GORUCK x Huckberry GR1 Slick

Whenever the topic of toughest EDC bags gets brought up, or talking about bags that make an ideal “one bag” for travel, it’s hard to leave out the GORUCK GR1 out of the discussion. Its simple, efficient design has stood the test of time, with an unchanged design and heavy-duty construction philosophy since blazing a trail for tactical bags a decade ago. But while the bag’s utility is universal, the tactical aesthetic isn’t for everyone. That’s why for the GR1’s 10th anniversary, GORUCK have partnered with Huckberry to produce the GR1 Slick, a modified version of the bag with a sleeker outer design while retaining all the best features of the original’s overbuilt construction. If you’ve ever wanted to check out the GR1 but looking for something with a more everyday, urban design, then this is the collaboration to check out.

If you’ve never seen or handled the GORUCK GR1 before, its design may come as a surprise in a market flooded with more modern backpack designs. It takes a less-is-more approach when it comes to how you should carry your gear. It opens flat, giving you full organizational control thanks to three rows of MOLLE-compatible webbing on the interior for adding your own pouches and modular gear. Just below that you have access to a wide drop pocket for securing flat, fragile items like notebooks, tablets, and documents. The inner side of the front of the pack provides more storage with a horizontal zippered pocket as well as a zippered mesh pocket under that. 

There’s also a suspended laptop compartment on the back of the bag, reinforced with a rigid frame sheet that keeps your computer off the ground and protected when you set your bag down. Last but not least, another zippered pocket for storing smaller, more frequently accessed gear on the front exterior of the GR1 Slick sits tucked away under a flap of fabric that helps keep out rain while maintaining a discreet outer appearance.

On the Huckberry GR1 Slick, that front pocket is the sole detail on the backpack’s front exterior. While the interior retains the webbing for expansion and customization, the rows on the bottom front and sides of the original GR1 design have been removed, as has the loop field above the zippered pocket. This gives the GR1 Slick a completely sterile, sleek profile, letting it fit right at home in an office as much as on a weekend rough-and-tumble rucking session. 

More details that nod to the collaboration are on the inner zip pockets, where a special commemorative leather patch embossed with Huckberry and GORUCK collaborative branding replaces GORUCK’s usual logo patch on the right side, and a “Built in the USA” patch proudly takes a spot on the lower mesh pocket’s left.

Other than aesthetics, the GR1 Slick’s complete 21-liter backpack (with a 26L option as well) functionality remains intact. This includes the durable, rainproof 1000D Cordura nylon construction that can stand up to wherever you take it without being too heavy or uncomfortably rigid in structure. The shoulder straps also feature extra padding to maintain comfort even through the longest treks through the city or the woods. Frequent flyers can haul the GR1 Slick as their “one bag” and comply with TSA requirements too. With just a few packing cubes and pouches, the GR1 Slick can pull double duty as your go-to travel bag for shorter trips.

No matter how you use it, the GORUCK x Huckberry GR1 Slick is built to last, with a decade-long legacy of construction and versatility that few bags have been able to live up to. Be sure to grab one of the limited stocks from Huckberry at the link below.

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Trending: Outdoor Edge Slidewinder

With all the knife options for EDC, it's easy to overlook the humble box cutter as a solid cutting option. After all, for many people, opening packages is a big part of using one's everyday knife. But there's plenty of benefits that come with the cutter too,  like never needing to worry about rust or sharpening  (just replace the blade at the hardware store), as well as inexpensive form factors,like today's Toolbox Tuesday feature, the Outdoor Edge Slidewinder. A simple slide/push-button mechanism handles deployment and retraction of its standard utility blade, but unlike most box cutters, the Slidewinder's design takes inspiration from other EDC tools, adding features like driver/pry edges on the corners and integrating a bottle opener into its stainless steel and glass/nylon composite frame. It even comes in three colors to help match your favorite EDC themes, with a clip and lanyard hole to carry the Slidewinder like you would your other tools. For an affordable alternative to your everyday knife and an easy addition to any toolkit, check out the Outdoor Edge Slidewinder at the link below.

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Dapper Design KLIP

"This titanium clip is perfect for securely hanging your keys from a belt loop or bag, and also packs a fold-out pocket knife. Its sharp steel blade clicks firmly into place when in use, and has a finger notch for..." (via The Awesomer)

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Gerber Armbar Cork

If you enjoy drinking wine, having a corkscrew handy is a must. And while not everyone might get full value out of an EDC corkscrew for opening wine bottles, it’s a tool that’s surprisingly useful for untying paracord knots, too. To make the most out of carrying a corkscrew, Gerber packed their new Armbar Cork with a slew of other useful features as a more well-rounded EDC tool. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, enjoy picnicking during your outdoor adventures, or want a cool tool to keep handy in your home bar, the Gerber Armbar Cork is designed to be your partner in wine.

Gerber’s new Armbar series of multi-tools takes on a different form factor from the butterfly-opening styles of their more popular offerings, like the Dime or Suspension. Instead, the tool resembles a Swiss Knife with a dedicated folding blade and a few other tools that fold out from the handle. Its 2.5“ plain edge stainless steel blade deploys via an elongated thumb hole and secures via a frame lock in the tool’s stainless steel handle. The Armbar Cork in particular features its namesake corkscrew with lever arm and a foil cutter intended for opening wine bottles with ease. The curved, sharpened edge on the foil cutter also functions as a package opener or can opener as well. If the main blade or foil cutter can’t get the job done, you also have access to a pair of scissors to round out its cutting capabilities. Last but not least, the tail end of the tool features a fold-out combination pry bar/bottle opener. When it’s not deployed, you can use the tail end of the tool as a pommel or hammer in a pinch.

The Gerber Armbar Cork has the feature set to make it a compelling addition to your campground kit, kitchen drawer, or EDC alike. At 3.6" long and 3 ounces in weight, the Armbar keeps a pocket-friendly profile with a sturdy stainless steel build all around so you can take it anywhere. Check out this new multi-functional pocket knife in its three different color options at the Amazon link below.

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Trending: Leatherman FREE T4

It's the start of the week, and for Multi-tool Monday we're featuring a one of the latest in Leatherman's popular new FREE series. The FREE T4 brings 12 functions to bear in a 3.6“, 4.3 oz package. Many familiar tools from the FREE P-Series make an appearance, such as a 420HC knife, spring-action scissors, an assortment of drivers, openers, a heavy-duty file, and even a detachable pair of tweezers. You can deploy all the tools one-handed thanks to the FREE’s magnetic architecture and cam lock system, making them buttery smooth to open, locked in place while in use, and as easy to close up when you’re finished with your tasks. And when you’re ready to grab the T4 and go, its included and removable pocket clip gives it a secure spot in your EDC. Pick up the compact multi-tool that punches above its weight at the link below.

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