The Best GORUCK Gear (+ What to Skip)
I’ve been into GORUCK for years, ever since I got my first rucksack, and it’s still in fantastic shape. That bag’s been through hell, and it hasn’t let me down. When GORUCK expanded beyond rucksacks, I wasn’t sure they could keep up the same quality—so many brands grow too fast and lose what made them great.
But given their reputation, I continued to try their products and I continue to be (mostly) impressed.
But GORUCK stayed true to their roots. Whether it’s their apparel, shoes, or training gear, they don’t cut corners. Their gear is rugged, functional, and simple.
Here’s a breakdown of the best GORUCK gear and what’s worth skipping.
The best GORUCK Gear and products
GORUCK’s Best Gear
1. Rucker 4.0
The Rucker 4.0 is GORUCK’s flagship product is what made me a loyal customer.
The Rucker 4.0 is built for durability and heavy loads, using 1000D CORDURA® fabric for toughness and 210D HT CORDURA® for comfort in the back panel and straps. It can carry up to a 45lb and a 30lb ruck plate simultaneously, with padded shoulder straps that make rucking or traveling easier. The design is simple but functional, with velcro compartments to secure weights and multiple handles for versatile use. It also comes with a sternum strap for added comfort during long workouts. Backed by GORUCK’s Scars lifetime guarantee, it will last longer than you do. Plus, it comes with a 30-day return policy.
Why it’s great:
Made to last a lifetime with bombproof material
Comfortable for long hauls with built-in lumbar support
Versatile for fitness, travel, and daily use
Perfect for: Rucking, fitness enthusiasts, and travelers.
Check out my full review here.
2. Sand Kettlebells
The GORUCK Sand Kettlebells are a solid choice for safer, more affordable workouts. They're much less risky than iron kettlebells—ideal for overhead presses and kettlebell swings without worrying about wrist pain, bruised shins, or damaging your floors. They’re a good introductory workout tool for teaching kids too compared to standard iron ones. These sandbags are tough and durable, built with reinforced ballistic bottoms and handles designed not to break, even during heavy use. Their simplicity makes them versatile for exercises like squats, carries, and cleans, and the weight is customizable by adding or removing sand. Plus, they fold flat for easy storage, come with free returns, and are backed by GORUCK's Scars Lifetime Guarantee.
Why they’re great:
Durable and made to handle indoor and outdoor workouts
Packable and easy to transport
Soft edges make them safer on floors and your body
Perfect for: Outdoor fitness, cross-training, and travel workouts.
Check out my full review of them here.
3. Midweight ToughDry® Pants
GORUCK’s Midweight ToughDry® Pants are made to take a beating and dry fast. They’re lightweight enough to fold down to the size of a beer can, making them super packable. The blend of 94% nylon and 6% spandex gives you toughness with a bit of stretch, so they move with you while holding up to wear and tear. Plus, they dry in no time. The pockets are designed so things won’t fall out, and the curved waistband gives a better fit, keeping you comfortable whether you’re on the trail or just out and about.
Why they’re great:
Built for rugged use with breathable, quick-drying material
Flexible design for a full range of motion
Reinforced stitching and zippers for durability
Perfect for: Outdoor adventures, daily wear, and fitness training.
4. Ruck Plate Carrier 3.0
The GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier 3.0 is built for durability and comfort. Its primary fabric is tough 1000D CORDURA®, with the back panel and shoulder straps reinforced by 210D HT CORDURA®, which means it’s built for resistance to abrasions and tears. The streamlined design minimizes bulk while maximizing breathability, keeping you cooler during workouts. Non-abrasive materials prevent chafing, even during shirtless sessions. A sternum strap and ultra-padded shoulder straps make even heavy loads comfortable, and a grab-and-go handle makes quick transitions easier.
Why it’s great:
Sleek, minimalist design
Comfortable even with heavy plates
Breathable and flexible for high-intensity workouts
Perfect for: CrossFit, HIIT, and bodyweight training.
Check out my full review here.
5. Simple Training Sandbags
GORUCK’s Simple Training Sandbags might be one of their most versatile pieces of gear. Available in multiple weight capacities, these sandbags can be used for a wide range of exercises. Built to take a beating, they come with reinforced stitching and handles, and won’t leak sand or tear even after intense use. The sandbags offer versatility for exercises like squats, cleans, and carries, while the customizable weight allows easy adjustment by adding or removing sand. They also fold flat for compact storage.
Why they’re great:
Durable with triple-stitched seams
Easy to use and versatile for full-body workouts
Packable and easy to transport for outdoor workouts
Perfect for: Functional fitness, HIIT, and ruck events.
Check out my full review here.
6. Rough Runners
The Rough Runner is built for more than just straight-line running. Inspired by Special Forces training, where it’s not just about running but also about pushing, pulling, carrying, and getting dirty, this shoe is designed for versatility. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and durable, with a road-to-trail outsole that grips both pavement and tough terrain. The mesh upper keeps things breathable, while the reinforced TPU adds extra durability. With a 10mm heel-to-toe drop, it’s far from a minimalist shoe but beats the ultra-popular high-heeled shoes you see on the road that bost upwards of 14mm and 16mm. For HIIT workouts, I stick with bare feet when I can, especially outdoors to get the grounding benefits, but when I need extra padding these are the way to go.
Why they’re great:
Lightweight and built for rugged terrain
Great grip for all surfaces
Breathable and flexible for long-wear
Perfect for: Trail running, rucking, and mixed-terrain adventures.
Skip This GORUCK Gear
1. Jerry Cans
GORUCK's Sand Jerry Cans are basically boxy sandbags with handles. They’re inspired by military jerry cans, which are containers originally used to carry fuel or water in rugged conditions. They’re useful for suitcase carries and farmer’s walks but not much else beyond that. They’re bulky and awkward to handle. You can get a more effective workout from the sand kettlebells or training sandbags mentioned above.
2. Nalgene Water Bottle
GORUCK's Nalgene water bottle is a durable water bottle. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with water bottles, there are plenty of issues with plastic ones. The toxins within them are damaging our bodies and, fortunately, the transition from plastic to stainless steel is easy today as it has ever been. I use this Yeti (just make sure to remove the plastic “chug cap” so your lips aren’t touching plastic).
3. Patches
GORUCK is known for its community and culture, and patches play a big role in that. They let you customize your rucksacks, adding personality or marking specific events or challenges. But let’s be real—paying for patches can feel unnecessary unless you’re really into collecting them. They don’t add to the functionality of your gear, and the novelty wears off pretty quickly.
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