GORUCK

The founders of GORUCK, a husband-and-wife team with experience in the Special Forces and the CIA, set out to design a knapsack that would hold up under the most extreme conditions. Now advertising itself as the maker of "the world's toughest gear," the company provides a variety of backpacks appropriate for activities as diverse as backpacking and rucking (training with weights on one's back). The GR2 Rucksack ($395) is modeled after medical packs used by Special Forces troops and meets the size requirements of most airlines while remaining extremely sturdy.

The waxing technique, which has been perfected over the course of 170 years, gives most backpacks' duck canvas their legendary strength and water resistance. Extra padding on the shoulder straps helps carry weights of any size, and the YKK zippers include durable parachute cord pulls. There is a fake bottom in the bombproof laptop compartment of many of them. All goods come with the Scars Lifetime Guarantee.

Pros:

• Strong waxed-canvas material
• Generous warranty guarantee
• Charitable partnerships

Cons:

• Expensive
• Not for ultralight backpacking

Warranty: Lifetime against defects and damage

Return Policy: 30 days in original condition, preferably with tags

Website: https://www.goruck.com/