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GORUCK TOUGHMESH Performance Tee Review – Sweat, Rinse, Repeat

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You can watch my 4 min review here too:

After 14 months, here is what I like about this GORUCK Men’s Performance Tee – ToughMesh, and a couple minor cons:

  1. Extremely lightweight, therefore takes up minimal space when packing (and wrinkle free). I’ve not had another shirt that was this lightweight intentionally.
  2. Extremely cool. This ToughMesh is actually mesh, so it breathes well and helps wick moisture/sweat
  3. Dries fast. As with most GORUCK apparel, this doesn’t weigh you down while wearing if it’s soaked and air dries very fast
  4. Stretches, so moves easily during my workouts
goruck toughmesh material
Close up of the ToughMesh

Reinforced Stitching

The only minor issues I’ve had with this shirt:

  1. The neck stretched out a little
  2. Gray color in the artic camo faded after only 1 year.

These are minor and don’t affect it’s purpose not me wearing it regularly in the summer.

Learn more about it and purchase on GORUCK’s site here.

Other notes:

  1. Sizing: Mine is a large and the right size for me. I’m 6′ 1″, 210 lbs.
  2. GORUCK used to call it Indestructible Performance Tee – Arctic Camo when I got it in April 2024. There is a good chance they’ll change the name again.
  3. As of this post, it’s $45.
male in goruck toughmesh performance tee


Other GORUCK gear in this video:

–Indestructible Training Shorts – ToughStretch

–Training Sandbags

–ToughDry Tac Hat

GORUCK Challenge Windbreaker Review – Indestructible for Ruckers?

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You can also watch my 6 min review video here:


I was glad to see GORUCK release this jacket again because I’ve been wearing the GORUCK Indestructible Challenge Windbreaker for rucks, workouts, travel, and rainy errands with my family since 2020, and it earned a permanent place in my rotation—several years ago. This isn’t just a jacket; it’s a tough shell that adapts to nearly every environment you throw it into—without sacrificing comfort, packability, or good looks.

Let’s break down what makes this windbreaker worth your money.


Built for Abuse, but not Bulky

Made from GORUCK’s ToughDry® fabric, originally designed for Special Forces-level punishment, this windbreaker is incredibly durable while remaining lightweight and breathable. If you’ve ever worn GORUCK’s Challenge Pants or Simple Pants, this is that same fabric in jacket form. It’s abrasion-resistant, dries fast, repels water and resists snags—so you can drag it through the woods, scrape against concrete, or throw it in the bottom of your ruck without worry.

If you use it for a GORUCK event (or are crawling thru feet of water for the fun of it), the outside pockets have a drain hole.

And unlike traditional tactical jackets, this one is streamlined and low-profile. No loud logos, only the small GORUCK spearhead logo on front. No bulky padding. Just purpose-built gear that feels just as at home in the woods as it does at a Little League game or in the office.

Fit and Function

The fit is athletic without being restrictive. It moves with you. I’ve worn it during workouts, fast-paced rucks, and camping multiple days in the rain. It layers easily over a base layer or under a heavier shell.

rucker with goruck challenge windbreaker


One of the best features? The subdued zipper pocket on the front chest. Perfect for EDC essentials—wallet, ID, cash, phone or even a small fixed-blade or multitool—without adding bulk.

phone in goruck challenge windbreaker


It also packs down small, which is great for travel or tossing in a go-bag.

For EDC Use

Quiet, light, and tough—it won’t tear up in the brush, and it sheds wind and light rain like a champ. It’s not fully waterproof, but that’s not its purpose. It’s built to breathe while giving you an outer layer of protection and mobility. For EDC folks, it offers enough concealment and storage without drawing attention. It’s gray man-approved.

Final Verdict

If you want a windbreaker that actually lives up to the “indestructible” claim, the GORUCK Challenge Windbreaker is it. It’s simple, functional, tough, lightweight, and looks good doing it. It’s a buy-once, use-forever kind of piece—and for ruckers and outdoor workouts, EDC enthusiasts, and busy families alike, it’s worth every penny b/c it’s going to last and is versatile.

Only knock: I wish there was a zipper pocket on the inside.

Stay ready. Stay comfortable. Keep rucking.

Also mentioned in the YouTube video:
Sternum Pouch
Performance TOUGHMESH Tee

Why I Ruck

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beautiful scenery for rucking for fitness and mental health


How Rucking Benefits Me

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.

man rucking with weighted backpack in mountains of utah


Here are a few reasons why I ruck:

  • Fitness with Function
    Rucking builds real-world strength and endurance—no machines or fancy gear needed.
  • Mental Toughness
    Walking with weight on your back is sometimes uncomfortable or tiring. It reminds me that growth comes from discomfort. Plus, I often think of what my brother went thru in his CCT training and while deployed to Afghanistan.
  • Connection to Service
    As a tribute to my brother Mark and others who served, rucking helps me stay grounded in gratitude and purpose.
group rucking with weighted backpacks for community, fitness and honoring Mark Forester
2024 Participants of The Mark Forester JAG 28 Birthday Walk/Ruck
  • Community and Camaraderie
    Whether it’s a GORUCK event or a casual local ruck, there’s always a shared bond among those who show up and move. At least 50% of the time, I ruck alone, but I also often do it with my young sons and with our local F3 men’s group.
    • Further: for busy folks, this is a very good option for catching up with friends. It’s the fitness version of “talking on the phone”.
kids rucking with weighted backpacks for fitness and community, wearing GORUCK KR1

father and sons rucking in nature

men rucking with weighted backpack for fitness and mental toughness
Old friends catching up while rucking 28 miles

group of people rucking with weighted backpacks to honor SrA Mark Forester

  • Time to Think
    Rucking gives me space to reflect, pray, and reset without distractions. Bottom line, it helps keep me sane since my life is busy and loud.
peaceful scenery for rucking with weight to improve physical and mental health, Huntsville, AL

  • Minimal Gear, Maximum Impact
    All you need is a backpack and some weight. Simple, effective, and accessible. Normally I keep mine in my truck, but sometimes leave it by my home office door for easy access to mid-day rucks. It’s a great and convenient way to break up a busy or stressful work day.

If you’ve never tried it, start light and short. You might be surprised what it does for your body—and your mental health.

Why Rucking > Walking (and Easier on Joints than Running)

If you’re wondering how rucking stacks up against other forms of cardio, here’s the short answer: it gives you more with less.

  • Burns More Calories Than Walking
    Rucking burns about 30–50% more calories than walking at the same pace. That’s because the added weight increases resistance without requiring speed or high impact. For more details and backup facts, see what Michael Easter says about it.
  • Lower Impact Than Running
    Rucking is a low-impact alternative to running, making it easier on your knees, hips, and ankles—especially over long distances.
  • Better Posture and Core Engagement
    The weight forces you to engage your core and maintain good posture. It’s a hidden benefit that improves everyday movement and stability.
  • Sustainable for the Long Haul
    You can ruck for years without the joint wear-and-tear that often comes with high-mileage running.
group of people rucking with weighted backpacks to honor SrA Mark Forester CCT


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.

Ep 120 | Col. Derek Oaks – A-10 Warthog and JTACs

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In this episode, we unpack the legendary role of the A-10 Warthog in the battlespace, the irreplaceable bond between pilots and JTACs, and the critical missions led by Air Force Combat Controllers. Col. Oaks shares insights from his time in the cockpit, what ordnance the A-10 can carry, when a show of force is necessary, and the lasting legacy of my brother SrA Mark Forester, a Combat Controller who gave his life in Afghanistan while Derek’s squadron was deployed.

Strap in—this one is loud, low, and lethal (maybe exaggerating a little bit).

Topics Covered:

  • The mission and legacy of the A-10 Warthog
  • Why Close Air Support (CAS) is about more than just firepower
  • The intense coordination between A-10 pilots and JTACs (Joint Terminal Attack Controllers)
  • 70 rounds of 30mm per second
  • The vital role of Combat Controllers in both air and ground ops
  • Lessons in leadership, humility, and courage under fire

Learn more about Derek Oaks here:

Derek Oaks – Decisive Leadership

Derek’s book he co-authored with this dad, Gen. Robert Oaks – “Rising Above”

Copyright 2025 Thad Forester
http://www.patriottothecore.com
email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

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New GORUCK Boonie Hat: Does it Float?

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This is the new GORUCK Boonie Hat. They have two options, but both are made from GORUCK’s unique ToughDry material.

–Tactical (Molle webbing )

–Slick (no Molle webbing)

You can watch my short review below where I cover these topics:

  1. How it fits (since they only come in Medium and Large). My cap size is 7-1/8 and I got a Large. That’s the right size for me.
  2. Does the ToughDry material stretch? Repel Water?
  3. Does it really float? I compared its floating ability to my Tilley Hat.

GORUCK Boonie Hat and Tilley Hat
GORUCK Boonie and Tilley Hat

It has this handy concealed pocket on the inside roof. Unfortunately it doesn’t have a seal shut, so whatever it stored here isn’t secure.

Read more and get your GORUCK Boonie Hat here.

My oldest son loves Boonie hats and wore one during the Mark Forester JAG 28 Birthday Walk/Ruck last year. It came in handy b/c it rained on us for a few hours.


How do you customize your Boonie hat? I love to see what people do with them and how you use the molle.