I took advantage of GORUCK’s Christmas in July sale and finally got a Ripstop Robic version of the GR1, size 21L.
I’ll do a review soon after I use it sufficiently, including how easily it gets dirty and cleans up. This wouldn’t be my top pattern to get, but for the price of $199, I couldn’t turn it down.
When someone asks what my hobbies are, rucking is one that I normally mention. For me, it’s more than just throwing on a weighted pack and going for a walk. It’s about purpose, discipline, and the benefits that come with it—physical, mental, and emotional.
Here are a few reasons why I ruck:
If you’ve never tried it, start light and short. You might be surprised what it does for your body—and your mental health.
If you’re wondering how rucking stacks up against other forms of cardio, here’s the short answer: it gives you more with less.
Want to see what rucking shoes I prefer? Click here.
And, if you’re interested in what I’ve found to be the absolute best rucksacks, CLICK HERE.
Related article:
City Ruck Nashville. If you want to join me on my next City Ruck (Birmingham, AL, Nov 22, 2025). Register here for the 12 miler and let me know.
I’ve been using GORUCK products since 2015. And yes, I am a GORUCK affiliate–b/c I tested their gear for 8 years before becoming one. I trust what they produce–all of it.
In addition to this written review, you can watch my video review here with more details:
GORUCK and Prometheus Design Werx (PDW) are two companies that produce high quality clothing and gear. I have tremendous respect for them both.
The purpose of this review is to compare their material, fit, sizing, how well each repels water and how quick they dry. These shorts do not have the exact same uses–the PDW Raider Field Shorts are more technical–have more pockets and options. The GORUCK Challenge Shorts are more simple. So, I’m not comparing their uses/functionality, only the material and fit.
Sizing
Prometheus Design Werx Raider Field Shorts runs big in the waist. I wear a 36″ in the waist for all GORUCK shorts and pants (pretty much in every brand of pants). But, with these PDW shorts, I had to return the 36″ waist and get 34″. The 34″ fit perfect–just like 36″ in everything else.
How Do They Repel Water?
The above video covers this in detail, with video of getting them wet. The GORUCK Challenge Shorts definitely repel water better than the Prometheus Design Werx Raider Field Short. Neither is water proof, but the PDW get wet almost instantly, where the GORUCK repel initially.
How Quick do they Dry?
In the video, I soak both shorts in water, wring them out and hang to air dry outside. After 2 hrs 15 mins, I checked them both. The GORUCK Challenge Shorts were completely dry. The PDW Raider Field Shorts were all dry except the front pockets. Still wearable, but not completely dry.
Fit and Feel
GORUCK: 10.5″ inseam. I’m 6′ 1″ and the 36″ waist shorts come to top of my knees. Legs are a little bigger in the thighs. Despite the PDW Raider Field Shorts being more stretchy, I’ve never had any limitations while exercising or doing any activities in the Challenge Shorts (or Simple Shorts). They stretch too, just not as much as the PDW.
PDW: 10″ inseam. I’m 6′ 1″, the 34″ waist shorts come just above my knees, slightly shorter than the Challenge Shorts. Legs are a little smaller than on the Challenge Shorts. The material stretches well, better than the GORUCK shorts.
Overall
You can’t go wrong with either shorts, but they each have different benefits. For instance, if you want shorts to workout outside, get wet, muddy, sandy, dry fast, abrasion resistant, etc, then the GORUCK Challenge Shorts are the best option (really any GORUCK shorts, like the Simple Shorts too).
If you want shorts to work outside without restrictions, abrasion resistant, have plenty of pockets and features for hiking, camping, etc, and will dry fast, the Prometheus Design Werx Raider Field Short are a great option. But, once again, that’s not why I wrote this review. This review is focused on material and fit. Obviously, both shorts have much overlap in uses and strengths.
If you wear both shorts, let me know what you like and dislike about them, what you use them for, etc.
I use the GORUCK shorts much more than PDW b/c I do more rucking/hiking instead of camping, climbing and trekking.
This review is a short, simple review that hopefully gets right to the point. If you want more details and visuals, watch my YouTube video above.
Affiliate note:
I am a GORUCK affiliate, so I get a small percentage commission with each sale if you purchase GORUCK products from my links. This does not cost you any additional money–the prices are the same for buyers. I do this b/c I have a weird obsession with good gear and clothing. I have used GORUCK products since 2015 and have been impressed with their quality and versatility. I don’t do this to make a living, only to help support my habit of buying high-quality items from GORUCK, PDW, and other American companies.
First off, I did a YouTube video review below. My article here will cover a little more detail, but the video will cover some specifics that I don’t in this post:
On May 18, 2024, I completed the Mark Forester JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk. This is an annual event that I’ve organized and led annually since 2011.
I used the GORUCK Rough Runners for my second long distance ruck this year. You can read my initial review from 2 months ago here. I go into great detail on these shoes.
I explain in the review linked above the surface of the JAG 28 Walk and why I thought the Rough Runners were a good choice. After spending 11 hours on various wavy/unlevel, mostly paved surfaces, I can now confidently say the Rough Runners passed my test and I can recommend them to anyone who needs a long distance rucking shoe (without ankle support–covered in the video).
Below are my feet after 28 miles, 11 hours, and pouring rain. We were soaked.
My feet were definitely soft after being in wet shoes for over 7 hours straight. But, I had zero blisters or hot spots.
Below are most of the surfaces we walked on. Although most all of them were paved, except for about 6 miles of gravel in the national forest, some of those roads were very wavy and after about 20 miles, felt sharp on the feet. This is where the firm, thick padding on the Rough Runners came into play for me. They are build for carrying heavy weight over long periods of time. They will bend and flex with the surface, without breaking down and getting too soft or marshmellowy.
Below was probably the worst surface on the route. We had a few roads like this, covering several miles, once we got up in the mileage that day. If you had on thin or stiff shoes, this surface really worked your feet. It’s what really worked my feet and ankles last year wearing the Ballistic Trainers (which I detail in this video and others linked in this post).
Some of the surfaces were very smooth, however the slope from the center to edge was pretty good.
This rucker was in so much pain by mile 26, that she took off her shoes to walk for a few minutes.
I hope my words and these pics, along with the other linked articles and videos, give you the info you need to confidently use or purchase what shoes you’ll wear for your long distance rucks, walks, or runs.
The GORUCK Rough Runners have proven to take care of my feet in wet and dry conditions. I like the time and space they’ve saved me from not having to change socks and carry so many extra socks. There is a reason why the Rough Runners and Ballistic Trainers were named the Official Footwear of CrossFit in 2024.
If you want to compare the Rough Runners to Ballistic Trainers side-by-side (which are also great shoes), click here: https://www.thadforester.com/gr-footwear20
Of course, no matter how good the gear is, there is no substitute for training. I recommend training no matter what shoes or socks you’re wearing–there is no substitute. Never show up to a long event in untested gear.
In the end, we did the 28 miles all for this patch (well, kind of):
BLUF: (Bottom line up front) – The below codes provide 10% discount on GORUCK purchases. Use my link to their main page here and then go to the product(s) you want:
EASTER
JBAKER
REDBEARD10
The compilation of pics above are just a sampling of the GORUCK gear and clothing that I own. And I not only own it, but I use it–all the time (since 2015). This post is b/c I believe in the GORUCK brand and understand that it’s expensive and not everyone can afford it, especially on a regular basis. Many of the items I buy are paid off over time with Affirm while others have to be budgeted.
In the realm of outdoor enthusiasts and avid ruckers, few brands command as much respect and admiration as GORUCK. Known for their tough and versatile gear designed to withstand the roughest of conditions, GORUCK has become synonymous with quality, durability, and a spirit of adventure. Whether you’re embarking on a ruck through the wilderness or city, tackling an urban exploration or city ruck, needing the most effective and efficient garage gym gear, traveling and only want a carry-on, or simply seeking reliable gear or clothing for everyday use, GORUCK has you covered. And for those seeking to save a few bucks on their next GORUCK purchase, discount codes offer a welcomed opportunity to indulge in premium gear while providing a little less guilt.
And if you’re mil, LE, Fire, medic, gov, or teacher, GORUCK offers a discount–always. You can read more about the Earned Service Discount here.
Once again, here are codes from other users with great experience and authority on GORUCK gear. These codes seem to consistently work. Use this link to visit GORUCK and enter any of the codes below at checkout for 10% off.
Note: the below codes are from sites/channels whose GORUCK reviews I respect. You can visit their sites by clicking the code names listed.
