each of these guests teach, so I’m fortunate to have Matt on here to round out my three-in-a-row personal protection experts.

*My podcast is on Patreon.  Please check out how you can help the cause and get insider access!

Copyright 2018 Thad Forester
http://www.patriottothecore.com
email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

Rock Tune by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

 

 

http://media.blubrry.com/podcast_patriot_to_the_core/feeds.soundcloud.com/stream/409784088-user-645944549-matt-larsen-52.mp3

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Filed Under: Patriot to the Core Tagged With: 75th ranger regiment, black belt magazine, cqb, edc, father of modern army combatives, macp, modern army combatives program, rangers, west point

Episode 032 – Lt. Col. Dave Grossman: Killology 101

July 10, 2017 By Thad Forester

Grossman Academy home page

“Dear God, I wish I could have been on one of those planes.  Maybe I could have made a difference.” (spoken by the sheepdogs; the warriors).

What do you ask the expert in the study of the psychology of killing?

Dave Grossman is the country’s #1 trainer of military and law enforcement who helps those who have to kill overcome the natural resistance to killing.

There is no safety in denial

Among the many things we discuss today are the difference between sheep, wolves and sheepdogs.  Which one are you?  Well he’s going to describe each one and how they respond to threatening situations.  There are evil men in this world and they are capable of evil deeds.

Grossman’s books are required reading for DEA, military and police units.  He travels 250+ days/year as one of our nation’s leading trainers for military, law enforcement, mental health providers, and school safety organizations.  He helped train mental health professionals after the Jonesboro school massacre, and he was also involved in counseling or court cases in the aftermath of the Paducah, Springfield, Littleton and Nickel Mines Amish school massacres.

Our kids have been taught to blow brains out and get points

Yes, we even talk about the effects of violence on TV and in video games, especially in very young children.  Feed our youngsters virtuous info and images, then once they are more mature, it’s okay to see some violence.  Don’t take a 5-year-old to see “Saving Private Ryan” for heaven’s sake.

Sleep deprivation

He also gives staggering statistics regarding the effects of sleep deprivation in everyone – young and old.  Don’t let your kids go to bed with their phones/devices.  And we adults shouldn’t either.  He will explain a few reasons why.

Veteran’s health

Lt. Col. Dave Grossman is also very passionate about our veteran’s health and the anti-war smear of our veterans by the media.  PTSD is treatable!  And survival guilt is normal.  It’s not PTSD.  For those with PTSD, don’t let it stop you from getting better.  Grossman provides an example from a very well-known veteran.

Every day carry (EDC)

We even talk about being prepared with tools to protect us, our families, and others.  He said, “I’d rather walk out the door naked and alone than to be with my loved ones without the tools to protect us.”

My conversation with this Army Ranger, paratrooper and former West Point Psychology Professor blew me away.  He’s a dynamic speaker who uses facts, passion, and common sense.

Learn more about Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, his books and academy here:

www.killology.com

Grossman Academy

On Combat

On Killing (perennial bestseller)

Stop Teaching our Kids to Kill

Warrior Mindset: Mental Toughness Skills for our Nation’s Peacekeepers

Sheepdogs – Meet our Nation’s Warriors (children’s book)

Why Mommy Carries a Gun, American Sheepdogs (children’s book)

 

Copyright 2017 Thad Forester
http://www.patriottothecore.com
email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

Rock Tune by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

 

 

 

http://media.blubrry.com/podcast_patriot_to_the_core/feeds.soundcloud.com/stream/332107392-user-645944549-dave-grossman-killology-101.mp3

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Filed Under: Patriot to the Core Tagged With: aggression, edc, fake news, military history, on combat, on killing, pavlov's dog, psychology, ptsd, sheep, sheepdog, sleep deprivation, suicide, teen suicide, veterans health, violence, west point, why mommy carries a gun, wolf

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