These EDC Bags Take an Iconic Japanese Material and Make It More Impressive than Ever

GoRuck and Carryology, giants in the everyday carry world, come together yet again to expand their stunning samurai-inspired collaboration.

GoRuck x Carryology GRXC2 Plus EDC Bag closeup

By Sean Tirman

Published June 24, 2025

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In 2023, Carryology and GoRuck collaborated for the second time on a magnificent samurai-inspired EDC bag collection dubbed GRXC2 (short for GoRuck x Carryology 2). Then, only a couple of months ago, they collaborated a third time on a pretty magnificent Viking-inspired collection.

That must have sparked some joy, as it seems the two brands just kept on chugging along together. Now, they’ve returned to that second Japanese-inspired collab with the GoRuck x Carryology GRXC2+. Now, this EDC bag collection is bigger and better than ever.

GoRuck x Carryology GRXC2 Plus EDC Backpack on person's back in city — The bags retain GoRuck’s signature silhouettes, but the materials get a significant, refined upgrade.

Daimyo denim

Like the first version of this collection, these EDC bags were directly inspired by samurai warriors. As such, Japanese influence is built into their DNA. To that end, the brands chose a relatively unusual material for their exteriors with direct ties to Japan: denim.

But this isn’t ordinary denim. It’s a special Sashiko woven denim crafted by Japan Blue, the renowned Japanese denim mill responsible for Momotaro jeans. Called JPXDP 17oz Black Samurai Sashiko, it has a unique pattern structure, weight, and hand-feel.

GoRuck x Carryology GRXC2 Plus small EDC Bag — The collection spans five silhouettes, including two backpacks, a duffle and a pair of smaller accessories.

But that’s just the base material. Once that denim was crafted, the brands sent it off to Dimension Polyant, where it went through a 19-month development process that included adding a 50d solution-dyed black polyester taffeta fabric backing, a 0.25mil Dimension Polyant film bond (using a proprietary Performance Adhesive) and Dimension Polyant Performance Coating and DWR finishes.

The result is a stunning material with a unique weave that’s “100 [percent] waterproof, incredibly durable, and exceptionally strong.” Carryology calls it “heritage fabric [that] meets cutting-edge technology and science.”

GoRuck x Carryology GRXC2 Plus EDC Bag in person's hand — The Japanese denim pairs beautifully with the bags’ leather accents.

Samurai soul

That exterior fabric is impressive enough that, if nothing else were special about these EDC bags, it’d definitely be enough. However, Carryolog and GoRuck didn’t stop there. Every detail has been pored over and masterfully crafted.

For instance, all five bags also get a 500D Cordura lining printed in crimson red with Carryology’s signature, custom-designed auxikko geometric pattern (inspired by traditional Japanese kikko motifs).

GoRuck x Carryology GRXC2 Plus EDC Bag zipper pull closeup — Every last detail, even the zipper pulls, pays homage to the bags’ Japanese influence.

They also have leather reinforcements on their bottoms, handles and zipper pulls, directly inspired by samurai armor. These reinforcements add a level of refinement but also add to the bags’ durability and longevity

Even the zipper pulls themselves are made to look like the tassels on the Japanese warriors’ armor. Truly, no detail has gone overlooked. These are some of the finest EDC bags anywhere, full stop.

GoRuck x Carryology GRXC2 Plus EDC Bag interior — All five bags are lined with crimson red 500D Cordura nylon.

Coming soon

The GoRuck x Carryology GRXC2+ EDC Bag Collection — two backpacks, a duffle and a pair of accessory bags — drops on Carryology and GoRuck’s sites on Thursday, June 26, at 1:30 pm EST. They’re all likely to sell out shortly after they go live, so act quickly if you hope to grab any.

Pricing has yet to be unveiled.