Why I am writing this:

I believe many readers like me always has this problem when doing research online looking for products review: Most of the time you can find quick a few reviews on a product you are interested, blog, forum or YouTube. But if you are looking at a few products and want to know how does one brand comparing to the other one? It’s so rare one can find the comparison of the items you are interested.

So that’s what I am trying to do here. To compare both backpack/rucksack that are very high quality, rugged, versatile (for urban and outdoor purposes).

This post is gearing towards the physical features of the bags, not in the long term usage because I haven’t started using Goruck GR1 yet after getting it about two weeks ago. However, the customized Tactical Rainmaker from Greenroom136 has been carried for two years, mainly moving around cities, weekend travelling, travelling abroad.

Disclaimer: In 2016 customization options for Tactical Rainmaker had changed. So one might not be able to order the exact features as shown here.

Companies background:

A local company situated in a small town called Kajang, state of Selangor, Malaysia. Founded by Patrick Lim since 2011. His passion in pursuing the better quality of bags has been the drive to design and handmade locally backpacks, messenger bags, and other related carrying bag and accessories using only the high quality fabric & materials, such as Cordura 1000 denier nylon; Fidlock buckle; YKK zippers, buckles, velcro etc. Even AustriAlpin Cobra buckles can be an option if one fancy. So customization is an option where you can do it through the webpage. The company has been growing started with a few small outlets and now selling through Amazon.com since 2015.

Many would have heard about this company with strong military background, founded by Jason McCarthy back in 2010. He was serving in the 10th Special Forces Group, 2006-2008. Initially started by testing their GR1 bag with Goruck challenges involving only the military veterans. And as the company evolves, now Goruck n0w serving two business divisions: Selling Goruck gear such as backpack, sandbag, apparels, related accessories; And the Goruck events. Their rucksack (backpack) and the like are all made in USA, using high quality materials and fabrics, like ballistic 1000 denier Cordura, YKK zippers etc. All are in accordance to the military specifications and requirements.

Design & Construction:

(a) Dimension:

(b) Front pocket & zipper:

GR1: YKK front slanting pocket with self-sealing zipper and flap covering the zipper for better rain/water-proofing function. Heat-shrinked paracord zipper pull.

Tactical Rainmaker: self-sealing YKK zipper also with flap covering the zipper. Paracord zip pull was added by me.

(c) Front compartment design:

It’s a surprise that the GR1 front compartment depth is not all the way to the bottom as you can see the measurement on the ruler. And it is very narrow which one can only slide in flat items. I have read reviews saying it’s very difficult to access when the main compartments are very full.

(d) Molle/Pals:

(e) Velcro loop:

GR1: 2″x3″ reverse US flag loop at top.

Tactical Rainmaker: generous velcro loop area in between Molle & front compartment zipper area. The company logo is sewed onto the velcro loop left side.

(f) Top handle:

Both top handles are done well. I ordered additional padding over the 1.5″ industrial grade safety nylon which gives comfortable grip. I love the thickness and broader handle from Greenroom136 over Goruck. Goruck has the handle sewed to a layer of fabric and not directly on the bag fabric with heavy box stitching. Tactical Rainmaker is no slouch either with box stitching and extending the safety belt along both sides of the bag as the 2nd and 3rd handles.

(g) Back:

No proper ventilated guide on both bags. So prepare to have a sweaty back during the hot days.

(h) Shoulder straps:

(i) Back padding special features:

GR1 has a self-sealing zipper at the back which serves as laptop compartment, weight plates for rucking, or even for hydration bladder. You will find a white hard plastic sheet just right behind the back padding.

There’s no flap covering the zipper teeth, I won’t put my laptop without further padding or water resistant protector there. It’s high chances that rainwater can sip through the zipper teeth during heavy downpour.

(j) Bottom:

(k) Main compartment:

One sleeve with elastic band measuring about 11″ in width on the back of the main compartment. 3 rows of Molle on top for individualized modular set up. At the top below the handle there’s one velcro-sealed hole meant for hydration bladder hose to go though it to the back.

Tactical Rainmaker: this bag can stand; utilizing top loading system meaning zipper opens about 2/3 of the bag. The EVA padded laptop pouch with outer 420 denier nylon is not sewed onto the bag, as per my request.

(l) Materials & workmanship:

Both bags are using YKK zippers. Can’t tell if GR1 is using YKK zipper made in USA or elsewhere. More beefy zipper teeth used at GR1 main compartment while Greenroom136 is using the same self-sealing YKK zipper all over the bag.

YKK brand buckles and loop for Tactical Rainmaker; 1000 denier Cordura with 420 denier nylon sewed together as the fabric used on this bag. Thus it’s thicker and heavier than GR1. I believe it will provide very good water resistance even during heavy downpour.

GR1 is using ballistic military spec. 1000 denier Cordura. I can feel it’s almost like dual layer of the fabric sewed together for most part of it, but I could be wrong. The bag bottom has the heaviest thickest fabric. However, the fabric running along the both the sides of the bag are just single layer with some waxy feeling on them, same as my Goruck GR Tac hat. Wish Goruck could make them thicker for improved durability.

Both bags were hand-sewed with good strong stitching. The end of the handles found on shoulder strap, side pockets, compression belts come with the small loop for easy adjustment with fingers. GR1 has the bigger loop found on the shoulder straps.

(m) Quality assurance:

GR1: Scars lifetime guarantee.

Tactical Rainmaker: lifetime warranty.

Final thoughts:

Both are well made bags in terms of design, quality and workmanship. But there are differences in them though both look quite similar. One can decide which is the better suited bag for their requirement as follow.

GR1: For someone who prefer individualized modular set up, using molle for attachment. Rainmaker: If you don’t want to make extra purchase for modular pouches, prefer a predestined compartmentalization. GR1: Simple design, meeting military requirement, low profile. Rainmaker: Want to customize your bag (color, layout, additional features etc.). GR1: Heavy rucking, need to accommodate hydration bladder, meeting military requirement, urban. Rainmaker: Main application for urban, general outdoor activities. GR1: Pricey, might need to purchase additional accessories. Rainmaker: Relatively cheaper.

Morale patches featured in the pictures are mostly bought from Rogue Dynamics.

Thank you for reading.