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Ruck Nashville 26.2 Miler Review | GORUCK City Ruck: Pack Contents and Gear

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After 26.2 miles at GORUCK City Ruck in Nashville 2024

On March 23, 2023 I did my first GORUCK City Ruck (formerly Star Course). This is a team or individual event and can be treated as a race or just finish within the allotted time. For the 26.2 miles, we had 11 hours to complete. We weren’t interested in running or “shuffling” just to get done quickly.

My purpose here is to share what gear I used and what I packed in my rucksack. I knew whatever I started out with, I would learn and wish I’d done things differently. So this is my original pack and then what I’d change or not take if I did it again.

A good friend and I were a team and we finished in 9 hours18 minutes. And it was all for this patch (and accomplishment, of course):

Details and rules of the City Ruck are at this link by clicking here and searching for a City Ruck in any location:

Here are the knowns for this City Ruck:

  • Date: March 23, 2024, Nashville, TN, Start time 8:00 am
  • Weather: sunny, 15 mph winds, temps 40-58 degrees
  • Surface: 98% sidewalks/paved paths, 2% grass hills and parks

Pack contents at beginning:

  • GR1 (26L)
  • 20 lb weight plate
  • Nalgene bottle
  • 3L water bladder
  • Rain jacket – GORUCK Challenge Windbreaker
  • t-shirt (as backup or for after)
  • 1 pair Ballega socks, 2 pair Darn Tough socks, both as backup
  • blister kit (Body Glide, scissors, band aids, Gold Bond, moleskin, alcohol wipes, Neosporin)
  • iPhone battery backup (x2)
  • iPhone charger cord (long and short) to connect to battery backup
  • Bulletproof Bands, formerly Ruck Wraps (for my achilles)
  • Dry Bag
  • Apples, oranges, bananas, protein bars, peanuts and cashews (extra of all these to share with teammate)
GORUCK City Ruck pack contents-26.2 miler

On my person:

Now, here is what I would not have brought, having known what I know now:

  • GR1 (21L). I wouldn’t need 26L since I wouldn’t bring so much. The 21L or Rucker would be perfect.
  • 20 lb weight plate
  • Nalgene bottle
  • 3L water bladder
  • Rain jacket – GORUCK Challenge Windbreaker
  • t-shirt (added this as a layer for the first leg b/c I was cold)
  • 1 pair Ballega socks, 2 pair Darn Tough socks, both as backup
  • blister kit (Body Glide, scissors, band aids, Gold Bond, moleskin, alcohol wipes, Neosporin)
  • iPhone battery backup (x2)
  • iPhone charger cord (long and short) to connect to battery backup
  • Bulletproof Bands, formerly Ruck Wraps (for my achilles)
  • Dry Bag
  • Apples, oranges, bananas, protein bars, peanuts and cashews (extra of all these to share with teammate)

On my person (exactly the same):

As you can see, I planned for too much stuff–food, clothing and gear. There was zero chance of rain that day. When I was ready to start, my rucksack weighed 35 lbs. Too much. So, I took out the Nalgene water bottle. My buddy said he wouldn’t eat a banana, so I took one out. I only ended up using about half of the 3L water. Remember, it was not hot. I should have drank more Gatorade though.

My experience rucking long distances prior to this is our annual Mark Forester JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk/Ruck, which I’ve been doing annually since 2011. It has designated rest stops with volunteers, snacks, a trailing truck and a sit-down lunch. So, I was used to taking a break for a few mins and changing my socks. For this City Ruck, I never changed my socks, never took off my shoes, and we barely took any breaks. Our only breaks were when we returned to the start/stop point to get our next waypoints (there were 3 “legs” of the event). And sitting then was only to figure out our next route via Roadrunner app.

GORUCK City Rucks are a great and unique way to see a city. I recommend doing one. I’ve already signed up for the Birmingham City Ruck in November, but I’m only doing the 12 miler.

If you’re considering one or signed up for a City Ruck, I hope this helps you decide what you pack. Weather and how the cadre split it up are the most important variables. Obviously, being prepared by ruck training (you only get good at what you do) and knowing what shoes, socks, and other gear you’ll use is important too.

If you have questions that I didn’t answer, feel free to email me at thad@patriottothecore.com

Our post-ruck meal–steak and potatoes.

Related articles:

What are the best shoes for rucking?

How to train for the Mark Forester JAG 28 Birthday Walk/Ruck

GORUCK Indestructible Grid Fleece Review

GORUCK Merino Wool Hoodie Review

GORUCK Simple Pants Review

GORUCK Challenge Windbreaker

GORUCK Review: KR1 Rucksack for Kids | Travel and School

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Read more and get your KR1 from GORUCK here:

Black (13L only) https://www.thadforester.com/kr1-black
Seaspray + Hot Pink (13L only) https://www.thadforester.com/kr1-black
Spearhead Splatter (9L and 13L) https://www.thadforester.com/kr1-spearhead

Note: as of this review in March 2024, the Spearhead Splatter is on sale for $99. Regular price for all KR1’s is $160. Use my link to take you straight to it: https://www.thadforester.com/kr1-spearhead

If you’re not familiar with GORUCK, you may be asking yourself if I mis-typed those prices…. I get it. Why would anyone pay that kind of money for a backpack, especially a kids backpack?? I discuss this in the video below, and why I’m one of those crazy people who will pay extra for high quality. Honestly, I’m not sure I’d pay full price for these. I got one during their President’s Day sale for $69 and then the Spearhead Splatter is still on sale for $99 (as of now).

You can watch my YouTube review here for more details and all the features:

As an avid rucker with children who are active, I want them to ruck with me. And they WANT to ruck with me. They have their own REI adventure backpacks, but they are ready for more–something that will carry intentional weight–like a weight plate–for rucking and working out.

This GORUCK KR1 is the solution for our needs. It’s GORUCK, so it’s tough. The straps are padded and meant for carrying heavy weight and the zippers and stitching will last. This is also important since they will double as their school backpacks.


Their Chromebooks from school fit in the laptop compartment (I didn’t have one to show when I made the YouTube video).

Pros:
-Great for rucking and ruck workouts (since it has a handle on the top and bottom and padding for a weight plate).
-Will last so when your child grows out of it, the next child can use or possibly the woman of the house.
-Backed by the Scars Lifetime Guarantee. You break it, they will fix it. Hence, the high price point.

Cons:
-Size: In the 13L, which my boys have, there isn’t much room for something other than lunchbox, some books, and other necessary school supplies. If your kids walk to school with frigid temps in the morning, then it’s much warmer in the afternoon and don’t need the thick gloves and a big coat from the morning, there isn’t enough room to put them in the KR1, along with a lunchbox and other required books. If you don’t have a lunchbox, then you can add some bigger clothing.

Below is my 5th grader’s KR1 fully packed with his daily school items. If you can tell, his Chromebook is in the main compartment instead of the bombproof laptop compartment. This is b/c his Chromebook won’t fit in that section easily (it has a case/protector). His KR1 is full and doesn’t have room for his lunchbox, so he carries it separately, along with his water bottle, that won’t fit in the water bottle holder.

-Drink holders on the sides are small. My boys have 26 oz water bottles that will not fit (but easily fit their other backpacks. As you see in the pics, the diameter is 3″, which is too much. They also have 20 oz water bottles that are just under 3″ dia and it barely fits. The bottom picture is a 20 oz. Zulu that fits tight, but works for the boys.


The boys were pumped to get their KR1’s and were excited to take them to school today (April 1). I told them the only way we’ll know they meet their needs for school is to use the packs. If they turn out to be too small, our boys will still use the KR1 for rucking and our F3 bootcamp ruck workouts.


You got questions, let me know in the comments or email me at thad@patriottothecore.com
I’ll update later once my kids use them. I don’t know how much longer it will fit my 11 year old, but hopefully another year or two.

Here is another review I’ve done on GORUCK Rucksacks: https://youtu.be/eB0VuNVnW-A

Update from 4/6/24: The boys have used their KR1’s all week for school and we’ve gone on two rucks this week. They love the KR1, but for school, they are a little too small to hold everything they have, including their bigger drink bottles, binder, soft lunchbox, Chromebook, etc.

Early morning ruck

GORUCK KR1 Backpack / Rucksack

Update from 1/11/2025: the KR1 is definitely too small for my boys to use for school (now ages 9 and 11), but ours still get used for rucking and other fun the boys have.

GORUCK Review: Indestructible Performance Joggers

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Here are a few details about GORUCK’s Indestructible Performance Joggers. They seem to run out of stock quickly and often, so if you’re on the fence, I hope this review helps you decide before they sell out again. Read all the official details here:

GORUCK Indestructible Performance Joggers

Before you read more, you can watch my YouTube review too:

That’s a solid 2″ vertical!

Here are the simple, important details:

-Sizing: True to size when comparing to Indestructible Training Shorts, that also come in S-XXL sizing. I’m a 36 waist, 6’2″, and got the XL size. They fit perfect. I also wear XL in the training shorts (as a comparison). Note: men’s sizing.
-How do they handle water? They aren’t water resistant like many pieces of their clothing and gear. But, they air dry very fast.
-Simple. No hidden pockets; just one on each side and one zippered pocket on the back right. Mine are Ranger Green color, which is the only color offered at the time of this review.
-Stretchy, but not so stretchy to where your toes get hung and they are hard to put on quickly (like some other nice sweatpants).

That’s about it. Nothing too elaborate here. You can buy them or read more here:

GORUCK Indestructible Performance Joggers


Soaking the joggers in the shower

What Are the Best Shoes for Rucking?

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**Take advantage of GORUCK’s Early Bird Specials on many items including up to 50% off shoes. I just got more Rough Runners for %50 off–that’s $70 shoes that are my absolute favorite for rucking now**

That question will be answered differently depending who you ask, but the most important fact to acknowledge right off the bat is no matter what shoes are most comfortable to you for running, walking or wearing around, things may change completely once you add weight for rucking.

First off, below is a detailed video I did on the best shoes for rucking. But, if you want just a simple list of the shoes I cover, with links and little info, continue on with this article.

If you’re new to rucking or want to start this activity, you’ll want to have good shoes. What does “good” mean? For me, it’s shoes that allow me to ruck with as much weight as I want, on various terrain, without my feet hurting or blisters forming, possibly with ankle support, and with good traction for the surface where I’m rucking.

There are a TON of options out there. And you probably have several different shoes in your closet that you can use. I’m here to share some good options that I’ve used over the years and what shoes I’ve settled on now, after being an avid rucker for 14 years.

The type of terrain you’ll be rucking is important. Off road/trail, paved path/road, sand, gravel, dirt, etc. Is there a shoe that is versatile enough to handle whatever environment you’re rucking in? I’m not sure, but some of the shoes I review here come very close to meeting all those needs in one.

Watch my YouTube video above for details on all these shoes:

Scarpa Hiking Boots (I no longer use these for rucking)
La Sportiva GTX Hiking Boots (I no longer use these for rucking)
MACV-1 (bought these mid-tops in late 2018 right after they were released)
MACV-2 (I don’t own these yet)
Mackall’s (I don’t own these trail running shoes)
Jedburgh’s (I prefer to use these in the woods for the grip and ankle support, not on paved or smooth surfaces)
Ballistic Trainers (great for cross-training, gym, running shorter distances, and rucking flat surfaces)
Rough Runners (what I’m using now for long distance rucks. Made for running or rucking with heavy weight. Here is an in-depth review of the Rough Runners).

GORUCK Rough Runners

GORUCK Rough Runners and GR1

GORUCK Jedburgh Rucking Boots
GORUCK Jedburgh Rucking Boots

GORUCK GR1, GR2, GR3, Rucker – Are They Worth the Money?

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In the realm of rucksacks (aka backpacks), where choices abound and price tags vary widely, one brand stands out for its exceptional quality, durability, and rugged yet simple design: GORUCK. While some may balk at the higher price point of GORUCK backpacks (I agree their prices hurt!), those who have experienced their unmatched performance understand that they are more than just bags to carry stuff; they are investments in reliability, functionality, and longevity. Here’s why GORUCK backpacks are worth every hard-earned dollar.

You can also watch my YouTube review below:

Built to Last

GORUCK backpacks are not your average backpacks. They are built to endure the harshest conditions and toughest challenges. Constructed from military-grade materials like Cordura fabric and featuring bombproof stitching and laptop compartment, these backpacks are designed to withstand years of heavy use without showing signs of wear and tear. Whether you’re trekking through the wilderness, commuting in the urban jungle, or traveling around the globe, a GORUCK backpack will be your trusty companion for the long haul. They were tested for years before coming on the market, which means they are meant to be used and abused–not kept safe and clean in your closet and car.

Sloss Furnace push-ups

If you plan on doing a GORUCK event, their gear is definitely recommended. Since it will get wet, muddy, dragged, thrown, used as a weight, and carry heavy weight in most of the GORUCK events, you want their gear that is built for this very purpose.

Versatility

One of the hallmarks of GORUCK backpacks is their versatility. From everyday carry to outdoor adventures to missionary and humanitarian work to tactical missions, these backpacks are designed to adapt to any situation. With features like YKK high-quality zippers and pulls, MOLLE webbing, bomb-proof padded laptop compartments, and hydration bladder compatibility, GORUCK backpacks are as functional as they are durable. They seamlessly transition from work to play b/c they don’t have any loud branding, making them the perfect choice for those who demand performance and reliability in all aspects of their lives. They also have that “stealth” look so you don’t stand out or look too tactical, especially when you want to blend in. I guess “stealth” is debatable depending on the color you choose.

In addition, they are water resistant. My image below (and my video on YouTube) show how water beads off.

Unrivaled Comfort

Comfort is paramount when it comes to backpacks, especially for those who carry heavy loads for extended periods. GORUCK understands this, which is why their backpacks are engineered for maximum comfort even under the heaviest loads. With heavily padded shoulder straps, a contoured back panel, and a sternum strap for added stability (sold separately), GORUCK backpacks distribute weight evenly and hold the weight up high on your back, therefore minimizing fatigue and allowing you to stay comfortable and focused no matter how far you roam. If you really need it, you can get a padded hip belt.

Lifetime Warranty

Every GORUCK backpack comes with the SCARS lifetime guarantee, which means that if your backpack ever fails due to manufacturing defects or normal wear and tear, GORUCK will repair or replace it free of charge. This unparalleled warranty not only provides peace of mind but also underscores GORUCK’s confidence in the durability and reliability of their products. It’s the best manufacturers warranty out there. Period. I’ve used it with my GR2. They fixed it after 5 years and it’s good as new.

Conclusion

In a world where disposable consumer goods are the norm, GORUCK backpacks stand out as a beacon of quality, craftsmanship, simpleness, and durability. While they may require a larger upfront investment compared to cheaper alternatives, their unmatched performance, versatility, comfort, and lifetime guarantee make them a wise long-term investment for anyone in need of a reliable backpack that can keep up with their adventures, wherever they may lead. GORUCK will go the distance. And if you’ve found a backpack/rucksack that will stand the test of time longer and better than GORUCK, please share with me–I’ll be interested to know.

I own the GR1, GR2, and Rucker. I don’t have the GR3, Bullet, M23 or other rucksacks. Here are direct links to the backpacks I use and have referenced in this article:

GORUCK GR1: I own the 26L. Starting at $335.
GORUCK GR2: I own the 26L. Starting at $405. *Note: a YouTube watcher said GR didn’t come out with the 26L until a few years ago, so my GR2 is a 34L. I never knew for sure b/c I bought in 2015 and didn’t have a GR account then, so I can’t go back and check.
GORUCK Rucker: I own the 15L. Starting at $245.

Sizing note: a friend of mine is 5’10” and has the 26L GR2 (which is the same height at the 26L GR1). He doesn’t like wearing it with weight b/c it rubs his lower back–it’s too long on him. I’m 6’2″ and haven’t had that issue. So, if you’re 5’10” or shorter, or have a short torso, you may want to get the 21L, or other shorter rucksack. GORUCK recommends getting the 21L if you’re under 6′ tall, and the 26L if 6′ or over. FYI, the 21L is about 2″ shorter than the 26L.

Here is another article I wrote on the GORUCK GR1

Mentioned in the YouTube video is a review on the Bullet Rucker 4.0: