So my brother’s birthday is coming up and I wanted to do something a little different. He’s not much of a bag man and I figured I might be able to change that by setting him up with something simple, but very functional. Here are the basics of the kit that I put together:

1. GORUCK 26L GR1 in 1000D. For all intents and purposes, this is the best general backpack ever made. It’s built like a tank in the USA using incredibly durable materials and features a single large compartment for simplicity. I modified it by changing the zipper pulls to yellow and adding a logo patch from my brother’s business.
2. AER Dopp Kit. Dopp kits are a pretty personal thing, but the AER is my favorite. I really like the ballistic nylon construction and the size/organization ratio is perfect for my needs. I removed the AER zipper pulls and replaced them with GORUCK style Paracord and heat shrink pulls.
3. GORUCK Mini Wire Dopp. My brother doesn’t have much tech – just a cell phone charger and a cable. As such, I figured the Mini would be perfect for him.
4. Maxpedition Pocket Organizer. I’m not much for Maxpedition, but every load out needs a tool pouch for pens, pencils, notebooks, knives, etc… This one is cheap and proven. Again, I added GORUCK style zipper pulls for the win.

And that’s it… A simple setup that will last a lifetime of traveling.

There is something so satisfying about a well thought out and implemented load out… and this one is incredible. Start with a GR1 Heritage, add a leather pouch by Saddleback, and a few tech covers from Nomad, and cap it all off with what might be the best tech pouch on the market – the Evergoods Cap2.

The traditional materials of leather and canvas might add weight, but it’s hard to argue against the aesthetic of it all. Just beautifully done.