An Iconic EDC Bag Brand Reissues Three of Its Original Tactical Backpacks

Following the success of the GR1 USA Throwback, GoRuck has revived original versions of some of its other beloved packs.

By Sean Tirman

Published May 8, 2025

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It’s official: a new pope has been chosen, and he’s the first-ever pope born in the USA. While that’s huge news for the 1.4-something billion Catholics on planet Earth — especially the 53-million American ones — it’s not the only exciting, red-white-and-blue-blooded news worth celebrating today.

In an odd coincidence (it has to be a coincidence, right?), GoRuck has almost simultaneously announced a trio of reissued USA Throwback bags. Lovers of the iconic bag brand’s tactical roots are in for a real treat with these rugged packs.

GoRuck Bullet with puppy inside — It’s recommended that you don’t *actually* store puppies inside these bags, no matter how cute.

USA all-the-way

A couple of months ago, GoRuck tested the waters of the now-official USA Throwback collection by relaunching the original, beloved GR1 backpack. While it sold out extremely quickly, this new trio offers another opportunity for anyone who missed out.

Like that GR1 reissue, all three of these bags are made to the exact same specs as when they first launched. Similarly, they’re all made in the USA — a boon for anyone who appreciates American craftsmanship.

GoRuck backpack hydration closeup — All three bags are hydration pack-compatible, and two (the Radio Ruck and GR2) have the brand’s famous bombproof laptop compartment.

While the GR1 is, perhaps obviously, not included in this second drop, the three bags that are included are great. They also run the gamut of sizes, so interested customers can pick the one(s) that works best for them.

Models include the 40-liter GR2, the 20-liter Radio Ruck and the Bullet Ruck, which is available in both 15- and 10-liter sizes. Beyond their different sizes and formats, they share many exceptional features in common.

GoRuck GR2 patch closeup — All of these bags boast exceptional craftsmanship (although that’s standard fare for GoRuck).

Rucking tough

All three bags are made with extra-tough Cordura nylon, which Special Forces operatives often employ. The Bullet gets 500D, whereas the Radio Ruck and GR2 get 1000D.

That also means that all three are resistant to water, abrasions, rips, tears, and so on. They also all have hydration pack compatibility, silent zipper pulls, wide clamshell openings and both internal and external MOLLE webbing for additional pack and gear attachments.

All three bags are made with extra-tough Cordura nylon, which Special Forces operatives often employ.

It’s worth noting that the Bullet Ruck is one of the brand’s most compact bags. Neither size has GoRuck’s lauded bombproof laptop compartment (although the other two bags do).

All three bags also come with GoRuck’s legendary Scars Lifetime Guarantee, which ensures that the brand will fix any manufacturing defects, no matter how big or small, free of charge.

GoRuck backpack on back covered in mud — These are some of the toughest bags you’ll ever find. Put them through their paces and find out for yourself.

Pricing and availability

All three of the new bags in GoRuck’s USA Throwback Collection — the Bullet Ruck, Radio Ruck and GR2 — are now available on the brand’s site (but they won’t be for long, if the GR1 is any indication.

They’re priced at $205 (or $215 for the 15L Bullet), $295 and $425, respectively.