GORUCK recently released a new version of their fan favorite the Bullet Ruck 10. The new pack comes with a number of design changes which I’ll do my best to highlight below. This is not a review as I haven’t spent enough quality time with the new Bullet 10. If you are buying a GORUCK Bullet Ruck 10L secondhand then hopefully the chart at the very end and this comparison will help you.
The straight on view of the packs show no differences which means it can be tough to tell them apart. If you couldn’t tell the one on the left is new (version 2) and the one on the right is old (version 1).
The day these pictures were taken was National Dog Day so Watson felt the need to interject quite often.
The first major difference comes on the bottom of the pack. The new version has a stiff, structured bottom while the older version is unstructured.
At first glance the bags look fairly similar to each other however there are a few differences.
The new version has the shoulder straps sewn directly into the ruck while the older version utilizes the same strap style as the GR1.
Here’s a closer look at the attachment points for the shoulder straps.
The first version has the hydration port coming out of the center top of the back of the pack…
…while version two has it coming out of the top of the pack.
With the shoulder straps folded over you can tell that the design of the back (besides the hydration port) did not change.
The depths of the outside pockets vary from version 1 to version 2. On the first version the pocket is about as deep as the second row of MOLLE.
The newer GORUCK Bullet 10 features an outside pocket that runs the full length of the outside.
If you’ve ever wondered why there is dog hair in some reviews it’s because of this guy.
He just needs to be part of everything… but it’s nice like that.
One of the biggest differences between the two packs is that the first version features a dedicated pocket for your bladder. This means that the first version has two pockets that can be accessed from the top while the new version only has one. That bladder pocket (on the original version) has its own drain hole (as seen in previous and future pictures) and a sewn-in bladder adapter.
On the inside of the packs you can see that version two has the same bladder adapter as the GORUCK Rucker. In addition there is a special sleeve built in for Ruck Plates. The original version has nothing on the wall of the inside of the pack.
Here’s a better view of the sewn-in Rucker style bladder adapter and a stray dog hair.
The original version (on the right this time) has the unstructured bottom which caves in when lying flat. The new structured bottom is… well… structured and holds its shape.
The inside pockets are identical on both bags as are the tags sewn into them. It would have been cool if GORUCK incremented their pack versions somehow since, in my opinion, there are enough differences here to make it almost a new pack.
If you’re in the market for a GORUCK Bullet 10 then hopefully this comparison will help you get the one that you want.
| Difference | Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Pack Bottom | Unstructured, 2 Drain Holes | Structured, 1 Drain Hole |
| Shoulder Straps | Sewn Onto Webbing | Sewn Directly Into Pack |
| Bladder Adapter | Bladder Adapter Style | Rucker Style |
| # of Areas | 1 Hydration, 1 Main | 1 Main |
| Ruck Plate Pouch | None | One |
| Bladder Port | Top of Back of Pack | Top of Pack |
| Outside Pouch Depth | Partial Length | Full Length |
If you’re planning on buying a GORUCK Bullet 10 on eBay or Ruckmall (or any other group) then hopefully the above table will help you identify the pack you will be receiving.
Brian, I know this is an old post but do you know if the 30lb ruck plate would fit in the bladder pouch of the v1 bullet?
I was able to get the 30 lb ruck plate (longer, skinnier) version now marketed as the For GR1 into the bladder of a V1 Bullet 15L. I was not able to get it into the bladder of a V1 Bullet 10L though. I hope that helps!
hi there…
any suggestion how to utilize the hook for the v2 bullet 10???
as i am looking at hanging Tom Bihn FREUDIAN SLIP….possible? or u have any other better option /ideas for me?
or anything which i can put in the front compartment…
thanks
If the Freudian Slip would fit (I’d definitely double/triple check the sizing) then you should just be able to attach the top of the slip using the bladder holder on the V2.
The Freudian Slips are fairly large so, like I mentioned, I’d make sure to check that the sizing would fit.
hi Brian,
thanks for the fast reply.
other than Freudian Slips, do u have any other option / recommendation for the bladder holder on the v2?? or any idea at all to utilize the ruck blade pouch inside bullet??
thanks
How does the new version work carrying a small laptop? Without the second compartment, it seems like the laptop would move around in the new bag if it isn’t full?
It depends on the size of the laptop. I have a 13.3″ Lenovo and it just barely fits within the second compartment on the original bullet and it does not fit within the ruck plate area on the new bullet. However, if it were just a bit smaller it probably would. If I’m carrying a laptop I usually opt for a GR1 or another bag that has more padding… the older bullet has minimal padding on the bottom (just a thin layer of Cordura) so I’d be worried if I set it down too hard.
I still have an original design 10L Bullet, the kind made from 1000D with the two compartments. (Actually, my son has confiscated it for his rucking and I rarely get to use it these days!). I was disappointed when GORUCK changed it to 500D and removed the back compartment. Not sure if I’m sold on this latest set of changes either. I guess I’m just old school when it comes to the Bullet designs. I thought they had it near perfect the first time.
Hi Brian,
Any update on which bag you prefer?
For my uses I like the original a little more because of the collapsed bottom. I don’t use this as an everyday bag but more of a “grab some stuff and go to the gym” or “grab and go to the park” bag. If I were using it as an everyday bag I’d probably like the new version better because the bottom is padded and will protect your gear inside better.
When my gear is a sweatshirt, water bottle, and some food the padded bottom isn’t that necessary.
How much did the Bullet 10L cost when it was available? Do you know when they might have more?
On 5/7/2014 I purchased a Bullet 10 for $85 and on 8/23/2016 I purchased a Bullet 10 for $125. That first purchase might have been during a sale but I can’t recall and my order info doesn’t indicate if it was or wasn’t. The “normal” price for a Bullet 10 right now is $125.
Looks like GORUCK just added more to their site.
Ok – I found the Bullet 10L (new version I assume) on the GORUCK website. The picture wasn’t there (just a black “X” but when I clicked on it, it said Bullet 10L and price isd $125. I ordered one. This is as of 10/03/2016.
Just got my 10l. Cannot fit a 20lb Ruck plate into sleeve. Anyone else have this prob?
I didn’t have any trouble fitting the 20lb GoRuck plate in the new 10L bullet
Are you interested in selling either of your bullet 10s? Or any recommendations on where to find one?
Missed out on the new version. Site is already sold out.
Its a shame the new version has a structured pack bottom. Was looking to use as a day pack when travelling but thats a definite turn off. Makes it not very practical … and I dont like the look. All the other changes looked good though.
The structured bottom definitely makes it less of a stow-and-go bag and more like their traditional packs. You can still fold the bottom up and pack it away but it’s not the same.
I agree – it can still be stuffed in a bag for use as a day bag while traveling, but I think it will take up a little bit more space. I think the older, unstructured bottom is a little better for this use
Hi Brian, nice comparison there.
Which version do you prefer? And to your view which version is more versatile (rucking, urban carry involving laptop, outdoor adventure etc.)?
Thanks!
Thanks! I’m not sure I’ve spent enough time with the new one to have a real favorite.
The structured bottom on the new version definitely offers some additional padding if you’re carrying a laptop and makes it easier to prop up when setting it down.
I think we’ll start to see a lot more Bullet 10 and 15 packs at Lights coming up… they’re starting to remind me a little of mini-Ruckers.
Hope to see update review from you later after you tested it for a while.
Well done Brian! Two questions. Do they carry different due to the strap design change? Also, is the new ruck 1000D Cordura? I believe at one point GR went with 500D on the previous version, but I could be wrong about that.
If you look at their site, it indicates that tha 10L rucker is the 1000D cordura. I had concern that it changed to 500D but it seems to say 1000D as of October 31, 2016.
I believe what happened was that the original 10L Bullet was 1000D (I have one of those). Then GORUCK switched it to 500D causing a stir. Recently with the latest redesign, they have changed it back to 1000D.