GORUCK x Carryology GRXC2+ | The Samurai Returns

The final slice of the blade.

In 2023, we channeled the lore and soul of the samurai into a backpack with the GRXC2 release. 

The result? A wildly ambitious project forged with reverence and material obsession. A pack that wasn’t just carried, it was worn, like armor.

We didn’t take shortcuts.
We didn’t use anything off the shelf.
We built it from the ground up.

And ever since, we have received countless messages from readers across the globe, all asking one question…

“If and when will the Samurai ever return?”

Today, we answer.

(Learn more about the original Samurai and design process here.)

GRXC2+ — THE NEXT CHAPTER

This isn’t a sequel. This is a continuation of the legacy.

GRXC2+ is an expansion. Now offering a full carry system — five all-new tools, designed in the same spirit and built with the same exacting materials and methods as the original GRXC2.

This is not about adding SKUs. It’s about completing the family tree.

Same samurai DNA. 

Five new forms.

Taking direct inspiration from the GRXC2, the GRXC2+ products will all have the same legendary treatments.

THE LORDS OF DENIM

We partnered with Japan Blue—a renowned Japanese denim mill (the same mill behind Momotaro jeans)—to create our very own custom-spec sashiko denim, coined the JPXDP 17oz Black Samurai Sashiko. It’s a first of its kind, woven with a specific sashiko pattern structure, weight, and hand-feel.

Then, we took it further.

We shipped our custom Japanese denim rolls across the globe to Dimension Polyant, where their expertise and alchemy came into play.

Over 19 months of development led to this: A custom-made 15.5oz Japanese sashiko black denim, backed with 50d solution-dyed black polyester taffeta fabric, bonded with a 0.25mil Dimension Polyant film using their proprietary Performance Adhesive. The face fabric was top-coated with Dimension Polyant’s Performance Coating to increase durability and abrasion resistance, and finished with a custom DWR (durable water repellent) coating for resistance against water, dirt, and oil.

In layman’s terms? A 17oz fabric that’s 100% waterproof, incredibly durable, and exceptionally strong. Heritage fabric meets cutting-edge technology and science.

AUXIKKO LINER

All five products are lined with crimson red 500D water-resistant Cordura® nylon. We then printed this red nylon with our Carryology signature, custom-designed auxikko geometric pattern—directly inspired by the traditional Japanese kikko motif.

Kikko refers both to the hexagonal pattern found on samurai armor plates and to the pattern of a tortoise shell—two visuals that share striking similarities.

TIMELESSNESS OF LEATHER

To complement this black-on-black custom performance denim, we added leather, inspired by the same system that samurai used of Yoroi Hitatare (soft under clothing) and the Ō-yoroi (hard external armor).

Bottom Leather Panel: GR2, Bullet, Kit Bag, and GRenade
Leather Grab Handles: GR2, Bullet, Kit Bag, Field Pocket
Shoulder Strap Leather (over top of webbing): GR2 and Bullet

This smooth grain leather feels buttery soft against the skin but remains extremely burly, as proven with all GRXC2 GR1s that have been out in the world for 2+ years now. Just like the JPXDP 17oz Black Samurai Sashiko, it will age beautifully, no matter what you throw at it. 

SAMURAI SILK

For elevated handfeel, we’ve designed zipper pulls crafted from authentic, strong, twisted Japanese silk rope—hand-cut and hand-knotted. Each features heat-shrink tubing for added durability and grip. A nod to traditional katana handle-wrapping techniques and the armor plate attachment methods used by samurai.

Black for exterior zippers.
Orange for interior zippers.

(Note: GRenade features an orange cord on the exterior for a little extra pop and GR2 and Bullet feature an orange cord on the exterior Quick Access Pocket.)

ART TO TELL A STORY

GRXC2+’s iconic patch just wouldn’t be right if it were created by any other artist… and luckily it was an immediate “yes” from the man himself; from legendary Japanese American tattoo artist, Jiro Yaguchi of Onizuka Tattoo. Jiro’s inspiration comes from the samurai movie posters from the 1950s-1970s, with bold red/black color blocking and dramatic silhouetting. The original GRXC2 design showcased one individual samurai. For this GRXC2+, Jiro created a dynamic mid-battle moment between two fierce samurai warriors.

ARMOR PATCH

Finally, the armor patch. We worked with the living master, Tatsuhito Imamura-san of Kyoto Armor. He and his team are considered the world’s finest artisans of samurai armor, using the same traditional techniques practiced hundreds of years ago.

After the GRXC2 project, I visited their beautiful shop in Kyoto to show our respect and personally thank him. While there, through a translation app, he told me he had enjoyed the first project so much that he’d be happy to collaborate again if another opportunity ever arose.

I’ll admit—I was a bit nervous that his offer was simply polite. But when the time came to nervously ask him about a second version, it was clear he had meant every word.

Within days, he began the many months-long process.

Every single patch is handmade in his Kyoto workshop, the slow way—crafted using the exact same methods as a plate of traditionally made samurai armor, just as it was done centuries ago: 2”x3” raw iron plates and then coated with an epoxy-like coating which is hand-harvested from the sap of the Japanese lacquer tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum). 

​​If this sounds familiar, it’s because it draws from the traditional urushi-e method. Urushi-e—or Japanese lacquerware—offers a finish that is highly durable and resistant to water, acids, and heat.

While it may seem primitive, the process is centuries ahead of its time. There’s deep science behind it: the tree sap undergoes a chemical reaction with iron, permanently bonding to it and actually making the iron stronger.

This art form is incredibly difficult and requires many slow, meticulous steps to perfect. But the end result? Vibrant reds so striking they trick the eye into thinking you’re holding a digitally Photoshopped image. And an infinitely rich, deep black that seems to go on forever.

Please note: While this traditional, handmade-in-Kyoto armor scale has extremely high strength properties, its highly hand-polished, glossy surface will show scuffs and marks if rubbed against hard or textured surfaces. Safely store it away or display it behind glass to keep it in mint condition. Or… let it develop a battle-worn patina from your worldly adventures.

The choice is yours.

MEET THE GRXC2+ CLAN

Each of these five new products serves a unique purpose — but all are bound by the same spirit and performance as the original.

GR2 26L GRXC2+ Samurai

Based on the GR2

This is the master tactician’s pack. Two compartments, endless organization, and the volume for world travel or long-haul missions.

Wrapped in our GRXC2 denim, structured with leather reinforcement, and lined in blood red, it feels like armor — but breathes like silk. A modern-day field general’s ruck, upgraded with soul.

Includes red/black metal Velcro patch, handmade by samurai armor master craftsman Tatsuhito Imamura-san of Kyoto Armor in Kyoto, Japan.

Bullet Ruck Dual Compartment 18L GRXC2+ Samurai

The Bullet DC is quick. Minimal. Agile. A backpack designed for movement — gym, coffee run, airport, recon.

But in GRXC2+ form, it becomes stealth carry. That custom denim exterior gives it weight and character. The red liner adds energy. The silk pulls? Pure finesse. It’s a shinobi’s blade — sharp, quiet, deadly.

Includes red/black metal Velcro patch, handmade by samurai armor master craftsman Tatsuhito Imamura-san of Kyoto Armor in Kyoto, Japan.

Kit Bag GRXC2+ Samurai

Based on the Kit Bag

The Kit Bag is pure utility — a duffel built for road warriors. But in GRXC2+ trim, it transforms.

Imagine a vintage leather-trimmed holdall, reimagined with custom tech-treated Japanese denim, crimson lining, and handles you’ll want to carry for life. This is your dojo-on-the-go — where your gear rests, recharges, and regroups.

Includes red/black metal Velcro patch, handmade by samurai armor master craftsman Tatsuhito Imamura-san of Kyoto Armor in Kyoto, Japan.

GR2 Field Pocket GRXC2+ Samurai

Based on the GR2 Field Pocket

It may be small, but it holds great power. This modular pouch can live inside your GR2, your Kit Bag, or on its own.

But this version is unlike any other Field Pocket ever made — constructed from our one-of-a-kind denim, wrapped in leather, lined in red, and padded to protect your most precious cargo. 

Includes black leather Velcro patch with Jiro Yaguchi’s samurais dueling artwork debossed into the surface.

GRenade GRXC2+ Samurai

The smallest member of the GRXC2+ clan, the GRenade is a tactical sling made for light carry and fast access. But make no mistake — it’s as serious as its larger siblings.

Fully wrapped in our Samurai denim, finished with silk zipper pulls, leather trim, red interior, and its own handcrafted samurai patch, the GRenade is built for speed and soul. Wear it crossbody or pack it as a pouch — this is your wakizashi in the world of carry.

Includes black leather Velcro patch with Jiro Yaguchi’s samurais dueling artwork debossed into the surface.

THE RETURN OF THE SAMURAI

Everything about GRXC2+ required patience. Sourcing. Development. Trial. Mistake. Refinement. Victory. 

These aren’t items pulled from a shelf — they’re crafted, layer by layer, in the spirit of collaboration and legacy.

Custom Japanese denim, made from scratch.

Custom Japanese denim with technical coatings, made from scratch.
Leather trim. Silk pulls. Armor-grade patches.
And a five-piece collection worthy of the samurai name.

So if you loved the original GRXC2 GR1 or even if you missed out because it sold out too quickly…

Now here is your chance to score the very last of the Samurai collection.

Just like GRXC2, the GRXC2+ collection is a limited release that we don’t suspect will last long. When they’re gone, they’re gone forever.

DROP TIME

Release Article with shop links will go live on Carryology.com on:

THURSDAY 26TH JUNE

1:30PM New York

Limited edition  

GORUCK ships internationally.

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