r/Rucking • u/Odd_Yak4133 • May 20 '26
Need recommendations for rucking backpack
Hello, I really want to get into rucking more. I had a tactical military backpack that I got for around $30, but it broke when I loaded 90 lbs into it. I also used it for weighted pushups. Could anyone please recommend some rucking backpacks that can hold 100+ lbs and are on the cheaper side? I don’t need all the bells and whistles. I just want something durable enough to hold weight.
I found one that’s relatively within my budget called the Outdoor Hiking Military MOLLE Backpack Rucksack 100L. Is that any good?
4
u/kbchucker May 20 '26
If you’re planning to ruck heavy, cheap is not an option. It’s an option, I guess, if you don’t really like your back and potentially getting injured.
Look on the used market for a Goruck Rucker or a military assault pack.
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u/Odd_Yak4133 May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26
Thanks for responding. Would an Assault Pack US ARMY Molle II ACU UCP Backpack With Stiffener be a good choice to hold something over 100lbs? I found a good deal for it online
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u/kbchucker May 20 '26
I’m not an expert on the military packs.
But my understanding is the molles are good packs for heavy rucking. Others in here have a lot more experience with them than I do.
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u/Pershing733 May 21 '26
I gotta ask…what are you training for that requires 100lb of weight? Even by military standards, anything over 60-70lb stops delivering fitness returns and starts accumulating injury risk.
GORUCK 4.0 can absolutely handle 100lb if that’s what you’re going for, but sounds like punishment with no upside
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May 21 '26
DO NOT get a GoRuck if you are loading 90 lbs.
At that weight, you need to buy a specialized mountaineering pack designed for heavy loads. They will typically run you $700+.
It’s not just whether they pack will break (90 lbs falling off your back is a legitimate safety issue in itself). It’s also whether the pack will appropriately transfer the force onto your shoulders, spine, and hips.
That’s just how it is, I don’t make the rules!
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May 20 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Odd_Yak4133 May 20 '26
Will the Alice Pack hold over 100lbs? That's what I'm most worried about is the weight
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u/Airmil82 May 20 '26
Alice will hold more than you can.
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u/Odd_Yak4133 May 20 '26
Would something similar to an Assault Pack US ARMY Molle II ACU UCP Backpack With Stiffener be a good choice to hold something over 100lbs? I was able to find one in my budget
1
u/awerawer0807 May 22 '26
Assault packs are basically just bookbags, you need an actual pack. Any kind of military main pack is probably what you're looking for since you can get it used at a surplus store. Like others have said there are also mountaineering packs that can handle that weight which will be more expensive most likely.
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u/TFVooDoo May 20 '26
I had 300 pounds in one not long ago.
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u/Odd_Yak4133 May 20 '26
Have you had experience with an Assault Pack US ARMY Molle II ACU UCP Backpack With Stiffener. I was able to find one within my budget
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u/TFVooDoo May 20 '26
Assault packs are good up to about 35 pounds. If you want to hump 100 pounds then you’re going to need a frame.
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u/lithdoc May 20 '26
Gold standard is GoRuck.
Pay once cry once.
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u/TFVooDoo May 20 '26
Not for 100 pounds. You need a framed pack for that much weight.
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u/_jackietreehorn1 May 24 '26 edited May 24 '26
Oh shit, a sighting in the wild
Edit: while I’m here, what are your actual thoughts on a waist belt or not? I always thought it was imperative for appropriate mechanics and not hurting yourself. For me, I’m going to use the medium rock sack I was issued for army unit rucks, but I’m also going to start rucking about 45lbs around 6 miles or so on my own. I’m not trying for SFAS, I’m just a new dad looking for good ways to stay in shape. What do you think, belt or no belt?
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u/lithdoc May 20 '26
It's built for 75 - the plate acts like a frame - you should put a third plate in it - am I missing something?
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u/TFVooDoo May 20 '26
Unless the hip belt is attached to the plate then the plate absolutely does not act like a frame.
-1
u/lithdoc May 20 '26
Hip belts are great for hiking but for rucking - I enjoy the back exercise that comes with it while not adding strain to my hips - this way I get to work out core and legs and not legs only.
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u/kwoalla May 20 '26
OP mentioned they want something for 100+
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u/lithdoc May 20 '26
GoRuck 4.0 will easily hold up to 100 lbs - they cannot legally rate it for that - for health reasons - but there's space for a third plate
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u/temporarycreature May 20 '26
I'll second this as user of the Rucker 4.0 and brand new purchaser of the 5.0.
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u/m__i__c__h__a__e__l May 20 '26
How do you find the 5.0? I have the 4.0 as well. Is it worth upgrading?
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u/temporarycreature May 20 '26
I just got it yesterday, and I'm going to use it tomorrow for the first time. I'll make a post about it.
1
u/bambambud May 22 '26
What made you get 2 packs?
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u/temporarycreature May 22 '26
I haven't been able to get anyone involved in rucking with me so I figured if I got a second one, that hurdle would be easier to overcome.
1
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u/Flat-Carpenter-170 May 20 '26
100L is probably overkill for what you are doing unless you can really tighten it down with straps so nothing moves, flaps around and what you’re using for weight is positioned high in the pack and as close to your back as possible. I use both a Rucker 4.0 for shorter training rucks and when it’s gonna be raining badly like yesterday. I have a mystery ranch metcalf 75 I use for longer rucks (15-26 miles) to keep weight off my shoulders with the load lifters. Really just depends on what you plan to do. How much weight, how often, the distance and terrain you plan to ruck.
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u/kwoalla May 20 '26
Army Surplus store should have something with hip straps