GORUCK GR1 21 vs. Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite)
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| GORUCK GR1 21 | Feature | Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite) |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Dyneema Composite Fabric (CT9Hw6/blkwov6) | 1000D Black + 210D Ripstop Nylon, Gray |
Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite)
| Capacity | 21 L |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×31×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 94% |
| Price | $175 |
Key differences between the GORUCK GR1 21 and Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite)
- Compression straps: No on the GORUCK GR1 21; 2 on the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite).
- Passport pocket: Top on the GORUCK GR1 21; Front on the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite).
- Sternum strap: No on the GORUCK GR1 21; Removable on the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite).
- Water bottle pockets: No on the GORUCK GR1 21; 2, side on the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite).
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. 177 accept both. 1 accept only the GORUCK GR1 21, and 0 accept only the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite).
Only the GORUCK GR1 21 fits
Air Niugini.
GORUCK GR1 21 vs. Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite): which should you pack?
The GORUCK GR1 21 carries the same capacity as the Alpha One-Niner Recon Nine Evade 1.5 (Lite) (21L vs. 21L), while the GORUCK GR1 21 is the lighter pack at 0.9kg (vs. 1.4kg). 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 GORUCK GR1 21; if you want to travel lighter, the GORUCK GR1 21 is the better call.