NBD: Goruck Bullet Classic in Java
Recently got the Goruck Bullet Classic in Java. Very excited to get my most-desired version of the Bullet in my most-desired colorway.
Left is their Bullet in VX21 X-Pac, center is the Bullet Classic in 500D Cordura w/ 210D back panel + straps, right is an older "Black Knight" CT21 in Ecopak 400. Bottom left is my Tom Bihn Side Effect I'm always talking about, since it's the first thing to go in any bag.
I think when they came out with Java again in its recent incarnation they did all the GR-'s first, then the Double Compartment Bullet. Dunno when they released the Classic in Java, but I'm glad I noticed it! IMO it's "Goruck's color", a custom brown + coyote in tribute to the owner's dog Java. It's a classic Bullet without being a plain black molle bag. I really like the color.
A quick note on versions:
- the X-Pac Bullet is slick, no laptop compartment, with the top quick access pocket over the hydration passthrough, and aquaguard zips
- the Classic has molle, no laptop compartment, hydration passthrough, and mercifully, no aquaguard zips
I'm happy to have both configurations. The X-Pac + aquaguard zips is highly waterproof. I brought it camping and it was a champ when it rained. But the zips are stiff, there's no way to customize it with molle, it can't use a regular sternum strap, and because of the stiffness of the xpac it always looks full so it appears to be a bigger bag than necessary, even though it must be their lightest possible version and feels great. Also because of the stiffness of the fabric, opening it just to get my laptop isn't as easy.
The Cordura version feels much softer and more malleable, and naturally caves in when not full so looks much smaller in-use. I feel like there's no other bag that "locks in" as well with a sternum strap. First day I had it, it was a nice day and the spirit of Java must have taken me so I spontaneously went on a 7 mile walk. Then I treated myself to local ice cream and took a Lyft home :)
The Ecopak CT21 wbp must be their best version. Ecopak is fantastic and light and water resistant, the CT21's aquaguard zips are much smoother than Goruck's (edit: and they put zip counterpulls), and it has 2x stretchy water bottle pockets and a laptop compartment (with 2 zips!) if I want to use those things. AMA.
Edit: the molle pouch is this guy from Amazon. It's got a solid bottom w/ drainage hole vs mesh that some of those pockets have, and it was the closest to brown+coyote I could find :)