Awesome review. I have an OG GR1 21L that I purchased 8 years ago. The bag is a tank but I’ve had my eye on the bullet for work and edc. What I love about the bullet is that it looks like I can put folders and notebooks with pens in the front pocket and my laptop plus bulky items in the main compartment. One thing I don’t like about my GR1 is that everything is just bunched up in one main compartment so I find myself digging for items. Also, the GR1 can be a black hole for items and the speed grey inside the bullet looks like it has better visibility. Thanks for this review!
Thanks!🙏🏻 You’ve hit the nail on the head 💯 . The bullet is perfect for EDC, and the additional organization in the dual compartment bullet is all upside.
Hey Kevin appreciate your reviews as always. Someone from my local EDC community here in Malaysia is letting go his Bullet DC 18 L for $180 and after watching a ton of videos on the Bullet including yours, i decided to have a go with it to be used for EDC, a daypack and a personal item in my travels. Thank you once again 🤝
@@KelvinHew7 Thank you! Glad you liked the review. Love the 18L DC Bullet. Such a great size and layout. I carry mine quite a bit. Sounds like you’re getting a pretty good deal on it too.
Great review. I'm definitely turning into a Goruck fan. Got my first Goruck in March, and since then I've gotten 3 more! I usually carry a heavy laptop with me, so beefy comfortable straps are a must. I'm even learning to be ok with no water bottle pockets.
Thanks! 🙏 It’s been a slippery slope since I got my first Goruck bag. Definitely my favorite bag company at the moment, that I tend to compare all other bags to. I’m at the point now where I prefer NOT to have water bottle pockets 😁
I’ve never used the 16L. Personally though, I’d go with the 18L, which already seems on the small side for my 5’11” frame. It’s such a great size for daily carry for me, not sure I’d want to give up 2L of space. I’ve got a 14” work laptop that fits with plenty of room in the 18L, but a 17” will not fit. I’m not 100% sure what size laptop the 16L can take.
I got my wife the 16l DC tidal blue and she loves it. No aquaguard on that bag. She loves it. It easily holds her 14" Lenovo even in a sleeve. I don't like how coarse the material is of the laptop compartment and she wasn't fond of putting her laptop in it without a sleeve. I tried it in but the straps are really too short for me. I'm 5.9 with a bigger chest.
@@DaemonViews AquaGuard or not, the DC Bullet is a great bag. Love the layout. The 18L feels borderline small for me, especially compared to a GR1. I imagine the 16L would actually feel small for me.
This bag is literally perfect but I keep trying with the bullet rucks and at 6’ 1”, 215, very wide shoulders they just look kinda silly on my. I’ll keep rocking my 26l GR1
@@mattwypijewski4192 I know exactly where you’re coming from. I feel like the bullet rucks look too small on me too, but this one is such a perfect size and layout. GR1 26L looks better on me for sure though.
@@Pack_roamended up buying one anyway. It actually fits me pretty well. Decided to pull the trigger after spending 4 days in Disneyland with a less than ideal backpack for just a light jacket and water bottles but something I could also take on the rides with the fam. It fits my frame really well and will work great for my edc. Love the rip stop fabric.
I currently have the 16L Bullet DC in tidal blue and I really really like to buy the 18L as I need a slightly bigger bag and found the layout to be good for my use case, however, I am now concerned that they added a coating for the zipper. Don't get me wrong, I like that they added some extra weather resistance to the bag, but my concern lies in the longevity of these zipper coatings. I previously had a bad experience with YKK-coated zips in that they tend to disintegrate/powderize/become sticky after years of use.
I love the layout of the 18L DC Bullet, I find myself choosing to carry it frequently. I’ve never had that experience with coated zippers myself, but I’ve heard enough from others to believe it’s a concern. Here’s what YKK says about caring for Aquaguard zippers: ykkamericas.com/caring-for-aquaguard-and-aquaseal-zippers/
That is a tough question, and I’ve been back and forth on it. Last year I would have said the M23. For functionality and size, the 18L DC is really ideal for daily carry for me. It’s with me on my current work trip. If I’m in a have-to-check-a-bag situation, the 18L is the perfect backpack for the flight and back and forth to the plant. I do really like the layout of the M23 as well, and it’s ideal for certain situations with its top load access. At the end of the day though, if I had to pick one, I’m back to the GR1. I love the simplicity of the bag, the form factor, its slim profile, and it just carries so well. What about you?
I really like my 16L bullet dc for daily carry as well! I don't have the M23 but just placed the order on the 500D version, I am not yet sure if I would like it, but it looks to be very promising. I don't have the GR1 atm since I think I would prefer to use my old trusty cpl24 v1. But damn, I would like to someday try the GR1 in waxed canvas!
@@stubskututstuy I ALMOST ordered a 500D M23, but I’ve already got the robic and waxed. Had to talk myself down. CPL24 is definitely a great bag. I do not have a canvas GR1 at the moment. I’m fine with slick front but I really like the pals webbing on the straps and don’t want to pay to have it added.
The Robic version has one key feature the Kaiden is missing… you can actually buy one 😂 Aside from the obvious material/color differences, the coating material on the Kaiden zippers has a more matte finish and seems thicker. Having said that, the Kaiden zippers are MUCH stiffer. Love the Samurai so far. Very cool design.
@@markanthony8840 Wow. Tough question. My brain says DC bullet, but my heart says GR1. I just love the GR1, there’s something about that bag. The dual compartment bullet, on the other hand, makes more sense with the organization, quick access pocket and size.
@@asdf1234_. Copy that. Good idea, thanks for the tip. I do plan on doing an update to the GR3 review, and that’s definitely a key consideration when using the GR3 as a travel bag: you have to pack something for use as a day bag or carry option. Especially if it’s a work trip. The GR3 is just way too big for a back and forth from the hotel to work, or as a day bag for vacations.
@@asdf1234_. Ok! Love the ideas. Sounds like you’re working out one bag travel options? Just out of curiosity, are you looking to one bag travel for business or pleasure?
I bought the same bag 2 weeks ago from the EU site and it didn’t come with aquaguard zippers. Kinda sucks they updated that for US but not EU… Everything else is the same - materials, colours, pockets.
@@Pack_roam no it wasn’t. I would have complained/asked for a replacement if it was. Just saying it sucks that they didn’t update them for all regions at once. Makes it feel like they used the EU site to dump remaining stock of the ones w/o coated zippers. And of course it’s also more expensive here - €320 (or $350) Edit: I’m still happy with the bag. It’s a damn beast and I'm pretty sure it fits more than 18L. I just put a Nikon Z8 with 400mm lens attached, a 24-120mm lens, an OM-1 with 90mm macro attached, a flash, diffuser, a change of clothes in a PD small packing cube, minimal tech and toiletries, 3 packs of smokes and kibble for my dog for 2 days. And could still fit a laptop, since the compartment stayed empty. How the hell does all that fit in 18L?! I also have the Able Carry Daily Plus, which is 21L and I couldn't even dream of fitting all of this in it. Same with the PD Everyday Zip 20L.
@@houserhythm damn! That’s a lot of gear! yeah, AquaGuard or not, still a great bag. I’ve brought it on my last few work trips and this time around I decided to bring the CPL24… I swear the 18L DC Bullet loads as much or more than the CPL.
Bought my wife the 18L Tidal Blue. She never wanted a GORUCK bag, but now this is her favorite. She's used it several times for short trips.
Nice! The 2C 18L configuration is such a great setup.
Awesome review. I have an OG GR1 21L that I purchased 8 years ago. The bag is a tank but I’ve had my eye on the bullet for work and edc. What I love about the bullet is that it looks like I can put folders and notebooks with pens in the front pocket and my laptop plus bulky items in the main compartment. One thing I don’t like about my GR1 is that everything is just bunched up in one main compartment so I find myself digging for items. Also, the GR1 can be a black hole for items and the speed grey inside the bullet looks like it has better visibility. Thanks for this review!
Thanks!🙏🏻 You’ve hit the nail on the head 💯 . The bullet is perfect for EDC, and the additional organization in the dual compartment bullet is all upside.
Hey Kevin appreciate your reviews as always. Someone from my local EDC community here in Malaysia is letting go his Bullet DC 18 L for $180 and after watching a ton of videos on the Bullet including yours, i decided to have a go with it to be used for EDC, a daypack and a personal item in my travels. Thank you once again 🤝
@@KelvinHew7 Thank you! Glad you liked the review. Love the 18L DC Bullet. Such a great size and layout. I carry mine quite a bit. Sounds like you’re getting a pretty good deal on it too.
Great review. I'm definitely turning into a Goruck fan. Got my first Goruck in March, and since then I've gotten 3 more! I usually carry a heavy laptop with me, so beefy comfortable straps are a must. I'm even learning to be ok with no water bottle pockets.
Thanks! 🙏 It’s been a slippery slope since I got my first Goruck bag. Definitely my favorite bag company at the moment, that I tend to compare all other bags to. I’m at the point now where I prefer NOT to have water bottle pockets 😁
I always enjoy your videos. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on these bags you own.
Thanks! I always enjoy your comments and appreciate you watching 🙏🏻
have you tried the 16l dual comparment? wondering if u shouls go w the 18 o 16l im 5”10 and have a 15” worklaptop what would you recommend?
I’ve never used the 16L. Personally though, I’d go with the 18L, which already seems on the small side for my 5’11” frame. It’s such a great size for daily carry for me, not sure I’d want to give up 2L of space. I’ve got a 14” work laptop that fits with plenty of room in the 18L, but a 17” will not fit. I’m not 100% sure what size laptop the 16L can take.
I got my wife the 16l DC tidal blue and she loves it.
No aquaguard on that bag.
She loves it.
It easily holds her 14" Lenovo even in a sleeve.
I don't like how coarse the material is of the laptop compartment and she wasn't fond of putting her laptop in it without a sleeve.
I tried it in but the straps are really too short for me.
I'm 5.9 with a bigger chest.
@@DaemonViews AquaGuard or not, the DC Bullet is a great bag. Love the layout. The 18L feels borderline small for me, especially compared to a GR1. I imagine the 16L would actually feel small for me.
This bag is literally perfect but I keep trying with the bullet rucks and at 6’ 1”, 215, very wide shoulders they just look kinda silly on my. I’ll keep rocking my 26l GR1
@@mattwypijewski4192 I know exactly where you’re coming from. I feel like the bullet rucks look too small on me too, but this one is such a perfect size and layout. GR1 26L looks better on me for sure though.
@@Pack_roamended up buying one anyway. It actually fits me pretty well. Decided to pull the trigger after spending 4 days in Disneyland with a less than ideal backpack for just a light jacket and water bottles but something I could also take on the rides with the fam. It fits my frame really well and will work great for my edc. Love the rip stop fabric.
@@mattwypijewski4192 awesome! Glad you like it. It is a great size for EDC.
I currently have the 16L Bullet DC in tidal blue and I really really like to buy the 18L as I need a slightly bigger bag and found the layout to be good for my use case, however, I am now concerned that they added a coating for the zipper.
Don't get me wrong, I like that they added some extra weather resistance to the bag, but my concern lies in the longevity of these zipper coatings. I previously had a bad experience with YKK-coated zips in that they tend to disintegrate/powderize/become sticky after years of use.
I love the layout of the 18L DC Bullet, I find myself choosing to carry it frequently. I’ve never had that experience with coated zippers myself, but I’ve heard enough from others to believe it’s a concern. Here’s what YKK says about caring for Aquaguard zippers: ykkamericas.com/caring-for-aquaguard-and-aquaseal-zippers/
What do you prefer to use more, the 18L bullet dc, M23, or GR1?
That is a tough question, and I’ve been back and forth on it. Last year I would have said the M23. For functionality and size, the 18L DC is really ideal for daily carry for me. It’s with me on my current work trip. If I’m in a have-to-check-a-bag situation, the 18L is the perfect backpack for the flight and back and forth to the plant. I do really like the layout of the M23 as well, and it’s ideal for certain situations with its top load access. At the end of the day though, if I had to pick one, I’m back to the GR1. I love the simplicity of the bag, the form factor, its slim profile, and it just carries so well. What about you?
I really like my 16L bullet dc for daily carry as well! I don't have the M23 but just placed the order on the 500D version, I am not yet sure if I would like it, but it looks to be very promising. I don't have the GR1 atm since I think I would prefer to use my old trusty cpl24 v1. But damn, I would like to someday try the GR1 in waxed canvas!
@@stubskututstuy I ALMOST ordered a 500D M23, but I’ve already got the robic and waxed. Had to talk myself down. CPL24 is definitely a great bag. I do not have a canvas GR1 at the moment. I’m fine with slick front but I really like the pals webbing on the straps and don’t want to pay to have it added.
Wondering if you don’t fill them up, will they still look “boxy”? Be nice to have the space if I need it, but wouldn’t need it all the time.
Not so much with the ROBIC. The material is pretty floppy, and lacks rigidity. I like that about it.
Hi. Did you happen to one?? Are they boxy if not packed out?
@@johnpuchalski1369 They released the Heritage Laptop Bullet recently and I picked one of those up. Its perfect for my EDC needs.
How does it compare to the Kaidan 2C 18L? Also, nice Samurai...looks almost identical to one I got a few months ago sans the interior color.
The Robic version has one key feature the Kaiden is missing… you can actually buy one 😂 Aside from the obvious material/color differences, the coating material on the Kaiden zippers has a more matte finish and seems thicker. Having said that, the Kaiden zippers are MUCH stiffer. Love the Samurai so far. Very cool design.
@@Pack_roam Thanks. I figured the robic is more pliable than the ultra but likely doesn't hold its shape as well or sit upright when not packed.
@@jmh432 Yep. Both true statements. The robic is definitely floppier.
So which one are you picking if you can only get 1? Bullet 18L double or GR1 21L??
@@markanthony8840 Wow. Tough question. My brain says DC bullet, but my heart says GR1. I just love the GR1, there’s something about that bag. The dual compartment bullet, on the other hand, makes more sense with the organization, quick access pocket and size.
@@markanthony8840 You debating between the two?
@@Pack_roam I’m torn and trying to make a decision. I do love the heritage look though and wish the Bullet came in heritage(non-camo)
I wonder how the Robic nylon will hold up? Not as well as the Cordura I’d guess.
I suspect that’s accurate based on material durability metrics for 420d Robic vs 500d or 1000d cordura.
Can this 18L double compartment bullet pack flat inside of your 45L GR3 as a day pack for one bag travel?
@@asdf1234_. It can. I’ve done it. But it does eat up some volume. Doesn’t lay as flat as a standard bullet ruck, for instance.
@@Pack_roam would love to see what that looks like if you ever make an update video on the GR3 talking about your thoughts on it and using it
@@asdf1234_. Copy that. Good idea, thanks for the tip. I do plan on doing an update to the GR3 review, and that’s definitely a key consideration when using the GR3 as a travel bag: you have to pack something for use as a day bag or carry option. Especially if it’s a work trip. The GR3 is just way too big for a back and forth from the hotel to work, or as a day bag for vacations.
@@Pack_roam I'll add another idea haha. Show the same bullet packed inside of a 32L kit bag to show how much space it takes up
@@asdf1234_. Ok! Love the ideas. Sounds like you’re working out one bag travel options? Just out of curiosity, are you looking to one bag travel for business or pleasure?
I bought the same bag 2 weeks ago from the EU site and it didn’t come with aquaguard zippers. Kinda sucks they updated that for US but not EU…
Everything else is the same - materials, colours, pockets.
That sucks. Was it advertised on the site with coated zippers?
@@Pack_roam no it wasn’t. I would have complained/asked for a replacement if it was. Just saying it sucks that they didn’t update them for all regions at once. Makes it feel like they used the EU site to dump remaining stock of the ones w/o coated zippers.
And of course it’s also more expensive here - €320 (or $350)
Edit: I’m still happy with the bag. It’s a damn beast and I'm pretty sure it fits more than 18L. I just put a Nikon Z8 with 400mm lens attached, a 24-120mm lens, an OM-1 with 90mm macro attached, a flash, diffuser, a change of clothes in a PD small packing cube, minimal tech and toiletries, 3 packs of smokes and kibble for my dog for 2 days. And could still fit a laptop, since the compartment stayed empty. How the hell does all that fit in 18L?! I also have the Able Carry Daily Plus, which is 21L and I couldn't even dream of fitting all of this in it. Same with the PD Everyday Zip 20L.
@@houserhythm damn! That’s a lot of gear! yeah, AquaGuard or not, still a great bag. I’ve brought it on my last few work trips and this time around I decided to bring the CPL24… I swear the 18L DC Bullet loads as much or more than the CPL.
State your torso length. It helps more than your height
@@JWtube88 Thanks, good idea! 19” is my torso length.
@@Pack_roam thank you. Helps along. I’m 5’8 with 19” torso also. Helps a lot when considering buying. ☺️
Great video, thank you
Does anyone else watch the video until the interior is not high viz and then just skip the rest?