I love drinking beers with my buddies, and I love talking gear. “Photo shoots” — not so much, but we’ve gotten some requests for sizing pics. So we brought enough beer to kill a small army and took over some random red barn outside some random brick building in Bozeman. And here’s how it went.
Jack wanted to “look cooler.” Enter: sunglasses.
So, I lost the bet. Jack stacked them — all four — and then wanted to gloat about it. But he broke rule #1 by way of two empty hands.
Back up like 2 hours to the GORUCK Garage. I don’t know how to photoshop, so I fixed the hairs on John’s neck before we left. Notice in all the pics how perfect his hair line is, thanks to my OCD. Thank you Drill Sergeant Hester.
John’s dog Chloe never comes. He has no control and she might as well be rabid.
The tripod. So, I have one. People tell me I should use it, but I really don’t know how to sit still for long enough to set it up and keep one spot. But it makes an improvised coaster if you need it.
Jack’s laughing about an Echo on John even though he not so secretly wishes he were 6’2″. If you’re 6’2″ like John, the Echo is too small for you. If you’re 5’10” like Jack, the Echo works just fine.
In my former life, I learned how to stalk. Now it comes in handy and they make fun of me for it on twitter nation. And good on them.
Sometimes you gotta wait around. Drink a beer, let the light change, walk around, drink another beer, take your shades off, drink another beer and wait for a rabid dog to show back up somewhat tamed.
We have four rucks. Likely more someday. But if you have to pick one, GR1 is always the right answer.
love the post… all the pics are great, but the humor in this one puts it over the top!
keep up the great work.
Right on! Excellent post Jason. Now I can point the people asking me how big (or small) the rucks are to this post. No long I will need to grab my famous stash of GORUCK gear to show everyone what each ruck looks like my short and tiny frame.
Thanks Jack and John for keeping rule #1 too.
Great post and thanks for pointing out that my Echo is too small for my 6’8″ frame – I’m pretty sure it’s a violation of rule #1 for me to keep using it so I’ll pass it along to my son or wife. The upside is my GR1 fits me about the way the Echo fits Jack…but I still think I need a Radio Ruck to replace the Echo and then I’ll have all four. Good thing I’m signing up for Trek so I can get it on discount!
Great post and awesome commentary. I’m 5’3″ and large in the shoulders and I thought the RR would be a good fit for my height. When I put it on my back and looked in the mirror I thought, “Gee, looks a little small even for my height.” So, what’d I do? I bought a GR1 as well! What great fit! As Jason put it, when in doubt go with the GR1.
Nice post. At 5’9″ and scrawny, I could probably have gone with the Echo or RR. But, I like having the “just in case space”, so the Gr1 hit the spot as my do it all bag.
The best thing I have ever bought GR1. Great post,great to see all the sizing
I have the GR2 and the brick bag and so far I’ve only used the brick bag for liquid bricks and real bricks. I keep the brick bag stashed in my GR2 as an extra bag if needed. I’m 5’10 200 pounds and the GR2 fits really nice. I use it as my everyday carry and the compartments help keep everything organized so I’m not going through the bag looking for things as I have with my other bags. Those bags are stored in my closet waiting to be donated. My next purchase will be the GR1. My army reserve roommate saw my GR2 and knew exactly what it was too!
The best sizing post ever! Great job keeping it fun.
Great info! GR2 was perfect for a 5-day trip to OBX, NC with beach/wod gear. Plus it doubled as a cooler for the 2 gallons of booze the 10 of us took almost everywhere.
It was too much for the GRC on my 5’8″ (choked me on crab walks), and as a mow/run ruck it hits my hip and neck at the same time. I guess I just have to do another GRC and choose a GR1/RR/Echo to compliment my GR2. Not a bad problem to have!
Might have went another way had this post been available at the time of my challenge, but overall I’m VERY pleased with my GR2.
im going on a 3 months trip to southeast asia from oct to dec. surfing the web for suitable backpacks i stumbled upon the gorucks and since then cant get them out of my mind:)
im planning on travelling in a minimalistic manner, im a beginner in that kind of travelling though.
i think the GR2 suits my needs very well.
but i think i still need a separate daypack. my question is, is it possible to carry both a GR2 and RR for those times when i dont leave the GR2 in the hostel? on bus travel, when going from one place to another, etc?
any ideas are greatly appreciated!
im 6’1” btw 🙂 greetings from cologne!1
I’m 5’4″ with broad shoulders and I’m having trouble deciding between the RR and Echo, I keep thinking the GR1 would be too big for my small frame.
Hey Chris, when I shot ‘GR2 Travels’ I had a Radio Ruck with me. It takes a little volume from the inside of the GR2, but if you’re into minimalism, it’s the way to go and it works great.
My best guess is that the Radio Ruck would be best for you, especially because you have broad shoulders.
I am 5’8″ and weigh about 150 lbs.
I want a daypack and to use as a carry-on. I cannot decided between the Echo and Radio Ruck.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Hey Ken, I’d probably gauge it off of your laptop size and how much other stuff you have. If it’s a true carry-on you want, meaning that you have a laptop, a book, some magazines, and some peanut M&M’s (or whatever your preference), I’d say go with the Echo. If you want a daypack as well, go with the Radio Ruck. Hope this helps.
I’m 5’8″ and 200 lbs. I initially got a Radio Ruck for daily use for work and as a carry on. It looks small so I added the GR1. So far The RR takes neverything I put in there with room to spare. It is a great carry on, being streamlined it fits under the seat with plenty of foot space. I still have the GR1 in case I would need a bigger bag.
Sorry to interupt your obvious love for male models… Any chance you could include a few shots of the various Rucks on some female bodies please?
You got me there, angela. I’ll put it on the list, scout’s honor.
Whatcha got that will fit me? Female, 4’11”. U.S. Air Force vet.
Stacey — thanks for your service. As for the rucks, I guess it depends what you’re looking for but my best guess is that the Echo or the Radio Ruck would work. In wearing the rucks, my preferred technique is to cinch way down on the straps and have it ride higher on my back. It distributes the weight across my entire back instead of just my lower back. Let me know what you think if you get one.
I’m 6’4″ / 230# and I use the RR as an EDC bag and carryon. I look a bit like Dora the Explorer with both straps cinched up, but it’s a great size for a small laptop and I typically have only one strap slung over my shoulder anyway. Having a smaller pack helps me be more of a minimalist and I’ve really pared down the amount of stuff I carry, so I’m very happy with it. Now I’m deciding between GR1 & GR2 to use as luggage for pleasure trips. Is anyone using the RR inside the GR2 to take along as a day pack and leave the big’un in the room? Would that work with a GR1?
Eric — when I shot GR2 Explained I was in China — and I brought the Radio Ruck for the exact purpose you’re talking about. I left GR2 in the hotel room and used the Radio Ruck as my ruck around town and for a day trip to the Great Wall. You could do this with a GR1, you’re just sacrificing a little more space in the GR2.
Still pondering the RR vs the GR1 for myself… just afraid the GR1 might be a bit big for my slightly under 5’6″, 145 lb frame. Hm, hm hm.
Shaz – I’m 5’6″, 130 and the GR1 is perfect. It doesn’t look too big at all, and it’s the perfect size inside. I’ve never not had enough room for a weekend trip, let alone daily activities.
Hi Jason, I am considering between the Radio ruck and the GR1. I am 5’7″ 130lbs. Basically, i am just worried the GR1 will be too long for my back, or the radio ruck will be too wide for my shoulders. Want to get it as a EDC. carry a 13″ laptop, ipad, a book, magazine, sunglasses etc. which would you recommend?
Sam Ho – both are great for EDC, it’s just a question of the fit. At your size, I would usually say the Radio Ruck. I don’t think that it’ll be too wide for your shoulders, only because I haven’t heard that complaint to date. The way the shoulder straps come up and over your shoulders seems to work well. All that said, nobody ever returns GR1.
Jason – thanks for the prompt reply. comparing the both rucks, as stated 24l and 26l for the capacity of radioruck and gr1 respectively, would you say the amount of items and weight i can stuff into these bags is roughly the same? e.g at days where i want to carry more, and fully load the rucks for a trip.
Sam — despite the volumes being similar, GR1 feels like it carries more. My best guess is you can’t go wrong with it. I’ve used both, I always find myself grabbing my GR1. But that’s just me.
Question: So I got my GR1 – it’s solid, and seems awesome and durable as hell.
I shoved a bunch of stuff in there to try it on and see what it was like to wear it, and make sure it fits me. Once concern, as I mentioned above – I’m pretty short and even when cinched up the bottom sits at / below my waist level, and if I stand straight up, the bag seems to hit/rest on my hips/belt, and there is a big gap between hips / shoulders where much of the bag is not touching my back (I can fit a hand in there).
Is this normal, or does this mean the bag is too long for my torso (and thus I should size down to a RR)?
Shaz – ultimately, fit is a body-type thing, which is individual. Bottom line is that the ruck should be comfortable. It’s gonna be hard for me to go through all the what if’s and more specific sizing questions I would ask in this comments section. Can you please send a note to info@goruck.com and ask one of our guys to give you a call to discuss – please reference this back and forth with me. We’ll get you sorted out. Thanks, man.
Thanks Jason, I’ll shoot an e-mail out.
I’m 6’1″ and 195. I want a work bag for my 15″ laptop and files, but the Echo looks tiny. RR and then I could double use it for day hiking?
I think the RR would be about right, Deane. As you guessed, the Echo may be a little small.
Did Shaz finally size down to the RR? He had about the same size and weight.
Just to muddy the waters a little, I’m probably the only person who found the RR too wide. I’m the skinniest 5’11 guy you’ll ever meet and I had the original full zip RR.
I was blown away how much I could fit in there, perfect EDC, but I always found too much of the bag stuck out either side. When I picked up an original echo second hand I knew I preferred the width on that, so I sold my original RR for a new model Echo, which is a great fit even if it carries significantly less. The RR did have the ability to fit a pair of shoes horizontally, which was awesome. Good thing I’ve got a GR1 now.
It’s incredibly bad ass but for every day use I think a shorter version that kept the width, triple molle and frame sheet would be great.
The GR1 is incredible if you’ve got the height for it, I think it’s the best one I’ve had so far.
Can anyone who has a GR1 comment on how suitable it would be to use for overnight hikes or if I need the GR2? I figure I’d keep tools/snacks in a chest rig, and a sleeping bag in a stuff sack. The bag would be for a 3 liter hydration bladder, compact food for 2 days, a change of clothes, and any other essentials that I can’t strap outside the bag. The GR1 looks to be big enough, I just figured I would see if anyone here could say for sure after having tried it themselves.
Greg, I have a GR1 and its perfect for overnight backpacking. I fit a book, Nalgene, change of shoes and clothes, food, small blanket and 6 beers in mine just about every time we go out. That all packs it pretty tight but it works well and rides comfortable.
5’8 160lb woman here. Suggestions? 🙂
Hi! I’m about 5’6″ and 140 pounds. I’m rather slim. Is it safe to assume that the Echo is my ideal choice?
Alexa, either the Echo or the Radio Ruck. Echo is more of a very small accessory ruck or minimalist daypack, Radio Ruck is more of a classic daypack for commuting to work and that kind of stuff.
Brett — see my comment to Alexa, but it depends on the use. The comparison is typically GR1 vs Radio Ruck because this is a sizing question. With regards to the Echo, it’s more of a function question. The Echo is really minimalist and definitely cannot be an overnight bag (GR1 and RR can be). So I’d say either the Echo or the RR for you.
Thanks for the reply, Jason!
Just out of curiosity, why do you say that the Echo wouldn’t be an adequate overnight bag? I ask because one of the photos shows it holding a change of clothes, a pair of boots, and a handful of other small items. Seems like that would cover a night for most people, no?
Brett — very fair point, and well put. You’re right, I’m wrong. If a bag can fit a full change of clothes, including a computer, a pair of boots, and a dopp kit, you pretty much have everything you’ll need for an overnight bag. I must be packing extravagantly or something. Truth is, I always carry so many electronics I space myself out of anything but a GR1. But that’s my problem, not yours. Have a good one man, thanks for checking in and calling me out.
No worries! We all have different needs, yours are just weird (kidding!).
I just don’t want to overdo it. I feel like when I go bigger the packs just look absurd on me. They also sit odd when I underpack them.
I just discovered your site and I must say I am completely impressed by your products and attitude! As to sizing, I’m 5’11” 275+ (I know, I know…I’m working on it!). I’m considering the RR or GR1 for my first GORUCK purchase (or xmas gift). I mainly want to use the bag for EDC (13″ MacBook Air) but I carry a few books w/me as well (grad student). I wouldn’t mind the overnight/weekend capability of the GR1, but I’m not sure if it’s just too much bag. Any tips?
Michael – GR1. When I was in grad school, GR1 was all I used to carry everything, every day. And every day since, too.
Jason-
Thanks for the quick reply! Looks like the GR1 it is. Maybe xmas will come early this year!
Cheers!
-Michael
Are your boots Iron Rangers in this photos? I’m digging them.
Anyway to make this more Goruck oriented, I just got my GR1 and already took it out on a 2 day hike and it is a truly special bag.
I want a GR1 but first I need to know how many beers fin in there? >12oz can.I need to know.
Maybe you can size all of the bags by how many beers fit in each one?
Ed – it’s absolutely on the list, man. Thanks for the suggestion – it’ll certainly be fun to do.
Hey guys I will be Hiking up Kilimanjaro next year. Having tried hiking day bags, they just didn’t do it for me. I think I found a bag that does, your GR1 seems to be right for the trip nice size etc with being able to add bits on using the MOLLE. And using it for my cycling to work bag as I need to take 3 changes of clothes for work.
At 5 8″ is the GR1 to big for my frame?
Sorry for lengthy explanation
Hey Thomas, GR1 seems to fit just about everyone pretty well. If you like the volume, I’d say it will serve you well till the end of time. Good luck getting up Kilimanjaro.
Hi! Love the rucks! I am trying to decide between an echo or radio ruck. I am 5’8″ around 130? I usually carry a 13″ laptop and one spiral bound notebook on campus. Any suggestions on which I should go for? Thanks, Cason!
Hi Jason, Im on the fence of whether I should get the GR1 or GR2. Im a college student that would be using it for an EDC however I do travel quite a bit for leisure and was wondering which would best serve me.
Thanks, great products, Alejandro
What would be best for me? I am a student and may also use the bag for hikes. I am 6’1″, 195
Connor – GR1 and you can’t go wrong.
The GR1 holds an Eagle Creek Pack-it 18 like a glove. Which means you can carry a suit thru the mud and it will come out wrinkle free.
Jack looks like Dane Cook…
I’m 5’7″ and 150. I want a checkable pack for long haul travel and the GR2 looks perfect, but is it too big for me?
Now that the Radio Ruck is slightly smaller (specifically the SK20 aka slick RR) will it be too small for a solidly built 6’2″ guy? Love my GR1 but I’m looking for something a little smaller for my summer job.
Hi! I’m wanting to do a challenge at the end of this year. I’m debating between the Echo and the RR though.. I’m 5’1″ 125lbs (female).. I’m also a medic in the army currently so I want to use it as my daily ruck. Just not sure if the Echo would be too small for the challenge or if the RR would be too big.
Hey Tiler, I always recommend getting the ruck you think you want for life, not just the one you want for your specific event. The Echo is a little small for the Challenge. However, it will hold your 4 bricks and some water. You really don’t need anything more than that.
Ryan – I think it goes more into the liter count you’re looking for. I know plenty of big guys who have an Echo, but they don’t use it as their daily carry – it’s more of a break-away ruck from a GR2 or something. That said, 6’2″ is pretty tall. I’d recommend the 20L RR. The 24L Radio Ruck is too similar in size to GR1, which you already have.
Thanks for posting this. It really helps in figuring out which one to get. I think I agree that the GR1 is the one to get if you don’t know..
Hey guys! I really need a new b̶a̶c̶k̶p̶a̶c̶k̶ ruck to use for school and the occasional weekend trip or day hike. I’m wondering if the GR1 would be able to hold at least 3 or 4 (preferably 5) thick textbooks, some paperbacks, my 13″ MacBook Pro, and occasionally some gym clothes in daily usage. If not, I’ll have to size up, but I was thinking that a 40L GR2 would be too big to use as a day pack.
Srikar – you’ll love the GR1 for what you’re trying to do. The GR2 would be a little too big for what you’re trying to do.
I would like to do a challenge and also selection at some point, what size ruck do you suggest for this, the GR1 or GR2? I noticed in some posts that you don’t want any gypsy bags and I prefer to keep things internalized as much as possible anyways. That being said, I can normally can pack small but want enough room for what you would require at selection, thanks.
what is the main sizing difference between the radio ruck and the GR0? I’m 5’7″ 180lbs i cant make up my mind for EDC/Weekenders…
hi Jason.
i just purchase a SK40. Waiting for it to be ship to me.
i am 5’7 and 150.
will the SK40 just fit me when i carry on my back?
going to use it for my 3D2N business trip. hope this will not be too big for 3D2N.
please comment.
thanks
Hey Jason we met at the PX the day before selection and just had a quick question…I am 5’5″ and have a Heavy in Chicago in a few months and wanted to bring just one bag (plane, event and etc.). I bought a GR0 at the PX but am thinking of a GR2, would that be way too big for me during an event? Or do you think I should get one and just throw my GR0 inside as the event bag? Thanks again for creating such an awesome brand.
Brian – GR2 is a travel ruck. For me it’s more “luggage” than anything else, and it’s my favorite. I don’t use it as a daypack and I would not use it for one of our events. Though it would hold up fine, of course, it’s just a little big. I recommend you go with the GR0 for rucking and for our events, and keep the GR2 as your travel ruck. Small tip is that when you travel you’ll want to bring along a daypack (GR0 would work great) so you can leave GR2 in your room or wherever you’re staying.
I’m a 5’5 130lb female with broad shoulders. I’m doing the Cleveland Challenge April 4th – I can’t wait!! I am thinking about getting the GR0, thoughts??
Hey Leslie, yeah, I did this post long before we had the GR0. GR0 is exactly the ruck I recommend for you.
Thank you, Jason!
Hey Jason, are you guys going to stock more 20L Radio Ruck bags? I’d like one in either Ranger Green or Black, but you guys only seem to have the 24L Multicam version available on your site. I’m 6’4″ 220lbs, so the Echo it seems would be a little small for me.
i am 4’11”, 95# female. Doing my first GoRuck light in June and will probably follow up with a GoRuck Challenge at some point. Echo? 10L HYDRATION BULLET.? Help. I am worried about my pack being too long.
Hey Wendy, I’d say to go with the Echo. It’s the shortest of our rucks. That said, the 10L Bullet would be another great option. It’s a little longer but I think it would still fit you when you wear it properly (cinched down so it sits higher on your back). Have fun!
Hi Jason, i’m looking at picking up a couple rucks for myself and my girlfriend. We’ll start with the light, and work our way up. I’m 5’9 180 and she’s 5’2 110, what rucks would be the best for us? I know i’m going to pick up the GR2 for my travel bag, but would the GR0/GR1 be good all the way up to selection for me, and the Echo good all the way up to the heavy for her?
Hey David, for you: GR1 is what I would use for GORUCK Selection. Less space leads to less weight kind of deal. That said, for a dayruck you would likely prefer a GR0 at 5’9″. I would recommend the Echo for your wife; however, I don’t think it would be a good fit for Heavy – it’s pretty small. It would work great for Light and The Challenge for her, though. Perhaps she could use your dayruck (if you get a GR0) for the Heavy. She would have to test it out and stuff, though. Hope this helps (it’s a broad array of events you’re looking at doing, which complicates the gear selection a little bit). Have fun!
Goruck is really attractive. I like it design and function. However it seems that the original echo model is no more in production, is it correct? The new echo model is very good because it can be open flat for easier packing but the older version has its own value as for daily use people just want to bring some things essentials not to pack for going far, and that what they need is to keep thing not falling out more than to fully pack. Therefore, to keep the echo model both open flat and not fully open make this model more and more attractive.
Please, anyone can help me to give an address or store selling Goruck backpack in Washington where I can ask my friend to go there to buy it. Is Goruck selling available at their stores or only online? please help me if anyone knows. Tks a lot.
Hi. I’m doing my first Light in November. I’m a 5’3, #135 female. I’m trying to decide between the Echo and GR 0. Think I’d prefer the space of the GR 0 but concerned it’s going to be to big for me. Thanks!
Reilly – the Echo will likely fit you perfectly, the tradeoff is that it has less space – I’m basically agreeing with you. I’d say that GR2, for instance (I’m 6’4″) is too big for just about anyone but it’s my favorite ruck because of what you can do with it with the additional space. My recommendation is that you go with the GR0 if you’ll get more use out of it in a day to day way. Some girls in the office are your size exactly and they use their GR0’s every day.
Hey. I am stuck between the gr1 and gr2 because I am a backpacker, rock climber, and spent most my time outdoors with my dog. (Figure u can relate Jason) I am planning on doing a Goruck heavy and maybe a challenge but want to use the ruck on outdoor adventures also. I am 5’3 bout 170 pounds on the stocky size of things. Any tips would be great.
GR1, for sure. Especially at your size, you’ll find it a lot more comfortable. A Heavy and maybe a Challenge, eh? lol that’s a good order to do ’em in, we’ll look forward to seein’ ya out there at one of them. I recommend putting drain holes in the bottom. You can get this done at pretty much any sew shop.
Thank you for the fast response and really appreciate the help. Last quick question will there be any GR1 in coyote?
Yes, there will be more Coyote GR1’s in a couple months.
Hi! I am curious whether the GR0 has replaced the Radio Ruck. I enjoyed your video explaining the bags, …because America! Another question I am wondering about is the properness of the patches. I like the backwards flag but am hesitant to buy it because I may not have earned it. Thanks!
P.S. Monster reminds me of Khaki the black lab 🙂
Yep, the GR0 has replaced the Radio Ruck. As for the reverse flag, search GORUCK Reverse Flag Explained. That should clear things up for ya! Thanks, Stephanie.
Don’t know whether to go with GR-1 or GR-2. Mainly will use it for carry on when flying but also possibly a go-ruck light. I am 6’1″ and 205lbs.
Depends on what you’re looking for as a carry on. Tons of stuff or not tons of stuff. The more electronics you have, the more I recommend GR2. It’s hard to go wrong with a GR1, though.
I’m 5’8″ 170lbs and am stuck between the GR0 and GR1. I plan to use it for a carry-on, weekender, hiking, EDC, and BOB to carry clothes, laptop, dopp kit, and DSLR with lenses. What do you recommend? Thanks.
Thank You Jason. I have decided on the GR-1 but want to wait until it is available in coyote.What’s the time frame for availability in coyote?
Hi guys !
I’ve been studying every bag and every specifications all over your site (and maybe all over the internets) for a few weeks and still got some doubts. I’d really like to buy a GR0 (it seems to be the perfect one for my size 5’9 – 177 cms) during my trip in the us between the 15 and the 26th of february… but it looks like i cannot order it… Do you think I’ll be able to do it in time? Delivery and taxes are awful here in france for stuff from the US.
Thanks in advance and cheers from France!
Cyril – just send us a note to info@goruck.com and our team will figure it all out for ya’. Thanks!
Is the GR1 shown here the 21L or 26L? I’m 5’10” and leaning toward the 26L because I’d really like to have the extra space if needed but don’t want it to sit too low on my back.
It’s the 26L (we only had that size when this was shot).