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

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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


How do the 20L and 25L compare on me?

I’m 6′ 1″ tall. The 25L works for me, but my preference is the 20L for two reasons:

  1. I like minimal size. That’s why I’ve loved the 15L Bullet Rucker 4.0 for so long
  2. I like where the lumbar support hits my lower back on the 20L. If I were a few inches taller, I’d probably prefer the 25L.

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 are covered in my YouTube video.

Final Verdict

The Rucker 5.0 is GORUCK’s best Rucker yet. If you’re on a version older than the 4.0, at least consider an upgrade, but if you’re happy, don’t change. 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.

Related review: GORUCK Basic Rucker Review: Simple, Tough, and Purpose-Built

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