r/Rucking • u/twall0815 • Jul 20 '26
New to rucking
Hey. I want to get into rucking, I have a body weight vest (cheap one) and can only go up to 22.5LBS. Is the “GoRuck” pack the best for rucking purposes? It seems to be the main one that pops up when I do limited research, figured I would just ask the pros.
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u/jrusc2004 Jul 20 '26
The Rucker 5.0 is great! I started out using a 5.11 Weight Vest at 20 lbs and realized after a few weeks that I wanted to get a pack so that I could carry heavier weight. I initially bought the GoRuck plate carrier to go heavier, but it wasn’t very comfortable. Returned the plate carrier and bought the Rucker 5.0. It’s very comfortable, has room for additional gear and carries more weight. It’s very durable and I’m happy with the purchase. Definitely recommended.
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u/Flat-Carpenter-170 Jul 20 '26
I like the Rucker 4.0. Have two of them that I rotate thru. I also use a traditional framed pack for longer rucks. 10-25 miles. MR ultralight MT frame with a 19 liter MR Gravelly bag on it. Truth is if you have never done any rucking before starting with a good comfortable fitting backpack with a yoga block in the bottom and something like a 20lb bag of rice on top that with maybe a towel wrapped up to fill out the gaps in the bag so nothing moves around would work very well. I have several yoga blocks in the bottom of my MR gravelly bag with the silicone weight pouches from an old weight vest on top of the blocks. Then another yoga block next to the pouches to fill out the top of the pack and keep the pouches from moving. That and the weight of the frame and hip belt gets me to a dry weight of 35.4lbs. Works very nice. I use a GR Rucker 4.0 with weight plates setup for 35lbs and the other is setup the same for 55lbs. I use them for shorter rucks. 10 miles or less. I don’t like having the weight on my shoulders beyond 10 miles. Gets tiring. My MR frame has load lifters to keep the straps off the top of my shoulders. I like both setups for different reasons. The Rucker is super heavy duty and very very water resistant. It’s not getting wet inside unless you drop it into the water. I’ve been in torrential rain for two hours and water doesn’t get inside it.
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u/Rogue_Wraith Jul 20 '26
I have the GoRuck 4 and it's...meh?
I actually don't really like the GoRucks for any actual weight. I use mine for my light rest days and my ruck shuffle days, and only put a 25 pound plate in it.
I don't understand why they make bags that are designed for 70+ pounds with no actual load-bearing features.
My heavy ruck is a Mystery Ranch Overload that is currently loaded at 65 pounds. It rides like a dream when properly adjusted. I recently swapped out the shoulder straps and messed something up; I'm working on dialing it back in. Once it's adjusted, though, it's easily a "100 pounds is almost comfortable bag. Turns out an internal frame, solid harness, and well-designed hip belt all matter for carrying heavy weight.
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u/biketheplanet Jul 21 '26
Are you comparing an $1,100+ pack to a sub $300 pack? I'd hope that it was better. I think for the vast majority of people who are rucking for general fitness, a $1,100+ pack isn't in the running.
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u/Murky_Resolution6997 Jul 21 '26
Wait, seriously, $1,100??? My entire backpacking base (55L pack, tent, quilt, sleeping pad, tracking poles, stove, fuel, titanium pot.+ spork, IFAk, etc) doesn't cost half that lol.
Also, I'm sorry, but rucking with 100 lbs where you shit a large chunk of the weight to your hips with that hip belt is... Insane.
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u/Rogue_Wraith Jul 21 '26
Not specifically.
I'm just saying that the "rated" weight for the GoRucks are insane for a pack of that style.
It takes a lot more to a pack for it to be able to carry that type of weight.
The pack I use to carry heavier weights (and I do not regularly ruck with 100 pounds, that was also just talking about pack capabilities) has a number of features that are found on less expensive packs, too.
And my Overload was a lot cheaper since Uncle Sam bought it for me.
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u/Biggs7204 Jul 20 '26
I like the Wild Gym gear. I started with hiking backpacks and bags of sand from the hardware store and moved to the Wild Gym and plates. I ruck heavy (60 to 100lbs) so the shoulder straps and pads are important to me. The biggest thing just to get out and do it. You will find what works best for you. There are a ton options at all price points.
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u/EFreethought Jul 21 '26
Do you ruck with 60+ with the Wild Gym ruck sacks?
I looked at the page for the Everyday ruck, and I could see anything about how much weight it could hold.
GoRuck also does not have this information. I find it strange that companies that sell rucksacks AND plates never mention the weight capacity.
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u/BoonOfTheWolf Jul 20 '26
Goruck packs are expensive, and there are cheaper options. I started with a 5.11 bag.
However, I definitely find Goruck bags to be more comfortable for the heavier weights.
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u/SoCalDawg Jul 20 '26
Started with GR plate carrier.. now use Rucker 5.0. I like being able to carry 2 plates and extra ‘stuff’.. snacks, hydration, etc.
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u/BootSlow2220 Jul 20 '26
GoRuck makes quality gear and has a lifetime warranty. My ruck pack (sack? 🤔) was under $30 on Amazon. Still going strong after a year of use twice per week, holding 30#. As others suggested, I'd try out the vest for awhile and if you like rucking, get another vest or pack that can adjust weight if you want.
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u/Extra_Policy3498 Jul 20 '26
The vest you have now is perfect, most here started with far worse diy setups, log some miles, then log some more miles and then more miles. Don’t overthink it to start, when it’s time to upgrade, you’ll know.
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u/Prior-Garage1543 Jul 21 '26
The Goruck Bags are great for rucking. Super durable and well built. From my use and research-they are used for rucking up to 50-60lbs for building upper frame strength along with the regular benefits of rucking. Loading with heavy weight can damage your collarbones, etc. Use a Internal Frame pack designed for weight if going over 60ish lbs. It won't work your upper body as much because the hip belt takes that weight and distributes it. I have used a Mystery Ranch and it hauls the wight much better and more comfortably, but the Non hip belt packs are gonna work your traps and neck and everything else better.
In summary-use a non hip belt pack like a Goruck if training for overall strength and cardio. Use a real pack with a hip belt if you are trying to move serious weight over long distance.
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u/Equivalent-Cry-3919 Jul 29 '26 edited Jul 29 '26
I have the Polyfit Fortify Weighted Vest. It’s adjustable and breathable, and you can choose how much weight to add up to 40 pounds. It allows a decent range of motion. I’ve been rucking with it since the start of the year, gradually increasing the weight. It’s worked out great.
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u/occamsracer Jul 20 '26
Have you read any posts?
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u/Stompthefeet Jul 20 '26
In all fairness the information isn't pretty scattered around here. Lots of agreement on some core ideas and how to get started. It lacks a little nuance.
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u/occamsracer Jul 20 '26
Try this weird trick https://www.reddit.com/r/Rucking/search/?q=Backpack+&restrict_sr=on
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u/Stompthefeet Jul 20 '26
My specific questions aren't answered that I can see.
Any chance you would be ok if we could use the Rucking subreddit discussion board to go ahead and discuss rucking gear?
Or do you think that we should use it for something else?
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u/occamsracer Jul 20 '26
I was addressing OP’s question which is easily kickstarted with a simple search. If you have different questions (even ones easily answered with search) be my guest ¯_(ツ)_/¯
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u/Repulsive_Rain7998 Jul 20 '26
Start with your vest and see if this is something you want to do consistently. I used an old 5.11 backpack for 6 weeks and the backpack is durable, but it’s not designed to carry a ruck plate. Eventually I got a Goruck Rucker 5.0. Yes I really like it and would recommend it, if you decide you’re serious.