I just got my new Goruck GR2---and I love it. Here's why:

1-The Military Styling: As a former Army officer, that appeals to me. On the other hand, now middle aged, I don't want to look like a pathetic Rambo wannabe. Goruck has struck a perfect balance incorporating military styling and yet looking fit for civilian travel---not a recon mission in Afghanistan.

2-Quality: The workmanship is first rate--as good as Redoxx or Tom Bihn. That surprised me given the newness of the company. I fully expect this bag to last a lifetime, and, if not, then it comes with a lifetime warranty.

3-American Built: I have the very similar 511 Tactical Rush 24, but it is Asian made and that always bothered me. Sorry. But I just wanted to support an American company and especially a new company started by a young man (Jason McCarthy) trying to live out the American dream. The great part is that while the 511 is good, the GR 2 is better built, with better fabric.

4-The Problems: Most people cite 3 problems with Goruck bags:

1) Lack of info on their website: Now that they have a new factory in Montana (and I think in response to complaints on this site), they now have a physical mailing address listed. So, problem solved.

2) Weight: Frankly, I was concerned about this after a couple of online complaints. Well, maybe all those trips to the gym have paid off because the GR2 doesn't "feel" any heavier than the 511, or my Redoxx rucksack, etc. Sure, the scales don't lie, but again, it feels no different than any other bag. So, the weight "problem" wasn't a problem for me.

3) Price: Ok, this one is the toughest one of all. True, the $395 price tag includes tax, handling, shipping, a lifetime guarantee, top quality, etc., etc., BUT, come on--$395 is a lot of money!! Ok, you got me there. But here is my response: It is a new company, with a small staff, and it is American made. We all know the arguments here---Americans will not work for the low wages Third World workers will accept. So, I believe that if you are going to support an American company, and if you want to help a new company get started, you are going to have to bite the bullet. Yes, I wish the bag was cheaper, but, I am satisfied that I got a top notch backpack that I believe I will enjoy for a long time.

Thank you,
-Alan

I really like my GR2 as well. I like the clean lines, no bells and whistles, and no external tags (just free advertising). It is my main bag.

Envious! Would love to have an Echo for my running around pack. Straps and pockets are overrated for me, just looking for something streamlined and comfortable, plus I'm not one to shy away from paying a premium to support small businesses that manufacture in house.

Question: since the bag rides up higher than normal, is it cooler to carry in comparison to other backpacks? Maybe not the GR2....but in theory maybe the Echo? I live in the Midwest and it was a scorcher of a summer here, so no matter what I was sweating!

The GR2 is a bit cooler, but primarily because the padding in square blocks on the back panel allows for air vents. Sounds complicated but look at the picture on the Goruck website and you will see what I mean.

See: http://www.goruck.com/news/gr2-travels-explained-by-jason/

Since this is my first Goruck, I can only speak about the GR2.

Thanks for the info Alan. Yes, I noticed the "air channel" looking things in the various photos here and there. Good to know that they do some good on the GR2.

I just saw this new post on the goruck site showing how they make their bags. Very interesting and impressive:

http://www.goruck.com/news/building-gr1s-in-bozeman-montana/

yes, they are great bags but still their customer service is horrible. i ordered the RADIO ruck which has not arrived yet after nearly a month via fedex ground service. i had emailed goruck sales three time in a row, no response! i did get a response immediately with my very first email about my problem but had no such luck with my next 3. i still don't know where my bag is and i don't have a tracking number for this package. how long could fedex ground take to get to canada?

sorry for the rant, delete if you will, but i just had to say something about goruck here.

Hi inimical:
I am sorry you are having so many problems. I would call Goruck at the following phone number-- (406) 587-2492. I called a few weeks ago and Jason answered the phone himself. I don't know what to suggest, though, if it is purely a Fedex issue. Good luck.

i think that it's time for goruck to sign on for a 1-800 number and thanks alan for the input.

I received a Goruck GR2 and am VERY impressed. This is exactly what I have been looking for. Will post more observations when I have more time. I already sold my Red Oxx rucksack to a friend and am looking to sell my Red Oxx Air Bus (any suggestions on best place to sell online instead ebay?).

I had great service with ordering and shipping. I had to email/call because I needed the pack for an immediate trip. They were very responsive and I had no problems with Fedex tracking, etc.

i had no tracking number given. maybe they did and it either ended up in the spam folder or i my mistake just deleted it. don't get me wrong, i have patience, i can wait for things to come, but i don't have too much patience when someone is not responding to my emails asking if i can get the tracking number so that i can see where the parcel is. surely they have someone at least checking out emails every couple of hours? i have the gr1 and the gr2, ordered from another company and i got both within 10 business days or less using usps. if this bag shows up next week, well, i have to say that the $20 usd fedex is charging for the ground service sucks bad time.

peace.

I, too was hesitant to pay $395 for a backpack, but after 6 months of daily use I am very happy with my GR2. The bag is very comfortable, even when heavily packed with with all the electronics I travel with to install network servers. I've "customized" mine by adding two 5.11 Tactical 6.10 bags attached to the inside of mine, along with Eagle Creek packing cubes. It fits in the overhead of even the smallest regional jet, and is well-suited for hiking through an airport or in the mountains.

Do you know if this fits well underneath an airline seat?

have a radio ruck, bill premed student need a bigger pack. Do you GR2 owners feel like this would be good for a student? Do the compression straps compress the pack any when in light use? I love my radio ruck, but I had to cram in 2 books and a 1"binder. I was about to get GR1(seems about the same size).

any thoughts appreciated

Aruff, the GR2 is an outstanding bag. On the positive side, I thought the bag needed 2 compression straps but have found that the one, because it is centrally located, does a great job all by itself. It is a big bag and should be all that is needed. On the negative side, most students are on a budget, though, and the GR2 is not cheap as you know. I hope that helps!!

I have to agree that customer service and price is pretty bad. But it's hard to beat the looks/quality and functionality of it.

Thank you everyone for your comments!
I have had the GR1 for several months now and it is perfect for me as it can be loaded down with books for school, and it is done well for me as a "briefcase" for a small business(Landscaping).

So now I am selling my Radio Ruck for $200 including shipping in continental us.