GORUCK GR1 21 vs. Millican Smith 18L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| GORUCK GR1 21 | Feature | Millican Smith 18L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 2 |
| top | Passport | side |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| 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 | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Dyneema Composite Fabric (CT9Hw6/blkwov6) | Weatherproof Bionic Canvas |
Millican Smith 18L
| Capacity | 18 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×28×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $130 |
Key differences between the GORUCK GR1 21 and Millican Smith 18L
- Opening: Clamshell on the GORUCK GR1 21; Rolltop on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Passport pocket: Top on the GORUCK GR1 21; Side on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Hip belt: No on the GORUCK GR1 21; Removable on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Sternum strap: No on the GORUCK GR1 21; Removable on the Millican Smith 18L.
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. 173 accept both. 5 accept only the GORUCK GR1 21, and 1 accept only the Millican Smith 18L.
Only the GORUCK GR1 21 fits
American Eagle, easyJet, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Only the Millican Smith 18L fits
Great Lakes Airlines.
GORUCK GR1 21 vs. Millican Smith 18L: which should you pack?
The GORUCK GR1 21 carries 3L more than the Millican Smith 18L (21L vs. 18L), while the GORUCK GR1 21 is the lighter pack at 0.9kg (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 GORUCK GR1 21; if you want to travel lighter, the GORUCK GR1 21 is the better call.