11 Best Dirt Bike Backpacks - Trail, Motocross Backpacks
Looking for an epic dirt bike backpack? Check out our top picks for off-road riding in style.
The best dirt bike backpack should be lightweight, breathable and secure enough for riding while having all of the pockets and compartments you need for your gear. While some riders fare well with a small lightweight hydration pack with just enough pockets for their phone, keys and snacks others might need a bit more room for adventure gear like cameras and larger tool kits.
In this buying guide we take a closer look at some of the best dirt bike and motocross backpacks in a variety of sizes and styles so that you can find the best one for you.
Best Dirt Bike Backpacks
KLIM Nac Pack
The Klim Nac Pak is the best dirt bike backpack for those looking for that sweet spot between compact form and ample storage with a generous 13 liters of internal capacity and hydration bladder compatibility of up to 3L. This means that along with your hydration bladder you can easily pack your tools, snacks and other riding essentials thanks to its multiple quick-access storage compartments.
Other standout features include a molded protective goggle pocket, glove-friendly zipper pulls, and a race inspired shoulder harness strap that promotes stability and mobility while on the bike. Klim offers the Nac Pak with a Hydrapack bladder or without one if you would rather save a few bucks and use your own bladder.
Klin Nak Pack features at a glance:
Mid-sized dirt bike backpack (13L storage)
Quick access pocket for stashing goggles, cell phone, tools and snacks
Riding specific pivoting sternum strap and shoulder straps
3M Scotchlite reflective panels for safety
External shovel and probe storage
KLIM Krew Pak
We like to think of the Klim Krew Pak as the bigger brother of the best selling Nac Pac since it keeps a lot of the same great features in an upgraded size for longer rides and larger hauls. Unlike other dirt bike backpacks the Krew Pak keeps the main compartment and hydration pocket in two different zippered compartments for better seperation of your gear.
Other great pockets include a padded laptop sleeve, a protective molded sunglasses and goggle pocket, a special probe and shovel compartment and an easy-access front compartment for your tool kit and smaller items. When it comes to overall organization and intuitive pocket placement few packs outshine the Klim Krew Pak.
Klim Krew Pak features at a glance:
Large dirt bike backpack (25L storage)
Padded laptop sleeve
Adjustable sternum strap and removable padded waist belt
3M Scotchlite reflective panels for safety
Side compression straps to adjust bag size based on loadout
OGIO DAKAR 3L Hydration Pack
The Ogio Dakar is a versatile backpack that’s designed to keep you comfortable, hydrated and well-equipped while on your bike.
Along with a roomy main compartment, the separate rear hydration compartment inside the Ogio Dakar is insulated with a foil lining to keep your water cooler for longer periods of time while the back panel is made with raised molded foam panels for increased air-flow in warmer temperatures.
One feature that we really like on the Ogio Dakar is its riding-specific pivoting sternum strap and shoulder strap attachments points. Unlike static chest and waist strap setups, these pivoting attachment points promote fluid movement and a larger range of motion while riding. It’s small features like these that make the Ogio Dakar a premium dirt bike riding backpack.
Ogio Dakar features at a glance:
Mid-sized dirt bike backpack (12L storage)
3L insulated hydration compartment
Riding specific pivoting buckle sternum strap and shoulder straps
Fleece lined sunglasses/phone top pocket
EVA molded hard case front pocket
Fly Racing XC Hydro Pack
Fly Racing offers a great series of riding backpacks for both short and all-day rides with their XC Hydro Pack collection. These packs come in 3 different sizes:
XC 30 Hydro Pack (1L hydration bladder, 7L storage capacity)
XC 70 Hydro Pack (2L hydration bladder, 11L storage capacity)
XC 100 Hydro Pack (3L hydration bladder, 20L storage capacity)
Each XC Hydro Pack comes equipped with ultra-breathable shoulder straps that have large mesh sections for maximum airflow. Fly Racing also adds elastic sections to their shoulder straps and chest strap for better mobility when riding without sacrificing a secure fit.
What makes these backpacks great is that their shoulder harness is incredibly adjustable for a variety of body types both large and small. This is thanks to the various velcro adjustment points on the shoulder strap that makes it easy to accommodate riders with or without armor.
Other great features include a large buckle and long zipper pulls for gloved hands, ambidextrous hydration tube clip that be placed on either shoulder strap, and plenty of extra pockets to keep you organized.
Fly Racing XC Hydro Pack Features at a glance:
Available in 3 sizes (7L, 11L, 20L)
Chest strap harness with elastic banding for flexibility
Mesh cargo net for extra exterior storage that hides away when not in use
Chunky buckle for quick-release with gloves on
Includes Hydrapak hydration bladder
Plenty of pockets and compartments for staying organized
EVERFUN 18L Hydration Backpack
The Everfun 18L Hydration Backpack is an affordable option for budget-minded riders looking for an easy way to carry their essentials. Although the pack was designed with mountain bike riders and hikers in mind, it still makes a great dirt bike backpack thanks to its low profile design, included 2L hydration bladder, 3D foam cushioned back panel for great airflow and multiple roomy compartments for stashing gear.
You can find the hydration pocket inside the backpack’s 18-liter main compartment. At this size you’ll have plenty of room for bulkier gear like a rain jacket, tool kit and extras. The outside pockets provide additional storage and organization of smaller items such as a phone, snacks and keys.
Everfun Hydration Backpack features at a glance:
Mid-sized backpack (18L storage)
Includes 2L hydration bladder
Adjustable chest and waist straps
Breathable mesh shoulder straps and back panel
Includes special pocket with a built-in rain cover
CamelBak M.U.L.E. 100oz Mil Spec Crux
The CamelBak M.U.L.E. 100oz Mil Spec Crux is perfect for riders looking for a low profile dirt bike backpack that’s tough as nails with good organization. Although smaller in size this is a great option for those who need a sturdy pack for a hydration bladder and riding essentials on short excursions.
The Mil Spec Cruz is comprised of 3 compartments - the rear 3L hydration compartment and two zippered compartments that line the front of the bag for an additional 8L of storage. The top pocket is great for those quick-grab items you need easy access to while the bottom zippered compartment is filled with smaller pockets for easy organization of your keys, phone, wallet, snacks, tools and more.
CamelBak M.U.L.E. 100oz Mil Spec Crux features at a glance:
Small dirt bike backpack (8L cargo storage)
3L insulated hydration compartment
Adjustable chest and waist straps
Low profile design with low profile MOLLE panels for additional accessory attachments.
Made with tough 500D double-rip Cordura
KLIM Arsenal 30 Backpack
Designed specifically for adventure riding, the Klim Arsenal 30 is a large backpack for those who need to carry more than just the basics. With a 29 liter capacity this backpack is perfect for those who carry drones, cameras and bulkier items when riding.
Klim has made a few riding-specific upgraded to their Arsenal line such as reflective print on the front and sides of the bag for safety and internal side-cinch straps to reduce strap snags when riding. Another great feature is the clamshell main compartment that makes loading and unloading the bag a breeze.
Klim Arsenal 30 Backpack features at a glance:
Large dirt bike backpack (29L storage)
Separate rear 3L hydration compartment and ambidextrous hose routing
Roomy main compartment with sleeve (can be used as 15” laptop sleeve)
Chest strap and waist belt
External radio cable routing tabs
Tons of pockets throughout for great organization
USWE Raw Hydration Pack
USWE offers a compact hydration pack designed specifically for dirt bike riders with the Raw 8L Hydration Pack. Each pack comes equipped with USWE’s “No Dancing Monkey” harness system that provides zero bounce on the toughest terrains without constricting movement or breathability.
Other great features include 8 liters of storage with a 3L hydration bladder pocket plus a couple of extra storage compartments that line the front for easy-access to your gear. The pack is roomy enough for must-haves like tools, snacks, a cell phone, wallet and keys plus some other bits and bobs yet light enough to not bog you down.
The special riding harness, great pocket placement and compact design makes the USWE Raw Hydration Pack one of the best options for riders looking for an intentionally designed dirt bike or motocross backpack for carrying the essentials.
USWE Raw features at a glance
Small dirt bike backpack (8L storage)
3L hydration bladder compartment
Special zero bounce harness system with riding-specific swivel chest strap
Tool compartment with wrench straps
Lightweight and compact design
EVOC Stage Technical Backpack 18L
Although originally designed for mountain bike riders, the EVOC Stage Technical Backpack is a roomy mid-sized backpack that also performs great on the dirt bike trail thanks to its advanced ventilation air flow back panel, versatile top and bottom shoulder straps adjustments and great pocket placement for dirt bike and motocross essentials.
The EVOC Stage has a generous 18 liters of capacity that’s perfect for carrying bulkier items like a larger tool kit, first aid kit and rain jacket with plenty of smaller compartments for organizing your phone, keys, wallet and snacks. A hydration bladder hooks right into a rear hydration compartment while front pockets provide additional organization of smaller items you need quick access to.
EVOC Stage features at a glance:
Mid-sized riding backpack (18L storage)
2L hydration bladder compatible
Chest strap and hip belt
Free flow contact back panel for max ventilation
Full face helmet clips on to front of backpack
CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 Hydration Pack
The CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 Hydration Pack 100 oz is another mountain bike backpack that also doubles as a great dirt bike and motocross backpack and its easy to why once you delve into all of its features. This hydration backpack was designed to keep riders cool with its lightweight and breathable 3D vent mesh shoulder harness and CamelBak’s own Air Support Back Panel that allows for maximum ventilation on the hottest points of your back while riding.
The pocket and compartment placement on the M.U.L.E. 12 are great for dirt bike riders who want to keep their kit organized. Along with a rear 3L hydration compartment the M.U.L.E. 12 also includes a main compartment and an additional organizer compartments that give you the organization you need of everything from tools to snacks. All of these great features are contained in a lightweight and low-profile footprint that’s perfect for trail riding.
CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 Features at a glance:
Small riding backpack (9L storage)
3L hydration bladder
Adjustable chest strap with removable waist strap
Magnetic hydration tube catch on shoulder strap
Special CamelBak ventilated back panel to allow maximum ventilation
Tons of compartments and pockets for organizing riding gear
SHARKMOUTH Molle Hydration Backpack
The Sharkmouth MOLLE Hydration Backpack is the dirt bike backpack for those looking for a cheaper hydration option with a small and lightweight profile. The hydration compartment can fit up to a 3 liter bladder and is insulated to keep your water cool on longer rides.
As for extra storage, this backpack provides a front zippered pocket to safely stash essentials such as a phone, keys and wallet while a mesh pocket gives you the ability to securely stash away gloves or a small tool kit. All in all the Sharkmouth MOLLE Hydration Backpack is perfect for riders who need to bring just the essentials on rides without the bulk (or price) of a larger pack.
Sharkmouth features at a glance:
Small dirt bike hydration backpack
Insulated 2L hydration bladder compartment
Extra front pocket for essentials
Lightweight and compact
Adjustable chest and waist straps
Breathable padded back panel
MOLLE webbing front panel
Our Favorite Dirt Bike and Motocross Backpack Brands
KLIM
KLIM is a brand that specializes in advanced technical riding gear and apparel and their line of backpacks are some of the best dirt bike backpacks on the market today. Where KLIM bags really shine is in their riding-specific designs that have all the right compartments for off-road gear like tool kits and goggles.
Whether you are looking for a small hydration bag or a larger dirtbike bookbag for longer rides you’ll find the perfect one with KLIM.
USWE
USWE is a Swedish brand that specializes in bounce free action backpacks thanks to their special NDM (“No Dancing Monkey”) harness technology that virtually eliminates all bag movement without constricting body movement. This harness technology is what sets USWE apart from other dirt bike backpacks and what makes their packs some of the best on the market.
CamelBak
Although not specifically made for the dirt bike and motocross riders, it still holds true that CamelBak offers some of the best hydration backpacks in the game. Their hiking and cycling packs all come equipped with chest straps and waist belts as a standard so you know you are getting a pack that stays secure while riding.
What we like most about CamelBak hydration backpacks is their lightweight designs and emphasis on cooling technology on the back panels and shoulder straps for maximum breathability and comfort. This counts for a lot during hot weather riding where the bulk adds up. We recommend packs that have CamelBak’s Air Support™ Back Panels that put an emphasis on airflow if keeping cool is a priority.
How to Choose a Dirt Bike Backpack
Although we can recommend our favorite dirt bike and motocross backpacks the truth is that finding the perfect riding backpack comes down to personal preference and individual needs. The ideal backpack size, harness design and pocket placement all vary from rider to rider.
Keep reading below for a few pointers on determining your perfect pack and what details to look out for when choosing.
Keep Reading - How to Choose a Dirt Bike Backpack
1) Determine Your Backpack Size
We can split up dirtbike backpacks into 3 size categories: small, medium and large
Small Hydration Pack (Under 9L)
Small hydration packs keep it simple by providing just enough storage room for a hydration bladder and one or two other small pockets for essentials such as keys, a wallet, phone and a few tools.
These backpacks are best for riders who just need to carry a few key items for shorter rides and would prefer the bag to have a smaller footprint. A good small dirt bike or motorcross backpack will be light enough for you to forget it’s even on your back when riding.
What fits in a Small Dirt Bike Backpack:
Hydration bladder
Cell phone, keys and wallet
Bike Registration/Permit
Snacks
A Few Tools
Mid-Sized Backpack (10-19L)
Most riders will land in mid-sized backpack territory when purchasing a dirt bike backpack since they will still be lightweight enough for riding with the benefit of extra packing compartments. Here is where you’ll see special pockets and compartments for bike tools and larger main compartments that can fit bulkier items like a windproof jacket.
Think of a mid-sized backpack as the “Goldilocks” of dirt bike backpack sizes - not too big and not too small.
What fits in a Mid-Sized Dirt Bike Backpack:
Hydration Bladder
Cell phone, keys, wallet
Bike Registration/Permit
Snacks
Tool Kit
Compact Tire Gauge and Air Pump
First Aid Kit
Lightweight Jacket
Large Backpack (20L+)
For dirt bike riders we consider a large backpack to be any capacity over 20L. Here is where you’ll start to see more spacious main compartments much like the ones you find in school bookbags (we like the sound of dirtbike bookbag). This means more room for bulkier gear like camera gear, drones and larger tools.
What fits in a Large Dirt Bike Backpack:
Everything that fits in a Mid-Sized backpack above
Camera and Drone Gear
Extra Clothes
More Tools
2) Hydration Bladder Compatible
One of the most important features on an off-road backpack is its hydration bladder compatibility. Using a hydration bladder makes staying hydrated while on the trail a million times easier than carrying water bottles. With a hydration tube ready to go you are more likely to take a sip and you can do it without having to fiddle with your backpack while on the bike.
Just about every dirt bike backpack worth its salt has a built-in hydration bladder sleeve and many brands even include a hydration bladder and tube with the pack.
3) Make Sure it’s a Secure Fit
At a minimum a dirt bike backpack should have a chest strap. And a waist belt. You should have one of those too.
Since you’ll be riding at high speeds it’s incredibly important that the backpack stays secure to your body. Chest straps and waist belts prevent the bag from bouncing around and just provide a much more enjoyable riding experience than a backpack without.
You can also opt-in for a dirt bike specific pivoting harness. A pivoting harness combine the benefits of a chest and waist straps into one simple pivoting buckle that increases movement and mobility when riding while still keeping the backpack secure. Brands like USWE and KLIM both offer dirt bike backpacks with pivoting harnesses.
4) Say No To Flapping Straps
What’s a flapping strap? It’s any unwieldy strap that just flows in the wind while you ride. You usually get these at the end of the shoulder strap or with hip belts and compression straps.
This is where going with a dirt bike specific backpack over a generic hiking backpack really pays off. Dirt bike and motocross backpacks are designed with off-road riding in mind and make it a point to minimize dangling straps that can get caught on something accidentally while riding.
11 Best Sling Bags with Water Bottle Holder - Top Water Bottle Slings
Stay hydrated in style! Whether you are looking for a simple water bottle sling or a larger sling backpack with a water bottle holder - this buying guide for you!
A sling bag offers an easy way to carry your essentials without the bulk of a full-sized backpack or messenger bag. Although crossbody slings have become popular in recent years most designs lack a simple feature - a water bottle holder.
In this buying guide we will help you find the best sling bag with water bottle holder for everyday carry and travel by showcasing some of our favorite designs you can buy right now. Whether you are looking for a roomy sling backpack or a simple water bottle crossbody sling, we have you covered!
Best Sling Bags with Water Bottle Holder
Nomatic Navigator Lite Sling Bag
If you are looking for the best sling bag with water bottle holder then the Nomatic Navigator Lite is definitely a top contender. What makes this sling bag special is that it keeps its water bottle holder hidden in a zippered side pocket offering you a sleek profile when not in use.
Nomatic offers sling bags with water bottle holders in a few different styles and sizes to fit your needs.
Learn more about the Nomatic Navigator Lite Sling
The Nomatic Navigator Lite Sling pack is also one of our favorite laptop sling bags for its versatility, streamlined style and high quality water resistant construction. Inside you’ll find some amazing features such as a padded laptop sleeve, RFID safe pocket and a cord pass through for easy charging of devices on the go!
Camelbak Arete Sling Pack
The Camelbak Arete is a nifty little water bottle sling bag that can be used as both as a hiking hydration pack or as a lightweight sling for exploring downtown. Each Arete sling bag includes a Camelbak water bottle that perfectly fits the stretch pocket on the front of the sling.
Learn more about the Camelbak Arete Sling
The Camelbak Arete is a “hydration sling” that was designed around active lifestyles and for those who want to keep their carry as light as possible while on the move. Along with the stretch water bottle holder integrated into the front of the sling bag, you’ll also find a mesh pocket inside the main compartment that can fit an 1.5L water bladder for additional hydration options when on the trail.
Other great features on the Camelbak Arete include a roomy 8-liter interior main compartment for daily essentials and the option to switch between left and right shoulder carry.
Mosiso Sling Backpack
Available in almost a dozen colors, the Mosiso Sling Backpack is a budget-friendly sling with some pretty impressive features for the price.
The side mesh pockets allow you to carry up to two water bottles while the zippered pockets throughout its design makes it easy to organize daily essentials such as an iPad, phone and accessories. Whether you are looking for a water bottle sling for hiking or a lightweight everyday bag for essential carry - the Mosiso Sling Backpack has just the right features.
Sherpani Esprit AT Sling Bag
The Sherpani Esprit AT is a modern women’s sling bag with a water bottle holder that offers easy hands-free carry on busy days. We love the Sherpani Esprit AT for its ergonomic tear-drop design and soft padded shoulder strap for all-day comfort. The stretch water bottle pocket can be found on the side of the sling and snaps back into place for a cleaner look when not in use.
Learn more about the Sherpani Esprit AT Sling Bag
If you are looking for a stylish yet functional sling bag with a water bottle holder then you can’t miss with the Sherpani Esprit AT! Designed for daily carry and travel alike, the roomy 10-liter capacity is perfect for carrying daily staples such as a water bottle, sunglasses, iPad and wallet. A water resistant exterior also gives this sling bag an edge during rainy days.
When traveling you’ll love the anti-theft features that Sherpani has built into their design including a special RFID protected pocket, anti-slash bottom and zip loop locks to keep your zippered pockets secured.
HydroFlask Slingback Bottle Pack
The Hydroflask Slingback is a water bottle sling that offers an easy way to carry essentials with a special front pocket that can hold up to a 32oz bottle. This water bottle crossbody sling is designed to keep you organized and features a padded tablet sleeve, keychain clip and a rear security pocket for valuables like a wallet or phone.
Under Armour Unisex Flex Sling Bag
The Under Armour Flex Sling Bag is a versatile, lightweight and affordable sling bag that gets the job done in style. Whether you need an easy way to carry your gym gear or a lightweight one strap backpack for school - the UA Flex has you covered.
Learn more about the UA Flex Sling Bag
The Under Armour Flex is the perfect sling backpack with water bottle holder for those who need a lightweight yet versatile bag for gym days or practice. The whopping 15L volume is larger than most sling bags on the market today yet its lightweight polyester and stretchy mesh construction keeps you nimble on busy days.
The roomy stretch pocket on the front of this bag can hold everything from a light sweater to shoes while the side pockets allow you to carry up to two water bottles. Inside you can pack in clothes and gym gear with some room to spare.
Nomatic Navigator Sling Bag
Made with durable water resistant materials, the Nomatic Navigator Sling is an impressive sling backpack with a water bottle holder that is packed to the gils with features. Unlike other sling backpacks that feature their water bottle holder as an exterior pocket, Nomatic has designed a hidden mesh pocket that allows you to keep a sleek profile when not in use.
Read more about the Nomatic Navigator Sling
Nomatic is known for designing innovative backpacks for work and photography and their slings are definitely cut from the same cloth. When it comes to comfort, each Navigator Sling comes with a hidden stabilizing strap for extra support when you need it. Their back panels are also some of the best we have seen in a sling backpack thanks to its molded foam design that’s equipped with airflow channels to keep you cool on warmer days.
Do you carry lots of tech? Then this sling bag is made for you. The Nomatic Navigator Sling includes a separate padded compartment for a tablet or gaming device with its own zipper access to keep your expensive tech secure and easy to reach. The inside of the main compartment is also lined with pockets for your chargers, cables and accessories with cord management integrated into the design.
Other killer features include a special RFID protected pocket, tamper-proof zippers and a tough water resistant construction that will keep your sling bag looking great day after day.
3V Gear Outlaw II Urban Sling Backpack
With a whopping 24 liters of carrying capacity, the 3V Gear Outlaw II is a sling backpack that means business. Along with a side water bottle holder for easy-access to hydration, this bag also includes a padded laptop sleeve, some serious pockets for tech and an anti-theft design for peace of mind when on the move.
Learn more about the 3V Gear Outlaw II
The 3V Gear Outlaw II is a sling backpack with water bottle holder for those who are serious about organization. The two front EDC and admin compartments are lined with pockets for easy storage of your tech and smaller essentials while the main compartment features a 13-inch padded laptop sleeve and plenty of open storage room for your daily grind.
Need a water bottle sling for hiking? In addition to the exterior water bottle pocket, the Outlaw II is hydration compatible. The laptop sleeve doubles as a hydration pocket to transform the Outlaw II into a lightweight hiking sling.
A generously padded single shoulder strap and EVA molded back panel makes the 3V Gear Outlaw II comfortable enough for extended wear on longer days. The included stabilizer strap will also keep the sling from sliding around on heavier packing days.
OutdoorMaster Sling Backpack
Offered at an affordable price, the OutdoorMaster Sling Backpack gives you the features you need in sling bag without the high price tag. The single water bottle holder can be found on the side of pack while the interior features plenty of pockets and compartments for up to a 12-inch tablet and your daily essentials.
The OutdoorMaster Sling Backpack is available in a few fun colors to match your style.
Best Water Bottle Sling Bags
A water bottle sling bag is comprised of a main pocket that can hold a water bottle or coffee travel mug plus an extra pocket or two for stashing small items. This is a great option for those who want to keep their carry light while still having the hands-free benefits of a crossbody sling bag.
Wild Wolf Outfitters Water Bottle Holder
The Wild Wolf Outfitters Water Bottle Holder is made for those looking for a rugged water bottle sling for hiking, sports events and lightweight daily carry.
This water bottle sling is made from military grade materials to protect your gear from the elements. The water bottle pocket is also lined with neoprene to help keep your water bottle insulated and cool. Outer pockets give you extra room to stash your wallet, phone and keys for true hand-free carry when on the move.
What we like most about the Wild Wolf Outfitters Water Bottle Holder is that it comes in a variety of different sizes to fit your specific bottle. From their smaller 25oz holders to a whopping 128oz water bottle sling - Wild Wolf Outfitters has you covered.
Nuovoware Water Bottle Sling
Compact and budget-friendly, the Nuovoware Water Bottle Sling is one of our favorite options if you are looking for an affordable water bottle sling with pockets for small essentials. This crossbody sling is made out of neoprene - a lightweight water resistant material that also insulates to keep your drinks cool. Two external pockets give you extra room for small items such as keys, a cell phone and driver’s license.
7 Affordable Goruck GR1 Alternatives
Looking for a good Goruck alternative? We’ve done the research to bring you our top 7 affordable options to the popular Goruck GR1 backpack.
Looking for a good Goruck alternative? We’ve done the research to bring you 7 different affordable options to the popular Goruck GR1 backpack. The GR1 is a quality USA made backpack with tons of great features like a laptop compartment, external molle, and a hydration access port. It comes in 21L or 26L options which are the great sizes for everyday carry.
The backpacks on this list have many similar features as the Goruck GR1 but at a much lower price point. Take a look at our reviews below to explore the unique features each of the backpacks have to offer.
Packs like GORUCK: GR1 Alternatives
One of the main selling points of Goruck bags is the versatility that is embedded into each bag’s design. The Goruck GR1 is the perfect blend of civilian minimalism and tactical functionality. It’s such a good design that other backpack brands were quick to mimic some of its best features. While few bags can offer everything that the GoRuck GR1 offers, a few brands do come close.
Below are our the best bags like Goruck for anyone looking for a good GR1 alternative at a cheaper price point.
Recycled Firefighter The Battalion 24HR
Recycled Firefighter offers a cheaper GoRuck backpack alternative that rivals the GR1 in design and function with the Battalion 24HR. At a 18 liter capacity the Battalion 24HR runs a little smaller than the GR1 but what it lakes in size it makes up in construction, functionality and price. Made out of a tough 1000D Cordura, the Recycled Firefighter 24HR is built to survive everything from weekend rucks to daily carry.
For those looking for an American made bag, you’ll be pleased to know that every Recycled Firefighter backpack is made in the USA yet is available at a much cheaper price point for a lot of the same features you would find in the GR1. If a minimalist design, a clamshell opening and a hydration compartment is what you are looking for, then the Recycled Firefighter Battalion 24HR is the best GoRuck alternative on the market right now.
Volume: 18L
Made in USA in small batches
Clamshell access to main compartment
Made of 1000D Cordura with Mil-Spec YKK zippers
15” laptop compartment
Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 24
The Mystery Ranch Urban Assault is easily one of the best Goruck GR1 alternatives available today thanks to its tough Cordura nylon and robust YKK zipper construction. Although not a clamshell backpack, the Urban Assault instead uses a unique 3-zip zipper design to give you customized access to the main compartment depending on how you open it. Pockets line the inside of the main compartment for convenient organization.
The Urban Assault comes in three sizes. The largest is a 24 liter version that includes a separate laptop compartment. The smaller 18 liter and 21 liter versions have the laptop compartment inside the main compartment and are great for any one who needs a tough ruck pack with a small footprint.
Volume: 24L
Made of 500D Cordura nylon with YKK zippers
Special 3-zip access to main compartment
Padded laptop compartment
Db The Ramverk Backpack
Let’s start out by saying that the Db Ramverk isn’t built to be a rucksack or a tactical backpack. Instead what we have is an urban backpack that has enough innovative features to make it a great Goruck alternative for daily carry.
A sample of these features include an open flat main compartment with internal mesh pockets, separate padded laptop compartment, aluminum hardware, external webbing for attachments and two adjustable straps for securing oversized gear to the exterior of the bag.
What makes the Db Ramverk so special is its patented ABS rib cage construction that replaces traditional foam panels. This construction allows the Ramverk to be incredibly lightweight while still providing great protection to your gear inside.
Volume: 21L
Also available in the larger Ramverk 26L
15” Laptop Compartment
Open flat main compartment
TOPO DESigNS DAYPACK
For those looking for a reliable American made bag for daily carry, the Topo Designs Daypack may be just the ticket. Much like Goruck, the Topo Daypack focuses on a proven minimalist design and rugged materials over flashy bells and whistles.
The Topo Designs Daypack comes in a few different tiered price options with each version getting better in quality the more you are willing to invest. The Daypack Leather is made with a tough 1000D Cordura Nylon construction while the Daypack Heritage Canvas replaces the nylon for a water repellent cotton canvas shell. Both packs feature Made in USA Horween leather bottoms for added protection and a dash of sophistication.
Volume: 21.6L
Made in USA
Made of 1000D Cordura (Daypack Leather)
Internal sleeve fits 15” laptop
Camelbak H.A.W.G Mil Spec Crux Backpack
The Camelbak H.A.W.G is a quality made backpack tough enough for hikes and rucks. It’s main feature is the included Mil-Spec Antidote Reservoir water delivery system that includes a 3 liter water bladder and Quick Link Hydrolock Bite Valve Adapter for easy refilling and use.
The backpack itself features 2 full length main compartments to keep your items secure and organized. The 500D Rip-Stop Cordura is water resistant and MOLLE on the front panel allows for attachment of extra gear. At 23L capacity, the Camelbak H.A.W.G is large enough for your essentials while remaining compact enough to take on a day hike or to use as a daily urban backpack. We highly recommend the Camelbak H.A.W.G to anyone looking for a cheaper quality Goruck backpack alternative for adventuring.
Volume: 23L
Made of 500D Rip-Stop Cordura
Two full length compartments
Includes a Mil Spec reservoir water bladder and exit port with tube.
5.11 Rush 12 Backpack
The 5.11 Rush 12 backpack is a compact tactical backpack made for everyday functionality. The backpack can be broken down into 3 compartments: A roomy main compartment, a smaller bottom front compartment with organizational pockets, and the 1.5 liter hydration pocket for your water bladder. In total, the Rush 12 backpack features 16 different compartments for a variety of items and uses. This includes the fleece-lined pocket for your sunglasses and internal organizer for pens, notepads and other small items. There is no dedicated laptop compartment but a laptop up to 14 inches can easily fit in the main compartment.
The outside of the backpack features an adjustable height sternum strap as well as a contoured yoke shoulder strap system that is adjustable for a comfortable fit. You can also find MOLLE attachments along the front and sides of the exterior of the backpack for the ability to add additional items to your load.The water-resistant 1050D Nylon makes this a great backpack for commuters and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Volume: 24L
MOLLE attachments on both front and sides.
Made of water resistant 1050D Nylon
1.5 liter hydration pocket
3V Gear Subrosa Urban Tech Backpack
3V Gear Subrosa Urban Tech backpack is a great Goruck GR1 alternative for those who want a similar minimalist design but need a backpack for more urban settings. A great feature of the Subrosa is its clamshell admin compartment that is filled with pockets for keeping your daily gear organized. Two padded laptop sleeves give you access to your tech either from the main compartment or from a separate back pocket.
Volume: 30L
Materials: 500D Nylon, YKK Zippers
Internal and external laptop sleeves are hydration and CCW compatible
Clamshell admin compartment makes packing and organizing items easy
14er Tactical Backpack
The 14er Tactical Backpack is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a backpack like Goruck on Amazon at a cheaper price point. The bag includes tons of pocket for daily carry such as a padded laptop sleeve, zippered internal organization and compression straps for days you want to keep it light.
Although the 14er Tactical Backpack runs larger than the GR1 it’s still a great option thanks to its clamshell main compartment and robust MOLLE attachments that allow you to add on gear as you need it. The 14er Tactical Backpack also makes a great CCW backpack thanks to its hook & loop rear pocket that gives you dual access to what you carry inside.
Volume: 35L
Clamshell access to main compartment
MOLLE attachments throughout body
Hydration bladder compatible
Other Brands Like GoRuck
The following brands are for anyone who loves the features of the Goruck GR1 and GR2 but are still curious about the competition. Getting to know your options before a big purchase is a must and luckily there are a few brands that rival Goruck in both quality and design.
Like Goruck, these 3 brands offer American made backpacks with a focus on innovative design and craftsmanship. For those who value build integrity, you are going to love what the following brands have to offer.
Mystery Ranch ASAP pack
Mystery Ranch
Based in Montana, Mystery Ranch makes all of their packs in the USA. The brand has a special relationship with supplying bags for the military which started when the Mystery Branch was approached to make special packs for the Navy SEALS in 2004. Since the brand’s beginning, Mystery Ranch has been known for their dedication to quality, durability and function.
One of our favorite bags is the Mystery Ranch ASAP pack which is the most compact version of their 3-zip series assault packs. The backpack features a unique Y zipper design that allows you to open the backpack from the top like a rucksack and down the middle so that the entire main compartment is easily accessible.
The Brown Buffalo Conceal Backpack US
The Brown Buffalo
The Brown Buffalo is an up and coming brand that focuses on design-driven packs, backpacks and travel accessories. The brand does a great job of striking a balance between style and function.
Those who love the minimalism of Goruck bags will be impressed by The Brown Buffalo Conceal Backpack. The are two versions of the Conceal backpack; an American made version made of ballistic nylon Cordura and a slightly cheaper Water-resistant 420D Nylon version made overseas. These bags are perfect for anyone who wants a more urban backpack for everyday carry but doesn’t want to compromise on the craftsmanship and attention to detail that many tactical bag brands like Goruck provide.
Triple Aught Design Fast Pack Litespeed
Triple Aught Design
Expertly designed. Tough as nails. Made in USA. Triple Aught Design offers some of the most thoughtfully designed American made tactical and urban carry backpacks. Their FAST Collection of backpacks offers some great options for those looking for smaller rucksacks with must-have features such as room for a hydration bladder, hip belt and plenty of MOLLE attachments. We recommend the FAST Pack Litespeed for anyone looking for a medium size rucksack at around 22L capacity.
Although more tactical than the minimalist GoRuck GR1 and GR2, Triple Aught Design’s commitment to quality makes their bags worth a closer look even if you are just looking for a casual everyday backpack with tactical features.
Criteria used for evaluation
Here is a quick rundown on how we chose the backpacks on our list. We made it a point to judge each backpack by how they compared to the Goruck GR1 in style, function and build quality.
Design
The first thing you notice when shopping for a bag is it’s style and design. Goruck has a very specific tactical minimalist style that combines the functionality of a tactical rucksack with a more toned down design. What you get is a military grade pack that can be worn just about anywhere.
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Minimalist Style
While it can be tough to nail down Goruck’s minimal look, the backpacks on our list do a good job at keeping things simple. Each bag, with the exception of the Timbuk2 Q laptop backpack, include the typical tactical offerings of MOLLE attachments and sternum or waist straps without going overboard with too many bells and whistles that distract from their overall design.
Bags like the Propper U.C. backpack and the Grey Ghost Gear Griff Pack are great examples of this simplicity in play. Both bags look like regular backpacks with the exception of front facing MOLLE webbing or in the case of the Grey Ghost Gear Griff pack, some tastefully placed velcro for morale patches on the front pocket.
Opens Flat Design
One of the most popular design features of Goruck backpacks is their clamshell design that allows for the main compartment to open flat. Every backpack on our Goruck GR1 Alternative list shares this clamshell design with the exception of the Camelbak H.A.W.G. and Timbuk2 Q laptop backpack.
Small Form Factor
When it comes to rucking backpacks, the GoRuck GR1 pack is on the smaller side at only 21L and 26L respectively. All of our top picks follow in the same footsteps with the largest backpack being the Grey Ghost Gear Griff Pack at almost 30L capacity. If you are looking for a Goruck GR1 alternative on the smaller side then we recommend the Cannae Legion Day Pack that offers a 21L capacity just like the smaller Goruck GR1.
Function
Along with great design, we took a close look at the functionality each bag had to offer and how it compared to the Goruck GR1. What we found was that many backpacks had some if not all of the same functionality of the Goruck GR1 but at a cheaper price point.
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MOLLE Attachments
The Goruck GR1 backpack features 3 rows of MOLLE webbing on the front, side and inside of the pack and additional MOLLE webbing on the shoulder straps. This allows the pack to be loaded up with additional storage and gear attachments.
Unlike other tactical bag designs, the simple MOLLE placement on Goruck packs is a popular selling point. Goruck keeps the MOLLE attachments to a minimum while still providing plenty of options for adding gear as needed. We think that the Propper U.C. backpack and Camelbak H.A.W.G. are excellent example of bags like Goruck that keep their MOLLE webbing design simple. But if lots of MOLLE webbing is your thing, we recommend going with the 5.11 Rush 12 backpack which is fully loaded with MOLLE webbing on the front, sides and shoulder straps.
Hydration Bladder
Goruck includes an exit port for a hydration tube in each one of their GR bags. We made sure to look for similar backpacks that support hydration bladders. If you are looking for a backpack similar to the Goruck GR1 with hydration bladder support our favorites are the Camelbak H.A.W.G. which supports a 3L water bladder and the Cannae Legion Day Pack which supports a 2L hydration bladder.
Ruck Plate Capability
Goruck makes the rucking backpack with the GR1 pack and we made sure to look for similar bags that can hold up to the rigorous needs of a ruck event. One main feature we looked out for is each backpack’s ability to hold ruck plates. The best we have found is the Condor Frontier Outdoor pack, a smaller backpack that has a robust laptop compartment that can hold one or two plates as well as a separate water bladder compartment that can double as a ruck plate compartment. Other backpacks that can also comfortably hold ruck plates in their laptop compartments is the 5.11 Origin Pack, 5.11 Rush 12 and the Cannae Legion Day Pack.
Everyday Capability
Each of the backpacks were handpicked with everyday carry in mind. Whether you are in law enforcement or a student, the bags on this list should have the ability to carry daily items such as laptops and extra clothes. Since each backpack has some sort of MOLLE webbing or velcro attachment, those looking for a Goruck camera bag will be able to attach a camera field pocket for easy storage of camera bodies and lenses.
Some people simply want something like a Goruck laptop bag without too many of the tactical features. In this case we recommend the Timbuk2 Q laptop backpack for the most urban carry features such as room for your laptop accessories, books, water bottles, etc.
Build and Quality
Build quality is what separates Goruck bags from other similar tactical backpacks. Goruck proudly claims their bags are “bomb proof”. This is achieved by building a bag from the ground up with the very best materials and extensive testing to make sure the bag holds up to heavy use. We chose bags that can compete with the Goruck GR1 in terms of quality but at a cheaper price point.
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Material Durability
Goruck GR1 backpacks are made of 1000D Cordura, YKK zippers and ultra tough stitching that is strength tested at over 400lbs. Although few brands come close to Goruck’s material durability we did find some solid competitors. Both the Propper U.C. backpack and 5.11 Rush 12 are made of ultra tough 1000D and 1050D Cordura respectively. While brands like Mystery Ranch, Triple Aught Design and The Brown Buffalo all offer meticulously designed backpacks that compete with Goruck in terms of American made build quality and materials used.
Warranty
Very few brands can beat Goruck’s Scars lifetime guarantee. The guarantee covers defect in workmanship and materials on any Goruck product for life. But we did find some brands that offer impressive warranties with their backpacks. Timbuk2 and Camelbak both offer a lifetime warranty on all of their bags and backpacks. Cannae offers a 1 year warranty with each of their bags.
Availability
Lastly, a big factor in which backpacks to include in this Goruck backpack alternative list was whether or not each bag was easily available in stores or online. Goruck backpacks are not currently available on Amazon, but we made sure to include Amazon available bags. If Amazon isn’t your thing than you’ll be pleased to know that these bags are also available on each manufacturer’s website respectively. We made sure not to include any special edition backpacks that had limited runs and instead focused on staple designs from each brand we featured.
