GORUCK GR2 Travel Rucksack in Ripstop ROBIC

GORUCK, a company deeply rooted in U.S. Army Special Operations, was founded in 2008 by Jason McCarthy, a former communications sergeant in the 10th Special Forces Group with combat experience in Iraq. Inspired by a visit to his wife, Emily McCarthy, then a CIA case officer, Jason set out to create a “go bag” to equip her for any challenge. Their mission was clear: design a rucksack with life-or-death quality standards, built to excel in environments from Baghdad to NYC. Now a globally recognized brand, GORUCK produces some of the toughest rucksacks available and hosts training events where driven individuals push their rucks and physical limits. Today, we’ll examine the GORUCK GR2 in Ripstop Robic to assess its performance.

Backpack Coverage on AllOutdoor

The GORUCK GR2 Ripstop Robic was provided for this review by GORUCK and while I am allowed to keep this backpack indefinitely, it will not change my current or future opinion on any GORUCK  Products. GORUCK has not been allowed to preview this review prior to publishing. The GR2 Ripstop Robic was tested primarily as an EDC bag for the last 9 months, I also used it for multiple trips on the road and by Plane to see family and friends. I also used this ruck for exactly what you might expect, Rucking! I Used this bag the most while i was still an Army Flight school student so I will be focusing my review around this part of my life. 

Specs – GORUCK GR2 Travel Rucksack in Ripstop ROBIC

• Materials
  • Main body: 420D ROBIC® Ripstop Nylon
  • Back panel and shoulder strap underside: 210D HT (High Tenacity) CORDURA®Strength:
• Weight:
• Dimensions:
  • 26L Dimensions: 12.5″W x 18″H x 7.25″D
• Capacity:
  • Available in 26L and 40L options
• Compartments:
  • Two large compartments for enhanced organization
  • Separate, extra-reinforced compartment next to the back for secure laptop storage
  • False bottom in laptop compartment to protect devices when the ruck is set down
• Zippers:
  • Exterior AquaGuard zippers for water resistance
  • High-quality zippers with silent, glove-friendly 550 paracord pulls

• Carry-On Compliance:
  • Designed to fit in overhead compartments, the maximum carry-on size for most airlines (check specific airline rules via carryonbagsizes.com)
• Warranty:
  • Scars Lifetime Guarantee on all GORUCK-built gear
• Country of Origin:
• Price:

Field Use – GORUCK GR2 Travel Rucksack in Ripstop ROBIC

As an Army Helicopter pilot and frequent airline traveler, my life is a whirlwind of early mornings, extended days, and cross-country flights for training or leave. Finding a rucksack that can handle the demands of Fort Novosel’s rigorous schedule while doubling as a reliable carry-on is a tall order, but the GORUCK GR2 Ripstop ROBIC has exceeded every expectation. After 9 months of hauling it across the flight line, crowded airports, and packed lecture halls, I’m thrilled to share why this ruck is my go-to companion. Its durability, organization, and travel-ready design make it a standout for both military life and frequent flying. I’m sure some of you are wondering what Ripstop Robic is, so lets get into that next.

Ripstop ROBIC?

Ripstop ROBIC is a high-performance nylon fabric known for its lightweight strength and durability, making it an ideal material for backpack construction like the GORUCK GR2. Ripstop fabric was developed during World War II, specifically in the early 1940s, by the U.S. military. It was initially used for parachutes, leveraging its lightweight and tear-resistant properties, achieved through a grid of reinforcing threads to prevent rips from spreading. Its widespread use began with nylon ripstop for military applications like parachutes and later expanded to other gear, including backpacks and sails, by the 1950s.

It’s woven with a grid-like pattern of thicker, reinforcing threads that create a “ripstop” effect, preventing tears from spreading and enhancing tear resistance without adding significant weight. The 420D (denier) version used in the GR2 strikes a balance between toughness and portability, weighing just 3.1 pounds empty while withstanding abrasions from rough terrain or heavy loads. Its water-resistant coating repels rain and moisture. The fabric’s flexibility allows it to maintain a sleek, structured shape, while its ruggedness ensures it can endure the rigors of daily carry, rucking, or travel. This combination of lightweight durability, tear resistance, and weather protection makes Ripstop ROBIC perfectly suited for backpacks that need to perform in demanding environments without weighing the user down.

To continue reading, please go to Part Two of the AllOutdoor Review – GORUCK GR2 Ripstop ROBIC. In Part two, we will be discussing more of the organizational features and rucking quality of the bag, so you won’t want to miss out on that if you found Part 1 Interesting. Thank you for reading this far into this piece, and I also want to thank GORUCK for sending me this bag for review! Part Two will be linked HERE

Patrik Orcutt

Patrik is a freelance photographer who has been lucky enough to see a lot of the world and document his travels with his camera. He has worked for the U.S. government as a Public Affairs Officer documenting Multi-National Special Forces Training around the World. He is currently working on becoming a Blackhawk Pilot for the Army while being an avid gear junky and outdoor enthusiast.