GR1 21L Backpack
Last verified by the Lifetime Picks Editorial Team
Why we picked it
Made in Bozeman, MT from 1000D Cordura
GORUCK's GR1 is the bag the BIFL backpack thread loops back to. Built in Bozeman, Montana from 1000D Cordura with bartacked stress points and YKK #10 zippers. The construction borrows from US Special Forces ruck design, every seam reinforced, every load bearing point bartacked, no plastic buckles where webbing and bartack does the job better. GORUCK's lifetime SCARS guarantee covers it for the life of the bag, period, they'll repair stitching, replace zippers, swap webbing. Resale market is strong (used GR1s hold 60-70% of new price) because they're mechanically indestructible. 21L is the carry on/work sweet spot; 26L is the bigger sibling for travel.
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Community & Review Summary
1,850 Amazon reviews
r/BuyItForLife satisfaction
Total mentions (555 positive)
Amazon category rank
Why Reddit Recommends This
Price History
We began tracking this price on Jun 19, 2026. The chart fills in as more prices are recorded; see CamelCamelCamel below for older history.
Pros & Cons from Reviews
Pros
- +Made in Bozeman, MT from 1000D Cordura
- +Lifetime SCARS guarantee - repair, replace, or rework
- +Every stress point bartacked - Special Forces construction philosophy
- +YKK %10 zippers - the heaviest YKK makes
- +Used market holds 60-70% of new price
Cons
- -Heavy empty (3.2 lbs) for the volume
- -Boxy silhouette - not the prettiest pack
- -Premium price vs Cordura competitors (Mystery Ranch, Topo Designs)
- -Black-on-black makes finding stuff inside harder
Independent Video Reviews
Hands-on reviews from independent channels (not the manufacturer), covering what they like and what they do not.
Warranty & Returns
Warranty
SCARS Lifetime Guarantee
Return Policy
Returns handled per the brand's policy. Click below to read the full terms.
Read full return policy