Written by: Jake Jaworski
Introduction
Last winter, I slid into the DM’s of @goruck to ask what was the best rucksack for beginners. They responded with, “Definitely the Rucker.” Since then, this has been used weekly and has proven to be a worthwhile purchase that will most likely last forever.
Whether you want something to spice up your afternoon dog walks or add some resistance to your hiking, this is an excellent option for someone looking to get a workout outside their home gym. Overall, this ruck bag is very comfortable, easy to use, not bulky, and a nice change of pace for many.
Additional Details
- The plates slide up easily within the back pockets inside the bag, and it includes solid pads in all the right spots to make carrying a heavy weight on your back as comfortable as possible. It’s very easy to make sure everything is secure for a comfortable trip.
- A “lumbar” pad is included that supports the lower back well, making it seemingly as comfortable as it can get.
- The Rucker 3.0 is not your classic hiking backpack. It is comfortable to add 60 lbs or so, which is a ton for most beginners by the way. Plus, without a doubt, a lot more weight could be added if necessary.
- With 1000D CORDURA as the primary material (similar to sandbags), it’s made with high quality built to last. The 3.0 is also very water-resistant and includes bottom grommet drain holes. This is important if you get caught in the rain or if you just get exremely sweaty on a trip.
- The 20L option iss not bulky. It stays pretty tight to your back, but there is still some additional room for whatever you might need. It can double as a compact backpack if you need to and there are two additional size options (20L Small Fram and 25L (with hip belt).
- Ruck Plates are available, but it’s important to note that most weight plates that come from weighted plate vests will also work. Change plates will also do the trick. Therefore, if you have some lying around, this could be a nice introductory weight before splurging on the more expensive and heavier ones. I’ve also used kettlebells and lightweight sandbags within the back that’ll also get the job done.
- The 20L bag option starts at $185, which is more than the typical option you’d find at Dick’s Sporting Goods, but this should last a lifetime if maintained.
Conclusion
In the end, this is a very nice option for anyone looking for another workout option. It’s really nice to be able to throw 20-30 pounds or so in the bag, put some headphones on, put your phone in the backpack and just walk for 30-60 minutes. Plus, you can use it in many other scenarios.
The American Made bag is made with extremely high quality and while not cheap, it should last for a very long time. It’s extremely comfortable with padding in all of the right spots and it’s easy to use.
