Backpacks from Goruck are purpose-built to take a battering but none more so than their exceptional M23 Backpack which is perfectly suited to any activity or adventure, big or small. Available in two sizes – 21L and 26L – the Goruck M23 Backpack is one impressive bit of kit from one of our favourite brands here at The Coolector. Soldiers in the United States military have been issued bags since before the Civil War. Early on, these bags were called knapsacks. They were rugged, single-cavity bags that were designed for long marches. However, as the military’s needs evolved, so did the design of the bags. By World War II, the M1945 rucksack had been introduced.

It was named after the year it was manufactured and issued and it is bags from WWII served as the inspiration for Goruck to develop the M23 rucksack, also named after the year it is manufactured and “issued”. Priced at $245, the M23 Backpack from Goruck takes lots of the features from the bag that inspired it such as the top load, exterior pockets, and front buckles and carried it over to a much more contemporary rucksack that can handle anything that you throw at it.

As you would expect, the M23 has undergone some significant upgrades from the 1945 bag upon which it is based and some of the stand-out additions to this top-notch carry from Goruck include extra padded shoulder straps and top handle, the highest quality YKK zippers, streamlined closure system, a bombproof laptop compartment, and now more pockets for even more organisation options. It’s impressively lightweight, low profile is ideally suited for everyday carry, and it is crafted from the sort of robust materials that you can rely upon.

The Goruck M23 Backpack is inspired by the M1945 in all manner of ways and it had external pockets for quick access to weapons and supplies. This version has multiple exterior pockets for quick access to items like water bottles, phones, and wallets. The front closure system features adjustable Fidlock Buckles, so you can easily open and close the rucksack. You can also flip up the lid of the ruck and throw all of your gear inside, and still have access to everything you need while your ruck is still sitting up right.

The all-new 210D HT (High Tenacity) CORDURA® on the back panel and underside of the shoulder straps of the M23 doesn’t irritate skin or chew up apparel (merino wool being a main culprit here). Get rapid, straightforward access to the main compartment of the M23 from multiple angles for a highly functional performance that doesn’t slow you down on the go. Open up the lid of the ruck for access from the top, or use the side zipper for quick access even if your ruck is still over your shoulder. After the ultimate in adventure-ready carries this Christmas? The M23 definitely fits the bill.