Thad Forester

GORUCK Rucker 5.0 Review – Should You Upgrade from Your 3.0 or 4.0?

June 16, 2026 By Thad Forester

The GORUCK Rucker 5.0 provides more comfort for longer distances, carrying heavy weight b/c of the exaggerated lumbar support and heavy duty, padded shoulder straps. It is another example of being “purpose built”.

You can watch my review on YouTube here:

What’s New in the Rucker 5.0

GORUCK didn’t just slap a new number on the same bag. The 5.0 brings these noticeable changes:

3x more lumbar padding — your lower back will feel the difference on long rucks
Magnetic internal pockets — snag-free closures for quick and secure access that won’t get crushed like zippers and work much faster and better than VELCRO

Below is my son wearing the Rucker 5.0, size 25L. Notice the foam pad for maximum lumbar and lower back support:

The below is a short video showing the lumbar support and magnetic internal pockets:

Should You Upgrade?

Consider these benchmarks if you want to upgrade to the 5.0:

Ruck 3+ times per week and feel lower back fatigue
Are coming from the 3.0 — the jump is significant
Compete in GORUCK events where comfort over distance matters

Stick with what you have if you:

Already own the 4.0 and don’t experience discomfort
Are budget-conscious — the 4.0 still performs at a high level

Here are some specs and additional details:

Primary Material: 1000D CORDURA
Back Panel & Shoulder Strap Underside Material: 210D HT (High Tenacity) CORDURA
Lumbar Support: 30MM High-Density EVA Foam Padding, 1.25″ thick
Comes with Sternum Strap
Hydration bladder compatible
Additional details, along with what size weight plates will fit in both pockets for the Rucker 5.0 is covered in my YouTube video.

Final Verdict

The Rucker 5.0 is GORUCK’s best Rucker yet. If you’re on a 3.0, probably go ahead and upgrade. If you’re on a 4.0, the improvements are real but incremental. It comes down to how many miles you’re logging and how much your back is talking to you.

Ep 126 | They Didn’t Know Him But They Showed Up Anyway – 45 Miles for Mark Forester

June 8, 2026 By Thad Forester

What does it mean to sacrifice for someone you’ve never met? In this episode of Patriot to the Core, Thad Forester sits down with his young boys and their friends who completed the Mark Forester JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk — a tribute to Senior Airman Mark Forester, who gave his life in Afghanistan on September 29, 2010, earning him the Silver Star.

These kids didn’t grow up knowing Mark. He was killed before they were born. But Thad’s boys have known of their uncle their entire lives — and this year, they laced up their shoes, hit the pavement, and pushed through real physical pain and discomfort to honor his memory. Some walked 25 continuous miles, some 36 miles, and others completed all 45 miles (17 hours) — representing how old Mark would have been this year. In their own words, they share what the JAG 28 Birthday Walk meant to them, how they kept going when it got hard, and what they learned about sacrifice, legacy, and showing up even when it’s tough.

In the second half of the episode, the boys reflect on their recent experience at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day — a place they say every young American should visit.

This is a conversation that will remind you why we remember, why we walk, and why the story of Senior Airman Mark Forester — JAG 28 — lives on, one generation at a time.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

GORUCK Review: What Actually Fits in the Full Panel Water Bottle Pocket

April 12, 2026 By Thad Forester

My biggest question when it comes to water bottle holders/pouches is will they hold my water bottles–like a 32 oz or bigger. I show how multiple sizes of water bottles fit in this pouch – Yeti, Nalgene, Prometheus Design Werx (PDW), and a standard disposable water bottle.

You can watch my video review here:

🔥Read more and get yours here: https://www.thadforester.com/water-bottle-pocket

GORUCK Rucksacks/backpacks shown in this video:

GR1:

GR2:

Mentioned: Basic Rucker:

#goruck #rucking #edcgear #tacticalgear #gearreview #goruckgear #waterbottlepouch #bottleholder #goruckreview #edcsetup #goruckmods review #tested #worthit #gearjunkie #amazonfinds

Ep 125 | From Nuclear Sub Commander to the U.S. Senate: Seth Burton’s Mission

April 3, 2026 By Thad Forester

Seth Burton (@sethburtonforsenate) joins me in the Our Town studios for this episode of Patriot to the Core podcast. We dive into his run for U.S. Senate, unpacking the issues that matter most to Alabama and the nation—from security and leadership to economic growth and nuclear energy. Seth shares how his military background and command experience on nuclear submarines have shaped his approach to leadership, along with personal stories that define his values.

He may have entered the race late, but make no mistake — his background has uniquely prepared him for this moment, and as a Patriot to the Core, he’s running for one reason: to fight for what’s best for Alabama and America.

Learn more about Seth here.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

GORUCK GR3 Review: The Ultimate One-Bag Travel Rucksack

February 8, 2026 By Thad Forester

GORUCK GR3 review in garage — My GR3 35L Cordura pack, next to 21L GR1 and 16L GR0

The GORUCK GR3 is a massive, purpose-built travel ruck designed for people who want one bag that can handle everything from airports to rugged trips without babying their gear.

You can also watch my YouTube review, that will cover some details not listed in this article:

GORUCK GR3 Overview

The GR3 sits at the upper limit of carry-on size, giving you a cavernous main compartment that works perfectly for one-bag travel, extended trips, or hauling bulky gear. It keeps GORUCK’s classic clean, tactical-inspired aesthetic, so it looks just as at home in an airport as it does on a dirt road.

Currently offering 35L and 45L capacity in a rectangular, clamshell layout for efficient packing (mine is the 35L).
Built from 1000D Cordura with heavy-duty zippers and reinforced handles for serious durability.
Internal frame sheet and padded straps to handle heavy loads more comfortably over distance.

Build Quality and Materials

Like other GORUCK packs, the GR3 is built with overkill in mind: thick 1000D Cordura, beefy YKK zippers, and bartack-reinforced stress points that are tested well beyond typical carry weights. The fabric shrugs off abrasion and rough handling, and the structure of the bag stays solid even when fully loaded.

Highly abrasion-resistant Cordura resists scuffs and tearing in harsh environments.
Back side and underneath shoulder straps are 210D HT, which reduces wear on clothing or skin.
Internal frame sheet helps the ruck keep its shape and transfers weight better to your back, and protects your laptop.
Water resistance is solid for light rain and travel, though not fully waterproof. However, the laptop compartment and quick access pocket have AquaGuard zippers.

Organization and Packing Layout

These elastic bands are another option for internal organization

The GR3 is intentionally simple inside: a huge main compartment with minimal built-in organization, designed to work best with packing cubes and pouches. This lets you build your own system depending on whether you’re packing clothes, camera gear, or mission-focused loadouts.

Full clamshell opening makes packing and access straightforward and fast.
Internal MOLLE/Velcro fields and mesh pockets give you anchor points without over-complicating the layout.
External MOLLE on the bottom allows for add-ons and customization (think Tough Bag, sleeping bag, pad, tent and much more)

Comfort and Carry

35L GR3 on 6′ 1″ male

When empty, the GR3 is heavier than many travel packs (my 35L is 4 lbs, but GORUCK lists at 4.3 lbs), but the tradeoff is structure and durability that hold up under serious weight. The padded shoulder straps and sternum strap compatibility help keep the load stable and high on your back, which is important when you’re carrying everything you own for a week or more.

Thick shoulder straps (almost 3″ wide) and a supportive frame sheet reduce pressure points under heavy loads.
Optional padded hip belt is valuable for long walks through airports, across town or in the mountains. (note: not compatible with 35L).
Best suited for users comfortable managing larger, heavier packs; overkill for light minimalist loads.

Who the GORUCK GR3 Is For

The GR3 is ideal if you want a bombproof, one-and-done travel ruck that can take abuse, carry a lot, and still fit in the overhead bin on many airlines. If you prioritize comfort under heavy loads and long-term durability over ultralight weight and built-in organizers, this ruck belongs on your shortlist.

Great for one-bag travelers, missionaries, military/tactical users, and adventure travelers.
Overkill for commuters or those who pack very light and don’t need 35+ liters.
Backed by GORUCK’s SCARS lifetime warranty, making it a long-term investment rather than a disposable pack.

GORUCK GR3 in airport seat — I love traveling with my 35L GR3

Use this GR3 review alongside some of my other reviews on ThadForester.com to decide which GORUCK ruck fits your travel and rucking style best:

My New Purchase: GR1 USA – Lightweight Ripstop ROBIC Backpack | Arctic Camo

GORUCK GR2 Review: 10 Years Later and Still Going Strong

GORUCK GR1, GR2, GR3, Rucker – Are They Worth the Money?

Air travel note: although the GR3 is the largest possible carry-on for most or all american airlines, it takes up a lot of space on smaller planes. I flew on an EMB 145 and the 35L wouldn’t fit under the seat and took up the entire overhead bin. If someone else had wanted to use the bin over our row, one of our bags wouldn’t fit. However, on the A321 that I flew in the next leg, my 35L GR3 fit under the seat no problem. For another reference, I flew an EMB 175 recently and my bag had no problem fitting under the seat.