Although I’m an avid rucker (and have been for 15 years), the GORUCK Rucking Weight Vest has become an important part of my fitness routine and I can confidently say it’s a product that lives up to the GORUCK reputation. Here are five reasons why the GORUCK Rucking Weight Vest is worth the investment.
Unmatched Comfort
The comfort of this vest is its standout feature. GORUCK has integrated the padded shoulder straps from their Rucker series, which are designed to handle heavy loads without digging into your shoulders. I’ve worn this for extended periods, and the dual-density foam in the straps makes a significant difference. The interior is lined with a smooth 210D CORDURA® fabric that doesn’t cause chafing, even when worn without a shirt.
Superior Stability
One of the biggest frustrations that I hear with other weight vests is the constant shifting and bouncing of the weight plates during dynamic movements. The GORUCK Rucking Weight Vest solves this problem with a secure and snug fit. The plate pockets are designed to hold the weights tight against your body, eliminating any distracting movement whether you’re running, jumping, or doing burpees. This allows you to focus on your workout instead of your gear.
Built to Last
Durability is synonymous with the GORUCK brand, and this vest is no exception. It’s constructed from 1000D CORDURA® on the exterior, a military-grade material known for its toughness and resistance to abrasions. Knowing that the vest is backed by GORUCK’s SCARS Lifetime Guarantee provides peace of mind that this is a long-term investment in your fitness journey.
Versatile for Any Workout
This vest is incredibly versatile. I’ve used it for everything from rucking and traditional strength training to more unconventional workouts like yard work. It’s compatible with a variety of plates, including GORUCK’s own Ruck Plates and Rogue’s Echo Vest Plates, allowing you to customize the weight to your specific needs. Plus, changing out the weight plates is very simple, with just a few steps (unlike other brands, like I show in my YouTube review below). It’s a single piece of equipment that can enhance almost any aspect of your training.
Smart, User-Friendly Design
GORUCK has clearly put a lot of thought into the small details that make a big difference. The “swimmer’s cut” allows for a full range of motion, so you never feel restricted. Curved weight plates allow for better breathing and easier to talk to the person next to you while workout out. A magnetic quick-access chest pocket is perfect for stashing your phone (fits my iPhone 16), keys or workout notes (I’m still a paper guy) and the padded grab handle on the back makes it easy to carry and hang up. These little features add to the overall user experience and make the vest a pleasure to use.
You can also watch my video review on YouTube for a different perspective:
Conclusion
There are lots of options when it comes to weight vests. As much as I love GORUCK, if you’re new to rucking/training vests, you may want to start out with a cheaper brand. But, once you’re committed, I recommend trying out GORUCK’s Rucking Weight Vest. Then, you can compare and see what you prefer.