GORUCK Rucker Review in Pictures

In this GORUCK Rucker Review in pictures, see with your own eyes what makes this tough as nails backpack such a solid everyday carry backpack and a gym on your back.

The GORUCK Rucker’s outer is made completely of abrasion-resistant, water-resistant, and uber-tough 1000D Cordura Nylon – which is the material of choice for hard use bags.

The Rucker’s 25 liter capacity (also available in 20 liters) is more than enough to carry everything you need for a day, or for a workout.

Don’t forget to check out our 9 Best Backpacks for Rucking

My Rucker easily fits a laptop, notebooks, and my field jacket, which practically lives with me during the winter.

One of the main differences between the Rucker vs. the GR1** are the “ruck plate pockets”. The Rucker has an additional top, internal, velcro closing ruck plate pocket. When you’re not rucking, this pocket is great for organizing and securing odds and ends.

The pocket’s ample, heavy duty velcro is specifically designed for Rucker ruck plates

The Rucker’s lower “ruck plate pocket” is open and secured by elastic. Its the perfect size for a laptop (a Dell XPS 13 is pictured).

Note that there is no padding or protection for your laptop in this pocket, so you’ll likely need a case. Also, if your bag is completely full, accessing the laptop without taking everything out may be difficult.

The Rucker has an internal metal loop for hanging a hydration bladder, and a hole to slip the sippy-hose through. Yes, “sippy-hose” is a technical term.

The Rucker’s primary pockets are the zippered mesh pocket (lower) and the zippered Cordura Nylon pocket (higher). Both are extremely durable. The lower is great for odds and ends. The higher pocket is perfect for documents and valuables.

My favorite feature on the Rucker are the heavy duty handles (tested to 400lbs loads) on the sides, bottom, and top of the GORUCK Rucker. Not only do these handles make the Rucker easier to carry, but they make the Rucker a “gym in a bag”.

Pairing the Rucker with its handles with some good, secure weight, like sandbags, GORUCK’s rucking weights, or sand bells, allows you to do kettlebell style exercises, presses, weighted calisthenics, Olympic lifting and powerlifting style movements, Crossfit, and so much more.

The addition of these handles makes your workout near limitless

Unlike the GR1, GR2, and GR3, the GORUCK Rucker’s thick plastic, back supporting frame sheet is sewn into the backpack, meaning it can’t be removed or replaced.

The Rucker’s lower ruck plate pocket snuggly carries two ruck plates

Thick, heavily padded shoulder straps take a while to break in but feel very comfortable under heavy loads and are tested to carry at least 400lbs.

This 13″ laptop pictured here easily fits in the Rucker’s ruck plate pocket

If you plan on using the GORUCK Rucker for fitness and rucking, be sure to check out our guide to rucking weights. This guide will explain all of your options for weight workouts, from ruck plates, to sand bags, to sand bells, and more.

Click here to read A Brother Abroad’s Guide to Rucking Weights

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Also, don’t forget to check out our GORUCK Rucker Review for a full review of the GORUCK Rucker, read on experiences working and traveling with the Rucker, and the verdict on the Rucker as a daily carry bag.

Click here to read the full GORUCK Rucker Review