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GORUCK Bullet Rucker Review – After 28 Mile Ruck

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In May 2023, I completed our annual Mark Forester JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk/Ruck. This was the first year I’ve used the GORUCK Bullet Rucker instead of the GR2 that I’ve used the past 12 years (along with using for many months of training each year).

This 15L Bullet Rucker had the capacity for everything I needed, although it was a little snug. I really like the size and simplicity.

So that you have all the details of this event, I’ll fill you in so you know why I carried what I did and didn’t carry other things, like water and food/snacks.

-it’s an organized event with police escorts and planned rest stops every 5-7 miles.
-each stop had drinks and snacks, along with a lunch stop
-we had a trailing car that provided drinks between stops when needed
-the weather was in the 50’s to upper 70’s, so it never got too hot
-we were on paved city and county roads the entire 28 miles, however 6 miles was on a dirt road

Here is a link that will take you to GORUCK’s site, so you see more info and purchase if you want: https://www.thadforester.com/gryt-rucker

I am an affiliate, so if you use my link, I’ll get a tiny commission and it will not cost you a thing. And here is my previous review comparing with the GR 2:

https://youtu.be/3pjYDF5aImM

Here is what I carried in my Bullet Rucker (shown in the video):

-5 pair Balega hidden comfort socks, 1 pair Darn Tough socks (in case my feet had serious issues. They didn’t!)
-1 extra pair underwear
-1 extra pair GORUCK Simple Shorts
-2 extra shirts
-blister kit
-Gold Bond powder
-Body Glide
-2 Bulletproof Bands (compression bands for achilles prehab at each rest stop)
-cell phone power charger
-1 Rx Bar

And if you want to learn more about the Mark Forester JAG 28 Birthday Walk/Ruck, click here: https://markaforester.com/jag28walk2023/ We have another coming up May 18, 2024. Join us!

GORUCK Indestructible Training Shorts Review – after 3 years

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You can read more about these and purchase here: https://www.thadforester.com/grtrainingshorts-yt

After three years of use, it’s time I do a review on these GORUCK Indestructible Training Shorts (formerly called American Training Shorts).

I have 3 pair and all are XL. My waist is 36″.

They wick sweat very well, don’t stick to my legs when I am sweating or wet during my workout, and dry very quickly. They have the typical GORUCK ToughStretch, which basically means they are 4-way stretch material.

I cover a couple cons, but overall, I like them enough to have several and have been using multiple times/week during warm weather for training (parking lots, sidewalks, roads, tennis courts, grass and garage workouts – down on and off the ground often). I wear them to play tennis too. Each pocket holds 2 tennis balls well.

These are $75, with the Tiger Stripe pattern being $85. Obviously not cheap. Worth it? Depends what’s important to you. In the long run, these have the GORUCK Scars Lifetime Guarantee. That’s def something to consider.

What are the brands that you like or are trying to decide between them and GORUCK?

You got questions? Ask me.

Get the shorts or read more about them on GORUCK’s site here: https://www.thadforester.com/grtrainingshorts-yt

You can see more of my GORUCK gear and apparel at: https://www.thadforester.com/affiliates/

GORUCK Indestructible Grid Fleece – Half Zip Review

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After using the past two years, I thought it was time to let you know how it’s held up to exercising outside, rucking and just wearing around b/c it looks good.

Plus I provide some features of this GORUCK Grid Fleece pullover (https://www.thadforester.com/gr-grid-fleece-half) It’s very warm considering the thickness, and not only adds a layer of insulation but also wicks away moisture, keeping you dry and warm in challenging conditions.

I also cover sizing, torso length and a few other details and shows little signs of wear.

To read more about it and/or purchase, visit:

https://www.thadforester.com/gr-grid-fleece-half

Thanks for watching. If you enjoy, please like and subscribe to my channel. I purchase GORUCK gear and clothing regularly. I also use it often– almost daily.

Note: GORUCK has never sent me anything to review. All of my reviews are b/c I purchased and use the products. However, I’d never object to them sending me gear to review…

For more GORUCK rucking and training gear:

https://www.thadforester.com/grtrainingshorts-yt
https://www.thadforester.com/gryt-sand
https://www.thadforester.com/grballistic
https://www.thadforester.com/gryt-rucker
https://www.thadforester.com/grsocks

GORUCK Indestructible Challenge Shorts Review

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Fit, function, ToughDry material, and why I recommend them in under 6 minutes.

To read more and/or purchase, go here: https://www.thadforester.com/grapparel

I’ve been wearing GORUCK apparel for 8 years. These shorts are tough, aka abrasion resistant, dry very fast, stretch, and are water repellant.

I also explain why they are practical for everyone, not just those participating in a GORUCK event. But, if you want to learn more about the GORUCK events, visit here: https://www.thadforester.com/goruck-events

Also mentioned in this video are the GORUCK 24.7 Simple Shorts and some differences between the two. You can watch my review on them here: https://youtu.be/hTHwJ_de1H0

See more GORUCK apparel here: https://www.thadforester.com/grapparel

Let me know any questions or comments.

Best Long Walking Path in Huntsville

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Aldridge Creek Greenway

I train for a 28-mile Memorial Walk each year and yesterday I needed to get at least 10 miles to make sure my feet are ready.

I was looking for a specific path for this walk. Here were my criteria:

-did not want to walk along a busy road. Walking/rucking is relaxing to me and I do not like consistent road noise.
-wanted a long path so I could easily get 10+ miles without making the same loop many times
-needed some seclusion and/or restrooms b/c I drink a lot of water and have to go at least every hour
-prefer some sitting options so I can take a quick break to snack, drink, stretch and change socks if needed
-since the annual event is on paved roads, I want a paved path. My family and I make great use of the many hiking trails in the area, but this specific event is paved roads, so that’s how I typically train, especially for long walks

Fortunately, Huntsville, AL has many greenways and I’ve spent time on most of them. But, the Aldridge Creek Greenway is one that I’ve never walked on. So, off I went.

I parked at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on the corner of Bailey Cove Road and Green Mountain Road, and headed south on the path.

It was a perfect spring day, late April. Birds were everywhere, kids playing in the water along the path, many runners, walkers and bikers–both families and individuals; all ages. Since the path is wide, there wasn’t a problem with being overcrowded.

Smells always stick with me. I don’t know what caused the wet dog smell for about the first mile, but after that the honeysuckle and other pleasant smells took over.

There are benches about every 1/2 to 3/4 miles–plenty of them. Generous people have donated, often times in memory of a loved one.

I walked to Ditto Landing, covered that area just a little, found a bathroom at the pavilion, took a quick break along the river, then headed back.

Note: there are more paths at Ditto Landing, but I didn’t take them. Next time, I’ll check out the path along the river.

Went straight back to the church parking lot, which was 10 miles. Took me 3 hours and 20 mins. Step count was around 21,300.

My goal is always around 18-19 min miles b/c that’s the pace we’ll do during the JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk. I wasn’t far off, but didn’t stop my counter when I stopped to talk with a biker, sat and ate a few snacks and used the bathroom.

If you’re looking for elevation gain, this isn’t the path. Over these 10 miles, my gain was only 154 feet. When I want elevation gain, I have a great spot in Hampton Cove that is a burner!

The only time I encountered road noise was close to Ditto Landing.

The scenery along the path was beautiful. Also saw some brightly colored birds and a mama duck with her ducklings.

These walks (actually a ruck since I was carrying 20 lbs on my back) are my time to get away from my busy and loud life, listen to a podcast, listen to silence and nature, and think. Basically, rucking is perfect outdoor therapy.

I hope this post is helpful to you as you plan your next short or long walk/ruck. Huntsville is a beautiful area and has many great outdoor options. I’m not saying this is my favorite path, but it’s definitely one of my favorite. And since I was looking for distance and seclusion, I got it on Aldridge Creek Greenway.

Post a comment below on what you like or don’t like about this greenway. Also, please share other paths that you like and why. And if you’re new to Huntsville, welcome! I’m far from an expert on the area since I’ve only been here 2.5 years. We’re still exploring too.

If you’re interested in my playlist for this walk (when I wasn’t listening to nothing), here are the two podcasts I completed:

Our Town Podcast – Lisa DeFalco
The Ready State – Jon Gregory

Gear used (and always used for rucking): Bullet Rucker, Ballistic Trainers shoes, Simple Shorts, American Training Shirt; all from GORUCK–gear and apparel that I’ve tested and proven since 2015.

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