Patrick Orcutt 06.05.26
As I get older, I feel less and less inclined to have different bags for every occasion. I would love to have a bag that can do everything for travel, work and everyday use. I’ve seen a few dedicated flight bags, duffels, and backpacks over the years and while most excel at one thing, they each have one weakness. this is how i ended GORUCK Kit Bag 32L in X-PAC. It’s a fairly basic duffel when you look at the description, but after about eight months of actually using it, it’s become a seriously versatile bag that I keep reaching for.
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I was sent this bag for review. I didn’t buy it, and I have to keep it. However, Goruk didn’t say anything in this review, and all of my opinions are from using the bag over time, not from a quick glance and first impression.
Specifications – Gorak Kit Bag in X-Pac
– Capacity – 32 liters
– Dimensions – Approximately 17.5″ W x 11.5″ H x 9″ D
– Material -X-Pac VX 21 Blended Fabric
– weight – 2.3 lbs
– Main compartment – Wide opening top for easy packing
– pocket – 3 internal zip pockets + 3 external pockets
– carry – Padded adjustable shoulder strap + dual grab handles
– keep consistent – TSA-friendly size for travel
– Warranty – Goruk “Scars” Lifetime Guarantee
– MSRP – $180.00 ($30 more than the standard Cordura version)
Review – Gorak Kit Bag in X-Pac
To be honest, I wasn’t entirely convinced by the X-Pac Duffel at first. I’ve had Cordura gear for a long time and it’s hard to find fault with something so reliable. The X-Pac has always seemed to be more for very light backpacking rather than really tough, helicopter-style equipment. But as I started using this bag normally, I soon realized that my assumption was wrong.
The first thing you’ll notice is how little it weighs. It’s almost astonishingly light for a 32-litre bag. You initially wonder if it will hold up, especially if you’re used to heavier, stronger materials. However, after a few outings, my concerns quickly went away. It’s been thrown around on planes, stuffed under seats and overstuffed, and the material has endured it all, and it’s really impressive. It’s not cracked, the shape is still good, and there’s no sign that it’s starting to break down. It’s the simplicity and functionality of the bag that really made it my favorite. The design is straightforward, and that’s why it’s so good. The main part opens completely, making it easy to pack and take things out, whether you’re in a hotel or the cabin of a small plane.
There’s enough internal organization to keep small items from going missing, but not so much that you’ll be searching through too many pockets. This is a system that just feels right once you start using it. The large side zipper pocket is great for storing documents on short travel trips or even my MacBook Pro in a pinch. Inside there are two interior zippered mesh pockets with orange backing, and they’re great for holding small items you don’t want to lose, like keys or a few protein bars. There’s also an X-Pac pocket that runs the entire length of the bag internally, and I found it to be a great spot for cables or any longer items. I like to keep my extra set of dog tags here, and this pocket has the same orange backing. Externally, there are two open side pockets, and I used them to hold my morning coffee and flight gloves, along with things I needed quick access to. One small negative about these pockets is that, due to the X-Pac material, things can fall out of these pockets more easily, so they tend not to hold anything too valuable.
As mentioned above, I now use it as my only bag for short trips when I can make do with a smaller bag. I can keep clothes, laundry, and all my equipment in there for a few days without thinking too much. It fits a lot more than it looks, and because it has no rigid structure it’s a little flexible when you need to force that last item into place. It’s also really easy to take on a plane with you, which is perfect for when I want to travel light and keep things simple.
I’m using it as a flight bag in helicopters all the time, and really, it’s in there at its best. Sometimes space may be at a premium and you don’t want something that the crew chief can’t throw around. This bag is good because it is flexible and moves easily, and it can be squeezed into small spaces without much effort and when you have to go out it quickly catches and hangs on your shoulder. It doesn’t seem out of place at all in that setting. The simple, practical design blends in and doesn’t attract attention, and that’s something I appreciate in all my travel gear.
And apart from traveling and flying, it’s a really good gym bag. It holds shoes, clothes, all your belongings and there is no mess inside. Again, it’s about how simple it is. You’re not struggling with it to get things inside, or trying to remember where you packed something. It does what you expect. How long a light will stay on is usually a big concern, and this is where X-Pac materials really shine, the X-Pac VX21 to be precise. Even after using it continuously for eight months, it still feels strong. The zips are smooth, the seams are secure, and the material shows no wear and tear. A bag may look good when it’s new, but keeping it looking good after being used is a completely different matter as most people use their stuff. It has done this and not had a single problem.
It’s also fair to say that this bag isn’t designed to be everything to everyone. It is not very structured and does not have a lot of compartments or fancy features. If you want a bag like that, there are other options with those things. It’s also not the cheapest bag of its type, coming in at $180. With that price, you are getting great value in my opinion, and you are getting a lifetime warranty from GORUCK, and some people may think twice about the price. But when you realize you’re getting a bag that’s incredibly durable and lightweight with no fuss, it makes more sense.
Wrap Up – X-Pac in Goruk Kit Bag
I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t even think about this bag anymore, and I think that’s the biggest compliment I can give it. I grab it for quick trips, I probably take it when I fly, and if I need to quickly gather gear, I pick it up right away. It doesn’t have the most features of any bag I’ve used, and it’s not even trying to. It’s combination of being lightweight, very durable and straight up functional is hard to find better. After eight months of actual use, it has proven itself in a way that surpasses how it looked when I first got it. And to me, that’s what’s important, and why it’s now a regular part of my kit on and off the plane.
Link to buy- https://www.goruck.eu/products/kit-bag-x-pac
