Hacker News Reader

Comment by 58x14 | Hacker News Reader

I bought a Goruck GR2 (40L capacity) in 2013 and cumulatively lived out of it for ~4 years. It's been with me up every mountain I've climbed, on 3 continents, on my back as I rode a motorcycle through a snowstorm. I've slept on it, swam with it, skied with it.

After nearly 9 years, it's in perfect condition, and one of my most cherished possessions. I'm not one to anthropomorphize... but this one bag is my best friend. It has quite literally been with me through everything.

Also, a good bag has got to be the most underrated item in any apocalyptic scenario. Travel and scavenging become the primary methods of survival - a strong, sizable bag allows you to securely store food, water, medicine, ammo, tools, printed and digital media. A zipper breaking as you flee from danger may make the difference in survival.

View on HN

> A zipper breaking as you flee from danger may make the difference in survival.

In an apocalyptic scenario, zippers are way too annoying to fix and replace. Rip out your zippers and replace them with cordage through metal grommets, or with button flys. Army duffels use overlapping folds of material with metal grommets and one giant metal clasp. Roll-top bags just need rolling and can be tied closed with cord.

I've had a HMG 3400 SW and my wife a Gossamer Gear Mariposa for 6 years. We got it for backpacking 5+ days in US wilderness, but they act as our one-bags across Latam. We didn't have a "one bag" mindset, we always just pack light.

They collapse down enough that they easily fit underneath the seat on a budget airline and look like a college kid's backpack. And they expand enough they we've done multiple 4-7 day treks holding tents and sleeping bags (40L and 50+10L).

And we roll up some smaller day bags inside for daily use.

I've had the GR2 34L since it was released (maybe 6-7 years ago) and I've traveled the world with it. I have the same affection for it that you have for yours. I can live out of it indefinitely as long as I'm not in extremely cold climates. Worn in and in perfect shape.

I have the 25L I use for everything for almost 5 years now. Still see no signs of wear and I do not treat that thing nicely.

I am wondering for the 40L, can you bring it as carry on item on flights? For the 25L I can and it is usually large enough for me. A bit larger would be nice, but I usually just cut something I will not need anyway.

I usually use a 46 liter Osprey which is supposedly carry-on size, certainly seems it, and I've never had an issue. It's a bit easier to squeeze into tight overhead space if it's not too jam packed full.

I have 40L/50+10Ls that I can even fit underneath the seat

I use the same. I'm not sure it will technically fit into the baggage check thingy at the gate if it's packed full but I've never had to check it unless the overhead bins were already full or on a short hop flight with smaller overhead bins where most bags get gate checked.

Even packed to the gills, I've never had an issue on any domestic or international flight using it as a carry on. I can recall maybe one or two occasions where no overhead space was available and I needed to remove a few items from the fully loaded ruck to fit it beneath the seat, but those were situations were outliers.

The 34L that I have fits under a plane seat even if its packed full. I prefer it in overhead obviously, but for a short flight with packed overhead, it's nice to have the option.

My GR1 26L has been an ideal travel companion, I was on the road with that, a rolling bag, and a shoulder suit duffle, for the better part of three years.

On my third rolling bag and suit duffle, the GR1 is untouched. It has been hosed out a few times.

This thing is coming with me if I lit out, and no mistake.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com