Walking has been all the rage for a while now, but its heavyweight sister activity, rucking, is starting to steal the spotlight. Rucking [1], the practice of walking (or hiking) with a weighted pack, is named after the military term for backpack [2]: "rucksack," as carrying the weighted packs is a common military activity and exercise. Rucking has benefits for anyone who does it, and you don't need to be a member of the military to get started.
If you want to turn your hot girl walk [3] into an even sweatier workout, rucking might be for you. However, note that it's important to start slow, and with a pack that's designed to carry weight rather than just any old bag in order to ruck safely and prevent injury. Some people prefer to ruck with a weighted vest, while others use backpacks specifically designed to carry weight plates. What works best for you will be your decision, so to help you get started, Popsugar chatted with trainers to seek out the best rucking pack recommendations.
Experts Featured in This Article:
Or Artzi [4] is NASM CPT-, PRO Natal-, PPSC-, and RRCA-certified and is the founder of Team Orriors [5]. She teaches Fully Vested [6], the first-ever rucking-inspired treadmill class at Equinox.
D.D. Forrest [7], is a functional health coach.
Katie Knight [8], CPT, is the founder Knight Time Training.
Bob Savin [9], is an ACSM-certified personal trainer and owner of Fitness Together in Ashland, MA.
Melissa Urban [10], is the CEO of Whole30.
Apexup Weighted Vest
Apexup Weighted Vest [11] ($34, originally $49)
D. D. Forrest [12], functional health coach, loves this vest so much that she owns both the 10-pound and 20-pound version of it. She uses the 10-pound vest for her Peloton and the 20-pound for walking. "I love that it's padded and doesn't rub or bother my shoulders, and it fits snugly against my chest so that it doesn't bounce around," she says.
This weighted vest is worn like a harness around your shoulders and back, and has a single buckle for easy adjustments, plus reflective strips for those walking in the early morning or at night. You can purchase it in a range of five-pound increments, from five to 30 lbs.
Popsugar 10lb Adult Weighted Vest
Popsugar 10lb Adult Weighted Vest [13] ($35)
For a sleek and colorful vest, this option has a contoured design and is made with sweat-resistant fabric. You can adjust the straps for a comfortable fit, and the reflective features mean you can use it for early morning or evening walks.
Centr Rucksack
Centr Rucksack [14] ($50)
The Centr rucksack has four pockets for weight plates, plus four pockets for storage. Katie Knight [15], CPT, and founder of Knight Time Training [16] (plus winner of the 2022 GORUCK Games [17] and the 2021 World's Toughest Mudder [18] 24-hour race) loves this bag for both its versatility and durability.
"I could be rucking with up to 50 pounds, or trail running for two to three hours/day, so I need a pack that's comfortable for both and holds up over time," she says. Of all the brands she's used over the years, Centr is her favorite. If you're not ready to commit to a full back just yet, she also recommends the Centr 20lb Weighted Vest [19] ($65).
GORUCK Plate Carrier
GORUCK Plate Carrier [20] ($115)
The GORUCK plate carrier is exactly what it says: a backpack that's perfectly shaped to carry GORUCK's weight plates, and nothing else, which helps keep the weight secure so there's no bouncing or jostling. The weight plates come in 10, 20, and 30 lb. increments.
"This is the most 'comfortable' way I've found to ruck," says Melissa Urban [21], Whole30 CEO and rucking fan. "It's streamlined to hold only weight, which makes it far less bulky than a backpack, and unlike a weight vest, the plate carrier's design helps you maintain an upright, shoulders-back posture while keeping your diaphragm open for easier breathing."
Rush 24 2.0 Backpack 37L
Rush 24 2.0 Backpack 37L [22] ($140)
"This pack offers a good balance of capacity and organization, with plenty of compartments for gear," Savin says. The RUSH 24 2.0 Backpack 37L is water-resistant and tough, designed for outdoor adventures; but also contains a padded laptop sleeve, meaning it can double as a work or travel bag.
Alice Style Military Ruck
Alice Style Military Ruck [23] ($160, originally $175)
Savin also recommends this military pack for rucking adventures: "It's comfortable, especially with the added frame support, offers plenty of room for carrying both weight and gear, and will last a lifetime," he says. This pack has padded shoulder straps and an aluminum frame for support while carrying, plus three large outside storage pouches for extra space.
GORUCK GR 1
GORUCK GR 1 [24] ($335)
If you want something more versatile than the GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier but still want a bag from the reliable rucking brand, you'll love the GR1. "This is a very popular bag, known for its military-grade toughness, durability, and ability to withstand harsh environments," says Bob Savin, ACSM-certified personal trainer, owner of Fitness Together in Ashland, MA [25], and local coordinator for Irreverent Warriors MA [26]. It has a large open compartment that makes it very versatile, and includes a laptop sleeve, which can double as a hydration pack holder, he adds.
Equinox x KILOGEAR Precision Vest
Equinox x KILOGEAR Precision Vest [27] ($375)
The KILOGEAR Precision Vest is used for Equinox's new Fully Vested class [28], the first-ever rucking-inspired treadmill class of its kind that's taught by instructor Or Artzi. The design is customizable up to 30 pounds and described by the brand as a "performance compression training vest with modular weight system," as you add the Kilogear 2.5lb Kettlebells [29] ($20) to the pouches surrounding the vest until you reach your desired weight. "If you are new to wearing a weighted vest, start with five percent of your body weight and gradually adjust the weights to your liking," Artzi says. "Most people in the Fully Vested class choose between five to 15 percent of their body weight."
Each pocket is snap-to-seal magnetic for closure and there are no zippers, velcro, or buckles that cause added bulk. "Fun fact: the vest was designed to highlight your natural shape and strength, and Equinox takes pride in both the performance and the aesthetic it offers," Artzi notes.
Editor Quote: "I felt fully strapped in and secure in the vest while trekking up hills on a steep incline — so much so that after a while, I forgot I was even wearing it. I would recommend wearing a sweat-wicking bodysuit to prevent chafing in a top that rides up, but I was incredibly surprised by the bounce-free, ergonomic design." — Sarah Wasilak, shopping director
— Additional reporting by Sarah Wasilak and Angela Elias
Kaley Rohlinger [30] is a freelance writer for PS who focuses on health, fitness, food, and lifestyle content. She has a background in the marketing and communications industry and has written for PS for over four years.
Sarah Wasilak [31] (she/her) is the PS Shopping Director. With plenty of experience in the fashion industry and over 11 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing and creating social videos across the lifestyle, health, and fitness categories. She is the host of the "Dinner for Shoes" podcast and has bylines at InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit.
Angela Elias [32] (she/her) is a contributing editor for PS Shopping, where she reviews everything from beauty products to kitchen gadgets, curates can't-miss sales, and creates "best of" shopping roundups. In her former roles at PS, she led the relaunch of its Latine identity and family-focused verticals, directed its Home vertical, and hosted shopping segments. She has nearly 15 years of experience working in the lifestyle space as a writer, editor, content strategist, director, on-camera talent, and publicist.