Man, if only they made more of these... It's literally the perfect size for both EDC and a weekend trip I feel. Also, it fits that size/capacity gap between the GR1 21 and 26L I feel.
I pre-ordered the black mulitcam yesterday! Super excited to get it. I’ve been waiting for your review for a bit. The thing about GoRuck bags is they are super simple, and function as such. Nothing complicated or cute. I have 26L GR1 that I love, but it’s a bit tall on my frame of 5’7. I had a 21L twice, but it just didn’t fit what I needed. I REALLY wish they would add the quick access pocket to all of their bags. Glad I waited for the second round of bags as I love the MCB variant the best!
I also tend to like MCB everything but am happy with the black too. Either of those work for me. Ironically this is my only true black Goruck. We're the same height, so I completely get the struggle with the 26L GR1. The quick access pocket is definitely a must have on and GR1 going forward for me but because of the thing I showed in the video it doesn't matter much to me on this one. Plus it makes it easier to access my laptop the way I put it in Gorucks (in the rucking thing). In any event, glad you got yours! Look forward to seeing it in that colour way ;)
hi, i really cant see myself buying any bags you show (watch this space) but I really like watching your videos. Its something to do with your enthusiasm and the way you shoot and produce your videos. I hope you will keep going with the content and I look forward to your future videos
Hey man, great video. Taste being subjective, I think this bag may be the best all around EDC. I’ve been a Goruck supporter for a while, I’ve owned plenty of their bags. I even had the Radio Ruck at one point. But I always went back to my TB Synapse 25. But the GR2-26L’s organization space, less abrasive material, and size makes this bag a winner for me. Always loved the GR1 21 L but I always missed a compartment separate from the main cabin for things I need quickly. This bag rocks!
This is like.. my favourite bag haha. So anything I say will sound biased because it is! Really though, we seem to have a similar taste. The Synapse 25 is another personal favourite of mine. The GR2 26 is just the perfect blend of organization and simplicity for me. I love the thing. Really.
@@jtinseoul7041 I really want the GR2 26L when it's back because I know it fits my torso length and height much more comfortably than my GR1 26L while giving me a better blend of organization and space to pack a few more bulky items better for minimal travel and EDC. But what do you think the chances are that Goruck and Carryology will make dyneema GR2's? I'd consider one for the GR2 26L but I also like pals webbing on the outside to strap my GR1 field pocket if I travel longer and I like a sternum strap
I carry my huckberry 21L 500D daily. I love the 500D. Goruck just put up some GR2 26L so I grabbed a MCB. Can’t wait to try it. I’ll be selling my GR2 40L 1000D since it’s just too rough for my uses.
Great review! Question - I noticed the stitching on some of the 500d GR2’s (including mine) is off black actually kind of a purple hue to it. Most noticeable in the front molle and on grab handle. Is this the case on your bag and do you know if more recent runs of this bag no longer have that?
I"m really thinking this is going to be a good bag for everyday carry in NYC but also work for my 3-day business trips. Then it can double for when I go camping and I don't have to be gentle with it like most business bags. This may be my first purchase.
Whew. Saw your comment that they restocked the black in 26L last night cuz they were definitely sold out for preorders when they released earlier this week. I kept on monitoring their website hoping it would be available again. Even emailed them. I’m guessing people kept on asking about the black 26L. You plan on keeping the GRXC1? I have the bag as well and wondering if I should keep it since the GR2 26L does the same job with more capacity… I have a feeling Carryology is going to do GRXC1 version in the GR2 26l.
Well now I had to go and pre order the GR2 34L because of this video. The 500d not picking up as much dog hair is huge!! Sweet Leica btw!! Great video - you’ve got a new subscriber!
Much appreciated! And yeah, it picks up a LITTLE but noticeably less than my other black Gorucks. It's weird because normally it would be the opposite but the 500D they used here is a little shiny almost like it has a slight coating. In any event, thanks a lot! Hope you dig the bag :)
About how many days did you have your packing cubes packed out for? I’m debating this bag vs the 34l for both my edc and my travel bag. My usual trips are 4-8 and I pack pretty light
Hey man, I dunno if you have already bought a bag but 100% go the 34l for travel, it’s a big bag but not obnoxiously so you can edc it. I have access to all GoRuck bags at my work I personally use a gr1 21 for edc, but if I was travelling go the gr2 34L or gr1 26L, skip the 26L gr2.
I’ve about given up hope on ever getting one. I’ll have to be happy with my GR2 34L. It’s just a little too big, so I tried to go Bullet 15 and it’s a little too small. Lol
For me, it's the best feeling 500D in my collection. Feels better than the Bullet 15 for sure and picks up almost no dirt or dust. My MR bags are bad for that although the higher end ones tend to be okay.
After watching this video, I purchased it right away from Goruck. After waiting for a long time, it finally arrived yesterday but it was actually 1000D with a 500d tag. 1000D feels so rigid. Goruck said they made a mistake in production. Bummer.
Yeah I heard about this. They had an issue in production. If it makes you feel better once broken in the 1000D feels even better it just takes a while. One of my recent videos I show my old 1000d GR1 and it is lovely and floppy.
@@jtinseoul7041 yes, I did saw your other video of GR1 which looks much softer lovelier. If you didn’t tell me that was 1000D, I wouldn’t think that is 1000D. Since I never had a 500D backpack in my life and read so many reviews saying 500D is so much better and user-friendly than 1000D. Even saw people said 1000D should never exist for the GR2 line. Very curious to see how much difference can a 500D do.
Will this be overkill for someone who works and goes to school(every other week)? I am in the market to look for a long-lasting backpack that can hold my laptop where I am on the go, books, and some clothing here and there.
JT Kind of struggling of pull my trigger on GR2 26L...... after your video struggling for two more days finally ..... empty my wallet again for the pre-order 🤦🏻♂️
I can’t wait for them to restock the 34L and40L in coyote or multicam….I’ve been DYING for a 500d version for a few years. I had to sell my other 40L because it kept chewing up all my damn shirts.
Makes sense. More than the shirts for me it's just hard to get around the corners on the 1000D ones until the bag is broken in. This one felt great right out of the box!
After watching your videos, the RFF 24 Plus and this bag seem fairly similar w/ the 2 compartments. I dig how lightweight the RFF is in comparison and just how much simpler it is over the Goruck. The Goruck has a ton of zippered pockets. But I like that the Goruck also has that angled bottom for the front compartment.Thanks for the reviews!
I have the 34L 1000D I am out Rucking in the Smokies for a vacation. I had a 30# plate shipped out here and its been amazing. I love the GR2 as well, the 1000D is fully broken and feels great. I just pre-ordered a Black 26L 500D. Looking forward to trying it out. The 34L is excellent for traveling but for EDC the 26L looks killer.
Yeah, makes sense! I didn't mean to say I think the 500D is purely better it's more like it's better more quickly haha. 1000D feels great too when it gets broken in a bit. Takes a couple of years of bashing I assume to feel like this though.
I've always wanted a GORUCK bag but the price and weight have always put me off. If they made a GR1 21L in 500D (slick), I might be tempted... especially if I found one 2nd hand :D
@@jtinseoul7041 i was hoping that i could find more love for my fastpack EDC, its a great looking bag like the litespeed, but with minimal use, the straps are pilling. So couldn’t help but pull the trigger on the GR2. And my new GR21L is on its way 🙈.
I've seen that pilling before on TAD stuff. Don't see it as much on A19 or Mission Workshop products with similar mesh. Congrats on the new bags ;) Which colour GR1 21l did you get?
The Axiom 24 felt more like 20L when I used it. It's a super "tight" 24 at least in my opinion. Nice bag, though! 26L GR2 would feel way bigger in my opinion.
I didn't get paid anything, just a bag to use as part of their affiliate program. I would have bought this bag anyway and am pre-ordering the MCB if my wife let's me (yeah, I said that..).
They invite you. I guess that's different than other companies that have applications. In my case, it was via Instagram where I had been using Gorucks for photography purposes and have a much larger following than here.
I prefer the 500D 26L myself. Like the one in the video. I'm a short guy, and the 34L would just look like I were wearing my dad's bag. Can't go wrong with either. The Kaidan is cool, but I don't think I like it more than the regular.
@@jtinseoul7041 GR2 26l sold out in all three colorways (wolf gray is my first choice even though GORUK doesn’t make external pouches in this color). I need the extra organization and 500D of the GR2. This will be my carry-on once we can all start traveling again.
For me, I consider paying for a Goruck to be a little like paying for a bag plus the best warranty in all of soft goods. They will fix, replace, reinforce anything for you no questions asked. I've seen guys with 10 year old bags get replaced and all they were asked for was their favourite picture of the bag ha.
Appreciate the breakdown! Haven't found a lot of breakdowns of the 26L GR2 so it's nice to see a high quality video about it.
No worries! Glad it helped!
Man, if only they made more of these... It's literally the perfect size for both EDC and a weekend trip I feel. Also, it fits that size/capacity gap between the GR1 21 and 26L I feel.
Yeah. They come up for sale on the Carryology Classifieds group on Facebook from time to time still.
I pre-ordered the black mulitcam yesterday! Super excited to get it. I’ve been waiting for your review for a bit. The thing about GoRuck bags is they are super simple, and function as such. Nothing complicated or cute. I have 26L GR1 that I love, but it’s a bit tall on my frame of 5’7. I had a 21L twice, but it just didn’t fit what I needed. I REALLY wish they would add the quick access pocket to all of their bags. Glad I waited for the second round of bags as I love the MCB variant the best!
I also tend to like MCB everything but am happy with the black too. Either of those work for me. Ironically this is my only true black Goruck. We're the same height, so I completely get the struggle with the 26L GR1. The quick access pocket is definitely a must have on and GR1 going forward for me but because of the thing I showed in the video it doesn't matter much to me on this one. Plus it makes it easier to access my laptop the way I put it in Gorucks (in the rucking thing). In any event, glad you got yours! Look forward to seeing it in that colour way ;)
hi, i really cant see myself buying any bags you show (watch this space) but I really like watching your videos. Its something to do with your enthusiasm and the way you shoot and produce your videos. I hope you will keep going with the content and I look forward to your future videos
Hey man, great video. Taste being subjective, I think this bag may be the best all around EDC. I’ve been a Goruck supporter for a while, I’ve owned plenty of their bags. I even had the Radio Ruck at one point. But I always went back to my TB Synapse 25. But the GR2-26L’s organization space, less abrasive material, and size makes this bag a winner for me. Always loved the GR1 21 L but I always missed a compartment separate from the main cabin for things I need quickly. This bag rocks!
This is like.. my favourite bag haha. So anything I say will sound biased because it is! Really though, we seem to have a similar taste. The Synapse 25 is another personal favourite of mine. The GR2 26 is just the perfect blend of organization and simplicity for me. I love the thing. Really.
@@jtinseoul7041 I really want the GR2 26L when it's back because I know it fits my torso length and height much more comfortably than my GR1 26L while giving me a better blend of organization and space to pack a few more bulky items better for minimal travel and EDC. But what do you think the chances are that Goruck and Carryology will make dyneema GR2's? I'd consider one for the GR2 26L but I also like pals webbing on the outside to strap my GR1 field pocket if I travel longer and I like a sternum strap
Awesome video! Great point about why the front slash pocket works on this design versus in the GR1, never thought of that 🙏🏽
Definitely makes a big difference in how much volume it feels like that pocket has!
I carry my huckberry 21L 500D daily. I love the 500D. Goruck just put up some GR2 26L so I grabbed a MCB. Can’t wait to try it. I’ll be selling my GR2 40L 1000D since it’s just too rough for my uses.
Great review! Question - I noticed the stitching on some of the 500d GR2’s (including mine) is off black actually kind of a purple hue to it. Most noticeable in the front molle and on grab handle. Is this the case on your bag and do you know if more recent runs of this bag no longer have that?
I"m really thinking this is going to be a good bag for everyday carry in NYC but also work for my 3-day business trips.
Then it can double for when I go camping and I don't have to be gentle with it like most business bags. This may be my first purchase.
great review, love your content! It would be my unicorn if goruck did this GR2 in heritage.
I think it would be really heavy haha. Dyneema would be nice ;)
Unicorns exist. 😉
I just got myself one.
Whew. Saw your comment that they restocked the black in 26L last night cuz they were definitely sold out for preorders when they released earlier this week. I kept on monitoring their website hoping it would be available again. Even emailed them. I’m guessing people kept on asking about the black 26L. You plan on keeping the GRXC1? I have the bag as well and wondering if I should keep it since the GR2 26L does the same job with more capacity… I have a feeling Carryology is going to do GRXC1 version in the GR2 26l.
I think people went a bit nuts for them. Planning on keeping mine, yep!
Well now I had to go and pre order the GR2 34L because of this video. The 500d not picking up as much dog hair is huge!! Sweet Leica btw!! Great video - you’ve got a new subscriber!
Much appreciated! And yeah, it picks up a LITTLE but noticeably less than my other black Gorucks. It's weird because normally it would be the opposite but the 500D they used here is a little shiny almost like it has a slight coating. In any event, thanks a lot! Hope you dig the bag :)
Just what I needed, thanks for putting out the great content. Keep up the great work!!!
Glad you finally got your shot at one!
THANK YOU for bringing in the gr1 for comparison. Love it! And like always love your videos.
- kestrel concepts 😉
I have been trying to track down a P01 patch for a while now, how'd you find one so quick!? ...I digress. Love the video, I've got one on pre-order.
It was generously donated to me by a member.. shoot me a message on Instagram if you have it. Let's chat.
Can you persuade Goruck to open another pre-order though? Asking for a friend…🤣
haha, I don't have that kinda pull ;P
@@jtinseoul7041 “sure would be a lot cooler if you did.”
About how many days did you have your packing cubes packed out for? I’m debating this bag vs the 34l for both my edc and my travel bag. My usual trips are 4-8 and I pack pretty light
Hey man, I dunno if you have already bought a bag but 100% go the 34l for travel, it’s a big bag but not obnoxiously so you can edc it.
I have access to all GoRuck bags at my work I personally use a gr1 21 for edc, but if I was travelling go the gr2 34L or gr1 26L, skip the 26L gr2.
Damnit JT. I have no idea which GoRuck I’m supposed to get. I want them all.
Ha, them all!
Another great video plus bringing in the GR1 was clutch! :)
Glad you liked that ;)
That’s pretty funny, like Silent Movie
I can't decide between the GR1 21L or the GR2 26L
Digging through the backlog, pre-scars vid....nice.
I have mine! I have been loving my GRXC1 26L I carried this today and it was very enjoyable. Still love the GRXC1.
I like both mine too. I think the GR2 has some sentimental value since it was my hospital bag for my daughter's birth.
I placed and order for a Tropic Multicam. I honestly can't wait. I am debating if I want to sell my 1000D GR2
Same sizes?
@@jtinseoul7041 no I ordered a 26L. I have a 34L
i thought i was buying a 34l gr2 and turned up in 500D, definitely not mad!
Hi , great video , very informative!
I am 5' 8.5" , will 34 L be too big ?
Can I travell with 6-7 days clothes in gr2 26 L ?
It depends on what you intend to carry. I’m somewhat of a minimalist when I travel, so I am able to easily go a week living out of this bag.
Is the bottom ballistic nylon? Or also 500D
I love my GR2 34L. But I gotta be honest, I really want.a 500D one strictly for travel.
Makes a lot of sense for travel.
Could you kindly tell me the liter capacity of the packing cube, I know goruck has multiple sizes.
10L Full I believe it's called.
I’ve about given up hope on ever getting one. I’ll have to be happy with my GR2 34L. It’s just a little too big, so I tried to go Bullet 15 and it’s a little too small. Lol
I saw one on the CC Facebook group today for $390. I think you'll see them come up for sale more often soon.
hows the 500D feel compared to MR 500D? I have a 500D 15L bullet and a MR ASAP. The ASAP has a better hand feel than the GR IMO.
For me, it's the best feeling 500D in my collection. Feels better than the Bullet 15 for sure and picks up almost no dirt or dust. My MR bags are bad for that although the higher end ones tend to be okay.
Would this be too small looking for someone 6 foot? Can’t decide between this or 34L for edc/work bag.
26l is just nice for 6 ft height. For below 6 ft, the 21l is more suitable.
Great vid. Will it fit under the seat in front of you?
If it were completely packed out it might be tight on a smaller plane but I'd venture to guess you'd be fine in most situations ;)
After watching this video, I purchased it right away from Goruck. After waiting for a long time, it finally arrived yesterday but it was actually 1000D with a 500d tag. 1000D feels so rigid. Goruck said they made a mistake in production. Bummer.
Yeah I heard about this. They had an issue in production. If it makes you feel better once broken in the 1000D feels even better it just takes a while. One of my recent videos I show my old 1000d GR1 and it is lovely and floppy.
@@jtinseoul7041 yes, I did saw your other video of GR1 which looks much softer lovelier. If you didn’t tell me that was 1000D, I wouldn’t think that is 1000D. Since I never had a 500D backpack in my life and read so many reviews saying 500D is so much better and user-friendly than 1000D. Even saw people said 1000D should never exist for the GR2 line. Very curious to see how much difference can a 500D do.
Will this be overkill for someone who works and goes to school(every other week)? I am in the market to look for a long-lasting backpack that can hold my laptop where I am on the go, books, and some clothing here and there.
This bag is overkill for 99 percent of what any human needs a bag for. That's what makes it so awesome.
GR2 26L Dimensions: 12.5"W x 18"H x 7.25"D
GR1 26L Dimensions: 12"W x 20"H x 6.75"D /
I guess for me it's more how it "feels." When I see it in photos on my back the GR1 looks longer because of the slanted front compartment of the GR2.
JT
Kind of struggling of pull my trigger on GR2 26L...... after your video struggling for two more days finally ..... empty my wallet again for the pre-order 🤦🏻♂️
My apologies to your wallet, haha. It's a lovely bag at least ;)
Hey JT, do you have some kind of tutorial for the paracord webbing that you did around your handle? Thanks!
Yep! It's like a month ahead in the videos :)
I can’t wait for them to restock the 34L and40L in coyote or multicam….I’ve been DYING for a 500d version for a few years. I had to sell my other 40L because it kept chewing up all my damn shirts.
Makes sense. More than the shirts for me it's just hard to get around the corners on the 1000D ones until the bag is broken in. This one felt great right out of the box!
The Multicam is available on the pre-order I thought?
JT what's your favourite colorway from goruck..
I like all the colours as long as they're black.
@@jtinseoul7041 you don't find it gets to hot, going all blk bag brother...
Sometimes, but I figure if it's that hot I'm hot anyway haha. My second favourite colour way from them would be the old Wolf Grey.
After watching your videos, the RFF 24 Plus and this bag seem fairly similar w/ the 2 compartments. I dig how lightweight the RFF is in comparison and just how much simpler it is over the Goruck. The Goruck has a ton of zippered pockets. But I like that the Goruck also has that angled bottom for the front compartment.Thanks for the reviews!
Can't go wrong with either. I like them both!
curious, would you have gotten this bag if it was in 1000D knowing what you know now of 500D?
Because I'm a bag nerd, probably. But I still would prefer it to be 500D. Not as much of a big deal for the GR1.
Great video as always!
Thanks!
How can you tell the difference between a 500 vs 1000D bag? Not sure what I have.
It's not super easy. If you've experience in both it's easier for sure. Generally 500D is shinier on these whereas 1000D is more matte.
I have the 34L 1000D I am out Rucking in the Smokies for a vacation. I had a 30# plate shipped out here and its been amazing. I love the GR2 as well, the 1000D is fully broken and feels great. I just pre-ordered a Black 26L 500D. Looking forward to trying it out. The 34L is excellent for traveling but for EDC the 26L looks killer.
Yeah, makes sense! I didn't mean to say I think the 500D is purely better it's more like it's better more quickly haha. 1000D feels great too when it gets broken in a bit. Takes a couple of years of bashing I assume to feel like this though.
dang you really sold this bag! i want one now
Haha. It's my favourite, so not that hard to talk about it.
I got a text that this was back in stock while I was taking a nap. I woke up and it's sold out lol. Idk when it will be back
I hope all the non black 26L GR2's sell out to show goruck there is a demand to bring these back, at least in black, more frequently
all the black versions are currently still available on preorder
@@mollekko oh shiiiieeeet I swear it didn't see that before!!
They are still there ;)
I've always wanted a GORUCK bag but the price and weight have always put me off. If they made a GR1 21L in 500D (slick), I might be tempted... especially if I found one 2nd hand :D
I think you could look at the older SK bags that were slick. Not sure if the Huckberry Slicks were in 21L ever.
@@jtinseoul7041 nice, I didn't even realise they ever made SK models.
That's what I'm here for ;)
Did you ever use 34l version?
I've not, but would like to.
Just pre ordered my 34L, can’t wait for it to arrive
I'm sure you'll love it! It'll be worth the wait ;)
@@jtinseoul7041 i was hoping that i could find more love for my fastpack EDC, its a great looking bag like the litespeed, but with minimal use, the straps are pilling. So couldn’t help but pull the trigger on the GR2. And my new GR21L is on its way 🙈.
I've seen that pilling before on TAD stuff. Don't see it as much on A19 or Mission Workshop products with similar mesh. Congrats on the new bags ;) Which colour GR1 21l did you get?
@@jtinseoul7041 good old boring black to keep my 26L company. But i got the red paracord wrapping on the handle so it should look pretty sexy.
Nice! Haha. Paracord wrap always a good option.
I daily my TAD Axiom 24 and think 26L GR2 a bit too similar? so.... 34L instead? hahaha
The Axiom 24 felt more like 20L when I used it. It's a super "tight" 24 at least in my opinion. Nice bag, though! 26L GR2 would feel way bigger in my opinion.
wait a minute, how exactly did you get this for free? Paid sponsorship? I didn't know Goruck did that ;)
I didn't get paid anything, just a bag to use as part of their affiliate program. I would have bought this bag anyway and am pre-ordering the MCB if my wife let's me (yeah, I said that..).
@@jtinseoul7041 lol. I was kinda joking. How do I get into the affiliate program?
They invite you. I guess that's different than other companies that have applications. In my case, it was via Instagram where I had been using Gorucks for photography purposes and have a much larger following than here.
Okay, I have a Peak Design Travel Backpack. I don’t like it. Do I want a 26L GR2, or the Kaidan 34L GR2? I dont want 1000D. Help me JTinSeoul-San!
I prefer the 500D 26L myself. Like the one in the video. I'm a short guy, and the 34L would just look like I were wearing my dad's bag. Can't go wrong with either. The Kaidan is cool, but I don't think I like it more than the regular.
Excellent overview :)
Appreciate it ;)
This better be good JT. I just preordered one
I take no responsibility, ha. Really though, it's a wonderful bag.
Trying to give GORUK like $600 for a whole list of stuff but nothing is in stock. :’-(
One day…
They've got the heritages bag in stock ;)
@@jtinseoul7041 GR2 26l sold out in all three colorways (wolf gray is my first choice even though GORUK doesn’t make external pouches in this color). I need the extra organization and 500D of the GR2. This will be my carry-on once we can all start traveling again.
Idk man, them GoRucks look good quality and all, but I think they're overpriced for what they offer
For me, I consider paying for a Goruck to be a little like paying for a bag plus the best warranty in all of soft goods. They will fix, replace, reinforce anything for you no questions asked. I've seen guys with 10 year old bags get replaced and all they were asked for was their favourite picture of the bag ha.
I hate this so much because now I need to get myself one >:(
OVERK1LLED🤙 overpriced too…
Are you sure it’s a 500D? 😂
If it weren't at scars I'd give it a double check haha :)