Zpacks Bagger Ultra vs. GORUCK GR1 26
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Zpacks Bagger Ultra
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×28×14 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $250 |
Feature by feature
| Zpacks Bagger Ultra | Feature | GORUCK GR1 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable, optional | Hip Belt | N |
| removable | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 17in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 3.3oz/sqyd Ultra 100X, not coated with DWR or other chemicals and is PFAS free | 1000D Cordura |
Key differences between the Zpacks Bagger Ultra and GORUCK GR1 26
- Hip belt: Removable, optional on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; No on the GORUCK GR1 26.
- Sternum strap: Removable on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; No on the GORUCK GR1 26.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; 17in on the GORUCK GR1 26.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Zpacks Bagger Ultra; No on the GORUCK GR1 26.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 169 accept both. 10 accept only the Zpacks Bagger Ultra, and 0 accept only the GORUCK GR1 26.
Only the Zpacks Bagger Ultra fits
Air Niugini, American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Virgin Australia.
Zpacks Bagger Ultra vs. GORUCK GR1 26: which should you pack?
The GORUCK GR1 26 carries 1L more than the Zpacks Bagger Ultra (25L vs. 26L), while the Zpacks Bagger Ultra is the lighter pack at 0.3kg (vs. 1.5kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Zpacks Bagger Ultra fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the GORUCK GR1 26; if you want to travel lighter, the Zpacks Bagger Ultra is the better call.