Grouch backpacks arguably have one of the best sewing handles on the market, but I found it lacks some solidity/resilience. They tend to dangle up and down a little bit when I pick them, when the ruck is loaded (~ 15lbs) and hung there is an ugly bend, I tried to fix it in a nondestructive way.

I use my Bullet 10 for this experiment, totally overkill. I cut out 2 pieces of 1.5 mm kydex stick, gave them a little trim, filed away any sharp burrs and edges, using them as backbone then made a paracord wrap, ended it with a paracord size mini carabiner so I don’t need to burn it. It feels extremely strong and rigid, tough grip. I think I’ll mod my other GR2 rucks this way since they, as travel gear, need to carry a lot of weight than EDC packs.

I wouldn’t expect Goruck implement backbone materials inside their handle in the foreseen future after all it’ll create a possible cracking point, making the SCARS team’s life even harder. And I like my clumsy way, anytime it breaks, I can fix it myself, or take it off intact.

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Update:

• This mod doesn't compatible with HeroClip size Mini or Small, only Medium and above. If you don't plan to use smaller HeroClips, then go ahead. In fact one kydex stick (bottom) might be enough to improve the grip. Two sticks, super stiff, great for heavy stuff.
• Thanks for all the inputs, I'm still exploring. Found out that GR1/GR2's handle has different structure than Bullet Ruck or Echo, probably don't need it, but you certainly can.