Rucking, a demanding endurance activity, requires physical and mental strength; you already know that.

But in order to give your best in any activity, you need the right equipment to support your journey. Along with buying footwear, choosing the best rucksack for training is a crucial decision. You have to find the perfect balance between functionality, durability, and comfort, plus consider budget because many rucksacks are not cheap.

This comprehensive buyer’s guide is intended equally for seasoned ruckers and those who are just starting out. I included the best models and tips on how to choose the best rucking backpack.

Here Are The 7 Best Rucksacks for Training

Now it’s time to present you with the winner in each category.

Best for Military Purposes: Mountain Ruck

Yes, I know that many of you are now shocked by the price and have already closed the Mystery Ranch page. But wait until I explain why this backpack is worth every penny.

First of all, a real military backpack cannot be cheap, and this is exactly one that is used even by United States and United Kingdom special forces. Mountain Ruck has so many features. Let’s name just a few of them — the NICE Frame moves with you, and together with the hip belt, padded shoulder straps, and sternum strap, it makes this backpack so comfortable. Also, the ventilation is perfect, so you won’t be hot even if you wear body armor.

It has so plenty of pockets and compartments that you can take everything you need and get to everything quickly because you will know where it is instead of searching for it.

Mountain Ruck is made of special 500D CORDURA® for maximum durability, UV, and weather protection. Its lifetime warranty for defects in materials and craftsmanship is sufficient confirmation of quality.

Best Outdoor Activities: Rucker 4.0

Renowned for setting the bar high, GoRuck’s reputation is excellent, and that’s why it won’t surprise you that I included a few of their products on the list, including the most famous Rucker 4.0 model.

I own it and use it for various activities, from rucking to hiking, and sometimes even as hand luggage.

With three size options available – 15L, 20L, and 25L – everyone can choose what they need. I bought the 20L version for optimal capacity and the perfect size for my needs.

External MOLLE webbing, Ruck Plate pockets, ergonomic lumbar padding, Velcro mesh pockets, and a hydration tube exit port are just some of the features of this awesome product. And you don’t have to worry about durability, it comes with Scars Lifetime Guarantee.

Best for Endurance Training: GoRuck Training Weight Vest 2.0

Obviously, this is not a rucksack but a weighted vest. Nevertheless, in my experience, it is the best piece of equipment for endurance training. Let’s say you are doing endurance training in the gym or rucking workout on the track as part of preparation for rucking. In that case, you do not need a rucksack with many compartments, but you need a comfortable weighted vest that is not bulky.

I tried many, and the Training Weight Vest 2.0 by GoRuck is the most comfortable. It can carry as much as 60 lbs because it is compatible with Ruck Plates up to 2x 30 lbs and other weight plate models. This vest keeps plates so stable that you can run with such a load, which is rarely the case — usually, plates jump around you if you try to run.

It is available in camo but also in regular army colors like ranger green.

Best for Sports Training: UA Hustle 5.0 Backpack

I have had this backpack for years and love it. I’m not surprised it is among best sellers. I use it for the gym, as hand luggage, and when I need to bring my laptop and a few things for a short trip. It has a sleeve for a 15″ MacBook Pro or similarly sized laptop.

It’s affordable, and that’s what you need for sports purposes. It is water-resistant, so your stuff will remain dry. Hustle 5.0 is very breathable, and I never feel hot when I carry it, even in the summer.

The bottom is abrasion-resistant, so you can put it down anywhere. Another essential feature of a sports backpack is a large laundry/shoe pocket at the bottom to separate dirty from clean things.

Best for Tactical Training: 5.11 RUSH® 24 2.0 Multicam® Backpack 37L

5.11 has become synonymous with tactical gear. They offer numerous models, but this one, in particular, is my favorite because of its versatility. It is large enough to offer ample storage space while being functional for use in the city as well.

It has everyday features like a padded laptop sleeve and eyewear storage, but it also has military ones: a MOLLE attachment, water-resistant fabric, and a concealed carry (CCW) compartment.

It is ideal for rucking, shorter military or police operations, and is perfectly suitable for regular daily activities. Although I can’t say that a $200 or more backpack is cheap, the price is very reasonable considering the quality and available features.

Best for Urban Rucking: GR2 – USA

The manufacturer’s slogan for this backpack is “Travel the world with one ruck,” and I pretty much agree.

Look no further than the GR2 by GoRuck for a reliable and durable travel companion. It is made in the USA and crafted after the Special Forces medical packs. This carry-on compliant rucksack opens up flat for easy packing and organization, making it easy to navigate airports and city streets hands-free.

Don’t let that fool you; it will meet all your needs if you decide to take it out into nature for rucking, similar to Goruck Gr1, another great Goruck rucker.

Best Budget-Friendly Options: MT Military Army MOLLE 2 Tactical Assault Backpack

It is not the cheapest on our list, but it is the most affordable military rucksack.

Designed for comfort and durability, it can be used for tactical missions, police operations, or outdoor excursions. Padded adjustable shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and a low-profile waist belt make even extended patrols or ruck marches pleasant.

It has a large storage space, so most of you will not need a bigger rucksack.

I didn’t use it for a long time, but during the basic tests it gave me the impression of a very durable backpack. It’s probably not as durable as the $1000 model, but the price-to-quality ratio is nothing short of extraordinary.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rucksack

The following are the most important factors you must consider. Otherwise, you are risking your money since chances are you will end up with an average or unsuitable model.

• Purpose – There is a reason why I divided rucksacks for training into categories. Just like you won’t drive an F1 car in NASCAR races, there’s also no need to carry a 70l military backpack to the gym and vice versa. I understand that you need a multifunctional rucksack, and that’s fine; just first think about the primary purpose.
• Size and Capacity – Again, it’s all about your needs. Too small a backpack and you won’t be able to carry everything you want. On the other hand, a huge backpack can be annoying in city transport or if you have a small trunk. Assess your needs and opt for a rucksack where you can pack everything you usually carry and still have a little extra space. If you have packed everything and it is half empty, it is too big.
• Durability – Rucksack for rucking, hiking, or even gym should be durable. You don’t want the bottom to tear and things falling out. Nylon, Cordura, or ripstop are the most common materials that, coupled with sturdy stitching and reinforcements, guarantee a lasting rucksack.
• Weight Distribution and Padding – It may seem irrelevant now whether the rucksack has load-bearing hip belts and adequately padded shoulder straps, but believe me, it will be of paramount importance after a few hours of wearing it.
• Comfort – Comfort is non-negotiable not only during lengthy rucking sessions but also when you wear it every day to work or the gym. I can’t tell you exactly which backpack will be the most comfortable for you because everyone is built differently, but the models I mentioned will surely meet your standards.
• Ventilation and Breathability – Preventing heat buildup and moisture accumulation is essential for comfort. Check whether it has breathable mesh panels and ventilation channels to promote airflow and dissipate heat. This is also important for the things inside so that they don’t get moldy.
• Waterproofing and Weather Resistance – Unpredictable weather conditions are regular rucking expeditions, but rain can also surprise you in the city. Since you certainly carry valuable and important things in your rucksack, I recommend water-resistance models. You don’t have to buy a swimming backpack to go to the gym, but it’s good that it’s at least water-repellent.

Conclusion

I singled out all of these backpacks to help you find the best one for different purposes.

Buying one backpack that will serve you equally well for rucking, hiking, gym, weekend getaways, and work is practically impossible. So, pay attention to capacity, durability, comfort, and functionality. That way, you will ensure a comfortable and efficient experience no matter what you do.

Frequently Asked Questions