Last August I reviewed the GoRuck Bullet 10L and gave it favorable marks. I’ve since upgraded to the GoRuck Bullet 15L after the last GoRuck inventory sale and I’m liking it even more.
The GoRuck Bullet 15L
Why? At 9.5″W x 18″H x 5.75″D, the 15 Liter version adds extra width and depth, making it a more practical option for everyday carry. The setup is the same as the 10L pack. The exterior has one zippered slash pocket which is roughly 7.5″ deep and external PALS webbing. I find the pocket useful to dump my phone, keys, and anything else I need quick access to.
In the main compartment, there is a shallow zippered top pocket and a long mesh zippered pocket below that runs down to the bottom of the pack. With the added width, the mesh pocket of the 15L fits an iPad easier although GoRuck still hasn’t added padding to the bottom of this pack so I wouldn’t go without a case unless you’ve invested in Apple Care.
Another option would be to use the separate hydration pocket and use a soft case for added protection. On a recent trip, I dropped a Tom Bihn Cache in there and used it to carry my iPad. It would also fit a small Netbook or Laptop. The combo makes the Bullet 15L a nice compact travel bag that is airline friendly because it will fit under the seat on most planes.
I found myself using the main compartment more on the 15L to store things other than just a hoodie or jacket. For instance, I’ve used the pack to carry my GoPro gear in the Lowepro Dashpoint AVC 2. The lay flat design makes getting larger items in and out a breeze.
The back panel isn’t thickly padded but the straps are the widest I’ve seen on a pack this size – outside of something with a Mystery Ranch label on it. GoRuck doesn’t include a sternum strap with the Bullet but I added one. Actually, I think its the waist belt off my Vertx Gamut, but it works great in that role.
For me, the biggest benefit I realized by upsizing to the GoRuck 15L was a slightly better fit. I’m a big guy and the larger pack carries better on my 6’4″, 250lb frame.
The shoulder straps tend to not rub against my neck when I’ve moving with the pack on.
So, is the GoRuck Bullet 15L worth the price? I think GoRuck’s products tend to get painted by detractors with a very broad brush. I read someone on the Perfect Pack Facebook Group derisively refer to GoRucks as “armored Jansports”. I guess in a way they are but is that necessarily a bad thing? It might be if you’re paying over $300 for one, but the cost/value ratios get better on GoRuck’s smaller packs and that’s where I tend to gravitate when it comes to this brand. The GoRuck Bullet 15L retails for $120 and is available from GoRuck’s website.
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