AllOutdoor Review – GORUCK Aviator’s Kit Bag in X-PAC

By Patrik Orcutt • Published June 5, 2026

The older I get, the less keen I am on having a different bag for every occasion. I’d much prefer to have one bag that does it all for traveling, work and everyday use. I’ve gone through a couple of dedicated flight bags, duffels and backpacks over the years and while most are excellent at one thing, they each have a weakness. That’s how I ended up with the GORUCK Kit Bag 32L in X-PAC. It’s a fairly basic duffel when you look at the description, but after around eight months of actually using it, it’s become a seriously versatile bag that I keep reaching for.

More GORUCK Gear at AOD:

I was sent this bag for review. I didn’t buy it, and I get to keep it. GORUCK didn’t have any say in this review, though, and all my opinions are from using the bag over time, not a quick look and first impressions.

SPECS – GORUCK Kit Bag in X-PAC

– Capacity – 32 liters

– Dimensions – approximately 17.5″ W x 11.5″ H x 9″ D

– Material -X-PAC VX 21 composite fabric

– Weight – 2.3 Lbs

– Main compartment – wide-opening top for easy packing

– Pockets – 3 internal zip pockets + 3 external pockets

– Carry – Padded adjustable shoulder strap + dual grab handles

– Carry on compatible – TSA-friendly size for travel

– Warranty – GORUCK “Scars” lifetime guarantee

– MSRP – $180.00 ($30 more than the standard Cordura version)

Kit Bag – X-PAC

Review – GORUCK Kit Bag in X-PAC

To be honest, I wasn’t entirely convinced by an X-PAC duffel to begin with. I’ve had Cordura gear for ages and it’s hard to find fault with something so reliable. X-PAC always seemed to be more for very light backpacking, rather than really tough, throw-it-in-the-back-of-a-helicopter style equipment. But I quickly realized my assumption was wrong as soon as I started using this bag as I normally would.

The first thing you notice is how little it weighs. It’s almost surprisingly light for a 32-liter bag. You initially wonder if it will last, particularly if you’re used to heavier, sturdier materials. However, after a few outings, this worry quickly evaporated for me. It’s been thrown around in planes, crammed under seats and overfilled, and the material has withstood it all, and that’s really impressive. It hasn’t ripped, the shape is still good, and there’s nothing to suggest it’s starting to fall apart. It’s the bag’s simplicity and functionality that have really made it my favourite. The design is straightforward, and that’s precisely why it’s so good. The main section opens fully, making it easy to pack and get things out, whether you’re in a hotel or a small plane cabin.

There’s enough internal organisation to stop small items disappearing, but not so much that you’re searching through lots of pockets. It’s a system that simply feels right once you begin to use it. The large side zipper pocket is great for storing documents or even my MacBook Pro in a pinch on short travel trips. There are two internal zippered mesh pockets inside with orange backing, and they are great for placing smaller items you don’t want to lose, like keys or a few protein bars. There is also an X-PAC pocket that runs the full length of the bag internally, and I found this to be a great spot for cables or any longer items. I liked placing my extra set of dog tags in here, and this pocket also has the same orange backing. Externally, there are two open side pockets, and I used them for holding my morning coffee ot flight gloves, things I needed access to quickly. One small negative about these pockets is that, because of the X-PAC material, things can slide out of these pockets more easily, so tended not to place anything too valuable in them.

As mentioned above, I now use this as my only bag for shorter trips when I can get away with a small bag. I can get a couple of days of clothing, wash things, and all my devices in there without much thought. It fits more than it appears to, and because it doesn’t have a rigid structure, it’s a bit flexible when you need to force in that last item. It’s also really easy to take on the plane for carry-on, which makes it perfect for when I want to travel lightly and keep things uncomplicated.

I’ve been using it all the time as a flight bag in the helicopter, and actually, it’s at its best there. Space can sometimes be tight and you don’t want something that can’t take a crew chief throwing it around. This bag is good because it’s flexible and moves easily, and can be squeezed into small spaces without much effort and is quick to grab and sling over your shoulder when you have to leave. It doesn’t look out of place in that setting at all. The simple, practical design blends in and doesn’t call for attention, and that’s something I appreciate in all my travel gear.

And besides travel and flying, it’s been a really good gym bag. It holds shoes, clothes, all your stuff, and doesn’t become a jumble inside. Again, it’s about how simple it is. You aren’t wrestling with it to get things in, or trying to remember where you packed something. It just does what you’d expect. How long will something light last is usually the big worry, and this is where the X-PAC material truly shines, X-PAC VX 21 to be exact. After eight months of using it constantly, it still feels strong. The zips are smooth, the seams are secure, and the material shows no wear and tear. A bag can feel good when it’s new, but it’s something else entirely for it to stay good after being used as most people use their things. This one has done that and hasn’t had a single problem.

It’s also fair to say this bag isn’t designed to do absolutely everything for everyone. It isn’t very structured and doesn’t have loads of compartments or fancy features. If you want a bag like that, there are other options with more of those things. It’s not the cheapest bag of its type, either, coming in at $180.Wwith that price, you are getting pretty good value in my opinion, and you’re getting a lifetime warranty from GORUCK , and some might think twice about the price. But when you realize you’re getting a bag that is incredibly durable and light and has no fuss, it makes more sense.

Wrap up – GORUCK Kit Bag in X-PAC

I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t even really think about this bag anymore, and I think that’s the highest praise I can give it. I grab it for a quick trip, I likely take it when I fly, and if I need to quickly gather gear, I choose it instantly. It doesn’t have the most features of any bag I’ve used, and it isn’t trying to. It’s the combination of being lightweight, very durable and straightforwardly functional that’s hard to find better. After eight months of actual use, it’s proven itself in a way that goes past just how it looked when I first got it. And for me, that’s what’s important, and is why it’s now a regular part of my kit in and outside of the aircraft.

Link to buy – https://www.goruck.eu/products/kit-bag-x-pac

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