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GORUCK Merino Challenge Socks vs. Smartwool vs. Darn Tough – Who Wins?

January 4, 2025 By Thad Forester

After 28 mile ruck in the pouring rain. Never took off my shoes or socks.

Over the last 14+ years, I’ve regularly rucked in hot, cold, wet, and dry weather. I learned quickly in 2011 that hot spots and blisters can form very early into a ruck (or walk or hike) and socks are critical. Here I list the socks I’ve used and what I’ve decided are the best for all-around rucking for me.

First, here is a video on these socks:

There are lots of options when it comes to socks–for every occasion. I hope my video and article help you at least narrow down your choices; but regardless, find what works for you. And if that means it’s different socks than what I’ve mentioned here, great. Please tell me about them.

rucking socks I've used — L to R: FITS, Smartwool, Darn Tough, GORUCK Challenge Socks

Smartwool. This is a very popular brand and the first socks I bought when I started training for the JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk/Ruck after my brother was killed in 2010.
- Facts:
  - wore for training and all long rucks for 11 years
  - breathe well
  - I always had some hot spots on my feet by the end of 28 miles (very few blisters).
  - my ankles broke out in a rash that lasted a few days
  - used the trekking version (not sure they still call them trekking on their site)
  - I always changed to fresh pair every 4-7 miles
  - Hot spots/blisters were probably b/c they aren’t tight enough on my feet
- Opinion:
  - good for cold weather activity
Vermont Darn Tough. Another popular brand with great reputation.
- Facts:
  - wore for training as I prepped for the JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk/Ruck. I really wanted to switch to these b/c they are thinner than Smartwool.
  - wore to work and everyday on cold days
  - feel good
  - had hot spots on my feet after medium-distance rucks (7-14 miles)
- Opinion:
  - great for everyday wear, including hiking and rucking
FITS Socks.
- Facts:
  - wore for less than 5 rucks (of 5-10 miles) and had hot spots, so I quit wearing them
  - wore these the least of all the socks
- Opinion:
  - not much to say b/c I quit using after a few uses
  - don’t breath as well as Darn Tough, aka hotter
  - feel good for everyday wear
GORUCK Merino Challenge Socks. Newest to the market of the three listed above. I treated these like all my GORUCK gear and clothing–tested them many times before this review.
- Facts:
  - Wore them for 28 miles in March 2024 in GORUCK City Ruck and never took them off until we finished 9.5 hours later. Zero blisters or hot spots.
  - Wore them for 28 miles in the Mark Forester JAG 28 Birthday Walk/Ruck in May 2024. Never took them off and we were poured on for a few hours. Zero blisters or hot spots.
  - I ruck in them multiple times/week and have since purchasing them in April 2023. Additionally, I wear them as everyday socks for home and work.
  - Material: 54% Merino Wool, 42% Nylon, 4% Spandex.
  - Cheaper than Smartwool and Darn Tough socks.
- Opinion:
  - feel good for everyday wear–in hot or cold climate
  - the absolute best socks for long distance rucking, walking, hiking, etc.
  - my experience with these socks is also dependent on the shoes. I use good shoes for rucking on pavement: GORUCK Rough Runners
  - they don’t need washed after each use. They have high tolerance for stink-ability. I wear them multiple times before washing.
  - Negative:
    - they are a little higher on my calf than I prefer. I wish the crew cut were a little shorter. That’s it. They now offer ankle socks in the Merino wool too, which I also love, but I haven’t used them for long distances.
- Sizing:
  - I wear size 11.5 in shoes, including all GORUCK shoes, so I wear size large in the Challenge socks. Large is for men’s sizes 9-11.5. These have obviously done me well, so I haven’t tried another size.

Early in my rucking days, I even tried wearing thin “liner socks” under my Smartwool socks to prevent blisters. Didn’t like them. If you have good socks, these liners aren’t needed.

My nephew is serving as a full-time missionary in Brazil for two years. He walks everywhere–they aren’t allowed to ride bikes or have cars–so his mileage is anywhere from 5-25 miles/day on his feet. I asked him recently what socks he wears. His dad got him 3 pair of GORUCK Merino Challenge Socks before he left for Brazil 1 year ago and he said they are the best–he wears them all the time and washes them… rarely. The climate he’s in is hot and humid always, but his feet don’t get hot in those socks, nor do the socks stink after multiple wears.

Let me know your experience with any of these socks or which ones you’ve put to the test and approve of: jag28@markaforester.com

I’ve heard good things about MudGear Ruck Socks, but haven’t used them.

GORUCK Merino Challenge Socks Review: Are they Legit?

January 3, 2025 By Thad Forester

First, here is a video on these socks:

Smartwool. This is a very popular brand and the first socks I bought when I started training for the JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk/Ruck after my brother was killed in 2010.
- Facts:
  - wore for training and all long rucks for 11 years
  - breathe well
  - I always had some hot spots on my feet by the end of 28 miles (very few blisters).
  - my ankles broke out in a rash that lasted a few days
  - used the trekking version (not sure they still call them trekking on their site)
  - I always changed to fresh pair every 4-7 miles
  - Hot spots/blisters were probably b/c they aren’t tight enough on my feet
- Opinion:
  - good for cold weather activity
Vermont Darn Tough. Another popular brand with great reputation.
- Facts:
  - wore for training as I prepped for the JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk/Ruck. I really wanted to switch to these b/c they are thinner than Smartwool.
  - wore to work and everyday on cold days
  - feel good
  - had hot spots on my feet after medium-distance rucks (7-14 miles)
- Opinion:
  - great for everyday wear, including hiking and rucking
FITS Socks.
- Facts:
  - wore for less than 5 rucks (of 5-10 miles) and had hot spots, so I quit wearing them
  - wore these the least of all the socks
- Opinion:
  - not much to say b/c I quit using after a few uses
  - don’t breath as well as Darn Tough, aka hotter
  - feel good for everyday wear
GORUCK Merino Challenge Socks. Newest to the market of the three listed above. I treated these like all my GORUCK gear and clothing–tested them many times before this review.
- Facts:
  - Wore them for 28 miles in March 2024 in GORUCK City Ruck and never took them off until we finished 9.5 hours later. Zero blisters or hot spots.
  - Wore them for 28 miles in the Mark Forester JAG 28 Birthday Walk/Ruck in May 2024. Never took them off and we were poured on for a few hours. Zero blisters or hot spots.
  - I ruck in them multiple times/week and have since purchasing them in April 2023. Additionally, I wear them as everyday socks for home and work.
  - Material: 54% Merino Wool, 42% Nylon, 4% Spandex.
  - Cheaper than Smartwool and Darn Tough socks.
- Opinion:
  - feel good for everyday wear–in hot or cold climate
  - the absolute best socks for long distance rucking, walking, hiking, etc.
  - my experience with these socks is also dependent on the shoes. I use good shoes for rucking on pavement: GORUCK Rough Runners
  - they don’t need washed after each use. They have high tolerance for stink-ability. I wear them multiple times before washing.
  - Negative:
    - they are a little higher on my calf than I prefer. I wish the crew cut were a little shorter. That’s it. They now offer ankle socks in the Merino wool too, which I also love, but I haven’t used them for long distances.
- Sizing:
  - I wear size 11.5 in shoes, including all GORUCK shoes, so I wear size large in the Challenge socks. Large is for men’s sizes 9-11.5. These have obviously done me well, so I haven’t tried another size.

Early in my rucking days, I even tried wearing thin “liner socks” under my Smartwool socks to prevent blisters. Didn’t like them. If you have good socks, these liners aren’t needed.

Let me know your experience with any of these socks or which ones you’ve put to the test and approve of: jag28@markaforester.com

I’ve heard good things about MudGear Ruck Socks, but haven’t used them.

Ep 119 | Mark Roland – Insider Attack!

November 25, 2024 By Thad Forester

Matthew Roland was killed-in-action in Afghanistan in August 2015 in an insider attack (aka “green on blue”) at an Afghan-led security checkpoint. Killed alongside him was teammate SSgt Forrest Sibley, both Air Force Combat Controllers attached to an Army Special Forces team.

Matthew’s father Mark, shares what happened, how Matthew responded instantly and what his and Forrest’s final moments were like. In addition, we talk about the notification process, grief, healing and the CCT community and support.

Matthew was awarded the Silver Star for his actions that day. You can read the citation here.

Also mentioned in this episode is Danny Sanchez, who was another CCT killed in a green on blue attack. His mother was a guest in episode 99.

Patriot to the Core proud affiliates who support our country and military:

GORUCK. Check out big sales right now.

Freedom Blends, vitamins and supplements.. Use code patriot at checkout for 10% off your order.

Mark Lauren Bodyweight Fitness. I’ve been using since 2016. Use code THAD at checkout for 10% off first year subscription.

You can watch this interview with Mark Roland here: https://youtu.be/XLhUOs8_9JE

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

GORUCK Sternum Pouch – Alternative to Belt Bag/Fanny Pack/Sling Bag/Waist Bag

November 1, 2024 By Thad Forester

I’ve been waiting for this rucking accessory ever since GORUCK teased us with it a few months ago. As someone who rucks multiple times a week, I’ve wanted something small and easily accessible for my keys, phone, etc.

The GORUCK Sternum Pouch is a great option and I show you why in this video:

Size: 4″ x 8″

Material: 500D Cordura

It can be worn by sliding on your sternum strap, on your hip with your regular belt, or slide onto your padded hip belt.

If you need a sternum strap, you can purchase the Training Sternum Strap here:
https://www.thadforester.com/gr-sternum-strap . At this time it’s only $10.

Back side showing how the sternum pouch slides onto your sternum strap, regular belt, or padded hip belt.

For attaching to your Sternum Strap, notice the slight angle to the right of the strap that the G hook is attached to for connecting to the Molle of your rucksack strap so it won’t slip off the Sternum Strap when the strap isn’t clipped to the other side.

I don’t like attaching my sternum strap the entire time–I clip and unclip it throughout my time rucking just to change up the feel of the weight on my shoulders and back. This is no problem with the Sternum Pouch; it wears just fine hanging down with the strap unclipped. Unless you’re running (or shuffling), it doesn’t bounce around much with my phone inside. It’s also very easy to open and close with one hand.

Read more and/or purchase the GORUCK Sternum Pouch here: https://www.thadforester.com/gr-sternum-pouch .

Also mentioned in the video is the GORUCK Belt Bag: https://www.thadforester.com/gr-belt-bag

Belt Bag on the left. Sternum Pouch on the right, for size comparison.

You can browse their other rucking accessories here: https://www.thadforester.com/gr-accessories

Note: in the YouTube review video, I said I had the iPhone 15, but that was wrong. The phone I used to put in the Sternum Pouch was an iPhone 16.

Thanks for checking out my review. I hope it answers your questions. This is a cheap purchase, so most won’t put much thought into it, but when I’m adding more items to my ruck or body, I want them to be useful, easy, and out of the way. That’s why I took time to use and write about this one.

You can check out more of my GORUCK reviews on my YouTube channel here:

GORUCK Review: Kit Bag 32L 2.0

September 28, 2024 By Thad Forester

Now that I’ve had this kit bag for a few months and used it as EDC for work, for air and car travel, and for coaching, I’m ready to give it my review. In addition to this short article, you can watch my review below on YouTube:

Here are links to the two options of GORUCK’s Kit Bag that I discuss in this review:

Kit Bag 32L Ripstop Robic

Kit Bag 32L 1000D Cordura

Details:

Mine is Tidal Blue/Speed Tan, Ripstop Robic

Primary Material: 420D Robic Nylon
Internal Material: 210D Robic Nylon
Shoe Compartment Internal Materials: 1680 Ballistic Nylon & 210D Robic Nylon
Weight: 2.5lbs
32L Dimensions: 17.5”W x 11.5″H x 9”D
Shoe Compartment Dimensions: 17.5”W x 2”D
32L External Zipper Pocket: 14″W x 11″D

Description from GORUCK:

The Aviator’s Kit Bag is used on all Airborne flight operations (jumping out of planes or helos). Special Forces and other units started using the Aviator’s Kit Bags as travel bags, pilot flight bags, and deployment bags because of the large opening at the top, which is plenty big enough to comfortably allow body armor to fit inside.

We’ve modernized the aviator’s kit bag and added functionality for daily use, travel, storage, and organization. This Kit Bag now features even more pockets for more organization with not only many internal and external pockets, but also a bottom shoe compartment so you can keep your trainers, boots, or runners separate from the rest of your gear.

I show how easily my size 11.5 Rough Runners fit in this compartment with the bag loaded up.

Material:

This is the best feature of all. Even though GORUCK has several items, including rucksacks, that are made of Ripstop Robic material, I’m new to it. I really like this material. It’s strong, flexible, and it’s not as course as some of the Cordura bags. I like how it feels to the touch and when it rubs on the skin while carrying heavy weight. It has a high tear resistance. Read more about their Ripstop Robic Collections here.

Waterproof:

We had a football game recently where it rain the entire time–two games back-to-back. My bag sat on the ground and got soaked. This is it below. Nothing inside–my phone, wallet, paper plays, got wet. It did an excellent job repelling the water.

This cover helps keep water from entering from the main zipper.

Zippers:

As with all GORUCK products, all of their zippers are high quality YKK brand with easy, quick grip pulls (both inside and outside pockets).

Conclusion:

This Kit Bag did the job when we flew to DC last weekend. It was my carry-on, along with my trusty 26L GR2.

You can learn a little more about this Kit Bag, along with the water bottle pockets on each outside end, the metal clips on the strap and more at the YouTube video embedded above and here below. Thank you for checking out my review.

If you’re curious about other GORUCK gear and clothing reviews, check out my YouTube channel. I’ve used their products regularly since 2015, therefore I promote them b/c their stuff works best for my activities.