This is the most convenient, compact carry-on you’ll find compared to other similar products. Size: 12″ x 16″, 18 liters.
Okay, we’re going, being honest right from the get. The Red Oxx C-ruck Carry-on Rucksack is unlikely to win you over if you want sleek, contemporary backpacks with streamlined, sophisticated features. The C-ruck Carry-on Rucksack is a legacy military pack that excels in its simplicity and endurance.
The Red Oxx C-ruck Carry-on Rucksack may be a good choice for you if that’s the mood you’re going for. It’s also intended to fit comfortably into the overhead bins of most flights, as its name indicates.
Aesthetics & Materials
As previously stated, the Red Oxx C-ruck Carry-on Rucksack has a solid military background. This is attributable not just to the pack’s design, but also to other minor aspects. For example, a handful of Red Oxx trademark patches are embroidered into the box, as well as a Dog Tag and clear ID card, in case you forget where you bought it. According to the guys at Red Oxx, the decor example, a sign of the pack is inspired on a French Foreign Legion bag from the 1950s, a Fun Fact we had to add.
There are 12 colors available at the time of this review. Some of them, like the Olive coloring we’ve been trying, have a more traditional feel to them. Red and Violet, on the other hand, give the pack a more bright, cheerful appearance.
The Rucksack is composed of 1000D CORDURA® nylon, which is very robust. This is a high-quality material that will not fail you down. A polyurethane coating provides additional abrasion and water resistance. This bag is not waterproof, to be precise. It’s not the best partner for whitewater kayaking, but it’ll keep you dry if you get trapped in the rain.
YKK 10 zippers (for those unfamiliar with zipper sizes, #10 is rather hefty) are used throughout the pack. If you will, call it the extra chunky salsa of the zipper world). These zippers are easy to deal with, especially around corners, which is not usually the case. In addition, we have no doubts regarding their endurance since they’re so robust.
However, not everyone on the Pack Hacker team approves of the zippers. Some of us think they’re excessive, while others adore them. It’s all a matter of personal taste. The parachute rope zipper pulls are likewise generously sized, making them easy to grasp.
Finally, we’d like to point out that the Rucksack is created in the United States by a Veteran-owned business. The artistry looks to be excellent as well.
Components from Outside
The Red Oxx C-ruck Carry-on Rucksack’s exterior veteran-owned business created what Rucksacku’d expect from a mil daisy chain on the front of the pack primarily for carrying external gear, such as lights and water bottles. They’re not PALS webbing, but you may be able to connect MOLLE attachments to them. Daisy chains are also seen on the shoulder straps for the similar function.
There are Fastex straps on the bottom of the pack to carry even more items externally (if you prefer hanging things from the outside of your package, you’ll love this!). These straps are ideal for carrying a sleeping bag, rain jacket, tripod, yoga mat, or other similar items.
Of course, the standard backpack top handle is helpful for all top handle tasks—hanging the bag from filthy floors, swinging it out of overhead bins, and so on. It’s a primary nylon loop with double box stitching for added strength. We found the harness method to be somewhat comfortable, despite its simplicity.
Although there is no frame sheet, there is a foam backing within the laptop sleeve that provides this pack some rigidity. However, unless the bag is completely stuffed, the carry is slouchy. It’s not a big problem, but it’s something.
There isn’t much cushioning on the panel. It also lacks any air passages or mesh for ventilation or airflow. We’re not claiming that #SwampBack is a certainty, but on hot days, you’ll probably get a bit sweaty.
The shoulder straps are really nice and cushioned, however they don’t have any mesh for metal rings are used to secure them on hot days straps to the bag. The straps may move with your body thanks to this innovative form of connection. They are, however, fixed relatively close together. This isn’t necessarily a negative thing; it’s simply different and takes some getting accustomed to.
Metal adjusters are incorporated on the straps, allowing you to quickly loosen or tighten them. The hardware is rather substantial, especially when compared to other pack adjusters. However, this fits well with the pack’s military style and offers a lot of durability—even if it doesn’t look the cleanest.
There’s a sternum strap that may be adjusted and is fastened with snap buttons. But, to be honest, we don’t think it’s our favorite design. It is inconvenient because the sternum strap may easily fall off the padding and down to the straps below. It also takes some effort to draw them back up beyond the cushioning.
Finally, there is no option for a hip belt on this bag. It’s up to you if it matters, but any bag with a capacity of 30 liters or more should at the very least offer you the choice.
Inside the Bundle
On the Red Oxx C-ruck Carry-on Rucksack, there are a lot of compartments, but they’re all fairly basic. Except for the main room, none of the containers have internal pockets. There are many compartments in interior areas that may be accessory pouches and packing cubes, and you may also take control of your organization.
This open approach, however, is not for everyone. This pack is probably not for you if you like groups with organizing panels and a place for everything.
Let’s take a look at the top flap pocket first. You’ll be met with nothing when you unzip it, of course. There’s also no internal lining. It’s a wide-open space where you can toss goods you’ll want to get to fast. It’s worth noting that it’s not recommended for heavy or bulky items.
The front pocket is also great for fast access essentials like your phone, wallet, keys, and munchies.
There’s a big zipped compartment on either side that’s perfect for water bottles. You may, of course, put anything you want in them (the folks at Red Oxx say a package of a dozen eggs fit, so indeed, be as creative as you want here)shorter, zippered compartment sits in front of the water bottle pockets. Again, none of these pockets have any kind of structure.
Finally, we arrive at the main compartment, which is a top-loader. The dual drawstring opening is visible after you unbuckle the flap and flip it open. That’s correct, there are two drawstrings instead of one. The first one unlocks the main compartment, while the second unlocks the dust collar (as Red Oxx calls it).
The collar adds weather protection and security to the chamber. It also allows you to enlarge the pack’s interior capacity a little if you pick up a few more odds and ends on your travels. However, the two drawbacks obstruct speedy access (luckily, there are so many quick-grab pockets on this thing).
This section, in keeping with the motif, is relatively plain. There’s a sleeve inside for computers up to 17 inches, tablets, notebooks, and anything else you choose to bring. A foam backing provides some cushioning to this sleeve. But, to be honest, we haven’t enjoyed having a laptop here. The sleeve isn’t very structured, so it doesn’t feel safe and secure. We’ve been carrying our computer in a protective sleeve, and we recommend you do the same if you’re using the C-Ruck to transport your valuable technology.
The remaining area in the compartment is a substantial enormous bucket. We love the bright red inside, which makes it easier to find your belongings (something that can be tricky on top-loaders). For better access and to prevent your belongings from becoming jumbled, we suggest utilizing packing cubes in this area.
Testing & Durability
In Detroit, Michigan, we tested the Red Oxx C-ruck Carry-on Rucksack for two weeks. We’ve mainly been using it as a daily driver, but we’ve cared to pack it as if we were going on a tripWe What is our conclusion? This bundle works in Detroit, Michigan, cely if you know what you’re getting yourself into. The Carry-on Rucksack is a good choice if you’re searching for a heritage, almost old-fashioned bag for everyday use, outdoor excursions, or minimalistic travel.
We have no information about the durability of the product. Everything seems to be in order. We’re not shocked, given that the Red Oxx C-ruck Carry-on Rucksack is built of rigid materials and expert artistry.
Related Tags
- red oxx duffel
- Millican backpack review
- red oxx metro briefcase review
- tactical backpack review
- red oxx aviator bag review
