I got the GR1 last release, and snagged a GR2 this time. Black all around. My favorite travel rucks, hands down. By the time I added the Ruck to my cart, the Bullets and the Field Pockets were gone. I still have a few of the US made 1000D for outdoors use, but these fabrics’ weight makes them my preferred for urban or tourist use. TAD is also a favorite of mine, just ordered an Armoury Litespeed in MC Alpine. You are obviously a man of culture.
Haha, yeah great minds! The dyneema GR1 is one of the best all-time. This new Kaidan is also an instant classic. I may, or may not, have two Armory Builds in their queue. I can neither confirm, nor deny the details. Can’t wait! …or maybe not. 🧐
I really want to like these bags more, but I'm sticking with my regular G2's for now. I returned the V1 (really wish they had added that quick access pocket) and passed on the V2. They still haven't made one that I'm excited about. Going slick on the outside of the bag to make it more discrete is something I like, but loosing the functionality of the shoulder strap webbing isn't for me (I hang sunglasses, use a sternum strap, etc.). Most people have something going on with their shoulder straps, so that webbing isn't that out of place for travel. Plus, those orange exterior zipper pulls scream "look at me" which kind of takes away from that idea of being a bit more discrete. Maybe I could have grabbed a V2 and had it customized by SCARS, but that just adds more cost to an already expensive bag.
I sold my V1 Kaiden after I secured the V2 too. Also kept the V1 Kaiden Bullet over the V2 for the same reasons as you. The quick stash pocket and xpac interior sold me. I don’t care for the molle on this bag I found it would get caught trying to get it out of tight spaces like under airplane seat and I’d only use it to hold my Heroclip. If they do a V3 wouldn’t mind some kind of organization on the flap for the main compartment. I’d personally like a side exterior water bottle pocket and side handle like the Able Carry Max but see how it could take away from the simplicity of the aesthetics. A big 45L GR3 Kaiden version would be great too
Those are some great ideas for the bag and I’ve actually asked Scars about some of them. They won’t do it because they’re pretty complicated one-off improvements. I also agree they tend to keep things simple. My guess is we’d see a 26L before a GR3
@@JBOutside1 I remember a video where you compared a 34L and a 40l and you could pretty much fit the same amount of gear. Maybe I just need a 34L. Either way I looking forward to it!
I think I was with the review until the statement that it's definitely worth the price. I think maybe from a personal POV, the bag is worth the price but from just market POV it's overpriced by a fair margin. Not sure if I agree with the way they sold the thing either. There are fair arguments that could be made that these are actually worse than the v1 or even the regular GR2.
I would say that GORUCK and Carryology are definitely cashing in on the Kaidan. Not sure what the mark-up is for US made X-pac bag these days but I'm sure there's money to be made. Is it worth it? For me, it's a steep price but since this one combined a ton of features I love and wanted into one, it is. Add in the green and I was sold. Is it worth secondary market prices? Nope. I'd wait until the next release or for returns to be listed on the site. I think I disagree with where it's priced in the market because it sold out in hours...for all colors. So they priced it with demand. You could argue that the price was slightly high because it didn't sell out in seconds like other bags on other sites. How they handled things...well that's another issue all together and there have been problems at HQ that need to be ironed out. There have been too many cases where they've oversold things...but at least they're owning the mistakes and doing their best to make it right. There should just be less mistakes IMHO.
@@JBOutside1 Thanks for the thoughtful reply. Though, I'll throw one more bit in there, I think it selling out has nothing to do with whether or not its fair price given that: I apologize if this gets lengthy. 1. It's clear a lot of scalpers bought out the bag. So if you disagree with the secondary market price, logically you must also disagree with these sales being counted towards demonstrating "fair price". There's also no way for us the consumers to know how much were sold to scalpers outside of counting gray market listings. I doubt either GoRuck or Carryology knows hard numbers either. I also doubt they care enough to fix the matter in the future. 2. Just because someone is willing to pay for it, doesn't mean the item is priced fairly. It's simply priced for a demand that exists for w/e reason. 3. Problem with 1 & 2 becomes that the business can continue to inflate the price of the product because it is expected to be expensive, citing previous sales as evidence. This leads to really crooked practices and sort of lowbrow coming from a company that seems to stand for some sort of military "honor". 4. Before anyone brings "that's just business" argument, remember Costco CEO said "no" to raising hot dog prices. We can be as cycnical about that as we want, but at the end of the day we all appreciate the sentiment and it becomes something Costco stands for. Having your business stand for something, is a fine marketing tool.
@@ryanblack1251 I can't argue with any of your points and I tend to agree. The scalper market is something that's impossible to counter and maddening to those trying to get the bag. I haven't seen a totally fair distribution plan though so you gotta be ready when it's released. Thanks for the comments!
Another great review, it's gonna be some time before the wife lets me get another bag. I think since I'm a new purchaser I need all my bags for rucking and travel, so not buying any of these primo fancy ones. I need bags I can beat up lol.
The "is it worth it" question is admittedly very personal. This one has a ton of features I really wanted in one bag and then they made it in a great color. I like everything it includes and wouldn't use at all the things it omits so its the sweet spot. The price IS high and no doubt they're making a pretty penny off these editions but market prices being what they are people will pay and some will pay even stupid prices on eBay. But in the end, my attitude has been "if it brings you joy" then consider it. But this one isn't for everyone. The baseline GR2 or Long Range Rucker would satisfy most people for a travel option.
This manages to mix up the colors without looking like some overly self aware 1980s/retro type thing. A small amount of pop but not enough to stand out too much in a crowd. The modern materials also blend well in urban settings if the "Grey Man" thing is what you're about. Or just not having an overly tactical bag...
Goruck has them in stock right now, I ended up grabbing one in the same color based on your video. Thanks!
Nice!!
As a newbie to Goruck, I was lucky enough to grab a Kaidan Bullet V2 and after receiving it I totally regret not ordering the GR2 34L Kaidan.
Kevin, I’m betting you’ll be able to find one from a return. Otherwise they’ll get released again.
@@JBOutside1 You were right. They did a release today, from returns, and I was able to order one.
She shure is purty! Nice catch.
😎
Liked before even watching. Just knew it was gonna be good
It’s everything I hoped. I was most curious about the color but it awesome. Glad I went green.
I got the GR1 last release, and snagged a GR2 this time. Black all around. My favorite travel rucks, hands down. By the time I added the Ruck to my cart, the Bullets and the Field Pockets were gone.
I still have a few of the US made 1000D for outdoors use, but these fabrics’ weight makes them my preferred for urban or tourist use. TAD is also a favorite of mine, just ordered an Armoury Litespeed in MC Alpine.
You are obviously a man of culture.
Haha, yeah great minds! The dyneema GR1 is one of the best all-time. This new Kaidan is also an instant classic. I may, or may not, have two Armory Builds in their queue. I can neither confirm, nor deny the details. Can’t wait! …or maybe not. 🧐
was so happy when I was able to get my black v2! Think it’s going to be my daily driver and travel bag for a long long time
NICE! It's awesome, right?!
I really want to like these bags more, but I'm sticking with my regular G2's for now. I returned the V1 (really wish they had added that quick access pocket) and passed on the V2. They still haven't made one that I'm excited about. Going slick on the outside of the bag to make it more discrete is something I like, but loosing the functionality of the shoulder strap webbing isn't for me (I hang sunglasses, use a sternum strap, etc.). Most people have something going on with their shoulder straps, so that webbing isn't that out of place for travel. Plus, those orange exterior zipper pulls scream "look at me" which kind of takes away from that idea of being a bit more discrete. Maybe I could have grabbed a V2 and had it customized by SCARS, but that just adds more cost to an already expensive bag.
Agree totally. Webbing in the shoulder straps would have been a plus for me too. I’m considering the scars route but we’ll see
Man it looks sleek. I tried at launch but sold out super quick. Glad you were able to pick it up.
Very sleek! I was happy I snuck in there and picked it up. Very happy with this one
I agree that the updates on version (2) of the Kaidan are awesome.
😎
i have missed the sale! i signed up for notifications from goruck just for this bag baaaaah
🙁
I sold my V1 Kaiden after I secured the V2 too. Also kept the V1 Kaiden Bullet over the V2 for the same reasons as you. The quick stash pocket and xpac interior sold me. I don’t care for the molle on this bag I found it would get caught trying to get it out of tight spaces like under airplane seat and I’d only use it to hold my Heroclip. If they do a V3 wouldn’t mind some kind of organization on the flap for the main compartment. I’d personally like a side exterior water bottle pocket and side handle like the Able Carry Max but see how it could take away from the simplicity of the aesthetics. A big 45L GR3 Kaiden version would be great too
Those are some great ideas for the bag and I’ve actually asked Scars about some of them. They won’t do it because they’re pretty complicated one-off improvements. I also agree they tend to keep things simple. My guess is we’d see a 26L before a GR3
Looking forward to the purge! Could use a 40L if you have one!
Unfortunately I don’t have anything 40L sized anymore. But it’ll get a little nutty for sure! 😬
@@JBOutside1 I remember a video where you compared a 34L and a 40l and you could pretty much fit the same amount of gear. Maybe I just need a 34L. Either way I looking forward to it!
@@Tyler-mx6gc you totally just need a 34L
i thought Hulk on the table was going to get knocked off!
Haha, trying to keep is suspenseful! 🤣
I think I was with the review until the statement that it's definitely worth the price.
I think maybe from a personal POV, the bag is worth the price but from just market POV it's overpriced by a fair margin. Not sure if I agree with the way they sold the thing either. There are fair arguments that could be made that these are actually worse than the v1 or even the regular GR2.
I would say that GORUCK and Carryology are definitely cashing in on the Kaidan. Not sure what the mark-up is for US made X-pac bag these days but I'm sure there's money to be made. Is it worth it? For me, it's a steep price but since this one combined a ton of features I love and wanted into one, it is. Add in the green and I was sold. Is it worth secondary market prices? Nope. I'd wait until the next release or for returns to be listed on the site. I think I disagree with where it's priced in the market because it sold out in hours...for all colors. So they priced it with demand. You could argue that the price was slightly high because it didn't sell out in seconds like other bags on other sites. How they handled things...well that's another issue all together and there have been problems at HQ that need to be ironed out. There have been too many cases where they've oversold things...but at least they're owning the mistakes and doing their best to make it right. There should just be less mistakes IMHO.
@@JBOutside1 Thanks for the thoughtful reply.
Though, I'll throw one more bit in there, I think it selling out has nothing to do with whether or not its fair price given that: I apologize if this gets lengthy.
1. It's clear a lot of scalpers bought out the bag. So if you disagree with the secondary market price, logically you must also disagree with these sales being counted towards demonstrating "fair price". There's also no way for us the consumers to know how much were sold to scalpers outside of counting gray market listings. I doubt either GoRuck or Carryology knows hard numbers either. I also doubt they care enough to fix the matter in the future.
2. Just because someone is willing to pay for it, doesn't mean the item is priced fairly. It's simply priced for a demand that exists for w/e reason.
3. Problem with 1 & 2 becomes that the business can continue to inflate the price of the product because it is expected to be expensive, citing previous sales as evidence. This leads to really crooked practices and sort of lowbrow coming from a company that seems to stand for some sort of military "honor".
4. Before anyone brings "that's just business" argument, remember Costco CEO said "no" to raising hot dog prices. We can be as cycnical about that as we want, but at the end of the day we all appreciate the sentiment and it becomes something Costco stands for. Having your business stand for something, is a fine marketing tool.
@@ryanblack1251 I can't argue with any of your points and I tend to agree. The scalper market is something that's impossible to counter and maddening to those trying to get the bag. I haven't seen a totally fair distribution plan though so you gotta be ready when it's released. Thanks for the comments!
Pretty sure the goruck is VX21 and the tad is X42. I'd be interested in a comparison of the goruck vs the tad ebc se.
You’re right Gary, they’re different weights of material. I forgot to mention that! 🤦🏼♂️
Awesome!!!!!!! Simple rule for me ,mr. jb love it I love it!!!! Trusty review!
Thank you!
Thx for the video! Dibs on the boogie bag if you purge, I'm on the CC Forum :D
Haha, yeah I think the boogie will be excluded...
@@JBOutside1 :D
Another great review, it's gonna be some time before the wife lets me get another bag. I think since I'm a new purchaser I need all my bags for rucking and travel, so not buying any of these primo fancy ones. I need bags I can beat up lol.
Haha, I agree. This one is too pretty to abuse
But is that price worth it? It’s an insanely expensive especially for what it give you (or doesn’t give you).
The "is it worth it" question is admittedly very personal. This one has a ton of features I really wanted in one bag and then they made it in a great color. I like everything it includes and wouldn't use at all the things it omits so its the sweet spot. The price IS high and no doubt they're making a pretty penny off these editions but market prices being what they are people will pay and some will pay even stupid prices on eBay. But in the end, my attitude has been "if it brings you joy" then consider it. But this one isn't for everyone. The baseline GR2 or Long Range Rucker would satisfy most people for a travel option.
awesome overview thx. also not a fan of the orange zipper pulls
It would be the first thing to change!
This manages to mix up the colors without looking like some overly self aware 1980s/retro type thing. A small amount of pop but not enough to stand out too much in a crowd. The modern materials also blend well in urban settings if the "Grey Man" thing is what you're about. Or just not having an overly tactical bag...
Totally agree. It really looked great. I ended up selling this one and kinda regret it...
I believe V2’s primary material is VX21 rather than V1’s VX42 according to their descriptions. Can you please verify this point by chance?
That's correct. The V1 GR2 is VX42 and they went with VX21 with the V2
Wish it came in 26l
Me too! I. I bet they do eventually
Any idea on how durable the vx21 material is?
No real way to tell but I’ve heard “not very”. A friend of mine tore his up quite easily. Scars guarantee though.
@@dylannutt5772 they’re super helpful if you reach out to them
I'm kicking myself for not getting this pack..
You can usually find them available from people selling