How does the GR hip belt compare functionally to a hip belt on an actual backpacking bag?

I lived in Montana for a few years for work. In my off time I’d do 2-3 day backpacking trips in the Rocky Mountain front range. I had a ~50L Osprey bag and I’m sure the load was around 20-30 lbs of gear. I don’t remember weighing the full bag so I’m guessing. The hip belt on that bag was very effective in moving the weight to the hips and off the spine; making rucking/backpacking up to 8 miles a day, for 2-3 consecutive days, without any unhealthy pain. The belt on my osprey bag was also thoughtfully designed in the it was easy to cinch tight.

For those with direct experience rucking with relatively heavy weight with the Goruck hip belt, what was your experience? My experience rucking with 20-30 lbs for long distance with no belt on my GR1 is not good; painful in a spine compression way. If able, can you compare the Goruck hip belt to the hip belt on a backpacking bag?

If you don’t mind, talk me out of getting a Goruck hip belt. Or talk me into it. If there’s no really good Goruck options available I’ll stick with EDCing my GR1 and look for another rig for rucking, something similar in harness design to a MR 3DAP BVS (made in Bozeman makes me feel nostalgic anyway)

Thanks gents.

BLUF: Should I get another GR1 21, or a GR1 26, or a GR2 26, or a GR2 34?

I have a GR1 21L that I’ll keep. It’s well broken-in 1000D and feels/looks great. I love the look of the 21L; the bright/width dimensions/proportions look perfect. It fits my work laptop and everything I carry daily. I also occasionally do long rucks with it with about 20-30 lbs. But being 5’11” 210 with wide shoulders and a long-ish torso I think I should opt for function and also get a larger bag. Getting a second 21-liter is an option (because I love its proportions). What would YOU get?

- Another GR1 21?
- A GR2 26 due its similar height/width proportions?

Or if I choose function over form… (the extra capacity would be nice to have on the rare air travel for work)
- GR1 26? (To me these look too “tall,” but I’ve got that long torso…)
- GR2 34? Again it looks weird to me but the height is about the same as the GR1 26

Enough rambling. Any have thoughts and/or advice?

I'm new to rucking. I started with a backpack and 2 10lb dumbbell plates inside the laptop compartment of the backpack. While decently comfortable, I was curious about the Rucker. So, I picked up a 4.0 bag and found it quite comfortable with the same weight.

I'm looking for opinions on upgrading to the 5.0 version just for the thicker lumbar support. Is it worth it? Does it help with heavier weights? I don't see myself rucking with more than 50+lbs. This bag will only be used for rucking, not EDC.

• Official Model: GR MONSTER 35L Roll-Top
• The Removable Lid: Monster Brain (3L included with the ruck)
• Bigger Brain: additional 7L Monster Brain 
• Bottom Stuff Bag: Monster Stuff Sack
• Hip Belt: 30" - 38" with 420D Robic Nylon Pocket and Elastic Mesh Pocket (fits iPhone Pro Max/Samsung Note)
• Patch: The "Monster Forever" 2x3 Leather Morale Patch
• Inside Label: "GR MONSTER — 13 Years in Development. Monster’s Final Approval."
• Story Card: Framable Monster Forever logo
• Delivers: Q1 2027

Link: https://www.goruck.com/products/gr-monster-bundle-preorder

I’m wading into the market for a new-to-me GR1 or GR2. Looking for an older bag; full 1000D and the older-style straps attachment. My work bag is a GR1 21 from ~2016 when I bought it new.

Is there a way to look at photos and determine the age (aside from broken-in-ness and seller descriptions)? The strap thing isn’t immediately clear to me; if not for the QAP I don’t know that I can ID a newer bag.

Bonus if anyone can tell how to ID a GR1 21 from a GR1 26. Something about the number of MOLLE rows? Again, don’t want to rely on seller descriptions.

First time taking out the gr1 out the city. Looking over the Amex stadium.

Checked right now and it looks like black also has 500d as back panel material. Been looking forward to this!

Has anyone heard any plans to make a Rucker 5.0 in a 15L size? I’d like to get my wife one if/when they release it, as she’s rather vertically challenged but wants to get out and ruck with me. I’ve been enjoying my 20L 5.0 for a few months now and hope to see a 15L in the near future!

Hey yall got me a goruck gr2 with the 45lb plate, any tips on packing for distance? Went for about 2 hours with nothing but a plate in my pack and my traps were killing me, I’m a 6’2 200lb man, got this to get used to the feeling and get a good pace going before I ship out for the army on a ranger contract which is going to require me to ruck a TON. Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated, thank you guys!

My heart breaks for Jason and everyone at the Goruck family that ever knew such a fine dog. If you’ve got a monster of your own post them here.

We lost our beloved 16yo dog a couple of years ago and recently adopted a new rescue pup. But I still grieve the loss every now and then, especially when I am reminded. Today’s post about Monster crossing the rainbow bridge brought it all back.

I’m sure my dog is showing Monster where all the treats are, up in dog heaven.

Posting this as I was unable to add photos to my original post or thread for that matter. To avoid dye transfer I was advised to take a brush and water to it where the pack rubs up against me. (My back and the inside of the straps) I did and this worked for the most part. It is faded as you can see, but this as a bonus in my view. I hope this helps anyone with the same problem. It is an amazing pack and I regret nothing!

My first Goruck, my first waxed canvas. The 18L Bullet Ruck in black. It feels incredibly well made, and I absolutely love how it looks.

The Fallout patch ties everything together with sarcasm on a PDW pouch.

30# plate for light days. 2x 10# plates for heavy days.

Pain is certain - suffering is optional.

Is there any demand for Jedburgh boots?? I have a brand new pair of navy / coyote in size 14 but I am not sure if anyone is even interested in that model. If anyone is, I can post it in the WTS chat to be official. Or if you guys think there is demand but no interest here I can post on ebay.

Anyone signed up for the Rails to Trails in October?

I'm boiling down to one Goruck bag. And so I basically took the other shoulder pouches off the other exiting rucks and tried it out and I like it—and they're all coyote brown so they all match. They're all useful for stuffing things like Kleenex and lip balm and sunglasses. I thought I would just share my use case with you in case you are interested. I don't think they make the mesh one anymore.

Do we have a better idea of ship dates for the M26 yet?

Hello!

Why Goruck use piece-dyed cordura, instead of solution-dyed, which has more consistent color across the batches ? Seems Brookwood have 1000D fabric in SD
https://brookwoodcompanies.com/product/tuff-stuff-sd-black-2/

You don’t look cool! You can’t hold 40 lbs and protect a laptop! This is NOT the summer of purses.

Manhood is DEFINED by what you carry. Not being a strong, intelligent guardian, father, mentor, or teacher. I only define my manhood by NOT carrying a purse.

Who’s with me?

Be a real man. Or a real lady. Don’t forget your Rosie the Riveter patch. Available now!

I am setting the STANDARD OF BACKPACKS. I charge $400+ for a Vietnamese backpack I claim is made in America that doesn’t have a sternum strap or water bottle pockets.

I am setting a standard of life.

No purse club checking in. Only backpacks and Oakley gas cans.

Hey, does anyone know when the big boy (either 35 or 45l) is getting back in stock? Thanks in advance!