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I’ve water tested GORUCK’s bags here before but I haven’t before had the opportunity to use one in the snow. That all changed last week when I experienced Alpine snowfall at its finest while skiing in Avoriaz, France.
Read on to see how the GR1 coped.
I used my GR1 as my ski bag for the week. I had thought of using the Echo, but I like to carry a few things with me, just in case (emergency blanket, basic first aid kit, extra warm layer, USB battery charger, torch, knife) along with the essentials: water, lunch and a camera. It ended up being a bit more than I could comfortably fit into the Echo. Fully laden, the GR1 is quite a bit more comfortable to carry.
I packed my extra warm layer, first aid kit and lunch into a waterproof rucksack liner at the bottom of the pack. My Fuji X100 and water bottle lived outside the waterproof liner, along with all the various extras packed away in the GR1’s pockets. The low profile of the bag meant that I didn’t have an issue on chairlifts as I have done when I’ve skiied with a North Face Big Shot bag.
The weather for the week was great for skiing, but not so great otherwise. Total whiteout, apart from the last day. The snow even turned to freezing rain towards the end of the week. Testing conditions for any gear, although I’m pleased to report that, like my GoreTex jacket and Sealskinz gloves, the GR1 didn’t let me down. Not that I thought it would. The outside of the bag was soaked, however inside was nice and dry. There was some condensation inside the bag, but that’s normal with low temperatures.
Aside from the extra peace of mind that my spare layer would stay dry, there was no need for the waterproof liner.
The GR1 was comfortable to carry on the slopes and I was grateful for not having to use a waist strap. The fewer things you have to contend with while skiing in a whiteout the better. I was worried that the lack of a waist strap would mean that the bag would bounce around on my back but with the shoulder straps pulled in tight, there wasn’t any movement at all, even while tackling moguls in the off piste areas. The simple shoulder straps and big zipper pulls meant I could quickly remove and access every pocket without even taking my gloves off. In sub-zero temperatures, this is highly advantageous.
With the addition of a simple Union Flag patch, I was also able to make myself more recognisable to the rest of my ski group (while being a bit patriotic at the same time).
I can wholeheartedly recommend the GR1 as a great ski bag. It’s probably larger than most people would need, but the extra volume gives you some flexibility and the level of comfort when carrying it all day is second to none.
Notes
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