GORUCK GR1 21 vs. Timbuk2 Blink
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| GORUCK GR1 21 | Feature | Timbuk2 Blink |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Dyneema Composite Fabric (CT9Hw6/blkwov6) | |
Key differences between the GORUCK GR1 21 and Timbuk2 Blink
- Compression straps: No on the GORUCK GR1 21; Yes on the Timbuk2 Blink.
- Opening: Clamshell on the GORUCK GR1 21; Other on the Timbuk2 Blink.
- Passport pocket: Top on the GORUCK GR1 21; Front on the Timbuk2 Blink.
Both have: backpack straps, laptop sleeve, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 166 accept both. 12 accept only the GORUCK GR1 21, and 1 accept only the Timbuk2 Blink.
Only the GORUCK GR1 21 fits
Air Niugini, American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Jordanian, Virgin Australia, WestJet.
Only the Timbuk2 Blink fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
GORUCK GR1 21 vs. Timbuk2 Blink: which should you pack?
The Timbuk2 Blink carries 3L more than the GORUCK GR1 21 (21L vs. 24L), while the Timbuk2 Blink is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 0.9kg). For carry-on flexibility, the GORUCK GR1 21 fits 94% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Timbuk2 Blink; if you want to travel lighter, the Timbuk2 Blink is the better call.