I'm not generally a Goruck person but I stumbled upon and snagged this bag when Goruck was offering it a great sale price. Have to say, it's one of my favorite bags (minus the Goruck patch which I'm not fond of, so took it off and replaced with a Great Wave patch). I love the Tidal Blue color, and I think the double compartment and all of the pockets makes the bag feel like it carries more than just 16L. At the time of the sale I chose the 16L over the 18L (also then being offered on sale in Tidal Blue) and glad I did. It's perfect for me for everyday carry and as my personal size carry on bag during travel.
Great review! I just got the 18L version of this in the mail today and my first impressions are that I absolutely love it. It's my first GORUCK and the more subdued / less tactical look is what drew me to it (helped by the Robic material which feels great), and the organization seems super functional for EDC or travel. Also never been a patch person but having the field is kinda making me want to get one 🤔
Double compartment bullet 16L or 18L with the bottle pockets from the KR1 and it would be almost perfect. Agree with your preference for sternum straps even on smaller bags. Luckily the straps look like adding one wouldn’t be too hard.
Loving this 420D ripstop. I wish I could have gotten one in blue, but at the time I bought it it was only available in the standard black. It's also very expensive in EU - €300 for 16L and €320 for 18L. But if you manage to get it on sale for €100 off like I did, I think it's totally worth it. I got the 18l version and this thing is 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, kibble for my dog for 2 days and a collapsible rubber bowl for food/water. And I could have put a laptop on top of all that too, cause the laptop compartment was 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. One thing I wish was different is the slanted bottom. Wish they had made it straight, so the bag could stand better on its own. It still can, but not always, depends how you pack. Comfort is also great, I have zero complaints. And I'm 6'4" and 250lbs. Was seriously expecting to have to return it because of its size being incompatible with my large frame, but nope - it's great. (And because of that I don't even miss the strap keepers, cause there's almost no strap left over to dangle)
I have an MR ASAP and 3DA and I have to say traveling with molle is a no-go. The hook and loop here is the absolute limit , and I agree this actually allows people to indulge in the durability of the bag without looking like a vetflake still convincing himself he rucks in normal life.
I enjoyed the review! My wife never understood why I liked GORUCK bags until I bought her the 18L for Mother's Day. She's used it for work and trips, and she loves it. I'm 6'3" and don't feel it's as comfortable as my 26L GR1, but the 18L fits her perfectly. Also, the price ($140ish usd) is more reasonable than the $255 for the black one.
I've used this bag on all my trips this year and it's been a great personal item bag and a daily work bag. I have the 18L and it seems to hold way more than my Synapse 19. That back bottom area is supposed to help with lumbar support. I didn't notice any issues with it after wearing it a lot. No joke on the ventilation though. I had no issues on my trips in the fall through spring, but I just went to Philly two weeks ago and holy back and shoulder sweat batman. I throw my Cap1 exactly where you put the dayfairer and it works great for a quick grab spot.
Another great review, Aaron. Nice job. I bought my DC16 last November soon after launch. Since then, it has been my personal item "under the seat" bag in a 2-bag carry on set up with a rollaboard. BTW, mine is 17" x 11" x 7" when packed out. I find it holds closer to 20-21L. The DC18 is closer to 24-25L. I think Go Ruck advertises 16L and 18L so as to not eat into the pricier GR2 26L demand. I pack clothes and shoes in the rollaboard (things I don't mind getting gate-checked), and all my tech, necessities and in flight needs in the DC16. Specifically, TSA liquids pouch and GoRuck Wire Dopp in the outer compartment. I find the Wire Dopp perfect for all my in flight needs (mask, earbuds, snack, charging bank, etc). I just pull it out and put it in the seat back pocket for easy access in flight. In the inner compartment, I have spare clothes in the mesh pocket. In the main, I keep my tech pouch, dopp kit and 2nd laptop screen. Laptop in the bombroof section. I do put random travel things (flashlights, etc.) and my wallet/keys in the QAP or the built in field pocket. So I am more of a pouch guy. I use about half of the built-in pockets. For example, that front slash pocket is empty on mine. When packed out, it's hard to get into that sucker.
This is the best EDC option GORUCK offers IMO, I have the 18L in tidal blue, Congrats to all who were able to snag the tidal blues at a killer deal ($160 for 18L) My edc weight is just a tad above 20lbs, having the lumbar support in the bottom of the back panel definitely makes a difference in comfort. My guess is GR added the lumbar support because they still consider it a rucker 🤷🏽♂️.
I actually bought my first go ruck bag a couple days ago, based on a review you did awhile ago. Since my dad was a veteran he also told me about ruck bags and was very impressed at what they did. I ended up buying the GR1 and realllllly love how hefty the 1000D Cordura is. They just had a “Christmas in July” sale and I was able to get a really good deal, and an insanely neon awesome color too! - It is a minimalist interior and yes the zippers are tough with no water bottle holder…but the lifetime warantee, and story sold me on the GR1. …….The Ripstop bullet version in this video, not for me though.
I really like your videos and even if I own so many [so, so many...] bagpacks, I still haven't found the perfect one for me [basically: here is a challenge for you!]. I am 170cm, 56, a skint PhD student who is always out and about. A 20-22 lt is way too small and most of the times a 30lt way to... sporty and bulky and outdoorsy. When I am travelling for example to Manchester, UK for a day of work and studying I carry : water + flask for coffees + mug [I am tired of paying £5+ for a decent coffee when out], food + snacks, minimum of toiletries + makeup, "usual things you would carry in your bag", headphones, laptop, chargers, and... books + journal [B5 size], umbrella, a quick change, and extra sarong coz you never know where you end up in the evening + chanting beads. All of my bags become v heavy and [I know, sorry...] but don't match the clothing I wear. If I buy an all-black is so masculine and minimalist it won't match everything else. So, any idea on how to help me?! Any suggestion?!
The price of this Bullet Double Compartment 16L is the same price as the Evergoods CTB20 here in Malaysia from the same shop that carries these brands. Which would you go for?
@@glassmw9823 I have the CTB26 and I have tried on the CTB20. It's the same exact bag in a slightly smaller form factor. I might try on the Bullet when I drop by at the shop.
I understand the colorway availability thing but there's something hilarious about showing a turquoise-colored bag and saying it's only available in black 🤣🤣🤣
I go between my gr1 slick and the Alpaka elements pro, I love my gr1 but I don't like the deep dump pockets.wish the front pocket had more of admin style organization that the Alpaka has
@@mr_red13 both have great warranties, and while GORUCKs is technically better you likely will never need either, but if you REALLY beat the crap out of your bags it could be worth it
@@Nomads.Nation Have been on the right since my school days. I tried to shift to the left shoulder as my CTB26 vertical front pocket is on the left side so it feels unnatural and my right shoulder is more dominant and there is more slippage on my left shoulder.
Cardboard...! ? Matey if you personally seen the GoRuck guys, you probably wouldn't use the word "cardboard" for a description. Nevertheless, it's a perfect school b/pack for rugrats on base. To their parents, thank you for your service.
I could never understand, what's the background to set such a price for goruck? For what should I pay almost x2 of other not worse variants of commonly used brands on the market?
@@morewings good to know! I hope that GORUCK using Robic Ripstop (instead of a generic brand) means that it can handle wear and tear better than the Thule you owned
@@MS-ge2jb many bags have some sort of clamshell opening and a water bottle holder. Evergoods CTB20, Nomatic Backpack, Aer City Pack Pro, and many more
Because it holds more like 20-21L. The DC18 holds more like 24-25L. I think GR advertises 16L and 18L so as to not eat into the demand for the pricier GR2 26L.
Do you want to help me build a game-changing backpack? 👉🏼 nomadsnation.com/building-a-backpack
I'm not generally a Goruck person but I stumbled upon and snagged this bag when Goruck was offering it a great sale price. Have to say, it's one of my favorite bags (minus the Goruck patch which I'm not fond of, so took it off and replaced with a Great Wave patch). I love the Tidal Blue color, and I think the double compartment and all of the pockets makes the bag feel like it carries more than just 16L. At the time of the sale I chose the 16L over the 18L (also then being offered on sale in Tidal Blue) and glad I did. It's perfect for me for everyday carry and as my personal size carry on bag during travel.
great point, it def can pack sooo much more than your typical 16L
Great review! I just got the 18L version of this in the mail today and my first impressions are that I absolutely love it. It's my first GORUCK and the more subdued / less tactical look is what drew me to it (helped by the Robic material which feels great), and the organization seems super functional for EDC or travel. Also never been a patch person but having the field is kinda making me want to get one 🤔
It’s a great pack - go glad you are digging it!
Double compartment bullet 16L or 18L with the bottle pockets from the KR1 and it would be almost perfect. Agree with your preference for sternum straps even on smaller bags. Luckily the straps look like adding one wouldn’t be too hard.
very true!
Loving this 420D ripstop. I wish I could have gotten one in blue, but at the time I bought it it was only available in the standard black. It's also very expensive in EU - €300 for 16L and €320 for 18L. But if you manage to get it on sale for €100 off like I did, I think it's totally worth it.
I got the 18l version and this thing is 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, kibble for my dog for 2 days and a collapsible rubber bowl for food/water. And I could have put a laptop on top of all that too, cause the laptop compartment was 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.
One thing I wish was different is the slanted bottom. Wish they had made it straight, so the bag could stand better on its own. It still can, but not always, depends how you pack.
Comfort is also great, I have zero complaints. And I'm 6'4" and 250lbs. Was seriously expecting to have to return it because of its size being incompatible with my large frame, but nope - it's great. (And because of that I don't even miss the strap keepers, cause there's almost no strap left over to dangle)
glad to hear you are loving it!
I have an MR ASAP and 3DA and I have to say traveling with molle is a no-go. The hook and loop here is the absolute limit , and I agree this actually allows people to indulge in the durability of the bag without looking like a vetflake still convincing himself he rucks in normal life.
We have one we did a few years ago (linked below) and plan to make an updated one soon
ua-cam.com/video/dt9a6z5zroY/v-deo.html
I enjoyed the review! My wife never understood why I liked GORUCK bags until I bought her the 18L for Mother's Day. She's used it for work and trips, and she loves it. I'm 6'3" and don't feel it's as comfortable as my 26L GR1, but the 18L fits her perfectly. Also, the price ($140ish usd) is more reasonable than the $255 for the black one.
agreed on the price!
I've used this bag on all my trips this year and it's been a great personal item bag and a daily work bag. I have the 18L and it seems to hold way more than my Synapse 19. That back bottom area is supposed to help with lumbar support. I didn't notice any issues with it after wearing it a lot. No joke on the ventilation though. I had no issues on my trips in the fall through spring, but I just went to Philly two weeks ago and holy back and shoulder sweat batman. I throw my Cap1 exactly where you put the dayfairer and it works great for a quick grab spot.
yea it can get a bit sweaty back there lol
Another great review, Aaron. Nice job. I bought my DC16 last November soon after launch. Since then, it has been my personal item "under the seat" bag in a 2-bag carry on set up with a rollaboard. BTW, mine is 17" x 11" x 7" when packed out. I find it holds closer to 20-21L. The DC18 is closer to 24-25L. I think Go Ruck advertises 16L and 18L so as to not eat into the pricier GR2 26L demand.
I pack clothes and shoes in the rollaboard (things I don't mind getting gate-checked), and all my tech, necessities and in flight needs in the DC16. Specifically, TSA liquids pouch and GoRuck Wire Dopp in the outer compartment. I find the Wire Dopp perfect for all my in flight needs (mask, earbuds, snack, charging bank, etc). I just pull it out and put it in the seat back pocket for easy access in flight.
In the inner compartment, I have spare clothes in the mesh pocket. In the main, I keep my tech pouch, dopp kit and 2nd laptop screen. Laptop in the bombroof section.
I do put random travel things (flashlights, etc.) and my wallet/keys in the QAP or the built in field pocket. So I am more of a pouch guy. I use about half of the built-in pockets. For example, that front slash pocket is empty on mine. When packed out, it's hard to get into that sucker.
so glad that you like it!
Is it uncomfortable to wear with a laptop in the laptop compartment? I’m still deciding between this and the CPL16.
@mr_red13 not uncomfortable for me. YMMV
@@mr_red13 never was a problem for me
@@ParkerBinion Do you have the GR1 21L? Curious if the Bullet DC 16 holds the same if not more? Thanks for your comment above. Very helpful.
This is the best EDC option GORUCK offers IMO, I have the 18L in tidal blue, Congrats to all who were able to snag the tidal blues at a killer deal ($160 for 18L) My edc weight is just a tad above 20lbs, having the lumbar support in the bottom of the back panel definitely makes a difference in comfort. My guess is GR added the lumbar support because they still consider it a rucker 🤷🏽♂️.
Aaron learned a new word "lumbar support" - thanks John!
I have the 18l version. Great bag. I was lucky to get it when Goruck offered it for $135.
great deal!
wow that is an absolute steal!
I actually bought my first go ruck bag a couple days ago, based on a review you did awhile ago. Since my dad was a veteran he also told me about ruck bags and was very impressed at what they did. I ended up buying the GR1 and realllllly love how hefty the 1000D Cordura is. They just had a “Christmas in July” sale and I was able to get a really good deal, and an insanely neon awesome color too! - It is a minimalist interior and yes the zippers are tough with no water bottle holder…but the lifetime warantee, and story sold me on the GR1. …….The Ripstop bullet version in this video, not for me though.
so glad you like it and that we were able to help your decision!
I really like your videos and even if I own so many [so, so many...] bagpacks, I still haven't found the perfect one for me [basically: here is a challenge for you!]. I am 170cm, 56, a skint PhD student who is always out and about. A 20-22 lt is way too small and most of the times a 30lt way to... sporty and bulky and outdoorsy. When I am travelling for example to Manchester, UK for a day of work and studying I carry : water + flask for coffees + mug [I am tired of paying £5+ for a decent coffee when out], food + snacks, minimum of toiletries + makeup, "usual things you would carry in your bag", headphones, laptop, chargers, and... books + journal [B5 size], umbrella, a quick change, and extra sarong coz you never know where you end up in the evening + chanting beads. All of my bags become v heavy and [I know, sorry...] but don't match the clothing I wear. If I buy an all-black is so masculine and minimalist it won't match everything else.
So, any idea on how to help me?! Any suggestion?!
Have you looked into Bellroy? The Classic Backpack Plus is 24L and the Venture Ready is 26L - both come in a range of nice colors!
@@Nomads.Nation Thank you! I didn't and now I will! mx
The price of this Bullet Double Compartment 16L is the same price as the Evergoods CTB20 here in Malaysia from the same shop that carries these brands. Which would you go for?
Depends on what your needs are…
@@glassmw9823 I have the CTB26 and I have tried on the CTB20. It's the same exact bag in a slightly smaller form factor. I might try on the Bullet when I drop by at the shop.
Both are great bags but I prefer the CTB aesthetic so I’d personally go with that (granted neither are really my personal ideal aesthetic though)
Margaret playing the boss like a pro 😂
she is THE boss 🫡 😂
@@Nomads.Nation 🤣🤣
I understand the colorway availability thing but there's something hilarious about showing a turquoise-colored bag and saying it's only available in black 🤣🤣🤣
loll
I go between my gr1 slick and the Alpaka elements pro, I love my gr1 but I don't like the deep dump pockets.wish the front pocket had more of admin style organization that the Alpaka has
I hear ya there
Have you ever reviewed a Savotta ?
The Jääkäri M or S are exceptional.
The new Kahakka 15L or 25L look amazing, eapecially the 15L
haven't but will check em out!
why is the backpanel off-centered to the right? is that for real? I hope to see a comparison with CPL16.
I’m not sure what you mean…
Can you please review the new Stubble & Co 42L backpack.
Thanks
I’ll add to our wish list - cheers!
Would love to see a comparison to the evergoods CPL 16!
we don't do many comparison videos cuz they don't perform very well, but we are hoping to get the CPL 16 in our hands soon for a full review!
I just preordered the CPL16 but don’t know if I should cancel and go with a Goruck for their warranty.
@@mr_red13 both have great warranties, and while GORUCKs is technically better you likely will never need either, but if you REALLY beat the crap out of your bags it could be worth it
Looks sick! Hope they release an xpac line though
I wonder if they ever have 🤔
When U push a backpack to the limit like that , R U going to damage the backpack ?
depends what the limit is lol, but GORUCK bags are very durable
basically a TAD litespeed without load panel.
never heard of it, I'll check it out
Hey Aaron are you more of a left shoulder strap guy or the right?
Right all day! You?
@@Nomads.Nation Have been on the right since my school days. I tried to shift to the left shoulder as my CTB26 vertical front pocket is on the left side so it feels unnatural and my right shoulder is more dominant and there is more slippage on my left shoulder.
Cardboard...! ? Matey if you personally seen the GoRuck guys, you probably wouldn't use the word "cardboard" for a description. Nevertheless, it's a perfect school b/pack for rugrats on base. To their parents, thank you for your service.
don't tell them 🤫 lol
I could never understand, what's the background to set such a price for goruck? For what should I pay almost x2 of other not worse variants of commonly used brands on the market?
Lifetime warranty.
@@ParkerBinion it makes sense to have it with almost 2x price, sure.
I'd pick Savotta over GoRuck
the warranty is pretty epic, plus some of the bags are made in USA which = higher costs.
Osprey have lifetime warranty too even on their Daylite or other sub $100 bags.
Review the chrome industries Camden
🫡
this bag is giving old school LLBean backpack vibes.
a bit for sure! haha
Let me guess: does this also has the false bottom at laptop compartment?
yup!
perfect patch would say, "go ruck yourself" *crickets*
love that 😂
In my experience, ripstop fabric tends to rub off very quickly. IMHO, not the best choice for a backpack.
rub off? you mean tear? 🤔
@@Nomads.Nation Yes. Me no native speaker, sorry.
@@morewings all good, thanks for the clarification! And yes, it's not the most abrasion-resistant - nowhere near as tough as the 1000D Cordura
@@Nomads.Nation I had Thule backpack made from ripstop. Lasted 1year before bottom went off.
@@morewings good to know! I hope that GORUCK using Robic Ripstop (instead of a generic brand) means that it can handle wear and tear better than the Thule you owned
Are you a drill sergeant who hates water bottles? Smash that like button
😂
If its not Cordura i don't want it
paid for by the Cordura marketing department (jk)
I think you overstuffed it 😂doesn’t look comfortable or easy to manage like that
I gotta show the full capacity, this things is a beast!
Dude, just buy memobottle or other flat water bottle! Grrhhh. A bag with bottle pocket is identical with school bag!
agreed it's not a huge deal to me, but to others it's a deal-breaker
If someone demands a water-bottle pocket, how can the bag have a clam shell?@@Nomads.Nation
@@Nomads.NationIf someone demands a water-bottle-pocket, how can the bag use a clam shell opening?
@@MS-ge2jb many bags have some sort of clamshell opening and a water bottle holder. Evergoods CTB20, Nomatic Backpack, Aer City Pack Pro, and many more
@@Nomads.NationIt is double clamshell compartment dude.
That is the most crap I’ve seen fit in a 16L bag. Measure the bag when it’s full.
Because it holds more like 20-21L. The DC18 holds more like 24-25L. I think GR advertises 16L and 18L so as to not eat into the demand for the pricier GR2 26L.
is that an order lol