I bought 3 backpacks (returning at least 2) to test before the weekend. Hopefully one of them sticks.

@Mtt which ones did you pick up? I finally got a GR-1 for $100 off, which is rare.

@bradbarrish Great minds. I got a GR1 on sale like you did, a Mystery Ranch Urban Assault from Huckberry, and an Osprey Farpoint 40L. Wanted a variety to test.

I'm currently selling (eBay) a Bullet Ruck, Tom Bihn Ristretto, and an Incase Icon.

I go through too many of these things.

Have you had a GoRuck before?

@bradbarrish Huckberry has the GR1 in Black for $100 off right now. I bought mine direct from GoRuck (also get military discount). I got the green one. You?

@Mtt @bradbarrish I have all three of those you are testing, very different bags. Let me know if you have any questions!

@scientifics I need to make a quick decision, so any input you have could help. Basic use would be urban day-to-day. But I would also use for travel and occasional short hikes. I’m 6’4” and want to carry an iPad Pro 12.9” often. Leaning GR1 without having it yet (no one ever says bad things about it).

@Mtt if I may jump in. Have the GR0 and I love it but when not fully loading it some sort of internal organisation is helpful. When packed to the brim, you need to look out to put flat things against the back lest you want to risk putting too much pressure on the iPad.

@Mtt apart from that and once broken in, it’s a damn good ruck, capable of being everything from a daypack, to a travel pack, to a light hiking pack. It’s been with me for 7 years now and shows few signs of wear.

@mangochutney Thanks. I have a ton of organizational possibilities, so that should be a problem. In fact, I probably should get rid of a ton of pouches/cubes/rolls/etc soon. Do you suggest any of the molle attachement accessories from GoRuck? Any from other brands?

@Mtt The Osprey is definitely too big (and the tech pouch on the front is not an ideal placement), and I’m unsure if the iPad will fit in the Mystery Ranch, so sounds like the GR1 will be the best bet. I’m assuming you got the 26L?

@Mtt @mangochutney The GORUCK Field Pockets are nice, you’d only need one, but they are expensive and a bit overkill if you don’t need padding. I found the Simple Side Pocket works well for me inside the bag, and the Wire Dopp fits perfectly in either the inside or outside pocket. Any brand of MOLLE will work as it’s a standard system. And @ben might have some more input.

@scientifics Yeah, @ben has been a primary resource for me on this (and some knives and watch stuff).

I did get the 26L and one field pocket. Debating the Wire Dopp and side pocket. Didn’t think of putting side pocket inside.

I got a ridiculously good deal on the Osprey, so I may just pass it along as a gift.

@Mtt I adore the MOLLE on the inside. Most times it holds a pouch into which the padded insert of my Billingham Hadley camera bag fits perfectly. That way I have a very inconspicuous way to carry my camera gear, too.

@Mtt I have not. I've been using a 5.11 24, which I really like, but it's big. I travel weekly for work, so I use it for that and when I travel on longer trips as my carry-on. Works great, but want to try something smaller.

@scientifics Loves the look and feel of the Mystery Ranch, but the layout and capacity just doesn’t work for me. So 1 down.

@Mtt Figured as much. Interested to see your thoughts on the other two. Very different bags.

@scientifics First impression of GR1 is — Holy cow, why did I wait so long for this? Obviously needs breaking in, but it’s the perfect size for what I want. Can’t imagine the Osprey (hasn’t arrived yet) will even compete.

For GR1, do you carry a water bottle with it? I got their mesh water thing, but I’m undecided on it.

@Mtt Yep, same reaction I had once I finally gave into @Ben’s recommendation. And if I carry one, it’s a screw top inside.

@Mtt my black GR-1 arrived today from Huckberry. I’m in love.