GORUCK Bullet Ruck Laptop 16L vs. Waterfield Bolt
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
GORUCK Bullet Ruck Laptop 16L
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×25×14 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $195 |
Feature by feature
| GORUCK Bullet Ruck Laptop 16L | Feature | Waterfield Bolt |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 4 |
| front | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 14in | 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 | |
| 500D CORDURA | Durable waxed canvas OR 1050 Denier Ballistic nylon |
Waterfield Bolt
| Capacity | 17 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 41×32×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $370 |
Key differences between the GORUCK Bullet Ruck Laptop 16L and Waterfield Bolt
- Opening: Clamshell on the GORUCK Bullet Ruck Laptop 16L; Top zip on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the GORUCK Bullet Ruck Laptop 16L; Yes on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Laptop sleeve: 14in on the GORUCK Bullet Ruck Laptop 16L; 15in on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the GORUCK Bullet Ruck Laptop 16L; 2, side on the Waterfield Bolt.
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. 174 accept both. 2 accept only the GORUCK Bullet Ruck Laptop 16L, and 5 accept only the Waterfield Bolt.
Only the GORUCK Bullet Ruck Laptop 16L fits
Air Niugini, Great Lakes Airlines.
Only the Waterfield Bolt fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.
GORUCK Bullet Ruck Laptop 16L vs. Waterfield Bolt: which should you pack?
The Waterfield Bolt carries 1L more than the GORUCK Bullet Ruck Laptop 16L (16L vs. 17L), while the GORUCK Bullet Ruck Laptop 16L is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 1.5kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Waterfield Bolt fits 95% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Waterfield Bolt; if you want to travel lighter, the GORUCK Bullet Ruck Laptop 16L is the better call.