It all started with a single gift, but my love for Goruck began long before that. I first saw Goruck bags online and was immediately drawn to their rugged look and minimalist design. But it wasn’t until 2014, while walking through the halls of my university, that I saw someone carrying one in person. I couldn’t resist stopping them to ask if I could check it out—it was the first time I got to see and feel a Goruck up close, and it only fueled my obsession. Between that moment and getting my own in 2018, I went through several other bags, constantly chasing that good feeling I had when I first saw the Goruck. But nothing quite matched up.

In 2018, my brother and friends surprised me with a GR1 26L for my bachelor party. That gift finally satisfied the itch I’d been trying to scratch with other brands, and since then, I’ve never looked back. If anything, getting that bag pushed me even deeper into the world of Goruck. I started collecting more, appreciating the way each piece could fit seamlessly into my life, from work to travel to everyday carry.

My Current GoRuck Collection

• GR1 21L in Grey – A raffle win and a special bag I’ll never part with. More on this in another post.
• GR1 26L in Black – My everyday workhorse, gifted by my brother and friends.
• Kit Bag in Black – Primarily used as a gym bag but also great for weekend trips.
• Wire Dopp and Mini Wire Dopp – Handy for organizing small items when I travel.
• 3 GR1 Field Pockets & 1 GR2 Field Pocket – Great for organizing electronics and essentials inside my bags.
• Shadow Bags & Simple Pockets – Extra storage options that fit various needs.

What sets Goruck apart for me is how tough these bags are and how they manage to blend into every setting, whether it’s the office or out for a ruck. They’re built to last, and the customizable nature of each bag allows me to configure them in whatever way suits my needs best. I’ve tried other bags, but nothing quite compares to Goruck. Before, I was constantly buying and testing different brands, but now, I’m more than content with what I have.

I’ve only parted with one Goruck bag so far—the GR2 34L. While it was a great bag, the extra dividers and pockets just didn’t work for me. I’d often forget where I put things, leading to frustration as I opened every pocket just to find something. I’ve realized I prefer a single large compartment where I can add my own pouches or organizers. The GR3, with its spacious open layout, would have been a better fit for my style of packing, which is why I still have it on my mind.

One of my favorite memories is taking my GR1 26L on my honeymoon to Greece. It was my first major trip with the bag, and it performed flawlessly, fitting everything I needed while staying comfortable on my back. Some of the roads in Greece were cobble stone and having to roll my wife’s roller bag around was reminder enough that packing one page and the GR1 was the way to go. That’s the beauty of Goruck—every bag feels like it’s made for the journey, whether it’s across town or across the world.

Another standout is the GR1 21L, which I won in a raffle. I’ve already shared the full story in another post, but like my 26L, it’s a keeper. It’s not just a bag; it’s a reminder of how my love for Goruck has grown over the years and the community that comes with it.

As my collection has evolved, I’ve thought about adding more, like the new Kit Bag with a divider for laptops, but I haven’t pulled the trigger since my current setup works well. I’ve also considered the Heritage GR1 26L for its classic look, but my current GR1 already has a patina which gives it a similar look. I’ve also toyed with the idea of selling some items, like my wire dopps, but I hesitate because they aren’t always available, and I don’t want to regret letting them go.

I’ll be sharing photos of my Goruck collection throughout the years, capturing how each bag has fit into different moments of my life. From work setups to travel adventures, these bags have been more than just gear—they’re companions in my daily routines and special trips alike. My Goruck collection reflects more than just a love for bags; it’s a timeline of experiences and memories. Each piece tells a story, from that first GR1 I got as a gift to the ones I’ve collected since.

Whether I’m packing for a quick gym session, gearing up for a long trip, or simply carrying my essentials to the office, there’s always a Goruck that fits the occasion. I don’t see myself adding too many more to the collection, but each one I have holds a special place and continues to serve me well. I’m excited to see where my Gorucks will take me next, and I know I’ll be carrying them with me for years to come.