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GORUCK Belt Bag Review | Sling Bag | Hip Bag | Waist Bag | Fanny Pack

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I think Jerry Seinfeld was on to something in the 90’s…. not a fanny pack, but a European Carry-all.

If you want in on the craze of fanny packs/belt bags/sling bags/cross body bags/mini hip packs/bum bags, etc. today, here is a good option. Why is it a good option? Mainly b/c it’s GORUCK. It’s a simple design and the material is tough and water repellant.

Below is a YouTube review I did, but this article goes more in depth than the video does.

Size

This belt bag currently comes in two sizes: Large and Small. The one I have in this video and these pictures is the Large. Here are the dimensions:

Large: 8″W 5″H 1.25″D, capacity is 1L
Small: 8″W 4″H 1.25″D, capacity is .4L

The large is easy to wear in the car as a driver with the seatbelt on.

Sitting at a restaurant while wearing the Belt Bag. It causes no discomfort and doesn’t restrict movement.

Strap length

One of the biggest questions for potential buyers and users is if the belt/strap is long enough to wear cross body. I show you in this vid how it fits me across body and around waist.

*Update: I wore this cross body while walking around the monuments in Washington, DC recently. The clip on the strap was in the perfect spot to rub my inner arm near my elbow when I walked. So, I had to wear it on my hip. That wasn’t a big problem, but if the strap was a little longer, this probably wouldn’t be an issue.

Overall length is just under 48″

Material

420D Ripstop Robic Nylon Exterior / 210D Cordura Interior. It’s hard to break and tough to rip. Plus, it repels water, just like with their backpacks.

Ripstop ROBIC material up close

In addition, it has waterproof AquaGuard exterior zippers

Waterproof YKK AquaGuard exterior zippers


Rucking Accessory

I’ve found this Belt Bag is a great, simple addition to rucking. When I ruck, I always have my phone to track my distance and listen to podcasts and talks. When I want to ruck in exercise shorts, like the GORUCK Training Shorts, my phone bounces in my pocket too much, so I don’t wear them to ruck. Instead, I wear shorts or pants that have a pocket where my phone won’t move.

With this Belt Bag, I can wear those Training Shorts, or any loose shorts or sweat pants, and put my phone in it and it’s secure and still easily accessible.

At $45, it’s worth trying it out. It is nice to have something to free up pocket space or to more easily carry some essentials (or what we may think are essentials).

There are a ton of options and brands right now. I get targeted online with new ones all the time. If you do research and want to buy quality, you’ve come to the right place. I have no doubts that there are many good options for your needs, but as a user and endorser of GORUCK, you can’t go wrong with the Belt Bag. Plus, as I’ve said with many of their other products, it comes with the SCARS Lifetime Guarantee. You break it. GORUCK fixes it.

You can see more accessories and bag here: https://www.thadforester.com/gr-accessories

Gift Idea: If you don’t know what to get someone you know who loves GORUCK products, a gift card is a great option. Just click this link and send them a gift card for $30 or much more.

What else do you want to know about it?

Shorts Review: GORUCK Challenge Shorts vs. Prometheus Design Werx Raider Field Short TRS ATB

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In addition to this written review, you can watch my video review here with more details:


GORUCK and Prometheus Design Werx (PDW) are two companies that produce high quality clothing and gear. I have tremendous respect for them both.

The purpose of this review is to compare their material, fit, sizing, how well each repels water and how quick they dry. These shorts do not have the exact same uses–the PDW Raider Field Shorts are more technical–have more pockets and options. The GORUCK Challenge Shorts are more simple. So, I’m not comparing their uses/functionality, only the material and fit.

Sizing

Prometheus Design Werx Raider Field Shorts runs big in the waist. I wear a 36″ in the waist for all GORUCK shorts and pants (pretty much in every brand of pants). But, with these PDW shorts, I had to return the 36″ waist and get 34″. The 34″ fit perfect–just like 36″ in everything else.

How Do They Repel Water?

The above video covers this in detail, with video of getting them wet. The GORUCK Challenge Shorts definitely repel water better than the Prometheus Design Werx Raider Field Short. Neither is water proof, but the PDW get wet almost instantly, where the GORUCK repel initially.


How Quick do they Dry?

In the video, I soak both shorts in water, wring them out and hang to air dry outside. After 2 hrs 15 mins, I checked them both. The GORUCK Challenge Shorts were completely dry. The PDW Raider Field Shorts were all dry except the front pockets. Still wearable, but not completely dry.

Fit and Feel

GORUCK: 10.5″ inseam. I’m 6′ 1″ and the 36″ waist shorts come to top of my knees. Legs are a little bigger in the thighs. Despite the PDW Raider Field Shorts being more stretchy, I’ve never had any limitations while exercising or doing any activities in the Challenge Shorts (or Simple Shorts). They stretch too, just not as much as the PDW.

PDW: 10″ inseam. I’m 6′ 1″, the 34″ waist shorts come just above my knees, slightly shorter than the Challenge Shorts. Legs are a little smaller than on the Challenge Shorts. The material stretches well, better than the GORUCK shorts.

Overall

You can’t go wrong with either shorts, but they each have different benefits. For instance, if you want shorts to workout outside, get wet, muddy, sandy, dry fast, abrasion resistant, etc, then the GORUCK Challenge Shorts are the best option (really any GORUCK shorts, like the Simple Shorts too).

If you want shorts to work outside without restrictions, abrasion resistant, have plenty of pockets and features for hiking, camping, etc, and will dry fast, the Prometheus Design Werx Raider Field Short are a great option. But, once again, that’s not why I wrote this review. This review is focused on material and fit. Obviously, both shorts have much overlap in uses and strengths.

If you wear both shorts, let me know what you like and dislike about them, what you use them for, etc.

I use the GORUCK shorts much more than PDW b/c I do more rucking/hiking instead of camping, climbing and trekking.

This review is a short, simple review that hopefully gets right to the point. If you want more details and visuals, watch my YouTube video above.

Affiliate note:

I am a GORUCK affiliate, so I get a small percentage commission with each sale if you purchase GORUCK products from my links. This does not cost you any additional money–the prices are the same for buyers. I do this b/c I have a weird obsession with good gear and clothing. I have used GORUCK products since 2015 and have been impressed with their quality and versatility. I don’t do this to make a living, only to help support my habit of buying high-quality items from GORUCK, PDW, and other American companies.

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

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.

group of men with goruck shoes for working out
4 men from our workout group wearing GORUCK Rough Runners and Mackall’s

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

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.