After 8+ years of vx21 everyday use, i can tell you, whoever is needing to hear this, you wont break vx21 in edc modes. For hard, i mean... HARD use, then sure, go elsewhere, but give me weatherproof and lighter vx that breaks in like nimble nylon-y feeling material anyday. The higher up you go in strength the more "tarp" it starts to feel like. Not knocking x50 or x42, just saying that vx21 is PLENTY for edc and its lighter. 🤷🏻♂️.
I’m just not sure how often I’ll be dragging my bags behind a truck, otherwise I think the fabric is tough enough for carrying my sleep mask and headphones on a plane.
My Able Carry Max is VX21 and holding up great as my weekly travel bag for work. 30+ flights tossed around in overheads etc and used as my EDC when I’m working in the office. If Goruck would ever wake up and add at least one integrated side water bottle pocket I might go back and try them again. Used them for years but the lack of quick access stash pockets or water bottle pockets made me move on to other brands. I see those two as use non-negotiable must haves for edc or travel packs. Which is what the GR1 and GR2 are supposed to be.
@@JBOutside1 Agreed. For whatever reason Goruck refuses to listen to the market when it comes to EDC and Travel bags. Even on their own "fan" pages on social media, there is non-stop outcry for these two basic necessities for these types of bags. They are missing out on a huge market share through ignorance. I'm very pleasantly surprised by the VX21, I had a lot of concerns as well, but it's doing a fantastic job and I'm not easy on bags. I use them how they should be and toss them around etc.
Personally, a side water bottle pocket would ruin the aesthetics of a Goruck GR1. Design and brand identity matter, and the clean exterior is a masterpiece. Just position your bizips on one side and the bottle on that same side and done easy access. I'm still adding GR1s when they add new models but if they added one with one or two pockets, I'm out.
If the pocket is done correctly, you'd never notice it when it wasn't in use. Evergoods CHZ, CTB, GWA Citadel, Alpha One Niner Evade 1.0x, and Whitley are just a few examples. Good, lay flat water bottle pocket on an EDC or travel bag makes sense and when done right, doesn't affect the aesthetics at all. @@j.taveras8447
I am a huge fan of the X-Pac material, living in the PNW, I am always wanting everything built in that material with YKK Aquaguard zippers throughout the exterior of my bags. And the GR1 is no exception, but I was hoping for the stitching and webbing on the shoulder straps. I need to have the option for a sternum strap on my bags, I was sad to see that was not an option here. Maybe in future builds? Also, the webbing on the rear of the Field pockets is a MUST HAVE, that was a missed opportunity by GORUCK not to include that in the X-Pac builds. Great video as always, thanks JB!
@@JBOutside1 I just noticed this morning that GR1 was back in stock (likely some returns) on the 26L black so I grabbed one. Can't decide whether to do just the shoulder webbing or the complete Rucker package with the side handles.
I absolutely love the design of the GR1, this bag is a masterpiece in design and shape, my only wish is they still made the bottom more slanted like the original. It looks better worn and distributes weight toward your back so it's more functional. But the desk jockeys/reviewers are hell bent that it has to stand(smh), I suppose leaning it against something is just too complex. A side water bottle pocket would ruin the aesthetics of a Goruck GR1. Design and brand identity matter, and the clean exterior is a masterpiece, it is the benchmark bag. If you need quick access to water, just position your bizips on one side and the bottle on that same side and done easy access. I'm still adding GR1s when they add new models/materials, but if they added one with one or two pockets, I'm out. I suppose if designed right, pockets mid level of the bag, straight in line w the bag's design language, and somehow very streamlined and tight, which might eat interior volume(so be it) might work. I can tell you two issues with the ethos of this bag, durability and people bitching about the pockets. Best solution would be interior water bottle holders like the Rofmia V2. For me no pockets is the best design for this bag. Jason got it right the first time. And VX21 is a let down in material, shoulda been 50.
I was trying to figure out if the heritage version is noticeably heavier In use. My favorite daily is a 21l gr1 in oak that has aged just beautifully. I’m tired of losing money buying all these expensive bags to find out they don’t work for me😂
Great comparison video! Test the black. The navy is too pretty to beat up (although, I think they will be able to hold up to the tests…we’ll see). Can’t wait for that one!
Great video! First-time viewer, now a subscriber. About the zippers folks are complaining about, are they as the same as the ones on the Kaiden 2.0? I have the Bullet from that line and I don’t mind the zippers at all.
@@JBOutside1 I have been experimenting with one bag travel for my 3-5 day trips. Just bought a CTB35…. and now this drops. I am gonna be broke very quickly.
@silverflash1675 @@JBOutside1 There is hope. Mine were so insanely stiff it made the bag unusable for me… I ditched it for a few months. I mean it really took some two-handed muscle to pull them. Then I remembered that my Yeti cooler came with a tube of silicon based zipper lube (thicker like Vaseline). Applying that to the entire length of the zipper teeth on both sides (and a bit on the surface of the aqua guard fabric) completely changed everything. So smooth I can now one-hand them just like my original 1000D GR1. Current urban EDC now.
Being famous for your sage advice...And being that I have quibbles with the X-Pac version...And being that I have the Heritage, Slick and regular GR1, all in 21L (have yet to wear any. Don't ask), do you think the GR1 with the new back panel warrants the purchase? Lighter? More comfort of straps/back? What say, you?
3 questions: Are the top pockets the same on the X-Pac and heritage? What is the weight difference between the 1000D and Heritage? I’m assuming the X-PAC is significantly lighter than both. Is the noise of the X-PAC as loud in daily use as it sounds on many of the videos or is that just the sensitivity of the mics?
@@JBOutside1 the more I look at them the more I’m convinced I am too. There is a cool factor to them for sure, but it does also remind me of some super old bags that I have used that were my grandfather’s from WW2… I appreciate your help. I’m pretty sure I made my decision. I had a 1000D GR2 that I gave away but really want a smaller GR1 for most edc stuff that is also super tough for just living life with. Now to decide if I go with the black that currently available or wait till who knows how long till the brown or green come back.
No. Not over Heritage for sure. Cordura? Probably not for durability. Kaidan? Maybe. Depends on color mostly. If the first Kaidan had a quick access pocket in the GR2 it would be the best IMHO
The rain flap doesn't bother me. I fold it over in half and it's a lot easier to work with. I'm also working on a new video on the GRXC1 with an exciting sidekick to go with it...
I would be willing to trade you a TAD Black Magic 400 sailcloth for the black GR1 21L.... Just a thought. The Black Magic is insane, but I have been looking for a VX21 Goruck for years....
I don't like the X-Pac back panel because it runs hot, zero breathable. I was in Boston with my GR1XC, which was 90 degrees and humid for a few days and it was not pleasant. I wish Goruck would come up with a breathable material for the back panel.
After 8+ years of vx21 everyday use, i can tell you, whoever is needing to hear this, you wont break vx21 in edc modes. For hard, i mean... HARD use, then sure, go elsewhere, but give me weatherproof and lighter vx that breaks in like nimble nylon-y feeling material anyday. The higher up you go in strength the more "tarp" it starts to feel like. Not knocking x50 or x42, just saying that vx21 is PLENTY for edc and its lighter. 🤷🏻♂️.
Nice…thanks for the input! 👊🏻
I can't wait for the VX21 torture test video, bring it on JB! 💪
😎
I’m just not sure how often I’ll be dragging my bags behind a truck, otherwise I think the fabric is tough enough for carrying my sleep mask and headphones on a plane.
My Able Carry Max is VX21 and holding up great as my weekly travel bag for work. 30+ flights tossed around in overheads etc and used as my EDC when I’m working in the office. If Goruck would ever wake up and add at least one integrated side water bottle pocket I might go back and try them again. Used them for years but the lack of quick access stash pockets or water bottle pockets made me move on to other brands. I see those two as use non-negotiable must haves for edc or travel packs. Which is what the GR1 and GR2 are supposed to be.
I hear ya on those features, but I don’t see that happening. Glad to hear the VX21 is holding up!
@@JBOutside1 Agreed. For whatever reason Goruck refuses to listen to the market when it comes to EDC and Travel bags. Even on their own "fan" pages on social media, there is non-stop outcry for these two basic necessities for these types of bags. They are missing out on a huge market share through ignorance. I'm very pleasantly surprised by the VX21, I had a lot of concerns as well, but it's doing a fantastic job and I'm not easy on bags. I use them how they should be and toss them around etc.
Personally, a side water bottle pocket would ruin the aesthetics of a Goruck GR1. Design and brand identity matter, and the clean exterior is a masterpiece. Just position your bizips on one side and the bottle on that same side and done easy access. I'm still adding GR1s when they add new models but if they added one with one or two pockets, I'm out.
If the pocket is done correctly, you'd never notice it when it wasn't in use. Evergoods CHZ, CTB, GWA Citadel, Alpha One Niner Evade 1.0x, and Whitley are just a few examples. Good, lay flat water bottle pocket on an EDC or travel bag makes sense and when done right, doesn't affect the aesthetics at all. @@j.taveras8447
I am a huge fan of the X-Pac material, living in the PNW, I am always wanting everything built in that material with YKK Aquaguard zippers throughout the exterior of my bags. And the GR1 is no exception, but I was hoping for the stitching and webbing on the shoulder straps. I need to have the option for a sternum strap on my bags, I was sad to see that was not an option here. Maybe in future builds? Also, the webbing on the rear of the Field pockets is a MUST HAVE, that was a missed opportunity by GORUCK not to include that in the X-Pac builds. Great video as always, thanks JB!
Totally agree. Hopefully we see some tweaks in future versions. VX42, webbing, quick access pockets - too easy, home run.
@@JBOutside1 Maybe do a SCARS mod for the shoulder webbing?
@@dylantodd9574 Yeah I am considering that...can't decide whether to do that with the GR1 or GR2...
@@JBOutside1 I just noticed this morning that GR1 was back in stock (likely some returns) on the 26L black so I grabbed one. Can't decide whether to do just the shoulder webbing or the complete Rucker package with the side handles.
I absolutely love the design of the GR1, this bag is a masterpiece in design and shape, my only wish is they still made the bottom more slanted like the original. It looks better worn and distributes weight toward your back so it's more functional. But the desk jockeys/reviewers are hell bent that it has to stand(smh), I suppose leaning it against something is just too complex.
A side water bottle pocket would ruin the aesthetics of a Goruck GR1. Design and brand identity matter, and the clean exterior is a masterpiece, it is the benchmark bag. If you need quick access to water, just position your bizips on one side and the bottle on that same side and done easy access. I'm still adding GR1s when they add new models/materials, but if they added one with one or two pockets, I'm out.
I suppose if designed right, pockets mid level of the bag, straight in line w the bag's design language, and somehow very streamlined and tight, which might eat interior volume(so be it) might work.
I can tell you two issues with the ethos of this bag, durability and people bitching about the pockets. Best solution would be interior water bottle holders like the Rofmia V2.
For me no pockets is the best design for this bag. Jason got it right the first time.
And VX21 is a let down in material, shoulda been 50.
Totally agree, Jose. It's the gold standard for me and the one I always come back to! 👊🏻
Did you ever make the durability video?
BAG DRAG! Material Durability TEST 1000D vs 500D vs VX21
ua-cam.com/video/otACpKKmAaY/v-deo.html
@ gracias
Another great informative video JB
Thanks!! Appreciate the support! 👊🏻
Just got my 26L yesterday, still new with tags. I’m going to wait for your torture test before I start to use it.
Love the outtake.
Yeah, gonna be a while for that. At least two weeks. Got backed up with some stuff and some family travel.
Was there ever an update video on beating up the vx21?
You mean the "Bag Drag" video? That's where I beat it up
@@JBOutside1yea just saw that my bad! Thanks for replying !
JB, that blue/coyote combo is gorgeous! Would've been awesome if the molle on the inside of the navy had been navy as just a cool contrast.
Agree! 👊🏻
Great vid JB. What’s the weight on the 34l. I can’t find that info anywhere.
Sorry, I don’t have that number handy…the standard edition is 3.9lbs so probably pretty close to that
I was trying to figure out if the heritage version is noticeably heavier In use. My favorite daily is a 21l gr1 in oak that has aged just beautifully. I’m tired of losing money buying all these expensive bags to find out they don’t work for me😂
Would like to see the blacks durability, only cause that's the color I have lol. Hopefully before my return window is up. ;)
Just looking for the roughest road to drag it on….😜
Would love to see that durability test just picked up a GR2 34L Xpac
Lots of request for that one for sure. Still happening
Hey @jboutside1 how’s it holding up? I’m thinking of grabbing the 26l
@@alva8099 it’s doing well. Still trying to schedule this durability test. Should be epic?
Great comparison video! Test the black. The navy is too pretty to beat up (although, I think they will be able to hold up to the tests…we’ll see). Can’t wait for that one!
😁
Great video! First-time viewer, now a subscriber.
About the zippers folks are complaining about, are they as the same as the ones on the Kaiden 2.0? I have the Bullet from that line and I don’t mind the zippers at all.
They feel different and are quite stiff compared to what I remember about the Kaidan zips.
That X pac field pocket looks really good…
I love the contrasting colors
Agree! 👊🏻
@@JBOutside1 I have been experimenting with one bag travel for my 3-5 day trips. Just bought a CTB35…. and now this drops. I am gonna be broke very quickly.
@@MH_6160 haha, yeah it gets nutty after a while. Always something new…
@@JBOutside1 Snagged a black GR2 26L off huckberry, I am surprised they were not sold out.
hey JB, how do you feel about the aqua guard zippers? do they get smoother over time?
They of course will get better with some use but they are for sure the tightest zippers in the fleet! Too stiff IMHO
@silverflash1675 @@JBOutside1 There is hope. Mine were so insanely stiff it made the bag unusable for me… I ditched it for a few months. I mean it really took some two-handed muscle to pull them. Then I remembered that my Yeti cooler came with a tube of silicon based zipper lube (thicker like Vaseline). Applying that to the entire length of the zipper teeth on both sides (and a bit on the surface of the aqua guard fabric) completely changed everything. So smooth I can now one-hand them just like my original 1000D GR1. Current urban EDC now.
Are the shoulder straps slippery? I understand there's no mesh padding.
Pretty close to the same feel as the 210D versions.
Great video. Really looking forward to the durability test.
Me too! 😜
I got the xpac blue gr2 34L, boy those zipz are stubbor and hard to work through.
Yeah, I hear ya. Exploring some options...
Been waiting for your video on this! I want this bag lol
It’s a good one! Check the Huckberry link! 👊🏻
Being famous for your sage advice...And being that I have quibbles with the X-Pac version...And being that I have the Heritage, Slick and regular GR1, all in 21L (have yet to wear any. Don't ask), do you think the GR1 with the new back panel warrants the purchase? Lighter? More comfort of straps/back? What say, you?
It’s very slick with the 210D for sure. Very nice but if your regular GR1 is good then I’d stay with that.
@@JBOutside1my credit card thanks you.
3 questions:
Are the top pockets the same on the X-Pac and heritage?
What is the weight difference between the 1000D and Heritage? I’m assuming the X-PAC is significantly lighter than both.
Is the noise of the X-PAC as loud in daily use as it sounds on many of the videos or is that just the sensitivity of the mics?
1. Same design. Different interior materials. Same as the interior of the bag.
2. Feels a lot lighter (XPAC)…and slicker
3. I don’t notice the noise.
@@JBOutside1 thank you for the response. That helps a lot. Out of the three which do you actually prefer for edc?
@@ShoelessPoimen I’m a Heritage kinda guy
@@JBOutside1 the more I look at them the more I’m convinced I am too. There is a cool factor to them for sure, but it does also remind me of some super old bags that I have used that were my grandfather’s from WW2…
I appreciate your help. I’m pretty sure I made my decision. I had a 1000D GR2 that I gave away but really want a smaller GR1 for most edc stuff that is also super tough for just living life with.
Now to decide if I go with the black that currently available or wait till who knows how long till the brown or green come back.
Still waiting for the durability test!
I got you! Still planned. Just a little backed up currently.
HI WOULD YOU TAKE THE XPAC OVER THE KAIDAN OR HERITAGE OR CORDURA?
No. Not over Heritage for sure. Cordura? Probably not for durability. Kaidan? Maybe. Depends on color mostly. If the first Kaidan had a quick access pocket in the GR2 it would be the best IMHO
I Love that comparison table/chart, brilliant idea. Keep ‘em coming, captain.
Hi again… DO YOU WANT TO TELL US MORE ABOUT THE ZIPPERS LIKE I KNOW THEY ARE AQUAGUARDS BUT ARE THEY THE REAL DEAL LIKE YKK USA ONES ETC…
@@dexteww according to their website they are. I’ll confirm when I get home.
Yes SIR … I GOT A FEELING THEYRE the TAIWANESE ONES BUT i MIGHT BE WRONG…
New X-PAC GR1 or GRXC1? I love my gorilla, but I hate that rain flap
The rain flap doesn't bother me. I fold it over in half and it's a lot easier to work with. I'm also working on a new video on the GRXC1 with an exciting sidekick to go with it...
But to answer your question, I think the GRXC1 wins for durability.
I had my GRXC1 modded with side handles and molle on the straps so I guess I’ll hang for a bit. Looking forward to that video.
I would be willing to trade you a TAD Black Magic 400 sailcloth for the black GR1 21L.... Just a thought. The Black Magic is insane, but I have been looking for a VX21 Goruck for years....
Litespeed.... Black Magic 400 sail cloth...
@@danvann777 send me a message on Instagram or an email at jb.outside@yahoo.com
Great to see the comparison. Thank you.
You bet!
I don't like the X-Pac back panel because it runs hot, zero breathable. I was in Boston with my GR1XC, which was 90 degrees and humid for a few days and it was not pleasant. I wish Goruck would come up with a breathable material for the back panel.
Makes sense.
Wow there’s a rabbit hole for everyone lol
Indeed! 🐇
Bullet kaidan v1 was $275
Thanks!!!
Bullets will be the next drop. 🤫
😎
Overpriced for what it is. Goruck is getting greedy.
For what it’s worth I expect a price increase year over year but this current jump for these editions is excessive
But it is American Made 😐
@@MH_6160 Yes. Built in the USA on the tag.