RUX Essential Set Review

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RUX Essentials

As the fall season unfolds, I can’t help but feel it’s the best time of the year. It’s the perfect season for activities like hiking, rafting, mountain biking, trail running, fishing, and hunting. With so many exciting things happening all at once, staying organized and efficient can be a real challenge, especially for someone like me who loves outdoor gear. During these past few weeks of fall, I’ve definitely felt the struggle of juggling between everyday life and all the activities I’m passionate about. However, I recently discovered RUX, and their RUX Essential Set has made my life managing these various activities much easier.

RUX, much like the best outdoor gear, was born out of necessity. Even though we outdoor enthusiasts invest a lot of money in our gear, we often neglect the importance of proper storage. Reading the story of RUX on their website felt like déjà vu. In a nutshell, the founder of RUX, Andre, became tired of using plastic tubs and grocery bags to carry his gear. When necessity sparked his creativity, he came up with the idea for a high-quality storage system called RUX.

For me, I needed a gear system that could withstand the abuse of being stored in my car and could withstand the outdoor elements. The RUX Essential Set seemed like the perfect solution and met all my requirements.

About the RUX Essential Set

The RUX Essential Set is a versatile storage solution that consists of three key components: a 70-liter storage container, a 25-liter storage bag, and a 3-liter storage pocket.

RUX 70 L

RUX 70 Liter

The RUX 70 Liter is a fully collapsible storage container with dimensions measuring 15.7” x 19.5” x 13.8”. As the name suggests, it offers a generous 70-liter storage capacity. When empty, the RUX 70 Liter weighs just over 5 pounds but can carry a substantial load of up to 50 pounds.

RUX 70 Compressed

Constructed from High Tenacity 840D TPU-coated nylon, the RUX 70 Liter is built to withstand rugged use and feels exceptionally durable. The bag’s collapsible design allows it to compress down to a mere couple of inches in height. The four corner stays keep the bag upright, and when these stays are pressed, the bag collapses for easy storage.

Corner Stays

The RUX 70 Liter features a lid made of compressed foam with multiple attachment points, ensuring a weatherproof seal when fully closed. Two clips on the long sides, as well as elastic bands on each corner, create easy access to the bag’s contents without having to remove the lid. The lid can also be folded down thanks to two hinge points. The bottom of the RUX 70 is made from rigid compressed foam and adds rigidity to the container. Additionally, the exterior of the RUX 70 boasts nylon straps and attachment points, adding to its versatility, allowing you to secure the bag or attach items to it.

Attachment Clips

RUX 25 Liter Storage Bag

RUX Bag

The RUX 25 Liter Storage Bag is a medium-sized tote with dimensions of 13.8” x 7.9” x 12.2”. Crafted from 1000D Fazelon, a weather-resistant Polyurethane-covered material, this bag is easy to clean and built to last. It includes a secure cinch lid and a mesh flap pocket for smaller items, with webbing grab handles on top for convenient carrying.

Secure Cinch Lid

The RUX 25 Liter Storage Bag can be seamlessly integrated into the RUX 70 Liter using connection buckles, making it a valuable addition to your storage options.

RUX Pocket

Designed for all your small essentials, the RUX Pocket is a 3-liter pouch with dimensions of 11” x 8”. It’s perfect for safely stashing valuables like keys and a wallet. Constructed from the same 600D Fazelon material as the Storage Bag, this pocket features a magnetic clip for effortless opening and closure. This attaches easily to RUX 70 Liter or the RUX Bag using RUX buckles, providing a handy solution for keeping your smaller items organized and accessible.

Magnetic Clips

Testing the RUX Essential Set

The arrival of the RUX Essential Set couldn’t have been timelier. With hunting season in full swing and precious moments in between reserved for fishing, my gear organization was in dire need of a helping hand. The RUX Essential Set has proven to be a game-changer in keeping my gear neatly organized.

Set Up

Setting up the RUX Set was a breeze, thanks to their informative video series called “How to RUX.” It took me just about 5 minutes to assemble the entire set, including fitting the corner stays in place.

Once set up, I began the process of transferring all my loose gear from the back of my Land Cruiser into the RUX. This was during hunting season, and the RUX Essential System was the perfect solution for accommodating all the items essential for my hunting expeditions.

Loading Up the RUX 70

The spacious RUX 70 Liter easily accommodated an extra pair of shoes, my binocular harness, additional layers of clothing, spare mittens, a cooking system, spare water, and trekking poles. This was a significant upgrade from my previous solution, a large Rubbermaid container. Although quite functional, the Rubbermaid left much to be desired in terms of organization.

The RUX Bag came in handy for quickly accessing items I needed during the hunt, such as my hunting hat, orange blazer, and gloves. Though it might not sound like much, the convenience of finding these items quickly in the early morning hours cannot be overstated. It prevented the usual chaos of rummaging through a large Rubbermaid container in the dark.

The RUX Pocket was perfect for holding my spare hunting ammunition, comfortably accommodating a couple of boxes of bullets. Again, the organization provided by the RUX system was a game-changer.

When Conditions are Bad, Organization is Everything

What truly put the organization to the test was an unexpected wet snowstorm during the middle of the hunt. Dealing with wet and muddy gear became a breeze, thanks to the waterproof features of the RUX Essential Set. I could stow wet items without the worry of them dampening the rest of my gear. This was a lifesaver, especially when venturing out for multiple outings in a single day. At the end of each day, carrying the RUX Essential System into my house was hassle-free, thanks to the nylon straps

A Wet Hunt

So Much Wet Gear!

All the gear from RUX exudes remarkable quality. Although I’ve only had this product for a few weeks, the fabric on every item feels durable and built to withstand the test of time. The quality has left a lasting impression.

My Favorite Feature

Perhaps one of the standout features of the RUX Essential system is its seamless integration. The ability to attach the RUX Bag and RUX Pouch to each other and the RUX 70 adds to the ease of maintaining a well-organized gear setup. Even while traversing miles of washboard roads, the entire system remains securely together, a testament to its thoughtful design by outdoor enthusiasts.

Integration of the RUX Essential Set

When not in use, the RUX Essential System compresses down easily. However, to be completely transparent, I’ve never had the need to compress it so far, as it has always been filled with gear. This speaks volumes about its practicality. One minor thing to note is that when the RUX 70 isn’t fully loaded, the corner stays have a tendency to collapse. While not a significant issue, it’s worth mentioning and may not necessitate keeping the corner stays up in such situations.

Switching Out With Fishing Gear

Another consideration is the price. Quality gear doesn’t come cheap, and the RUX Essential system retails for $423, which is not on the lower end of the spectrum. That said, the craftsmanship and quality make this price reasonable. While there may be alternative products at a lower cost, you indeed get what you pay for in terms of durability and functionality.

Specs on the RUX Essential System taken directly from RUX

RUX 70L

• MSRP $298 if bought separately
• Volume: 70L
• ​Empty weight: 5.3 lbs 
• Dimensions (W x L x H): 15.7 x 19.5 x 13.8 inches 
• Load Limit: 50 lbs 
• High tenacity 840D TPU coated waterproof nylon bag 
• PU coated compressed EVA foam base
• nylon webbing straps
• composite nylon frame

BAG

• MSRP $80 if bought individually
• Dimensions: 
• 13.8 x 7.9 x 12.2 “
• Weight: 9.77 oz
• Secure cinch closure
• Mesh flap pocket
• Internal auxiliary pocket
• RUX connect buckles
• Webbing grab handles

Pocket

• MSRP $45 if bought individually
• Volume: 3 L
• Dimensions: 11 x 8″
• Weight: 5.82 oz
• RUX connect buckles
• Hypalon snap tabs
• Mesh divider pocket
• Grab handle
• Reinforced weatherproof design

Final Thoughts on the RUX Essential Set

The RUX Essential Set offers a comprehensive solution for keeping your outdoor gear in perfect order, whether you’re on the trail or at your favorite outdoor destination. With the RUX 70 liter, The RUX Bag, and the RUX Pocket, you have a versatile arsenal at your disposal, ensuring that your gear is well-organized and easily accessible.

One of the standout features of this set is its waterproof design, allowing you the freedom to use it in various weather conditions and environments.

While it’s true that the price tag may seem a bit steep, the value is in the quality and durability of the equipment. Investing in the RUX Essential Set is an investment in long-term organization and peace of mind. After all, can you really put a price on a lifetime of hassle-free organization and protection for your valuable gear? If you would like to learn more or check it out for yourself, visit www.rux.life or www.rei.com.