Review: GORUCK Simple Side Pocket

July, 2015

GORUCK changed the name of this item from the Side Pocket to the MOLLE – Simple Side Pocket. Nothing else about the product changed.

The Side Pocket is one of the newer accessories that has been released by GORUCK. Like the rest of their nylon products this one is also made in the USA. Currently it only comes in one color (black) but if the Wire Dopp is any indicator then there’s a chance this will make an appearance in other colors as well. When not sold out it can be found on the GORUCK website for $20.

The Side Pocket attaches best if there are at least three rows and two columns of webbing available which, on GORUCK packs, would include the GR0, GR1, and GR2.

Even though they’re called the Side Pocket that doesn’t mean that they can’t be used elsewhere. In addition to the sides of packs they work great on the back or inside as well if there’s a place to attach them.

I’ve heard of other people installing them in the top inside webbing of the GORUCK packs and that seems to be working out really well. One of the really nice things about these side pockets is that it takes less than a minute (without any tools) to remove and re-attach them.

GORUCK has built in their traditional attachment system (same one found in the Field Pockets) into these pockets which is great. Their attachment system is definitely one of the better ones I’ve used.

Simply weave the straps through the webbing then finish it off by slipping the clips into the pockets. Over, under, over, under, over and you’re done!

Each side pocket has a 3″x2″ Velcro rectangle attached to it so that you can customize them with a patch. As many people know I’m a big fan of patches so this came as a pleasant addition. The pockets open and close via a Velcro closure so everything inside is easily accessible. The only downfall to Velco, over say zipper, is that if the pack is upside down there’s a chance that small items could fall out. I don’t think this is a likely scenario but it’s still something to consider.

When empty these pockets sit fairly flat against the pack. This maintains the slick look, which we all love, and is definitely a nice surprise.

When the pocket is full then it sticks out exactly how much you’d expect based on what you have in there. It’s not a magic pocket and doesn’t compress items down or anything… if you put something bulky in there you’ll see the bulk.

Because of this I prefer to put skinnier items in them so that the sleekness of the pack is maintained. Examples of things I routinely place in there are Field Notes notebooks, portable hard drives, cell phones, extra patches, and snacks (aka cliff/kill cliff) bars.

The branding on the Side Pocket can only be seen when the flap is open. This is a welcome relief because that makes it look a lot better when paired with a non-GORUCK pack. Aesthetically speaking, in my opinion, there’s nothing worse than seeing 3 or 4 different branded attachments on a backpack. It may just be me but I’m glad they went the simpler route.

Overall this is one of my favorite accessories that GORUCK has put out. It’s easily worth the price for $20 and at $16 (with an event signup) there’s no reason not to buy one. My only hope is that they release more of them in different colors… and hopefully one of those colors is Wolf Grey.

When available the GORUCK Side Pockets can be purchased on their website for $20.