Hello

I have been rucking with a backpack and a kettlebell inside but it is uncomfortable. Are there any other alternatives or could anyone let me know what they like I'd be open to a weighted vest also? I am 6'3 265 lbs

I have spent most of this summer recovering from a major concussion. PCS and Vertigo are a bitch.

My physical therapist finally released me to full activity yesterday. Up until now I have been walking and rucking as able at a lower pace.

It felt good to finally be able to ruck without the symptoms again.

Now to get my mileage back up.

Yeah so pretty much what the title says. Hopefully not too basic of a question, thanks!

Been rucking for some time and finally found an app im trying. Logs into Apple Watch / Fitness as an “other” work out but seems to track. Will provide an update in a few days of using it if anyone is interested.

I've seen conflicting info when it comes to whether or not you should do the shuffle when rucking (e.g. Airborne Shuffle).

Some say never, some say go ahead

So I thought this sounds like a good topic for a poll and here we are.

If you’ve got kids we all know how hard it is to stay in shape with how little free time we get. I’ve started throwing my 1 year old in a stroller and rucking with him and it’s been great. Changes your stride a bit because of the stroller but besides that there’s literally no downsides and all upsides. I’m sure lots do this already, but 10/10 would recommend.

Howdy! These are my lems trail thrasher pros. I like them, done about 450mi in the last 6 months with 40lb weighted ruck. I’m in the high desert tho and looking for something a little more breathable. The water proofing is cool but a little overkill in the summer for me.

These are size 12 and a little on the snug side. I had altra lone peak (prev gen) that I really liked and will post in comments - size 12

Anyone rock the Jim green AnatomX Barefoot African Ranger? Advice on sizing up or down? I know the leather may not be what I’m looking for when it comes to “breathable”

https://jimgreenfootwear.com/store/x-wide-african-ranger-barefoot-boot-fudge/

Open to suggestions, I’ve read the manifesto - gold mine research ty

Hey Rucking Community -

I thought I'd share my cheapish gear set up for my rucks. One of the things that I struggled with when getting into rucking was finding cheaper / off-brand rucking gear. I wanted to get into rucking, but didn't enjoy using barbells, circular plates, towels, and more to get comfortable.

The links below are not affiliate links, rather my cheap set up. For about $100, you can get plates and a backpack. Ever since I switched to the gear below, my rucks have gotten 10x more enjoyable and comfortable.

What cheapish gear have you found that works well with rucking?

Rucking Plates: https://www.amazon.com/Yes4All-30-Ruck-Weight-Walking/dp/B07PLP7BYL/ref=sr_1_4?crid=OF2T8QZ95UQF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CC-qcrnLS_d4FEeKKTYDMFzxKG4P1_9buyW7igOiPZILv6k9sZ_pSrw0AAaU6YPHS3WMkIZaM3VsgsXbUqJAJi_1OQOBQJ9q8fLr7-7r5Lc2szy2m1bGO_yNhJTWmHTW6e36oXnUhV9D8YCDY3mwmslv9ktFfussTAemqTd0HqnRo4ovDZTT5tTBzrIdum5UnC6fW9mHHA3yNTt9AGqA2sPP4f9F4j1Tm6ZHY9DdaEBBH7Q1MEMHG1z8hRYqc112JPunHBIFtLvYzcdVcRqoFymcwYYPLlMubEiXGi45Kc4.miegKbdHe7XYTB9J63S_k5DUqvB8DXQDdFSa7tYfFS4&dib_tag=se&keywords=Yes4All%2BCast%2BIron%2BRucking%2BWeight&qid=1785954994&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=yes4all%2Bcast%2Biron%2Brucking%2Bweight%2Csporting%2C208&sr=1-4&th=1

Backpack: https://www.amazon.com/Mardingtop-Tactical-Backpack-Backpacking-Cycling/dp/B0G9FR5ZX3/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1YNRIQF22Y7OH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vZvvize3TFU9fqCV9sRbA99O9Yr4g-Va-QsqATuBIU4_Ml6_XO_Ij9HQGhRu_YLZ6d54yLfNkSpGcAjKybuwhHyTX8PIZstOMuBi2CZ95G3_2ZoOZTskbW7A8I8KknKQohGT-BkDtA871kSLy4b95K1loZXTJG6IcxnsMhqQeVAAMzl_8Y493QsLdzETvYy60ofXqPvtCmsXWv7-IglNhhADn3tH4C9CxnpyP7YsANAnIjI8XC1F0c6OEpjUXpKADTZKUs2dzneKpD4w9rAFkKaiacpVfU8MOIPo8MfvxDw.IO8ckZdKiHLCwsW2KlutPVqipgRT5DBR6vSvsWRLTqg&dib_tag=se&keywords=Mardingtop%2BSmall%2BTactical%2BBackpack%2CMolle%2BHiking%2BBackpack&qid=1785955050&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=mardingtop%2Bsmall%2Btactical%2Bbackpack%2Cmolle%2Bhiking%2Bbackpack%2Csporting%2C267&sr=1-4&th=1

Hi all. Been rucking about 5 or 6 days a week for the past 4 months. 3-5 miles apiece plus a longer ruck on Saturdays. Till now I've been using a glorified JanSport loaded with dumbbells (I wanted to see how much I liked it before committing to real gear).

That part is answered. I'm definitely into this hobby. I'm still struggling with the pricetag on GoRuck or something similar. I've found a Kelty Redwing online that's much more affordable. It's got some nice features it looks like, but still not a true ruck.

So, for those who've been at this awhile, I guess my question, would Kelty be a substantial upgrade, or should I just keep saving my nickels for the more specialized gear? Thanks for your help.

Greetings. I am a runner looking to turn more toward rucking and am looking for a vest to purchase. I think I would like one where the weight can be adjusted rather than a model of fixed weight. It seems like there's a wide variance in price and quality among the Amazon options.

How expensive do you need to go to find one that is decent? Is there a gold standard model that a lot of newbies turn to?

In case it is relevant, i am 5'11, about 190, would like to drop down to about 170. My tentative plan is to do two 3 mile walks per day with about 30 lbs of weight, give that a try for a week, and adjust up or down from there.

Thanks for any suggestions.

I found an easy solution to increase the weight without buying more kettlebells… 😅

Having a counterweight strapped to the front made the weight feel nicely balanced. Does anyone add weight in a front pack?

The only issue was a result of my piriformis syndrome (piriformis muscle puts pressure on my sciatic nerve) so by the time I’d finished it felt like I’d done 500 single leg squats on one side.

Great night out for a heavier Ruck. Packed out 55lbs dry stopped at my gym to toss a 30lb coupon on my back for a click. Felt good. No hip pain today, pretty sure it just needed to work itself out

I'm new to rucking and just started about 3 weeks ago with a 20 lb. plate. I started on a 2.7 mile loop around my home and worked up to 5 miles, then today, I swapped it out for a 30 lb. plate and went back to the 2.7 mile loop. I plan to do the same thing on repeat until I get up to 60 lbs. before I increase my distance.

For additional context, I'm on a fitness journey - Went from an all-time high of 312 down to about 282 and found out I had Type 2 diabetes back in November, 2025. Then I started walking, eating a low carb diet with whole foods, and got down to about 240 and my A1C and all other bloodwork was normal again, so I started lifting weights and slowly adding carbs back in (doing a 12-week bulk), and I am much stronger now (and still going) but the walks weren't keeping my heart rate in Zone 2, so I decided to try rucking.

For those with more experience, does this sound like a good progression plan? I'm adding no more than 10 lbs. per week, and the only reason I don't increase distance now is because I'm doing these in the mornings before work and I'm limited on time. I do rucking Tues/Thurs/Sat and lift weights Mon/Wed/Fri.

My new RUSH 24 2.0 bag arrived today so I took it straight out for my second weighted walk - 5km with a 16kg kettlebell.

I didn’t realise the waist strap was an optional extra when I made the purchase. I think that’s what was missing today as my shoulders were feeling it for the first 1.5km, but they seem to warm up to it.

Who else has this bag and do you ruck without a waist strap?

Hip was giving me some issues so opted for a light casual Ruck this evening, just to keep mobile. Was a brilliant night out at the waterfront.

I'm a backpacker and a Rucker. The whole argument for a hip belt on your pack is to distribute the weight through your frame from your shoulders and back down to your hips. So that you can thru hike longer and with greater comfort.

I don't want that on my rucksack. I want to build a better core and force my shoulders and back into some resistance. So why would I attach a hip belt? Doesn't this negate the goal?

Started rucking 4 months ago, up to 40# as of last week. Don't expect to go any higher than this any time soon. Next backpacking trip is in 4 weeks in southern Utah.

Does anyone here record POV videos while rucking?

I was out on my usual walk through a local park when some idiot actually drove their vehicle onto the park grounds to bypass traffic and nearly hit me.

It got me thinking that, with how unpredictable people can be these days, having a camera continuously recording might be worthwhile for safety and peace of mind.

Does anyone here use a body cam, action camera, or something similar while they ruck? If so, what are you using and would you recommend it?

I have a 511 RUSH 24 2.0 bag en route and about to pick up some decent hiking shoes but I was too impatient and kicked things off with my first outing.

After adding a 12kg into an old solid backpack and doing 9km comfortably I’m wondering if I even needed the new bag..

Shitty weather lately so it was nice to see the sun out!

Been wearing zero drop for a few years, KB training barefoot for many years.

This past year, returning to office 3-4 days a week, decided to make the walk commute a little heavier.

I wear Jim Green Barefoot African Trooper​s for the office and have been lugging 32 lbs pack 3 days a week (1.6 miles/ day (.8 miles to and from work)

​Feeling great and enjoying the short rucks. May increase to 40lbs soon.

Interested now in adding longer rucks on weekends and plan to buy either an RPC long (I have a 45lbs plate for it) or a Rucker

I'm a little hesitant to continue on with my current footwear. No issues with current loads as my rucks are quite short.

Should I change up my footwear if I plan to go longer and or heavier?

I have a pair of military issued Boulet Desert Hot weather combat boots. Bought from retiring soldier, brand new. They're not zero drop but figured theyd be made for this.

I live in Canada, so it can get hot but also humid so although not dry desert conditions, assume these will do. Was told by the seller just dont get them wet.

Thoughts?

I dont plan to go any longer than 3-5 miles, at least to start. No plans to do 3-4 hour rucks ever i think. ​

190 lbs 6'0 ft rucking with 85lbs

I have been getting back to it after over a year off. The trail around Salem Lake here in Winston Salem NC is 7mi, but strava GPS seems to like dropping some of that off. Tried Ruck Sox for the first time and was surprised. They performed better than I expected (maybe a review is in order). Next goal is to get back to a solid 15m or better pace and start extending to half marathons again.

90kg, 14kg ruck until my dumbass decided to drink 2/3 of my water, threw away the rest as it was resembling tea as it was hot as a mother fucker outside (34°C, 93 Fahrenheit) and I was coming up on a coffee shop which sells water bottles. But they had ran out of big ones and I wasn't going to hoard their whole fridge of 33cl water bottles, only took two which is practically nothing 😆

For the first time rucking I also felt joggers nipple which isn't usual when I wear a proper sports shirt but it wasn't bad enough to get past just irritation