GORUCK: What Is Rucking?
Rucking is the simple act of walking with a weighted pack. The term originates from military training, but recently, civilians have picked it up as an accessible, efficient, and highly effective form of outdoor exercise. GORUCK, one of the most prominent brands in the rucking world, helped popularize this practice and has inspired countless people to ditch the treadmill in favor of the trail.
How Rucking Works
The basic premise is straightforward: you carry weight in a durable rucksack or backpack and walk at a brisk pace. The added load increases your heart rate and calorie burn, strengthening your lower body, core, and cardiovascular system. The best part? All fitness levels can get started—just pick a pack and load you can manage.
- Weighted walking builds muscular endurance and real-world strength.
- It’s scalable—add or remove weight as needed.
- You can ruck almost anywhere: park trails, sidewalks, hills, or stairways.
Best Gear for Rucking
While you can use almost any sturdy backpack, niche brands like GORUCK make purpose-built packs designed for comfort and durability. Here are some top choices for your first (or next) ruck:
More Than Just a Backpack Walk
Thanks to GORUCK and the rucking community, walking with weight is now a group activity too. Public GORUCK clubs bring people together for fitness and camaraderie, making training more enjoyable and motivating.
Training and Safety Tips
- Start with 10–20 lbs if you’re new, and gradually increase as your strength improves.
- Prioritize a good fit—shoulder and hip straps help distribute weight and prevent strain.
- Don’t forget hydration, especially on warm days or longer training sessions.
How Many Calories Does Rucking Burn?
Weight, pace, and terrain all impact calorie burn during rucking. Use our easy tool below to estimate your burn rate based on your load and time outside!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re training for a GORUCK event, looking for outdoor cardio, or just want a new fitness edge, rucking is as real as it gets. All it takes is a pack, some weight, and a bit of determination.
