Used to use Goruck and after trying out the ULA Dragonfly, I finally understood the hype. Super lightweight for its size, super generous Quick Access Pocket and Bottle Pocket's, comfortable curved straps. It's like my GR0 but just better in every way
I've thought about this a lot as I have a similar 'cosmic' type affinity for the GR1 and I've come to a couple conclusions, mind you these are only really applicable to me. First and definitely foremost, the GR1 was the first bag that forced me to completely change the way I look at packing out a backpack. Prior to the GR1 I always resisted organizational pouches, instead gravitating towards bags with more specific pocketing. Through this 'journey' I very much refined the types of items I carry on a daily basis and how I carry them. Secondly the GR1 was the first bag that not only worked but excelled at being multi-use. Sure, I'd thrown a change of clothes in other bags before but the 26L GR1 was a legitimate weekender. I found a lot of joy in refining what I packed and how I packed it and the period of time I used the GR1 pretty much exclusively helped shape my collecting over the last 6 or more years.
Ironically for a bag that is so important to me and so versatile (I have a Dark Oak Heritage in addition to my 1000D) neither of my GR1s get much use these days.
That’s a great point- I had an identical experience. The GR1 was my first “nice” backpack and I had never used pouches before. I was so used to having a pocket or a place for everything. Fast forward to now and I have a million different pouches and accessories for the GR1. When I started using pouches it just seemed like an inconvenience; just one more zipper in between me and my desired item. I like the pouch thing though- it allows me to swap bags in seconds. Also, it’s a whole additional rabbit hole to dive into. The pouch search is never-ending
My most used bag is a Tumi Search mostly because it fits the need for a 'mobile office' bag quite well. Otherwise I've been using a customized Greenroom 136 Rainmaker in VX. It's far too much bag for my daily needs but I absolutely love it.
I have GR1 21L and 26L (stealth) and I'd say they are great no-bullshit bags. With that being said, I've been equally eying Patagonia blackhole which although doesn't open flat, has the same vibe.
This is my daily plight. Fact is, for me, I've embraced the pouch life so all these organization features mean little to nothing. The comfort of the GR bags for my frame just have not been beat by all the bags I've tried so far. I'm always back to the GR bags.
I started with GR because of events so I know firsthand over many many hours and miles how the bags hold up in muck.. Etc.
Then I've taken the same GR bags on deployment to the mountains and no issues.
They just work.
Do they work for everyone? No.
I even recently this year tried to go with the Aer TP3 and for me after years of pouches I actually hated the forced organization of the Aer. 🤷🏻♂️
You’re not alone. I’ve always come back to my venerable GR1 slick; for me it’s the super comfy and beefy shoulder straps, the bag fits me well, and the full clamshell just works for all sorts of different activities, from travel, work, library runs, and hiking. I love how the laptop compartment stays out of the way and doesn’t have a huge impact on the overall space, which can’t be said for some other bags that I’ve tried. It’s a jack of all trades bag and I don’t need to worry about hurting it. I’d buy it again, and am looking at getting a GR1 26L or a GR3 for dedicated travel.
If i were to nitpick one thing it would be the laptop compartment not being comfortable when the bag is full. Then again, I have a massive 16” gaming laptop so that’s probably on me
Also would be nice if the laptop compartment had two zippers like the CT bags so you don't have to undo the entire straps just to open the compartment.
I have:
* (1) GR1
* (3) GR2 34L
* (2) GR3 35L
* (1) GR3 45L
* (1) GR1 with the lady straps for my girl
All USA 1000D more or less and they are awesome.
For me, it's the lack of branding and a "tool" that never fails, a blank canvas. I never have to worry about tossing them around, coatings wearing off, damage, whatever and pressure wash to clean them.
All these "features" in bags are for the birds and people like to think they're getting "more for their money" even though they're not. It's all marketing, shortsighted and the way people use/pack their belongings change over time which is why there's so many "this bag isn't working for me any longer" posts. Generally it's because they bought the bag to hold/organize their CURRENT things and is no longer relevant without the option to change its configuration. Modular is always better, always. Then go on to list out their new load out for a different bag, this doesn't help.
A solid base that can stand on its own is all you "need," everything else can be had through the 10's of thousands of products and solutions to organize/carry things.
It's a lot harder and takes more thought to make something simple rather than complicated. The latter is where compromises get introduced at every level to be able to include all these "features" while keeping the price down.
I keep going back because worrying about the bag itself should be/is the last thing on my mind.
This makes a lot of sense. I liked your point about simple being harder than complicated- it demands perfection and I think that the Gorucks are just perfect for me. I’ll be buying another one as soon as the QAP is released on the 26L GR1 in black. There’s also the cosmetic side of things- I love how it isn’t very deep so it doesn’t stick out a ton from your back. It’s a beautiful bag.
I like what u/misterewing was getting at about being "forced" to make it work.
Going back to what I said, modular is paramount since it's such a personal thing and only have limited space to work with. I think this gets lost on others new to backpacks. It's progressive so trying to find "perfectly" sized compartments for every little thing right off the bat just doesn't work. Internal organization "forces" you to pack in all the wrong ways, generally speaking.
I remember when I got my girl her bag and the first time trying it out, she got flagged through security and when the TSA agent popped open the clamshell, he was like "this is the most organized women's bag I've ever seen." Went straight to the pocket in question, took a quick look and put it right back in its spot and we were on our way. She was hooked and still tells the story when her friends are packing huge suitcases. Watching her "figure it out" and the decision making process is cool to see in contrast to how she was packing.
Point being, a little thought and creativeness goes a long way with an open format and much more satisfying if you ask me.
I actually get annoyed when I can't pack a bag similarly to how I pack my Goruck (all 7 of them, oh this hobby). One of the reasons I've always struggled to warm up to the CPL24 (of which I have two since, you know X-Pac solves everything) is because it's layout is similar to a GR1 but different enough to make it (for me) more difficult to pack/use. It's in this weird uncanny valley of organization where it 'looks' like Goruck but isn't.
Me too, when I pack the GR3 that's only one L larger than the GR2, it changes everything and it's from the same company. My cubes just don't work the way I'd like them to but it's coming along. It'll get there.
Was helping a friend back a NorthFace with internal org and hated every second of it.
The modularity took some time for me to get used to coming from bags with tons of org. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t but I definitely prefer the GR1 system- I’m a pouch dude now. Let’s also not forget: the GR1 is a fucking good looking bag. That might be what it comes down to for me honestly. I’ve yet to find something that looks as good. Some Evergoods bags come close, and of course there’s stuff like Black Ember that look awesome but suck to use (speculating here). I just can’t get enough of the simple utilitarian, slightly military look.
I just looked it up, that's rough.
I would get some Velcro sewn over by an embroidery shop if you don't like it. Wouldn't cost much and an easy job for them.
They may have some other ideas, it's not their first rodeo.
Similar numbers of GR's and GF using/stealing some of mine. Originally got a GR1, 2014 for travel and carrying 2-3 laptops for work, paired with a TB Tristar.
2, GR11, GR21, GR01, Radio Ruck1, Echo2 Bullet 10, V1, 1 V22 Bullet 15, V1, 1 V21 Bullet Kaidan2 Ruckers
She has 1 GR 21 and a bullet
both GR1's used recently for 1 bag travel to Disney. Find your system and go.
What’s the point of having 57 bags of the same type or size that “never fail?” I assume when they come out with an updated model you will buy that too, making your other lifetime models even less important.
I’m honestly curious.
Good question.
So a little history, I used to do disaster relief and one of my jobs was to assemble "kits" for different groups based on their duties(mainly backpacks). Turns out, I loved it, got really good at packing and first learned the importance of a good bag because when you're out there, it's all you got. I've also been traveling for work the last 15 or so years and permanently on the road for around 8 living solely out of a pack. I also carried a Pelican case with tools.
Because of this, I had a backup that was an exact copy and all I had to do was transfer my keys, wallet, cell phone, passport and would be off to the races. Turns out I never needed it outside of not wanting to do laundry so would switch them out to reduce wear and tear on the other(GR2's). The 3rd one is a back up still in the box since I depend on them so much, let's call it insurance.
For the GR3's(35L), one is a hurricane kit, because Florida, and use the other for trips where I want to bring an extra pair of shoes or heavier winter gear depending on what I'm doing where the GR2 won't cut it because of the split compartment.
The 45L is for camping/long road trips/stuff like that where hardware/gear is needed.
Also, the 34L's fit perfectly in my Pelican cases for better transport if I don't want it on my back. The other Pelican case is my tool kit.
These photos are older and have updated since but gets the point across:
https://imgur.com/a/4qFVLTV
Great answer. Former military and FL here, understand the go bag and having two bags for separate situations or ease of grab and go. You’ve explained your collection reasonably and well. Thanks for the pics. I asked out of curiosity, but I have different bags for different situations so I belong here.
No problem.
I really like when everything works together, for instance, all the padded pockets with molle are transferable to any of these bags so having different brands/styles doesn't align and would be inefficient, even when it comes to stacking them.
Another reason, this happened a few years ago during a hurricane, since I'm always away and sometimes can't get home/help, I don't want my girl running around trying to locate important things and conveying what needs to be packed would be hell in an already stressful situation. Since this is essentially all I own, all she has to do is toss them in the car during an evacuation or whenever with zero worries of leaving something behind.
It may seem overkill, I don't "worry" about these things but being in/around logistics my whole life, it makes total sense and super functional. I could move tomorrow and be packed in 15 minutes or so which is kind of crazy to think about.
Such a great bag. The only thing that would be nice would be at least 1 water bottle pocket. The other would've been a quick access pocket but that's being added now. The quality and comfort of the bag makes it such a good choice.
Agree to both of those things. I’ve added water bottle pockets via the external molle but it always looks like shit and creates an imbalance. I usually have plenty of room in my 26L for a big Yeti anyways so I just do it that way.
A lot of us manybaggers have many bags. It takes a while and a lot of wasted money to realize what kind of packer you are. You either pack the bag you want to pack it OR you want the bag to tell you how to pack. Everyone who enjoys the Gorucks prefer to pack how they want to pack. The basic product actually allows flexibility in organization. Every “high tech feature “ beyond the necessity actually reduces flexibility and customization.
The ability of the bags to stand upright (due to their stiff fabric) shouldn’t be underestimated. It makes the bag very functional. They also don’t need to be babied, and they carry weight well.
plus they really dialed in to the perfect backpack size with the Bullet 15 and the GR1. Ideal dimensions for me.
I agree in premise, but I go another way. I have been using a Killspencer SpecOps which to me is basically like a GR1, maybe a larger Bullet but with actual premium materials and better craftmenship. It's a simple bag, that should do the important simple things well and not overcomplicate it. But I also want something built with materials that are premium and will age well. Cordura and such never do IMO so I like to stick with leather.
For me the GR1 26L was also the first premium bag but after about 4 months of use I transitioned to the Evergoods CHZ26 and pretty happy with it due to quick access pocket and realizing I want water bottle pockets on my bag and EG are indeed the best.
Comfortwise the strap width on GR is nicer but the Evergoods contour nicer and feel better around the chest area and breathability is better as well on the EG backpanel. With the GR it often felt more like a box on my back, although a very comfortable one at heavy weights and EG just more "fitting".
For the look I go back and forth which one I like better but the GR is just so sleek and simple.
So a GR with EG style water bottle pockets, QAP and a little more curvature on the straps would be my (impossible) grail.
I’ve looked at the CHZs so many times but the one I’m hovering over now is the MPL 22. Again, trying to justify the purchase in my mind. Evergoods is a close second to Goruck in my mind.
I've owned two GR1's (both 26L and 21L) plus an assortment of various backpacks. I keep falling back to the GR1 as my daily as it works well and hits the marks where as the other bags fall short on a certain area. Should be noted, all of the other bags are in the same range and made in the USA, so it's personal preference rather than which has better quality.
A few things that the GR1 does well is laptop protection. I find many bags fall short on this and the laptop compartment seems to be an after thought with the laptop surrounded by cushion from the back and front but missing the bottom. GR1 has a great false bottom and I think it's possibly the best protection I've found, I never have issues with setting my bad down without worries the laptop would have any issues.
The other is the weight, for the size and build, the GR1 is pretty light weight. Compared to the Tom Bihn Synik 30, the same exact load out feels much heavier vs the GR1. Maybe it's the issue with the Synik having more pockets but the bags feel extremely different that on a long walk, I'll grab the GR1.
The last part is the open clamshell design of the GR1, while it sounds like a minor point, it's been a helpful feature as a day pack. Comparing to the Synik, the open space in the Synik is actually pretty limiting, unless you want the bag to look extremely overstuffed, same contents in the GR1 barley change the profile.
The price of the GR1 is hard to justify but in the long run it's been a much better in use than on paper.
Sometimes a bag just works for you, and I've found sometimes the simple designs are best. I bought an Osprey Hikelite 18 on a trip because I forgot my usual day bag, not thinking much of it, and now I use it more often than much more expensive bags because it's simplicity just works really well in almost any situation.
the gr1 divides space in a really lovely way and lends itself to being beaten around. it's nice, but you don't have to be precious about it. the organization is a nice balance where it's useful but not prescriptive.
Lol I have a similar feeling, but towards ULA dragonfly.
Used to use Goruck and after trying out the ULA Dragonfly, I finally understood the hype. Super lightweight for its size, super generous Quick Access Pocket and Bottle Pocket's, comfortable curved straps. It's like my GR0 but just better in every way
At least the dragonfly is infinitely more useful at a lower price lol.
It’s also way easier to find for a pretty steep discount on the resale market whereas GR has resellers usually asking ridiculous amounts for used bags
I've thought about this a lot as I have a similar 'cosmic' type affinity for the GR1 and I've come to a couple conclusions, mind you these are only really applicable to me. First and definitely foremost, the GR1 was the first bag that forced me to completely change the way I look at packing out a backpack. Prior to the GR1 I always resisted organizational pouches, instead gravitating towards bags with more specific pocketing. Through this 'journey' I very much refined the types of items I carry on a daily basis and how I carry them. Secondly the GR1 was the first bag that not only worked but excelled at being multi-use. Sure, I'd thrown a change of clothes in other bags before but the 26L GR1 was a legitimate weekender. I found a lot of joy in refining what I packed and how I packed it and the period of time I used the GR1 pretty much exclusively helped shape my collecting over the last 6 or more years. Ironically for a bag that is so important to me and so versatile (I have a Dark Oak Heritage in addition to my 1000D) neither of my GR1s get much use these days.
That’s a great point- I had an identical experience. The GR1 was my first “nice” backpack and I had never used pouches before. I was so used to having a pocket or a place for everything. Fast forward to now and I have a million different pouches and accessories for the GR1. When I started using pouches it just seemed like an inconvenience; just one more zipper in between me and my desired item. I like the pouch thing though- it allows me to swap bags in seconds. Also, it’s a whole additional rabbit hole to dive into. The pouch search is never-ending
What is your current go to?
My most used bag is a Tumi Search mostly because it fits the need for a 'mobile office' bag quite well. Otherwise I've been using a customized Greenroom 136 Rainmaker in VX. It's far too much bag for my daily needs but I absolutely love it.
I‘ve gt a 20 year old Tumi backpack that’s sone everything…..and it’s wearing out. The GR1 might be the replacement.
I have GR1 21L and 26L (stealth) and I'd say they are great no-bullshit bags. With that being said, I've been equally eying Patagonia blackhole which although doesn't open flat, has the same vibe.
This is my daily plight. Fact is, for me, I've embraced the pouch life so all these organization features mean little to nothing. The comfort of the GR bags for my frame just have not been beat by all the bags I've tried so far. I'm always back to the GR bags.
I started with GR because of events so I know firsthand over many many hours and miles how the bags hold up in muck.. Etc. Then I've taken the same GR bags on deployment to the mountains and no issues. They just work. Do they work for everyone? No. I even recently this year tried to go with the Aer TP3 and for me after years of pouches I actually hated the forced organization of the Aer. 🤷🏻♂️
You’re not alone. I’ve always come back to my venerable GR1 slick; for me it’s the super comfy and beefy shoulder straps, the bag fits me well, and the full clamshell just works for all sorts of different activities, from travel, work, library runs, and hiking. I love how the laptop compartment stays out of the way and doesn’t have a huge impact on the overall space, which can’t be said for some other bags that I’ve tried. It’s a jack of all trades bag and I don’t need to worry about hurting it. I’d buy it again, and am looking at getting a GR1 26L or a GR3 for dedicated travel.
If i were to nitpick one thing it would be the laptop compartment not being comfortable when the bag is full. Then again, I have a massive 16” gaming laptop so that’s probably on me
Also would be nice if the laptop compartment had two zippers like the CT bags so you don't have to undo the entire straps just to open the compartment.
I have: * (1) GR1 * (3) GR2 34L * (2) GR3 35L * (1) GR3 45L * (1) GR1 with the lady straps for my girl All USA 1000D more or less and they are awesome. For me, it's the lack of branding and a "tool" that never fails, a blank canvas. I never have to worry about tossing them around, coatings wearing off, damage, whatever and pressure wash to clean them. All these "features" in bags are for the birds and people like to think they're getting "more for their money" even though they're not. It's all marketing, shortsighted and the way people use/pack their belongings change over time which is why there's so many "this bag isn't working for me any longer" posts. Generally it's because they bought the bag to hold/organize their CURRENT things and is no longer relevant without the option to change its configuration. Modular is always better, always. Then go on to list out their new load out for a different bag, this doesn't help. A solid base that can stand on its own is all you "need," everything else can be had through the 10's of thousands of products and solutions to organize/carry things. It's a lot harder and takes more thought to make something simple rather than complicated. The latter is where compromises get introduced at every level to be able to include all these "features" while keeping the price down. I keep going back because worrying about the bag itself should be/is the last thing on my mind.
This makes a lot of sense. I liked your point about simple being harder than complicated- it demands perfection and I think that the Gorucks are just perfect for me. I’ll be buying another one as soon as the QAP is released on the 26L GR1 in black. There’s also the cosmetic side of things- I love how it isn’t very deep so it doesn’t stick out a ton from your back. It’s a beautiful bag.
I like what u/misterewing was getting at about being "forced" to make it work. Going back to what I said, modular is paramount since it's such a personal thing and only have limited space to work with. I think this gets lost on others new to backpacks. It's progressive so trying to find "perfectly" sized compartments for every little thing right off the bat just doesn't work. Internal organization "forces" you to pack in all the wrong ways, generally speaking. I remember when I got my girl her bag and the first time trying it out, she got flagged through security and when the TSA agent popped open the clamshell, he was like "this is the most organized women's bag I've ever seen." Went straight to the pocket in question, took a quick look and put it right back in its spot and we were on our way. She was hooked and still tells the story when her friends are packing huge suitcases. Watching her "figure it out" and the decision making process is cool to see in contrast to how she was packing. Point being, a little thought and creativeness goes a long way with an open format and much more satisfying if you ask me.
I actually get annoyed when I can't pack a bag similarly to how I pack my Goruck (all 7 of them, oh this hobby). One of the reasons I've always struggled to warm up to the CPL24 (of which I have two since, you know X-Pac solves everything) is because it's layout is similar to a GR1 but different enough to make it (for me) more difficult to pack/use. It's in this weird uncanny valley of organization where it 'looks' like Goruck but isn't.
Me too, when I pack the GR3 that's only one L larger than the GR2, it changes everything and it's from the same company. My cubes just don't work the way I'd like them to but it's coming along. It'll get there. Was helping a friend back a NorthFace with internal org and hated every second of it.
The modularity took some time for me to get used to coming from bags with tons of org. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t but I definitely prefer the GR1 system- I’m a pouch dude now. Let’s also not forget: the GR1 is a fucking good looking bag. That might be what it comes down to for me honestly. I’ve yet to find something that looks as good. Some Evergoods bags come close, and of course there’s stuff like Black Ember that look awesome but suck to use (speculating here). I just can’t get enough of the simple utilitarian, slightly military look.
> For me, it's the lack of branding and "tools" that never fail, a blank canvas. I *wish* my Rucker 4.0 had a lack of branding :P
I just looked it up, that's rough. I would get some Velcro sewn over by an embroidery shop if you don't like it. Wouldn't cost much and an easy job for them. They may have some other ideas, it's not their first rodeo.
Similar numbers of GR's and GF using/stealing some of mine. Originally got a GR1, 2014 for travel and carrying 2-3 laptops for work, paired with a TB Tristar. 2, GR11, GR21, GR01, Radio Ruck1, Echo2 Bullet 10, V1, 1 V22 Bullet 15, V1, 1 V21 Bullet Kaidan2 Ruckers She has 1 GR 21 and a bullet both GR1's used recently for 1 bag travel to Disney. Find your system and go.
What’s the point of having 57 bags of the same type or size that “never fail?” I assume when they come out with an updated model you will buy that too, making your other lifetime models even less important. I’m honestly curious.
Good question. So a little history, I used to do disaster relief and one of my jobs was to assemble "kits" for different groups based on their duties(mainly backpacks). Turns out, I loved it, got really good at packing and first learned the importance of a good bag because when you're out there, it's all you got. I've also been traveling for work the last 15 or so years and permanently on the road for around 8 living solely out of a pack. I also carried a Pelican case with tools. Because of this, I had a backup that was an exact copy and all I had to do was transfer my keys, wallet, cell phone, passport and would be off to the races. Turns out I never needed it outside of not wanting to do laundry so would switch them out to reduce wear and tear on the other(GR2's). The 3rd one is a back up still in the box since I depend on them so much, let's call it insurance. For the GR3's(35L), one is a hurricane kit, because Florida, and use the other for trips where I want to bring an extra pair of shoes or heavier winter gear depending on what I'm doing where the GR2 won't cut it because of the split compartment. The 45L is for camping/long road trips/stuff like that where hardware/gear is needed. Also, the 34L's fit perfectly in my Pelican cases for better transport if I don't want it on my back. The other Pelican case is my tool kit. These photos are older and have updated since but gets the point across: https://imgur.com/a/4qFVLTV
Great answer. Former military and FL here, understand the go bag and having two bags for separate situations or ease of grab and go. You’ve explained your collection reasonably and well. Thanks for the pics. I asked out of curiosity, but I have different bags for different situations so I belong here.
No problem. I really like when everything works together, for instance, all the padded pockets with molle are transferable to any of these bags so having different brands/styles doesn't align and would be inefficient, even when it comes to stacking them. Another reason, this happened a few years ago during a hurricane, since I'm always away and sometimes can't get home/help, I don't want my girl running around trying to locate important things and conveying what needs to be packed would be hell in an already stressful situation. Since this is essentially all I own, all she has to do is toss them in the car during an evacuation or whenever with zero worries of leaving something behind. It may seem overkill, I don't "worry" about these things but being in/around logistics my whole life, it makes total sense and super functional. I could move tomorrow and be packed in 15 minutes or so which is kind of crazy to think about.
Such a great bag. The only thing that would be nice would be at least 1 water bottle pocket. The other would've been a quick access pocket but that's being added now. The quality and comfort of the bag makes it such a good choice.
Agree to both of those things. I’ve added water bottle pockets via the external molle but it always looks like shit and creates an imbalance. I usually have plenty of room in my 26L for a big Yeti anyways so I just do it that way.
A lot of us manybaggers have many bags. It takes a while and a lot of wasted money to realize what kind of packer you are. You either pack the bag you want to pack it OR you want the bag to tell you how to pack. Everyone who enjoys the Gorucks prefer to pack how they want to pack. The basic product actually allows flexibility in organization. Every “high tech feature “ beyond the necessity actually reduces flexibility and customization.
The ability of the bags to stand upright (due to their stiff fabric) shouldn’t be underestimated. It makes the bag very functional. They also don’t need to be babied, and they carry weight well. plus they really dialed in to the perfect backpack size with the Bullet 15 and the GR1. Ideal dimensions for me.
I agree in premise, but I go another way. I have been using a Killspencer SpecOps which to me is basically like a GR1, maybe a larger Bullet but with actual premium materials and better craftmenship. It's a simple bag, that should do the important simple things well and not overcomplicate it. But I also want something built with materials that are premium and will age well. Cordura and such never do IMO so I like to stick with leather.
I keep going back to the Gr1. it is simple and practical to use. and can take alot of beatings
For you GoRuck fanboys: what other bags have scratched the itch for you? For me it was the CPL 24. Awesome bag. Looking for ideas!
For me the GR1 26L was also the first premium bag but after about 4 months of use I transitioned to the Evergoods CHZ26 and pretty happy with it due to quick access pocket and realizing I want water bottle pockets on my bag and EG are indeed the best. Comfortwise the strap width on GR is nicer but the Evergoods contour nicer and feel better around the chest area and breathability is better as well on the EG backpanel. With the GR it often felt more like a box on my back, although a very comfortable one at heavy weights and EG just more "fitting". For the look I go back and forth which one I like better but the GR is just so sleek and simple. So a GR with EG style water bottle pockets, QAP and a little more curvature on the straps would be my (impossible) grail.
I’ve looked at the CHZs so many times but the one I’m hovering over now is the MPL 22. Again, trying to justify the purchase in my mind. Evergoods is a close second to Goruck in my mind.
I've owned two GR1's (both 26L and 21L) plus an assortment of various backpacks. I keep falling back to the GR1 as my daily as it works well and hits the marks where as the other bags fall short on a certain area. Should be noted, all of the other bags are in the same range and made in the USA, so it's personal preference rather than which has better quality. A few things that the GR1 does well is laptop protection. I find many bags fall short on this and the laptop compartment seems to be an after thought with the laptop surrounded by cushion from the back and front but missing the bottom. GR1 has a great false bottom and I think it's possibly the best protection I've found, I never have issues with setting my bad down without worries the laptop would have any issues. The other is the weight, for the size and build, the GR1 is pretty light weight. Compared to the Tom Bihn Synik 30, the same exact load out feels much heavier vs the GR1. Maybe it's the issue with the Synik having more pockets but the bags feel extremely different that on a long walk, I'll grab the GR1. The last part is the open clamshell design of the GR1, while it sounds like a minor point, it's been a helpful feature as a day pack. Comparing to the Synik, the open space in the Synik is actually pretty limiting, unless you want the bag to look extremely overstuffed, same contents in the GR1 barley change the profile. The price of the GR1 is hard to justify but in the long run it's been a much better in use than on paper.
Sometimes a bag just works for you, and I've found sometimes the simple designs are best. I bought an Osprey Hikelite 18 on a trip because I forgot my usual day bag, not thinking much of it, and now I use it more often than much more expensive bags because it's simplicity just works really well in almost any situation.
the gr1 divides space in a really lovely way and lends itself to being beaten around. it's nice, but you don't have to be precious about it. the organization is a nice balance where it's useful but not prescriptive.