Rucker 4.0

The definitive backpack for rucking. It is comfortable and fairly easy to put on with weight. It has some other cool uses, such as weighted push-ups, pull-ups or dips. It’s a good option to your home gym conditioning line-up.

I got the 25L GoRuck Rucker 4.0 after using an old back pack for two summers. The old back pack got the job done, but switching over to the Rucker was a huge improvement. The build quality is a lot nicer than a regular back pack and should last a really long time, which makes the price tag a little more bearable. It has high quality zippers and the straps are padded nicely and digs into your shoulder a lot less than the cheap straps on an old backpack. The two padded weight pockets keeps the plates close to the body and prevents them from moving around as you ruck. There is a large dark reflective strip in the back that allows you to be visible by cars as you ruck at night. The Rucker 4.0 has drain holes built in the bottom to prevent water retention during GoRuck events where water is involved. There is no exterior pockets and the interior pockets are held together with hook and loop Velcro instead of zippers. This can be annoying to use those pockets. However, I added some admin zipper strips from condor to as the zipper functionality back. It works great for tossing my keys and phone into without having to rip the Velcro open each time before and after a ruck. Just don’t forget your stuff is in there before doing and movements that would get them smashed by the weight of the plate. I wish there was an external water pocket for bottles, but you can add a water bladder to the inside. I usually just toss my bottle inside. The cost on the Rucker is more approachable than some of their other bags, but it’s still a lot for a “back pack” that add weight too. Speaking of weight. Their plates are great but really expensive for what they are. I was able to buy a “signature fitness 45lb cast iron plate” for around $53 vs the $125 (+tax & shipping). The off brand 45lb plate fits snugly in the long weight pocket. So it does the job for a fraction of the cost.

The storage compartment for the plates make this the best rucking experience and you don’t have to look like you’re wearing a bulletproof vest in public. It’s incredibly durable and looks as good as it did the day I bought it. You can get the bag higher on your back than you’d think, lessening the load on your lower back. Beyond the plates, this bag can store almost as much as their GR1 bag so there’s lots of utility. If you’re committing to rucking, this the best best choice currently.

Durable as all get out. I'd get a hip strap for it if you're buying new, just to be able to adjust the weight on long walks...er... Rucks. You also probly need to get a water bottle holder / pouch of some kind for the molle straps on the side... But it's a great pack. Word of warning though - the back has a plastic sheet in it that helps give structure. If you leave the pack on the ground upright with weight in it, it will deform over time. So it needs a spot to either hang from the straps or sit horizontal on a shelf/floor.

Great ruck, but I never really got into rucking. So it's a nice bag that sits on my gym's shelf. The quality of the ruck is amazing though, and it looks like my son is getting use out of it. He uses it while flipping tires and sledgehammering a tire. So they hold up well.

I haven't bothered taking this out rucking, so for me this turned into the world's most expensive weighted pushup and calf raise accessory.

This is the only rucksack I have used so take that into consideration. Build quality is awesome, comfort not so much especially when it’s loaded. I’m also 5’5” and have a smaller one for my daughter which feels better to me but doesn’t hold enough weight. Definitely think they are quite overpriced but they really are made well.

It’s expensive but it’s worth it. Very high quality construction that will holdup over time. The shoulder straps are comfortable and you can purchase a hip belt separately. The MOLLE system is a nice touch although I haven’t used it much.

This is a crazy expensive Ruck but it is definitely built to last. We ended up having to buy the hip belt, which in my opinion, should be included considering it is designed to carry very heavy loads. I do like all of the options for storing different size plates and it keeps the weight tight against your back. It isn't the most comfortable harness system, I find my Gregory backpacking backpack carries up to 50lbs much more comfortably than this Ruck, but I wouldn't want to put much more weight in it than that as it isn't designed for those heavy loads while I'm pretty sure people double that in this ruck. The hip belt doesn't offer enough adjustability, I'm around 210 and I end up having it nearly as tight as it can go which means it isn't nearly tight enough when my wife uses it.

This bag is expensive, but as a grab-and-go ruck it’s excellent. I throw it on to walk the dog all the time, and go for longer rucks pretty often. It’s durable and comfortable. Pro tip: if you use cheaper Yes4All plates in the ruck, cut a slice in a pool noodle and slide that on the edge of the plate to disperse the weight.