GoRuck’s GR Monster Hybrid Hiking and Travel Bag May Be Its Most Versatile Ever
In the wake of a tragic loss, the brand has launched what might be its best all-around travel bag across its entire history.
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If you're familiar with GoRuck beyond just a surface level, there's a pretty good chance you've heard of Monster, also known as the President of GoRuck Nation. For 13 years, this chocolate lab served as both the brand's mascot and ambassador, and he is beloved by the community surrounding the brand.
Sadly, Monster recently passed away. In honor of CEO and founder Jason McCarthy's irreplaceable best friend, the brand is launching the GoRuck GR Monster , which may go down as its best all-around travel pack ever.
This might be GoRuck's most versatile pack to date. - Credit: GoRuck
A fitting tribute
According to the brand, this bag was in active development for 13 years, the length of Monster's entire life. In fact, the approval of the final sample coincided almost precisely with his passing.
As tragic and heartbreaking as that is, there's also a somber beauty to it, which GoRuck now calls "Monster's Final Approval" (printed on the bag's inside label). It's unclear whether this bag was originally going to be called the GR Monster, but I can confidently say that it's the perfect moniker to carry on Monster's legacy.
The bag's ergonomics allow the wearer to bear a large amount of weight. It is a rucker, after all. - Credit: GoRuck
In fact, following the unveiling of the bag, McCarthy took his personal prototype, which he had already tested over hundreds of miles of hiking and travel, with him during Ruck Or Die 003, a 13-to-17-mile rucking adventure with a surprise 5K tacked onto the end.
That adventure solidified for him that this pack is ideal "for moving weight comfortably so you can be uncomfortable in other, more rewarding ways. Like finding somewhere for your love to go."
The external MOLLE webbing allows for additional modular attachments, in conjunction with its removable Brain lid. - Credit: GoRuck
The nitty-gritty
While the GR Monster shares the same commitment to quality, care and robustness as other GoRuck packs, it also stands on its own. The brand bills the GR Monster as a dayruck (more commonly known as a hiking pack), but it also has a measure of modularity.
The base pack, with a rolltop closure, holds up to 35 liters of gear. The base model also includes what the brand calls the Brain, a 3-liter removable lid that expands capacity to 38 liters.
There's also a bundle available with a larger 7-liter Brain (which attaches the same way as the smaller version), plus a stuff sack and hip belt. Altogether, that makes this perhaps the brand's most versatile bag, lending credence to its use in all manner of travel, not just on the trails.
The back panel has an Aqua Guard zipper that allows for main compartment access. - Credit: GoRuck
Along with the main capacity and the additional Brain attachments, the bag also gets MOLLE webbing for additional attachments, offering even more expansion. Inside the main pack, the bag also has a 15-inch laptop sleeve (which doubles as a ruck plate holder, capable of accommodating 20 pounds on its own). It also boasts compression straps, an Aqua Guard zipper for main cavity access and much more.
The whole thing is built from 420D Robic ripstop nylon, which is high-tensile, heavy-duty and weather-resistant while remaining relatively lightweight. Nothing could replace Monster, the dog, but it's nice to see his name applied to such an impressive pack.
If you, like me, prefer backpacks to rolling luggage, this could be your ideal travel pack. - Credit: GoRuck
Pricing and availability
The standard GoRuck GR Monster is available for preorder now for $195 (down from an MSRP of $285). But if you want the full bundle, it'll run you $285 (down from $395). Payment plans are also available.
GoRuck GR Monster Rucksack
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Starts at $195 $285 (32% off)
About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.
