I traveled A LOT in 2014.
And these two bags have completely changed my travel experience. I used them extensively, both internationally and locally for when I’m in San Diego and Chicago. Both bags are on my list of 97 things, and I frequently (and enthusiastically) recommend them to anyone looking for a superior travel bag.
You’ll notice that both bags are also pretty darn expensive.
When I eliminated everything except 97 items from my life, I realized that (for the most part) I want to own fewer, but better quality things. I’m willing to spend money on something if it’s going to last me a long time. (This isn’t including watches and sunglasses, which I tend to break frequently and adopt the “break and replace” rule.)
And while I’m at a few more than 97 items at the moment, the philosophy remains the same–spending more money can be worth it if it’s going to last (longer than the sunglasses!).
So with that in mind, you see that while I don’t do many gear reviews, every now and then I have a few stellar products that are special and need to be shared.
The GR1 Bag From GORUCK – $285
The price tag on this puppy might make you shriek.
$285.
For one bag.
OUCH.
But before
But before you let.
The GR1 is my “daypack” that I use primarily around town, and as my “work bag” when I’m traveling.
I’ve had this bag for two years now (got it back in 2012) and I’ve lugged it around the world and completely smashed it to pieces. While it has a mark or two here or there, there’s no “end in sight” for this handy bag.
I’ve run races with this, packed it with bricks, done pushups in a river, and completely covered it in sand.
And after five continents, I’m pretty sure it’s one of the most bomb-proof pieces of gear I own.
The design is simple–it’s a bulletproof (not really) backpack that opens flat, which makes packing SUPER simple, no matter if I’m going down the street to the cafe, or flying half way around the world to Africa. And it even has a laptop sleeve that fits up to a 17″ MacBook, that doubles as a space for a hydration bladder. Talk about full service!
And if that isn’t enough, it comes with a lifetime guarantee, just in case you think you’ll be able to get more than a few nicks or scuffs onto it.
However, the GORUCK CHALLENGE patch comes separately – you’ve gotta earn that one :).
Cora Rucksack (from Ignoble) – ~$165
The Cora was THE bag that got me interested in finding great travel gear. It was the first piece of gear I ever got, and still is the one that I use most. If you need or want less space, the Marion is a great alternative.
Here’s a shot of the Cora (left), GR1 (middle) and Marion (right).
I’ve gotten to know Dean and his brother who run Ignoble, and now have almost every piece of gear they’ve made.
But that doesn’t change my love for the Cora. The possibilities are endless with this bag. It’s sleek and minimalistic, with the ability to expand (or contract) enough to carry as much or as little gear as you need.
There’s a pull string at the top, which makes it super easy to section away any clothes you have. And the top cover can close flat over the top, or it can expand if you need extra room to stuff the bag full. When I’m going somewhere, I use this for all the clothes I take with me and it’s incredibly sufficient.
Really, the bag can carry so much stuff that I’ve even traveled with it as my ONLY piece of luggage/hand baggage. It worked pretty well, but since there’s no separate laptop slot, pulling your laptop out of it for the TSA check got pretty cumbersome pretty fast (thanks TSA!)
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It’s pretty easy to say that I’ll keep using these two bags for the foreseeable future.
They should keep my $5 aviators happy 🙂
I will have to check out these bags. Personally I am down to two bags. A simple duffle bag for travel (doesn’t even have a brand name, had it for over a decade, never bothered to upgrade it) and my Timbuk2 messenger bag as my day bag. This was a recent purchase, before now I have always used a back pack as my day bag/work bag. But I have to say the Timbuk2 is my personal favorite.
Had the TimBuk2 bag for a while. Liked it, but the messenger style doesn’t do it for me with constant travel. They make good stuff though.
Ditto on GORUCK quality.
I use a GR0 for weekend trips, and the GR2 for trips as long as two weeks (hurray for washing underwear in the sink!).
Great review, specially on the GORUCK.
I personally like RedOxx a lot. I own a C-Ruck for carry-on and have used it to pack every single thing on 2 separate 10-day trips to Niagara and Peru.
Also own a Mini-Ruck, Chica, Nomad Shave Kit, Lil Roy (3), Sherpa Jr Expedition Series (2), and a K12 Backpack.
Solid as nails, lifetime warranty too. Made in the USA.
Cheers to quality!
My wife and I just took our Minaal bags + regular backpack on a RTW hop for a honeymoon. Packing cubes and this bag are excellent.
Hello Joel,
I like the content and spirit of your message. I’m an American USARMY veteran living and working in China full time. I was attracted to your impossible message due to a near death injury I’m in recovery and looking for inspiration.
I purchased a GR1 will be delivered next month by my buddy in Washinghton state. Currently I am using a Tumi Camp Lejune.
Ciao for now,
Philip