GORUCK Sand Kettlebells Review: Pros & Cons
In the market for a versatile, durable, and functional addition to your workout arsenal? The GORUCK Simple Training Sandbags might be what you need. These sandbags are designed to be robust and adaptable, offering high-quality materials, thoughtful design, and a lifetime guarantee. With high-quality materials, thoughtful design, and a lifetime guarantee, they promise to enhance your fitness routine whether you're a HIIT enthusiast, a functional fitness fan, or someone with a home gym.
Let's dive into the benefits, drawbacks, and why this sandbag might be the perfect fit for your workouts.
GORUCK Sand Kettlebells: The Verdict
Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance & Function: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 4.75/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
The Bottom Line
The GORUCK Simple Training Sandbag’s strength is simplicity and function. Yes, it’s a fancy sandbag and it’s designed to be the most durable and versatile version of that. With two robust handles, a secure velcro seal to keep the sand contained, multiple size options, and easy storage, it offers practicality and performance. Plus, it comes with a lifetime guarantee, all at a price point that’s more affordable compared to many of GORUCK’s other offerings. I struggle to find a downside aside from some difficulty filling the bag with sand and maybe the sand shifts inside a bit too much for some.
If you’ve got a home gym or are looking to start or diversify your HIIT routine, the GORUCK Simple Training Sandbag is an excellent addition to your equipment lineup.
The GORUCK Sand Kettlebells
Selling Points
Less Risk of Getting Hurt: These kettlebells are much safer than the standard iron kettlebell. I use them more for overhead presses (less wrist pain), there’s much less pain if I drop them on my feet, and I don’t fear banging my shins during kettlebell swings. Plus, they don’t tear up the ground, stone, pavement, garage floor, or wherever you work out. If you’re teaching your kids how to use kettlebells, this is a good set to use for those reasons.
Affordability: The GORUCK Simple Training Sandbags are significantly cheaper than their full-featured counterparts. While you could try the sandbag wrapped in a trash bag route like I did, paying this price for something that is guaranteed to last forever makes more sense.
Durability: Built with the same tough materials as their more expensive models, these sandbags are designed to withstand rigorous workouts and heavy use. They have a “reinforced ballistic bottom” as well.
The Handles: Even their handles—the most likely thing to break on any heavy bag—are scrutinized in the design and manufacturing. As they write, “2 Heavy duty padded handles, proudly NOT rubberized with Reinforced neoprene padding sewn into each of them. Reinforced, Double pass stitching at every seam”
Versatility: Like most of GORUCK’s products, the beauty is in the simplicity which allows versatility. You can hit a range of exercises, from carries and squats to cleans and tosses.
Customizable Weight: You can easily adjust the weight by adding or removing sand.
Compact Storage: Easily folds flat when not in use.
Free Returns. Hate it? You can send it back within 30 days.
Guaranteed Quality: Backed by GORUCK's legendary Scars Lifetime Guarantee.
Drawbacks
Filling the sandbags can be cumbersome and messy. I ended up cutting a hole in the corner of the bag of sand I bought and held it over the GORUCK bag which I put in the kid’s sandbag which worked well enough. I recommend a second person though. A funnel would have been nice too.
Size: These kettlebells are wider than traditional kettlebells. While I haven’t noticed it impacting any exercises, it could be more of a burden with storage.
The 80 pound GORUCK Simple Training Sandbag.
Inside the bag.
Double Velcro seal to keep sand in.
Who Do I Recommend It For?
HIIT enthusiasts. If you incorporate HIIT workouts into your exercise routines (and you should), a sandbag is the perfect workout buddy. You can use a variety of exercises (see below for a list), it’s easy to store away, and it hurts a lot less than a kettlebell when you drop it on your foot.
Limited space home gym owners: Easy to store and versatile means you get a good bang for your buck when you’ve got limited space.
Functional fitness, no-frills gym haters: Hate everything about a gym and prefer to get creative in your backyard or a park with the basics? Grab a sandbag and get sweaty.
Tips
Filling the bag. Cut a smallish hole in the corner of the bag of sand you use and have a second person holding the bag over something that can collect the sand. Alternatively, you can just head to the beach and scoop with your hands.
Do not use gravel and do not use this as a slambag per the disclaimer on GORUCK’s site.
Get experimental with exercises. Here is a list of ideas for how to use the GORUCK sand kettlebells.
Basic Kettlebell Exercises
Swings
Turkish Get-Ups
Clean and Press
Goblet Squat
Windmill
Incorporating the Sand Factor
Snatches: The shifting sand adds an extra challenge to this explosive exercise.
Russian Twists: The instability of the sand engages the core even more.
Halos: Work on shoulder mobility and core stability.
Loaded Carries: Farmer's walks and suitcase carries with the sand kettlebell build grip strength and endurance.
Throws: Challenge your power and explosiveness with overhead throws.
Specifications/Features
Primary Material: 1000D Cordura
Handle: 13"
13LB Dimensions: 2" Side Width x 8.5"W x 9.25"H
18LB Dimensions: 2.25" Side Width x 9.75"W x 10.5"H
26LB Dimensions: 3.75" Side Width x 10"W x 10.5"H
35LB Dimensions: 4.5" Side Width x 10"W x 10.5"H
44LB Dimensions: 5" Side Width x 9.75"W x 10"H
53LB Dimensions: 8.75" Side Width x 9.75"W x 10.5"H
My Experience
I signed up for a Spartan race and knew that many of the 25 obstacles over a 10k distance would include carrying things so I had to start training. Kettlebells failed the test and the 50-pound bag of sand I got from the hardware store, wrapped in a trash bag, was better but neither cut it. I needed something durable, not overly expensive, and versatile.
Enter the GORUCK Simple Training Sandbags.
These check all of the boxes while being made by a company known for using high-quality material with a lifetime guarantee. I got them, trained with them, and ended up crushing the race thanks to the workouts I did with my bag that mimicked the obstacles: barrel carries, deadlifts and walks, and climbing up/down a mountain with sandbags.
But their versatility goes beyond Spartan races and I now use them in my HIIT workouts or to pop out some reps of an overhead press or farmer’s walk when I’m playing with the kids in the yard.
Other things I like about the GORUCK Simple Training Sandbag:
These things have taken a lot of heat with me dropping them after sets and, impressively, there’s no evidence of wear and tear.
I wasn’t sure if the sand would stay in or seep out but it’s got a high-quality double velcro strap which somehow magically locks in all of the sand.
I wasn’t sure if I should go with GORUCK’s Sand Kettlebells or this bag. I ended up going with both (review coming soon) and I’m glad I did. If you can only choose one though, go with this longer sandbag.
I debated which pound bag to go with (they range from 10#-100#) so I ended up going bigger (80#) with the expectation of letting sand out if I wanted to knock it down to a lighter weight. So far I’ve stuck with the 80# weight and just keep a lighter kettlebell nearby to use as I fatigue with the workouts. Ultimately I’m glad I went big.
In summary, if you’re looking for a sandbag to incorporate into your workouts, get this one.
For another option geared toward workouts and not-so-much trucking, check out the GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier 3.0.
FAQ
What makes the GORUCK Simple Training Sandbags so durable? The GORUCK Simple Training Sandbags are made from 1000D CORDURA®, a high-performance fabric known for its exceptional durability and resistance to abrasions, tears, and scuffs. Additionally, the double velcro seal ensures that the sand stays securely inside, even during the most intense workouts.
How do I fill the GORUCK Simple Training Sandbag? Filling the sandbag can be a bit tricky. I recommend to cut a small hole in the corner of your sandbag and use a funnel or have a second person hold the sandbag while you pour the sand in. Alternatively, you could scoop sand from a beach or sandbox.
Does the sand shift inside the bag during use? Yes, the sand can shift inside the bag, which some users may find challenging. This shifting can actually enhance your workout by requiring greater stability and coordination. To minimize shifting, fill the bag to its maximum capacity.
Is the GORUCK Simple Training Sandbag good for HIIT workouts? Absolutely. The sandbag’s versatility makes it perfect for HIIT workouts. It can be easily integrated into high-intensity intervals, providing a robust and dynamic component to your routine.
Can the GORUCK Simple Training Sandbag be used for rucking? While it's not the most ideal form of a rucksack, the sandbag can still be used for rucking, especially for shorter distances or as a part of varied workout routines. If you're new to rucking, consider starting with lighter weights and gradually increasing as you build strength and endurance.
What sizes are available for the GORUCK Simple Training Sandbag? The sandbag comes in various sizes ranging from 10 pounds to 100 pounds, allowing you to choose the weight that best suits your fitness level and training needs.
How does the lifetime guarantee work?
The Scars lifetime guarantee means GORUCK will repair or replace your Rucker for free, regardless of the damage, for its lifetime. This excludes normal wear and tear and intentional misuse.
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