From Mystery Ranch’s 2-Day Assault Pack to Triple Aught Design’s FAST Pack Litespeed, there’s currently no shortage of well-crafted backpacks with the ability to seamlessly transition from the battlefield to the boardroom. This wasn’t the case when former Green Beret Jason McCarthy first founded GORUCK in 2008. In fact, GORUCK is widely recognized as having pioneered this unique sub-space, having kicked things off with the original GR1 — or GORUCK Model 1 — backpack 17-years-ago.
Now, after the better part of two decades, GORUCK is returning to its roots in order to deliver an upgraded reissue of the pack that started it all with what’s been appropriately dubbed the GR1 USA Throwback.
Materials & Features
Meticulously made in America, the GR1 USA Throwback features a shell that’s cut from 1,000-denier CORDURA. The pack features a full clamshell opening setup inspired by special forces medical packs, plus packs a quick-access exterior slant pocket, beefy YKK zippers with 550 paracord pulls, a padded, suspended “Bombproof” laptop compartment, and shoulder straps and grab handles are all thoroughly padded and heavily reinforced.
You get three rows of MOLLE webbing both inside and out, allowing for a huge variety of attachment options. Backed by GORUCK’s Scars Lifetime Guarantee, the entire pack is constructed around a removable hard plastic frame sheet for added structure and strength — while also further stabilizing the laptop compartment.
Modern-Day Updates
The GR1 USA Throwback largely stays true to the original GR1 from 17-years-ago, though a few minor changes have been brought to the table for the new iteration. For starters, there’s now a hydration tube port. More importantly, the bottom of the pack has been lined in super hardwearing 1,680-denier ballistic nylon, making for an even more durable pack.
Dimensions & Weight
Offered in 21-liter or 26-liter sizes, the GR1 USA Throwback measures 11.5″ x 18″ x 5.5″ for the 21-liter model and 12″ x 20″ x 6.75″ for the 26-liter variant. At these sizes, both models are TSA-compliant and can fit under the seat in front of you, even on budget airlines. The 21-liter and 26-liter models also tip the scales at 2.9lbs and 3.2lbs, respectively.
Why We Love It
Anyone that’s ever gotten hands-on with a GORUCK GR series backpack will no doubt be privy to the fact that these are some of the most rugged and over-engineered packs on the market. And, while they might say “they don’t make them like they used to,” GORUCK’s Throwback model proves otherwise. Not only is this refreshing to see, but it’s also hard not to be enamored with the sheer minimalism of these bags. As much as we love elaborate packs like the Mission Workshop Rhake, the GR1 is simply a masterclass in minimalism, while still being completely functional.
Spec Sheet
Brand: GORUCK
Model: GR1 USA Throwback
Shell Material: 1,680D Ballistic Nylon & 1,000D CORDURA
Capacity: 21L or 26L
Dimensions: 11.5″ x 18″ x 5.5″ (21L) or 12″ x 20″ x 6.75″ (26L)
Weight: 2.9 LBs (21L) or 3.2LBs (26L)
Laptop Compartment: 16”
Waist Strap: No
Manufacturing Origin: USA
Pricing & Availability
The GR1 USA Throwback backpack is available now, with pricing set at $335 for the 21-liter model and $345 for the 26-liter variant.
Recap
GORUCK GR1 USA Throwback
GORUCK digs deep into its archive in order to revive its original backpack and bestow it with a few modern upgrades while retaining its overall character, minimalistic design, and immense durability.
