tldr; Reddit overwhelmingly recommends the GoRuck GR2 40L. With 100% positive sentiment across 3 mentions, this is a clear community favorite.
Check pricesScores based on sentiment analysis of topic-related comments
Best praise vs top criticism for GoRuck GR2 40L
“You could get a *GoRuck GR2 40L*. They still might have them on sale and I carried one (GR1 21L 2018 edition) edc for 2 years. Discount for students and or current or discharged vets/first responders. Mine still looks brand new (Ranger Green) and that’s due to the colorway as well. Doesn’t get as dirty as black. And they are subdued but still have subtle molle for lash points should you choose. The construction is top notch, but again I only bought the Made in USA bags. There are two main compartments in the gr2, oft described as a 26L + 10L. Think of it as a 26L bag with another 10L bag latched in. The remaining L come in the shape of an organization pocket and the front slash. You can get padded pockets that have PALS webbing on the back to lash it into the MOLLE on the interior of the main compartment If you want to go big boi get the GR3 black hole. Literally the gr1 with a 40+ L compartment https://www.goruck.com/gr2/ The *ever goods CPL* is also a great bag as well as the mountain bag looking one. No personal experience but one of the founders came from GoRuck after leaving. I have heard nothing but great reviews. People that typically tout the “Greyman ethos” will pick up one of these. Just an FYI, they are on sale because a V2/V3 is set to release this summer I believe. https://evergoods.us/collections/all I recently purchased a *Triple Aught Design FastPack EDC*. It comes in at 31L and is honestly my new favorite. Yes there is molle webbing everywhere but I use it. You can get a Sterile Transporter tail to tone done the militaristic look, or you can just reverse the tail it comes with. I would highly recommend this bag to you especially if it’s a get home bag. GR2 as well. https://tripleaughtdesign.com/shop/fast-pack-edc/ *Prometheus Design Werx Shado* was founded by one of the TAD founders that was ousted out. Some say the quality of TAD has declined as a result. His bag comes out to 24L but to me it’s the ultimate of sleek yet doable with the laser cut molle grid. https://prometheusdesignwerx.com/products/s-h-a-d-o-pack-24l-all-terrain-brown?variant=27889585946710 *Recycled Firefighter* offers many in your size range. They reuse old equipment into bags so you essentially are wearing something that has saved someone’s life. I have heard nothing but great things but never owned. https://recycledfirefighter.com/collections/tough-and-usa-made-bags-by-recycled-firefighter/products/42l-battalion-duffle-backpack Other bags would be Erblestock, mystery ranch, London bridge trading, etc. good luck! Bag researching is fun and I’m happy you’re here to ask us. I personally spent 6 months deciding what kind of quality bag. That also gave me enough time to save up for one. Please update us when you get the chance! If you want pictures of my GR1 or FastPack EDC, let me know. Or check my comment/post history.”
3 Reddit opinions analyzed • Last updated 4/5/2026