GORUCK GR2 40 vs. GORUCK GR3
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| GORUCK GR2 40 | Feature | GORUCK GR3 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| front | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 17in | Laptop | 17in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 1000D Cordura w/ 210D Back Panel | 1000D Cordura w/ 210D Back Panel |
Key differences between the GORUCK GR2 40 and GORUCK GR3
- Compression straps: No on the GORUCK GR2 40; 4 on the GORUCK GR3.
- Passport pocket: Front on the GORUCK GR2 40; Top on the GORUCK GR3.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the GORUCK GR2 40; Removable on the GORUCK GR3.
- Main compartments: 3 on the GORUCK GR2 40; 4 on the GORUCK GR3.
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. 85 accept both. 3 accept only the GORUCK GR2 40, and 0 accept only the GORUCK GR3.
Only the GORUCK GR2 40 fits
Caribbean Airlines, Cayman Airways, Croatia Air.
GORUCK GR2 40 vs. GORUCK GR3: which should you pack?
The GORUCK GR3 carries 5L more than the GORUCK GR2 40 (40L vs. 45L), while the GORUCK GR2 40 is the lighter pack at 2kg (vs. 2.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the GORUCK GR2 40 fits 47% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the GORUCK GR3; if you want to travel lighter, the GORUCK GR2 40 is the better call.