Review: Michael Easter x Huckberry x GORUCK Collab – GR2 40L and 15L Bullet Ruck

When I first heard that Michael Easter, Huckberry, and GORUCK teamed up to create a new line of rucks, I was excited. I’m a huge fan of Easter’s work—The Comfort Crisis is a must-read if you haven’t checked it out yet and he has a solid substack. So, naturally, I had to get my hands on these rucks and see if they lived up to the hype.

This collaboration produced two bags:

• GR2 40L – Built for travel, adventure, and everything in between.
• 15L Bullet Ruck – A compact EDC option that fits perfectly inside the GR2.

This review is my honest take—what I loved, what could be better, and whether they’re worth adding to your ruck collection.

Video Review

For those who prefer to watch instead of read.

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Build and Materials: Tough and Lightweight

Both the GR2 and Bullet Ruck are made with Ripstop Robic Nylon, which is lightweight, super durable, and has that signature square pattern that gives it a clean, minimalist look. It’s not as stiff as 1000D Cordura, which I actually prefer since it feels more comfortable without sacrificing toughness.

The back panel retains GORUCK’s now common 210d Cordura, which I love.

The YKK waterproof zippers on both rucks deserve a shoutout. I’ve had mixed experiences with these in the past—some older GORUCK bags had zippers that felt like a fight every time you opened them. But not here. These zippers glide smoothly, even around corners. Huge win.

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Exterior Design: Mostly Low-Key (But Not Entirely)

GR2 40L: Clean and Low Profile

The GR2 is slick. No MOLLE on the front or sides, which was a conscious design decision by Easter. When you’re traveling, especially to places where standing out isn’t ideal, having a low-profile bag that doesn’t scream “tactical” is a smart move. But here’s the part that confused me—while the front and sides are clean, they kept the MOLLE on the shoulder straps. I get that some people like using it for sternum straps or quick attachments, but if we’re going all-in on the “under-the-radar” look, why not ditch it there too?

Bullet Ruck 15L: MOLLE Where It Doesn’t Need to Be

The Bullet, on the other hand, still has MOLLE on the front. If the idea was to create a streamlined, inconspicuous EDC bag, it would have made more sense to go slick here as well. It’s not a dealbreaker, but from a design philosophy perspective, this inconsistency stood out.

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Side Pockets on the GR2: A Game-Changer

Here’s where things get really interesting. The GR2 has two side-access pockets—one stretchy, perfect for water bottles or other quick-access items, and the other a more rigid pocket that’s better for stashing small essentials. I’m a huge fan of this feature. Being able to grab what you need without fully stopping or unzipping the main compartment is a lifesaver, whether you’re traveling or rucking.

Side pockets aren’t a typical GORUCK feature (only really seen them on the M23), so I love that Easter pushed for this addition. Solid addition to the GR2.

And, while we’re talking about pockets, it is worth noting there is a cool little stash pocket on the shoulder strap.

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Interior: High-Vis with a Purpose

Both bags have a high-vis orange interior, but it’s a more muted, almost “distress signal” orange—not the retina-burning orange of older GORUCK models. Easter mentioned that this shade is based on technical rescue gear, so if you ever find yourself in a sketchy situation, cracking open your bag might actually help someone spot you. Cool touch, but I also appreciate that it’s easier on the eyes when you’re digging for gear.

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Bullet Ruck: The Perfect Companion

The 15L Bullet Ruck is designed to nest perfectly inside the GR2, creating a slick “two-ruck system” for travel. Pack your clothes and gear in the GR2, tuck the Bullet inside, and when you arrive, you’ve got a smaller, lightweight bag ready to go for exploring or EDC.

My everyday carry is a Heritage Bullet, so I’m partial to this style. It’s got that essential quick-access pocket in the back that I use constantly for my keys, wallet, and whatever else I need to grab quickly. And while the Bullet doesn’t have a frame sheet, it’s flexible and comfortable enough for day-to-day use without one.

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The Mystery Pockets: What Are These For?

One curious feature on the GR2 that caught my eye—there are these long, narrow pockets that run down the sides. They’re not super accessible, and I honestly don’t know what the intended use is. Trekking poles? A rolling pin for post-ruck recovery? If anyone has ideas (or if Michael Easter wants to chime in), I’m all ears.

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The Verdict: Are They Worth It?

GR2 40L: If you’re looking for the ultimate travel ruck that blends durability, functionality, and a low-profile design, this is hands down a winner. The addition of the side pockets makes it even more versatile. – Shop for the GORUCK, Huckberry, Michael Easter Collab GR2 here.

Bullet Ruck 15L: Perfect for EDC and a great companion to the GR2, but I wish they had kept it slick to match the aesthetic.- Shop for the GORUCK, Huckberry, Michael Easter Collab Bullet Ruck here.

This collab isn’t just about looks—there’s real functionality built into these bags. Whether you’re traveling, rucking, or just looking for a solid everyday carry option, these rucks deliver. You can grab them from GORUCK or Huckberry, and if you’ve got questions, sound off in the comments—I’m happy to chat gear anytime.

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Final Thoughts

I love seeing GORUCK collaborations like this. Michael Easter’s influence brings a fresh perspective that blends travel, adventure, and function seamlessly. While a few design choices left me scratching my head, the overall execution is top-notch. These rucks are built to handle whatever you throw at them—and they look damn good doing it.

As always, if you found this review helpful, give it a share, and stay tuned for more gear breakdowns.