Rucking is one of the activities that requires proper gear. You can’t just go out on the trail in a T-shirt and gym shoes and expect a safe and vigorous ruck. It is not necessary to spend a fortune, and certainly, rucking is not an expensive activity compared to golf, for example. Still, having the right rucking gear can make all the difference in your experience.

Below, I’ll explore the essential rucking gear list you need to take your rucking to the next level — from basic items such as a rucksack to headlamps and GPS.

Must-Have Rucking Gear

Let’s talk about all the items you might need next time you go on a ruck march.

Rucking Shoes and Boots

Rucking puts unique demands on your feet and legs, so investing in a pair of rucking shoes is at the top of my priority list.

You must buy a model specifically designed for the activity, not daily walking or light hiking. 

Every rucker should primarily look for durability, traction, and comfort. It is obvious why they must be durable and comfy, and traction is essential for walking on slippery and uneven terrains, which is common during rucking.

If you like more sturdy and stable footwear, consider all terrain rucking boots. In some cases, you will also need insoles due to foot shape, arch support needs, and the type of terrain you’ll be rucking on.

Rucksack

Your rucksack is arguably the most important piece of gear you’ll invest in for rucking, but I put it in close second place, right behind shoes.

A rucking backpack carries weight, your essentials, provides stability, and distributes weight evenly to prevent strain and discomfort. All this makes it an irreplaceable part of rucking gear, and that’s why you can’t use a laptop backpack instead.

Choose a rucksack with enough capacity to hold all your gear without being too bulky, as this will make your stay in nature uncomfortable. There are many manufacturers and GoRuck, Mystery Ranch, and 5.11 are among the most famous. Even Green Beret and other special forces buy those products.

Look for a hip belt, sternum straps, shoulder straps, a supportive frame, and adjustable features.

Rucking Weight

There is no hard rule about what you should use as a rucking weight. It can be bottles of water, a tent, sand kettlebell, or anything that fits in your backpack without significantly disturbing the balance.

Using specialized ruck plates together with a rucksack or training weight vest is the best option in terms of balance and different training program. Ruck plate won’t move around and irritate you during daily workouts or trail running.

Apparel

Until I bought the proper clothing for rucking, I was not aware of how much it affects comfort, performance, and even protection.

Start with base layers (including underwear) that wick sweat away from the skin, helping regulate body temperature and preventing chafing. Above that, choose shirts made from breathable materials. Pack a jacket or rain shell in case of rain. Pants must be made from abrasion-resistant and waterproof fabrics.

And don’t forget socks. Models such as Merino challenge socks will make your rucking twice as pleasant as if you were to wear cheap, supermarket socks.

Hydration System

This may seem irrelevant, like you can carry a water bottle. That is true, but only if you regularly take breaks to take the bottle out of the backpack and drink, which many people don’t do.

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining performance and preventing dehydration, which is much easier to achieve with hydration bladders. These are convenient, hands-free options for staying hydrated on the move. It is best if your rucksack has a dedicated compartment for the hydration bladder to ensure that it will not spill.

Navigation Tools

You can invest in a GPS watch or rely on a smartphone app for navigation during rucking. GPS watches offer advantages like long battery life, convenience, durability, and navigation features tailored to outdoor activities like rucking. Yet, smartphone apps can be a cost-effective alternative, providing real-time navigation and mapping capabilities if you already own a compatible device.

First Aid Kit

Accidents and injuries can happen during any outdoor activity, and rucking is no different. So, you have to be prepared and carry a well-stocked first aid kit with you all the time.

What must be in your first aid kit? 

• Bandages and adhesive tape for treating cuts and scrapes. 
• Antiseptic wipes or alcohol swabs to clean wounds and prevent infection. 
• Moleskin and blister pads to protect and cushion hot spots and blisters.

I would even carry over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) for managing minor aches and pains. But don’t abuse it if you feel severe pain. Stop the ruck and go to the doctor.

Other Gear

Over time, you will have more and more equipment to help you be ready for any situation. Some of the miscellaneous gear are:

• Multi-tool for on-the-go repairs, adjustments, and emergencies.
• Sun protection to prevent damage from UV rays.
• A headlamp and a flashlight since a headlamp provides hands-free illumination, while a flashlight should serves as a reliable backup light source.
• Reflective clothing or accessories to increase your visibility to others, especially when rucking near roads or in high-traffic areas. Check out this GORUCK Reflective Bands review. These bands are lightweight, durable, and perfect for staying visible during low-light conditions, whether you’re on a trail or an urban street.

Conclusion

Investing in the right gear is a must for safe, comfortable, and enjoyable rucking.

My advice to both beginners and experienced ones is not to skimp but to buy high-quality gear. There is a lot of affordable gear that meets your needs and preferences, but if you purchase a low-quality rucksack or shoes, you can expect them to tear when you least expect it. This will prevent you from maximizing your performance and getting the most out of your rucking adventures.

To find the best gear, check our buyer’s guides and ask other ruckers at Goruck events and Goruck clubs about their experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions