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GORUCK TOUGHMESH Performance Tee Review – Sweat, Rinse, Repeat

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male sweating with goruck toughmesh tee and sand kettlebell


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. I got the red one in June 2025, in the top picture, and the only difference in it and mine in the video is the back side is a little longer than the front. What I’m saying is it’s longer than most Large shirts from GORUCK. But this isn’t a negative, just a small feature I noticed.
  4. As of this post, it’s $45.
male in goruck toughmesh performance tee

male with goruck toughmesh shirt and sandbag

goruck toughmesh tee tag
The ToughMesh Tees released in 2025 are Polymide and Elastane and made in Vietnam

GORUCK ToughMesh Tee
This ToughMesh Tee from 2024 is Polymide, Elastane and Polyester and made in USA


Other GORUCK gear in this video:

–Indestructible Training Shorts – ToughStretch

–Training Sandbags

–ToughDry Tac Hat

-Sand Kettlebells

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 (Huntsville, AL, March 7, 2026). 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.

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.

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

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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.

Max with his GORUCK Challenge Socks in Brazil

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

You can buy 2 pair and get a 1 free. It’s a very good deal: https://www.thadforester.com/grsocks


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