Walking has been all the rage for a while now, but its heavyweight sister activity, rucking, is starting to steal the spotlight. Rucking, the practice of walking (or hiking) with a weighted pack, is named after the military term for backpack: “rucksack,” as carrying the weighted packs is a common military activity and exercise. Rucking has benefits for anyone who does it, and you don’t need to be a member of the military to get started.
If you want to turn your hot girl walk into an even sweatier workout, rucking might be for you. However, note that it’s important to start slow, and with a pack that’s designed to carry weight rather than just any old bag in order to ruck safely and prevent injury. Some people prefer to ruck with a weighted vest, while others use backpacks specifically designed to carry weight plates. What works best for you will be your decision, so to help you get started, PS chatted with trainers to seek out the best rucking pack recommendations.
Experts Featured in This Article:
Katie Knight, CPT, is the founder Knight Time Training
Melissa Urban, is the CEO of Whole30.
D.D. Forrest , is a functional health coach.
Bob Savin, is an ACSM-certified personal trainer and owner of Fitness Together in Ashland, MA.
Centr Rucksack ($50)
The Centr rucksack has four pockets for weight plates, plus four pockets for storage. Katie Knight, CPT, and founder of Knight Time Training (plus winner of the 2022 GORUCK Games and the 2021 World’s Toughest Mudder 24-hour race) loves this bag for both its versatility and durability.
“I could be rucking with up to 50 lbs, or trail running for 2-3 hours/day, so I need a pack that’s comfortable for both and holds up over time,” she says. Of all the brands she’s used over the years, Centr is her favorite. If you’re not ready to commit to a full back just yet, she also recommends Centr’s weighted vest.
GORUCK Plate Carrier ($115)
The GORUCK plate carrier is exactly what it says: a backpack that’s perfectly shaped to carry GORUCK’s weight plates, and nothing else, which helps keep the weight secure so there’s no bouncing or jostling. The weight plates come in 10, 20, and 30 lb. increments.
“This is the most ‘comfortable’ way I’ve found to ruck,” says Melissa Urban, Whole30 CEO and rucking fan. “It’s streamlined to hold only weight, which makes it far less bulky than a backpack, and unlike a weight vest, the plate carrier’s design helps you maintain an upright, shoulders-back posture while keeping your diaphragm open for easier breathing.”
APEXUP Weighted Vest ($30 and up)
D. D. Forrest, functional health coach, loves this vest so much that she owns both the 10 lb. and 20 lb. version of it. She uses the 10 lb. vest for her Peloton and the 20 lb. for walking. “I love that it’s padded and doesn’t rub or bother my shoulders, and it fits snugly against my chest so that it doesn’t bounce around,” she says.
This weighted vest is worn like a harness around your shoulders and back, and has a single buckle for easy adjustments, plus reflective strips for those walking in the early morning or at night. You can purchase it in a range of five-pound increments, from five to 30 lbs.
GORUCK GR 1 ($335)
If you want something more versatile than the GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier but still want a bag from the reliable rucking brand, you’ll love the GR1. “This is a very popular bag, known for its military-grade toughness, highly durable and ability to withstand harsh environments,” says Bob Savin, ACSM-certified personal trainer, owner of Fitness Together in Ashland, MA, and local coordinator for Irreverent Warriors MA. It has a large open compartment that makes it very versatile, and includes a laptop sleeve which can double as a hydration pack holder, he adds.
Rush 24 2.0 Backpack 37L ($140)
“This pack offers a good balance of capacity and organization, with plenty of compartments for gear,” Savin says. The RUSH 24 2.0 Backpack 37L is water-resistant and tough, designed for outdoor adventures; but also contains a padded laptop sleeve, meaning it can double as a work or travel bag.
Alice Style Military Ruck ($150, originally $163)
Savin also recommends this military pack for rucking adventures: “It’s comfortable, especially with the added frame support, offers plenty of room for carrying both weight and gear, and will last a lifetime,” he says. This pack has padded shoulder straps and an aluminum frame for support while carrying, plus three large outside storage backs for extra space.
Kaley Rohlinger is a freelance writer for PS who focuses on health, fitness, food, and lifestyle content. She has a background in the marketing and communications industry and has written for PS for over four years.
