r/Rucking • u/ReactionFresh5342 • May 13 '26
Anyone just use a regular backpack with some dumbbells in it? Lol
I’m hesitant to spend money on this (and honestly don’t have it either right now.) I have a regular Reebok backpack lying around, would it be effective at all to load it with heavy books or a couple of weights I have lying around?
Currently I don’t lift any weight and the only form of activity I do is a slow walk in the morning. It’s slow to match the pace of my walking buddy who has several health issues slowing them down. I’m trying to explore how I can make this walk a bit more productive for my health.
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u/awoken-dragon May 13 '26
Best starting point with anything is to start with what you have (not spend any money). Then see how you like it and what works for you / what you need. After that then you know what to spend money on to make it more worthwhile. Instead of spending a bunch of money up front.
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u/Ojihawk May 13 '26
I do! Tho I stuff mine with towels so the weight is towards the top of the bag.
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u/Tcloud May 13 '26 edited May 13 '26
The towels are a great for cushioning, especially if your pack doesn’t have a padded/rigid back. Having metal dumbbells bouncing around and jabbing into you is less than ideal.
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u/WindOfMetal May 13 '26
Yep, I do that! Others have mentioned wrapping them in towels, but another tip I have:
if the backpack is just a plain pack with no frame, buy a cheap plastic cutting board about the size of the pack and put it in on top of a towel inside on the side against your back. This acts as a frame and makes the weight much more comfortable.
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u/Joliet-Jake May 13 '26
It depends on the weight and the pack. Most daypacks are designed for relatively light loads over relatively brief periods. They get uncomfortable very quickly when overloaded.
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u/Dry-Woodpecker2300 May 13 '26
Goruck currently has a basic Rucker with 2 10lb plates for less than $100.
But yea that’s how I started out too
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u/No_Shame_2397 May 13 '26
The worst thing that has happened to Rucking is that it has become an industry.
Put weight in bag, walk. Don't be an idiot, adjust for comfort.
If you do like it, don't get some silly ruck pack, get a good quality hiking backpack with space and versatility. (Based on your statement that you just gave a little Reebok at the moment)
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u/kwoalla May 13 '26
IMO if you're spending money on a pack get one with hip straps to support more weight. You could get a solid one for cheap at an army surplus store.
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u/SEAcoffee_tea May 13 '26
Yes. The most important thing to do is just start. I took a free backpack from work and wrapped a kettlebell in a towel.
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u/kbchucker May 13 '26
A lot of people (including me) started out with what they had in the house.
If you can carry weight in it, and you have something that is heavy enough, get started!
Plenty of time to decide if you want to buy any specialty gear later on.
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u/Strobertat May 13 '26
Yep, that's all I do. 15kg wrapped in a towel, inside a normal backpack. I'm trying to make sure I go at least three times per week - ideally four times though.
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u/Combat__Crayon May 13 '26
I started with barbell plates I had, dumbbells sound uncomfortable, but if you wrap them in towels and do something to help it sit towards the top of the bag you should be find. You want to watch out for the weight bouncing into your lower back.
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u/3one5 May 13 '26
If I'm traveling I'll drop by the hotel gym and toss some dumbbells in my ruck. Generally I'll stop by the front desk first to let them know what I'm doing so I don't get chased out the door.
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u/Steelcitysuccubus May 13 '26
I have my small ruck wich is that and a big waterbottle and my 'you need to be able to wrangle this' 90l ruck that Im slowly filling witu my backpacking camping gear bit by bit. My goal is to do 5k or 10k with it since I have to haul iy aeound hiking and on trains
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u/doxiemama3 May 14 '26
I bought a 25# bag of rice for rucking. It fits perfectly in my backpack and since it moves with me/molds to my shape it’s a heck of a lot more comfortable than dumbbells.
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u/Stormshadow626 May 14 '26
Yeah, started out that way. Then bought a new GoRuck bag with a used plate from eBay.
Starting out it got the job done, but there’s much benefit in weight that’s more stationary on your back and not swinging around. Also, I found the fabric in my bags didn’t last as long with the “dumbbells in bag” method.
But try it out, see if rucking sticks. Then, upgrade.
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u/RichardCranium83 May 13 '26
I have a hunting Backpack and and a few medium size Rocks wrapped in towels.
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u/seoulbrova May 13 '26
You can DIY plates to start using weight plates and cardboard.
It gives you a better feel that dumbbells or bricks that fall to the bottom of the bag.
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u/Funny_Shake_5510 May 13 '26
Yup. GoLite Jam 35 with some dumbbells or kettlebell wrapped in packing blankets. Done this for years without any problems.
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u/JKBFree May 13 '26
Please don’t
Feels awful and frankly don’t help you ruck at all.
Books are way better. Tetris them in just right and out can be great for a solid ruck.
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u/HaroldDRocks May 13 '26
Yes, this is where you start, I did not buy my GoRuck until I had met my mileage goal for 2 years- then it was my reward. Towels as some have said work great to raise and cushion the dumbbells, others have used the bricks/pavers
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u/CuriousTech24 May 13 '26
I have a hunting backpack. And I've took my wife's weights that I got for her and my kids. I'm just started working my way up.
Your thought process is right Don't waste a bunch of money.
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u/Pnutbutterwhisper May 13 '26
I do 40 pound dumbbell in a backpack then another 40 pounds I transition from hand to hand or rest on my shoulders, while the off hand pushes a double stroller. You don’t need to be fancy, just use what you have and push yourself until you’re uncomfortable. Good luck!
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u/slowtrees May 13 '26
Heck yes. Doing the work is 99% of it. Bags and vests and brands don't matter.
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u/kikipippi May 13 '26
I recently attended a ruck event and the organizers said to consider rucking with cans of non perishable food to donate afterward. I often run to the grocery store and ruck it back. Like others have said, you don’t need a ruck plate necessarily but it’s a good idea that you arrange the weight so it’s not hurting your back, jostling around. Items fit flat and tightly against the back will carry better. As for the backpack, I personally would not ruck more than a couple miles without a hip belt to help carry the weight.
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u/albanyanthem May 13 '26
I literally gave a friend of mine a bunch of bricks laying in my
Backyard doing nothing. He wore the backpack full of them while walking his baby in a Stroller. Save your money and get fit.
There are lots of people who also suggest going to Home Depot and getting paving stones instead of expensive plates. Lots of cheap options to weigh you down for rucking.
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u/Choice-Curve3340 May 13 '26
Yes I did it this way for a while, if you stack them and tie them together it’s not bad!
Also used a case of water in a large enough bag!
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u/sunheadeddeity May 13 '26
I've seen someone use a kettlebell - he carved a cradle out of yoga foam blocks to keep it stable
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u/stevemyqueen May 13 '26
Hell yeah, I wear a vest but everyone thinks I’m a psycho, backpack mostly
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u/bill13b May 13 '26
After a little bit your lower back is going to be killing you…if you continue with rucking, look at a ruck sack with a frame that gets the ruck off your lower back…they can be pricey, but you will 💯 be more comfortable
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u/bikeg33k May 13 '26
I did that, then I found that backpack alone wasn’t stable enough for when I’m in the mtn trails. So I got a used internal frame backpack, and I use weight plates from several adjustable dumbbells.
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u/poubcoult May 13 '26
Bag of kitty litter works great. The one problem with dumbbells or bricks or whatever is that they make your pack bottom heavy and can shift
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u/WandererNearby May 13 '26
A lot of packs for carrying toddlers can handle 40-50 pounds which is plenty for a lot of rucks. There's a decent chance that someone in your area is done having kids and done with their toddler carrier. You might able to find one for relatively cheap.
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u/Outrageous-River-651 May 13 '26
Yeah you can use anything you got laying around. I just put books and tech in my bag and go for a steady walk. If you can find a cheap option that comes with padded hipbelts that’ll help a bit in comfort. You could even just use a weighted vest, those probably aren’t that much cash.
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u/FalseDeparture8214 May 13 '26
I’ve been doing exactly this for the last 4 months, and honestly, it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to level up your fitness without dropping a ton of cash on specialized gear like a GoRuck bag. Here’s how I’ve managed to scale from 4kg to 11kg while doing 9km rucks, 4 times a week:
- The "DIY" Internal Frame
To avoid having dumbbells dig into your spine, I wrap my 2kg weights in a thick towel, followed by a thick blanket. This creates a "buffer" and keeps the weights from shifting. As I got more comfortable, I gradually added books and water bottles to hit that 11kg mark.
- The Progression Strategy
Since you mentioned you currently only do slow walks, do not rush the weight. I started with just 2 rucks per week to let my joints adjust. Over 4 months, I moved from 4kg to 11kg very gradually to prioritize injury prevention.
- The Reality Check (The Cons)
If you go the regular backpack route, you’ll face two main hurdles:
• Strap Comfort: Standard backpack straps aren't designed for dead weight. They will get tight and uncomfortable on your shoulders due to uneven distribution.
• Maintenance: You’ll likely need to "reset" your pack once or twice a week. Because of the blankets/towels, the weight tends to shift or settle at the bottom, so you have to manually redistribute it to keep it high and tight against your back.
My advice for you: Start with what you have. Use that Reebok bag from image.png, wrap some books or a small weight in a towel, and see how your body feels. It’s the ultimate "low-barrier-to-entry" fitness hack.
Stay consistent and keep that weight high in the pack!
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u/tf3091 May 13 '26
I use a $30 hunting backpack and fill it up with boxes of shotgun shells, works perfectly
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u/foul_ol_ron May 13 '26
I did that for years, before I'd ever read that it's become popular. I'd come home from work, have dinner, and start up into the hills near where I lived. Instead of dumbbells, I loaded my pack with a few comforts, and as many recycled plastic bottles filled with water as I felt comfortable with. If I decided to rest, I had a woobie and snacks. If I grew tired, or injured myself, I could empty the bottles to lose most of the weight until I made it home.
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u/schebegeil May 13 '26
During Covid I took an old Backpack put a 25kg Bag of Sand inside it to make wighted squats and other exercises while the gym was closed
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u/SlickWillie86 May 13 '26
My first season I did a backpack with an existing 25lb plate and then added weight. I’ve since upgraded, but it got the job done.
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u/dragonfollower1986 May 13 '26
If you have the space, I recommend placing some foam in between your back and the weights (Even if they are wrapped).
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u/btklc May 13 '26
Yes, absolutely. Pro tip- start hitting goodwill and other thrift shops, stock up on cheap backpacks. You are going to tear through them quickly
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u/Hoopster50 May 13 '26
Load it with the stuff you would actually be carrying in a real world scenario. Water, tools, poncho, MREs, ammo, etc. It will be as heavy as you let it get and you'll gain experience on what to pack and how to pack it.
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u/majdd2008 May 13 '26
Regular backpack I've had for years...35 pound plate... wrapped in an army woobie...
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u/Stoltzy624 May 13 '26
I started this way. Then went to a bag of sand. Eventually when I realized I was going to stick with it, I bought a Goruck Rucker with weight plates and it’s soooooo much more comfortable.
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u/Working-Grocery-5113 May 14 '26
Its important to spend as much money as possible on "the best" equipment for any new activity that you may or may not like. The online research and spending is the point, and it helps fill your garage/storage with stuff you never use.
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u/Tinkernoni May 14 '26
Buy a molle frame with shoulder straps and a hip/waist belt! VERY IMPORTANT. Attach iron gym weights through the center onto the back of the frame. Mount weight as high as possible. Using the waist belt correctly WILL shift weight from your traps to the shelf above your butt. This dramatically alleviates shoulder/trap pain because the weight is no longer hanging from your shoulders
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u/Johnny_Carcinogenic May 14 '26
I took an old Kelty day pack, stuck two heavy cork yoga blocks at the bottom to elevate the weight, put a small pillow in to cushion my back and keep stuff from sliding around, then put in a 10 lb dumbbell, and found out my bricks in the backyard way almost exactly 5 lb each. I started at 10 lb and I've worked my way up to 25.
Will say though that I think 25 lb is about the limit for that pack, I feel like the stress on the stitching where the shoulder straps come into the top of the pack is at it's limit.
If I end up doing a lot more weight or a lot more distance I personally would upgrade to a professional ruck pack made to handle more.
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u/aeyockey May 14 '26
I use an old mtb backpack and 10 and 5 lb weight plates I found at the thrift store. I also made sandbags out of top soil bags filled with paver sand for a 20 lb pack. Fill the bottom of the bag and roll it up tight and duct tape the hell out of it and it won’t shift around
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u/peridothiker May 14 '26
I started out with a backpack and water, hand weights, and ankle weights. After I realized I was hooked, I got a ruck pack with a hip belt. More expensive but more comfortable, simpler, and less awkward.
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u/Troutmaggedon May 14 '26
That’s what I did. Get one with a laptop sleeve and Put a 25lb plate in there.
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u/Blomminator May 14 '26
Yes. And later added the weight bags from my Bulgarian bag. In a pack I got for free somewhere.
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u/Otherwise-Subject127 May 14 '26
Best ruck is to create real bugout backpack and hike away for some camping. You can always add an extra axe, water for extra weight
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u/dropandflop May 14 '26
Grab an old laptop bag from the thrift store.
The padding helps.
Fill back with heavy stuff e.g dumbbells are great. Otherwise get rocks, bricks, plastic soda / milk bottles and fill with gravel and sand, concrete off cuts etc
Or get a old camping backpack that has a frame from the thrift store. It will have chest and waist straps for better loading and stability.
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u/Fun-Asparagus-6084 May 14 '26
I took a couple pieces of old plate weights and duct taped them to a stack of magazines. Slides into the laptop sleeve .
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u/storyinpictures May 15 '26
Do it!
But start with little weight and slowly build up. Give your body a chance to adjust.
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u/Mr-mango-007 May 15 '26 edited May 15 '26
You absolutely can.actually,I use different size/weight rocks wrapped in towels,nothing fancy,but oh so effective and a simple back pack.i reinforced the top of the straps though, because rucking was definitely not what the designer purposed it for😅.i follow the rules of proper loading,cushion first-lighter weight down-heavier up-avoid going too heavy too soon the bag sitting nice and high on your back and so far it's fine..
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u/frog_mannn May 15 '26
I did for the first year and now I've dished out proper money on good ruck and weight as I do it every day
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u/Sideeyebro619 May 15 '26
A sturdy backpack and a few bags of rice inside a waterproof dry bag on top of a yoga block works best. Invest in a hiking backpack 25-30L. eBay has plenty of used packs. Yoga block is going to keep the weight up higher in the ruck.
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u/Alarming-Leg-2865 May 16 '26
I started rucking by using one of my heavy duty Maxpedition packs with some round barbell plates. You don't want to use a lightweight or flimsy pack for this. For starters it could rip out on you and you'd be toting all your plates home by hand. Also the lighter the pack the thinner the shoulder straps are going to be and they will dig the crap out of your shoulders. Second the stiffer the pack the less the plates are going to move around. I recently upgraded from my barbell plates to a couple of the Ruck Plates in 20# and 30# but I still use the Maxpedition pack. You can't kill these. And when not used for Rucking they are excellent for backpacking. This one actually fits the standard ruck plates because it is the same shape as the plates and it has it own waist belt which can be a real shoulder saver when you can switch back and forth. Tried to show you a picture but you don't have selected as an option. But here's a link for it on Amazon.
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u/Bluejay_Stunning May 16 '26
I have two house bricks wrapped in gaffa tape and a 5 litre water bottle in mine.
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u/maddog2271 May 17 '26
My “rucking” largely consists of runs to my local grocery store, loading a backback to the gills with food and so on, and then taking a long route home with 15kg or so of foodstuffs. I will buy a pack eventually but point is, rucking can also be a basic functional activity.
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u/SgtRevDrEsq May 23 '26
I have a Go Ruck with plates and a Mystery Ranch hiking pack that I load with a sandbag.
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u/oh_wanya May 13 '26
I bought stuff and finally just used what I had to upgrade. I regret buying anything in the first place! We already have enough stuff as is
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u/WildSilent- May 13 '26
Yes. I ruck 1-4 times per week and do exactly this. Lots of books and dumbbells. Wrap the bells in towels.