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Why I Ruck

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beautiful scenery for rucking for fitness and mental health


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.

man rucking with weighted backpack in mountains of utah


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.
group rucking with weighted backpacks for community, fitness and honoring Mark Forester
2024 Participants of The Mark Forester JAG 28 Birthday Walk/Ruck
  • 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”.
kids rucking with weighted backpacks for fitness and community, wearing GORUCK KR1

father and sons rucking in nature

men rucking with weighted backpack for fitness and mental toughness
Old friends catching up while rucking 28 miles

group of people rucking with weighted backpacks to honor SrA Mark Forester

  • 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.
peaceful scenery for rucking with weight to improve physical and mental health, Huntsville, AL

  • 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.
group of people rucking with weighted backpacks to honor SrA Mark Forester CCT


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.

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.

GORUCK Rough Runners – Are They Worth the Hype for Rucking Long Distance?

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First off, I did a YouTube video review below. My article here will cover a little more detail, but the video will cover some specifics that I don’t in this post:


On May 18, 2024, I completed the Mark Forester JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk. This is an annual event that I’ve organized and led annually since 2011.


I used the GORUCK Rough Runners for my second long distance ruck this year. You can read my initial review from 2 months ago here. I go into great detail on these shoes.

I explain in the review linked above the surface of the JAG 28 Walk and why I thought the Rough Runners were a good choice. After spending 11 hours on various wavy/unlevel, mostly paved surfaces, I can now confidently say the Rough Runners passed my test and I can recommend them to anyone who needs a long distance rucking shoe (without ankle support–covered in the video).

Below are my feet after 28 miles, 11 hours, and pouring rain. We were soaked.


My feet were definitely soft after being in wet shoes for over 7 hours straight. But, I had zero blisters or hot spots.


Below are most of the surfaces we walked on. Although most all of them were paved, except for about 6 miles of gravel in the national forest, some of those roads were very wavy and after about 20 miles, felt sharp on the feet. This is where the firm, thick padding on the Rough Runners came into play for me. They are build for carrying heavy weight over long periods of time. They will bend and flex with the surface, without breaking down and getting too soft or marshmellowy.


Below was probably the worst surface on the route. We had a few roads like this, covering several miles, once we got up in the mileage that day. If you had on thin or stiff shoes, this surface really worked your feet. It’s what really worked my feet and ankles last year wearing the Ballistic Trainers (which I detail in this video and others linked in this post).


Some of the surfaces were very smooth, however the slope from the center to edge was pretty good.


This rucker was in so much pain by mile 26, that she took off her shoes to walk for a few minutes.


I hope my words and these pics, along with the other linked articles and videos, give you the info you need to confidently use or purchase what shoes you’ll wear for your long distance rucks, walks, or runs.

The GORUCK Rough Runners have proven to take care of my feet in wet and dry conditions. I like the time and space they’ve saved me from not having to change socks and carry so many extra socks. There is a reason why the Rough Runners and Ballistic Trainers were named the Official Footwear of CrossFit in 2024.

If you want to compare the Rough Runners to Ballistic Trainers side-by-side (which are also great shoes), click here: https://www.thadforester.com/gr-footwear20

Of course, no matter how good the gear is, there is no substitute for training. I recommend training no matter what shoes or socks you’re wearing–there is no substitute. Never show up to a long event in untested gear.

In the end, we did the 28 miles all for this patch (well, kind of):

GORUCK Discount Codes

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BLUF: (Bottom line up front) – The below codes provide 10% discount on GORUCK purchases. Use my link to their main page here and then go to the product(s) you want:

EASTER
JBAKER
REDBEARD10

The compilation of pics above are just a sampling of the GORUCK gear and clothing that I own. And I not only own it, but I use it–all the time (since 2015). This post is b/c I believe in the GORUCK brand and understand that it’s expensive and not everyone can afford it, especially on a regular basis. Many of the items I buy are paid off over time with Affirm while others have to be budgeted.

In the realm of outdoor enthusiasts and avid ruckers, few brands command as much respect and admiration as GORUCK. Known for their tough and versatile gear designed to withstand the roughest of conditions, GORUCK has become synonymous with quality, durability, and a spirit of adventure. Whether you’re embarking on a ruck through the wilderness or city, tackling an urban exploration or city ruck, needing the most effective and efficient garage gym gear, traveling and only want a carry-on, or simply seeking reliable gear or clothing for everyday use, GORUCK has you covered. And for those seeking to save a few bucks on their next GORUCK purchase, discount codes offer a welcomed opportunity to indulge in premium gear while providing a little less guilt.

And if you’re mil, LE, Fire, medic, gov, or teacher, GORUCK offers a discount–always. You can read more about the Earned Service Discount here.

Once again, here are codes from other users with great experience and authority on GORUCK gear. These codes seem to consistently work. Use this link to visit GORUCK and enter any of the codes below at checkout for 10% off.
Note: the below codes are from sites/channels whose GORUCK reviews I respect. You can visit their sites by clicking the code names listed.

EASTER
JBAKER
REDBEARD10

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