GORUCK’s End of Year Sale is on. Check out these prices on some of my favorite items and/or those on my wish list.
GORUCK Black Friday Sale | End of Year Sale
GORUCK Challenge Windbreaker Review – Indestructible for Ruckers?
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
- 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”.
- 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.
- 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.
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 (Birmingham, AL, Nov 22, 2025). 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?
This is the new GORUCK Boonie Hat. They have two options, but both are made from GORUCK’s unique ToughDry material.
You can watch my short review below where I cover these topics:
- 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.
- Does the ToughDry material stretch? Repel Water?
- Does it really float? I compared its floating ability to my 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 Challenge Shorts vs. Lululemon Commission Shorts
As someone who wears both brands, this article is to share which one is the most versatile. I realize Lululemon and GORUCK don’t always have the same audience. They aren’t always used for the same activities. However, there is some overlap in uses. Plus, if someone didn’t know any better, they may think: “they are both expensive, so they both must be good for what I need.” This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Disclaimer: even though this article is on the shorts, all my comments apply to the GORUCK Challenge Pants and Lululemon Commission Pants (I have them both too).
Note: I did a review on the Challenge Shorts in late 2023, which you can learn more about them in that article and video. This review doesn’t go into as many specifics on the shorts.
*You can also watch my upcoming YouTube review on these shorts soon at my channel below:
Fit and Comfort
The Challenge Shorts have a 10.5″ inseam, which is longer than the Commission Shorts, offered at both 9″ and 10″. The 10.5″ length is noticeable in both appearance and feel compared to my Commission Shorts 10″ inseam.
Water repellant? Fast Drying?
I’m always interested how well my clothing repels water and dries. The pictures below show an experiment I did where I dipped both shorts in water and got completely wet, wrung them out, then hung to dry outside. After 2 hrs 45 mins, the results were: GORUCK were completely dry. Lululemon were very close to dry, but the pockets were still damp.
Additionally, the GORUCK Challenge Shorts bead water off at first whereas the Lululemon don’t have any repelling properties–they immediately get wet. I wrote more about their ability to repel and dry quickly when I rucked 28 miles in May 2024 in the pouring rain. They performed superbly.
Stretchy?
GORUCK has what they call 4-way stretch, which allow ample movement for all activities. This is where Lululemon definitely wins. Their Commission Shorts definitely stretch more and feel better b/c they are softer. They are also thicker than the Challenge Shorts (and all GORUCK Shorts and pants). So, if stretchiness is most important to you, then go with Lululemon.
Durability vs. Comfort
One of the most significant differences between GORUCK and Lululemon clothing is the balance between durability and comfort. GORUCK prioritizes ruggedness and the ability to withstand extreme conditions, making their clothing ideal for those who engage in tough physical activities like rucking, hiking, and other training, along with the option to easily blend in “out on the town”. Lululemon, on the other hand, focuses more on comfort and style, with an emphasis on performance in less demanding environments like offices, yoga studios and gyms.
Functionality vs. Aesthetic
GORUCK’s clothing is highly functional, with features designed to enhance performance in challenging conditions. The aesthetic is understated and practical, with a focus on utility. Lululemon, while also functional, places a greater emphasis on aesthetics. Their clothing is designed to look good both during workouts and in everyday settings, appealing to those who value style as much as performance.
Conclusion:
I also compared the GORUCK Challenge Short to Prometheus Design Werx Raider Field Shorts in this article and video.
I enjoy comparing the Challenge Shorts, and other GORUCK clothing, to other good brands b/c I wear GORUCK clothing and use their gear almost daily–in fitness, lounging, in the office and church.
Are there any questions you’ve got about the Challenge Shorts, or any other GORUCK clothing or gear? Let me know. You can email me at: thad@patriottothecore.com
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 and other American companies.
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