Thad Forester

Top Reasons the GORUCK Rucking Weight Vest is Worth the Investment

November 16, 2025 By Thad Forester

Although I’m an avid rucker (and have been for 15 years), the GORUCK Rucking Weight Vest has become an important part of my fitness routine and I can confidently say it’s a product that lives up to the GORUCK reputation. Here are five reasons why the GORUCK Rucking Weight Vest is worth the investment.

Unmatched Comfort

The comfort of this vest is its standout feature. GORUCK has integrated the padded shoulder straps from their Rucker series, which are designed to handle heavy loads without digging into your shoulders. I’ve worn this for extended periods, and the dual-density foam in the straps makes a significant difference. The interior is lined with a smooth 210D CORDURA® fabric that doesn’t cause chafing, even when worn without a shirt.

Superior Stability

One of the biggest frustrations that I hear with other weight vests is the constant shifting and bouncing of the weight plates during dynamic movements. The GORUCK Rucking Weight Vest solves this problem with a secure and snug fit. The plate pockets are designed to hold the weights tight against your body, eliminating any distracting movement whether you’re running, jumping, or doing burpees. This allows you to focus on your workout instead of your gear.

Built to Last

Durability is synonymous with the GORUCK brand, and this vest is no exception. It’s constructed from 1000D CORDURA® on the exterior, a military-grade material known for its toughness and resistance to abrasions. Knowing that the vest is backed by GORUCK’s SCARS Lifetime Guarantee provides peace of mind that this is a long-term investment in your fitness journey.

Versatile for Any Workout

This vest is incredibly versatile. I’ve used it for everything from rucking and traditional strength training to more unconventional workouts like yard work. It’s compatible with a variety of plates, including GORUCK’s own Ruck Plates and Rogue’s Echo Vest Plates, allowing you to customize the weight to your specific needs. Plus, changing out the weight plates is very simple, with just a few steps (unlike other brands, like I show in my YouTube review below). It’s a single piece of equipment that can enhance almost any aspect of your training.

Smart, User-Friendly Design

GORUCK has clearly put a lot of thought into the small details that make a big difference. The “swimmer’s cut” allows for a full range of motion, so you never feel restricted. Curved weight plates allow for better breathing and easier to talk to the person next to you while workout out. A magnetic quick-access chest pocket is perfect for stashing your phone (fits my iPhone 16), keys or workout notes (I’m still a paper guy) and the padded grab handle on the back makes it easy to carry and hang up. These little features add to the overall user experience and make the vest a pleasure to use.

Curved weight plates for better breathing

You can also watch my video review on YouTube for a different perspective:

Conclusion

There are lots of options when it comes to weight vests. As much as I love GORUCK, if you’re new to rucking/training vests, you may want to start out with a cheaper brand. But, once you’re committed, I recommend trying out GORUCK’s Rucking Weight Vest. Then, you can compare and see what you prefer.

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The End of GORUCK Rough Runners?

October 31, 2025 By Thad Forester

GORUCK is closing out the Rough Runners. Built them from scratch for ruck running, training, and the life many of us live. Work like a champ. For me? They are my 100% go-to for all street/path rucking, especially long distance since GORUCK released them in 2023. I’m not a runner, only a rucker. These have proven to be unmatched by any other shoes for carrying heavy weight over long distance (disclaimer: for paths, not trails b/c then I use shoes with ankle support).

GORUCK says they are not a running company, which these shoes are also geared toward. That message didn’t land apparently.

They have inventory sitting there. Our gain. Fifty bucks a pair. They won’t stick around. Very few sizes left, but I managed to get an 11.5 today.

Grab them. Make your own luck. Get yours and read about here on GORUCK’s site.

-Thad

#ruckrunning #rucklife #rucker #goruck #training #outdoorfitness #gearsale #runningshoes

Below are two different reviews I did on the Rough Runners:

goruck rough runners - all black — I took advantage of the big sale and got the only pair in my size.

GORUCK Bullet Ruck 15L – X -PAC: What is its purpose–EDC? Monsoons? Pool Bag? Beach Bag? A day in the Great Basin Desert?

October 19, 2025 By Thad Forester

I. Introduction

The GORUCK Bullet Ruck 15L X-PAC. I’ve spent thousands on GORUCK gear and clothing since 2015 and this is one of the very first items that GORUCK sent me to use and review. It may be the most versatile and rugged small packs you can find. Designed for everyday carry, light rucking, or urban commuting, it strikes a perfect balance between toughness and simplicity. Like all GORUCK gear, it’s overbuilt to military standards—but the X-PAC material adds a new level of lightweight performance and weather resistance.

Whether you’re hauling essentials to work, going to the beach, cruising thru the jungle, or traveling light, this pack delivers exceptional durability in a compact form.

You can watch my video review here where I go more in depth with contents, fit and a water test:

II. Key Specifications

The Bullet Ruck 15L keeps things streamlined:

Capacity: 15 liters
Dimensions: 17.5” x 10.25” x 5.25”
Weight: About 1.4 lbs
Material: X-PAC VX21 fabric

The X-PAC material is one of its biggest selling points. Originally developed for sailcloth, it’s known for being lightweight, waterproof, and extremely abrasion-resistant. Compared to traditional Cordura, it offers a stiffer structure that maintains its shape without adding bulk.

III. Design and Build Quality

GORUCK’s build quality has a cult following for good reason, and the Bullet Ruck 15L X-PAC continues that legacy. The X-PAC fabric construction gives the bag a crisp, structured feel that doesn’t sag even when half full.

The YKK zippers and durable hardware are built to handle years of use and abuse—GORUCK backs it all with their “Scars Lifetime Guarantee.” It also has AquaGuard zippers to keep water, dust and sand out.

IV. Storage and Organization

GORUCK’s minimalist philosophy shines here. The main compartment opens flat for easy access—no digging around for items at the bottom. Inside, you’ll find a sleeve that holds a tablet or laptop (smaller than 17″), a mesh pocket, plus a small zippered pocket for valuables.

On the exterior, the clean front panel keeps the aesthetic sleek. The quick access pocket on the top is a much-needed feature, although I wish it was a little deeper. If you watch my YouTube review, you’ll see what all I fit in that quick access pocket. However, the bag is not overloaded with pockets or Molle—but that’s intentional, keeping it streamlined and efficient.

V. Performance Testing

It’s not really a rucking backpack, but can be used for such, as long as the weight will fit–I’ll let you determine that.

For daily carry, it’s almost perfect—fits a tablet, water bottle, jacket, and essentials with ease. And thanks to the X-PAC material’s weatherproof laminate, it shrugs off rain, snow and splashes, keeping your gear dry without needing a rain cover.

VI. Pros and Cons

Pros:

Extremely lightweight yet rugged
Water-resistant X-PAC fabric
Comfortable shoulder straps
Flat-open design for easy packing
Cleans up easily
Sleek, minimalist look

Cons:

Slightly pricier than Cordura version
No external bottle pocket

Value for Money:
While it costs more than the standard Cordura Bullet, the X-PAC version justifies its price with superior weather resistance, lighter weight, and unique aesthetic appeal.

VII. Final Verdict

The GORUCK Bullet Ruck 15L X-PAC is ideal for EDC minimalists, urban commuters, and light ruckers who want a compact, tough, and weatherproof backpack. It’s not meant for heavy loads or extended treks—but it excels at everything else.

If you want a pack that’s built to last, looks sharp, and can handle a spontaneous downpour or sandstorm, this one’s hard to beat. The more I use it, the more I see there are infinite options for use than I originally thought.

See GORUCK’s other X-PAC backpacks here.

GORUCK MACV-1 High Speed Rucking Boots – How do they compare to AFSOC Standard Issued Altama Tactical Assault Boots

October 12, 2025 By Thad Forester

Here is a video review I did where I compare these to Altama and Oakley boots:

GORUCK MACV-1 8″ High-Top (Hi-Speed) Boots: Built for the Miles?

If you spend hours under a ruck, you know that good boots can make or break your training. The GORUCK MACV-1 8″ High-Top (or Hi-Speed) boots are designed for ruckers, travelers, and anyone who demands both toughness and comfort in one package. They’re inspired by the jungle boots worn by U.S. Special Forces in Vietnam, but upgraded with modern materials and design for today’s miles.

Lightweight, Durable, and Fast-Drying

GORUCK kept these boots simple and functional. They’re not waterproof—but that’s intentional. Shielded drain holes push water out fast while keeping debris from getting in. The result? Dry feet and no heavy, soggy boots during long rucks or wet workouts. The high-top version adds ankle stability without feeling bulky, and they’re surprisingly lightweight for their size, my size 11.5’s are 1 lb 2.7 oz.

Performance You Can Feel

Underfoot, the MACV-1s provide solid support whether you’re walking city streets, forest trails, or sandy backroads. The outsole gives you traction without trapping mud, and the cushioning stays firm enough to handle loaded miles. The boots require absolutely no break-in period and only get better with time.

Built to Last—Backed for Life

Like all GORUCK gear, the MACV-1s come with the SCARS Lifetime Guarantee—a promise that if they fail, GORUCK will fix or replace them. That peace of mind adds value to every mile you put in.

Bottom Line

The MACV-1 High-Top is a reliable, do-everything boot. It’s tough enough for rucking and field use, but light and comfortable enough for everyday wear. If you want one pair of boots that can handle long rucks, yard work, travel, and hard training, these fit the bill. You’ll see why the MACV-1 High Speed boots are way stripped down jungle boots and are arguably the most athletic shoe that you can possibly make a boot.

Also, they are AR 670-1 Compliant Boots.

For more info, read this article: https://www.thadforester.com/best-shoes-for-rucking/

GORUCK Basic Rucker Review: Simple, Tough, and Purpose-Built

October 10, 2025 By Thad Forester

man sitting in woods with goruck basic rucker

Read more from GORUCK and purchase yours here: https://www.thadforester.com/basic-rucker

You can watch my review on YouTube below where I go into detail about weight plate sizes and water bottles that will fit:

The GORUCK Basic Rucker lives up to its name—it’s basic. But in true GORUCK fashion, “basic” doesn’t mean cheap or weak. This pack is stripped down to the essentials yet built with the same bombproof quality and thoughtful design GORUCK is known for.

One feature that I appreciate them including is the MOLLE webbing on the shoulder straps, which allows you to add accessories like a sternum strap, pouch, or bladder hose retainer. That flexibility makes it easy to tailor the setup for your training style.

Shoulder Strap Analysis

Below are comparisons to the GR1’s shoulder straps:

goruck gr1 vs basic rucker shoulder straps — Thickness of GR1 straps on top vs Basic Rucker on bottom

I also love the 420D Robic fabric—it’s soft, quiet, and has none of the stiffness found in some of GORUCK’s heavier Cordura materials. Inside and out, I break down the design, compare its shoulder straps to the GR1, test three different weight plates, and even perform a simple water test to see how it holds up.

Comparison to Bullet Rucker 4.0

This Basic Rucker is much like my 15L Bullet Rucker 4.0 that I got in 2023. Here is a comparison chart:

GORUCK Bullet Rucker 15L (left) vs. Basic Rucker 17L (right)

Zippers

One last tid-bit: the zipper on the Basic Rucker is smaller than on the Bullet Rucker 4.0. This makes sense b/c the Basic Rucker is purpose built for rucking. The Bullet Rucker 4.0 is meant to be more versatile–for rucking and workouts (hence the bottom handle too), which may mean tossing and getting more banged up.

Bullet Rucker 4.0 on left, Basic Rucker on right.

Even though GORUCK no longer sells this particular Bullet Rucker 4.0 (on the left), I’m sure many of you are still holding on to it. It’s been my go-to ruck sack since 2023. So, I figured it was a good GORUCK bag to compare the Basic Rucker to. I really can’t tell how the Basic Rucker is 2L bigger than the Bullet Rucker, but it must be in the depth near the bottom.

Conclusion

Have you ever been looked at suspiciously b/c you’re rucking (or walking around) with a backpack? I used to get this often when I used to leave. I think this was mostly b/c my backpack was camo and I always had on dark colors. This Basic Rucker helps make you looks much less shady due to the wide reflective strip down the back.

GORUCK took all their lessons learned since 2008 about building rucks and pared them down to the essentials to create the Basic Rucker®

If you’re looking for a minimalist yet durable ruck for training, this one delivers exactly what you need—nothing more, nothing less.

The price right now is the lowest “barrier to entry” for getting a high quality, comfortable rucksack with a Scars Lifetime Guarantee.