GORUCK just released the next gen of the GORUCK Bullet 10 (now called the Bullet Ruck).
We've reviewed the original before and used it (and abused it) for pretty much everything, including holding our standard kit on the car, and even packing a whole trip in it.
Since the Bullet is now our daily ruck, when they released the new generation with a proper handle, we had to get one. The lack of handles was one of the main sources of complain on the team.
Since we now have the 4 generations of the Bullet, let's write about it.
Not pictured here the 1st generation (you can see it here), which is exactly as the Bullet on the right, but made out of Cordura 1000D. This one pitured here is made of Cordura 500D.
The original Bullet had two comparments, one for the hydration bladder and one for stuff. After that, GORUCK released the Bullet with one single compartment, and a padded/structured bottom. We will focus on this version and the current version, since they are very similar.
But to explain the generations:
- 1st gen: Cordura 1000D, 2 compartments, not structure, with drain holes, hydration tube hole on the back (top) of the ruck, bladder attached by a paracord and button closure, simple webbing loop for a handle.
- 2nd gen: Cordura 500D, 2 compartments, not structure, with drain holes, hydration tube hole on the back (top) of the ruck, bladder attached by a paracord and button closure, simple webbing loop for a handle.
- 3rd gen: Cordura 1000D, 1 compartment, semi structured, bottom is structured, with a drain hole, hydration tube hole on the top (by the handle) of the ruck, bladder attached by a webbing piece with a snap button, simple webbing loop for a handle.
- 4th gen: Cordura 1000D, 1 compartment, semi structured, bottom is structured, no drain hole, hydration tube hole on the top (by the handle) of the ruck, bladder attached by... D ring? Traditional GORUCK padded handle.
Below you can see the bottom of the 3 rucks.
The new generation, on the left, has no drain hole. This is good if you are looking to use this ruck as a day ruck, or commuter ruck and you constantly place it on the ground.
Like we mentioned, the new gen (on the left) comes with the new handle, which is the reason for buying it. It's a great addition. It's the biggest thing that annoyed us: a great small ruck, with a very bad piece of webbing as a handle. Now it's good.
Now, here's where it begins to get somewhat bad. The new attachement for the bladder is a D ring. Before you could just attach the bladder and it was great. Now, you need to get either a carabiner, or create a paracord attachment to get the bladder attached. We don't know the reasoning behind this, but I'm sure the guys at GORUCK did it for a good reason. We just find it to be not the best solution.
On the outside, the straps are almost identical, except on the new one (left), they removed the webbing loops that help the hydration tube stay on place. Not a biggie, but it was a useful feature to have.
Inside they are pretty identical, except there's that white label... Hmmm... Well, we removed it.
As always, GORUCK organization inside their rucks is awesome. Simple, and to the point: it works.
Now, this is annoying, at least to us. The spearhead. Why? Branding?
We asked if we can get Bullets without it, and the answer was no. It's a simple request, just put a MOLLE webbing without it. But no. So, we are now sporting the spearhead. Not a big deal, but big enough to annoy us.
So, is the new gen good?
Well, we got it for the handle. We carry a lot of stuff all the time on the Bullet and having a good handle is a must. Somehow the whole ruck feels not as good as the predecessors, but we will test and we will get back to you.
Regardless, GORUCK is the brand to follow and their rucks are still the best in the market. Highly recommended.