If you want to buy the best backpack for rucking, you need to consider several crucial factors. It should be noted that rucking packs or backpacks are very different from a normal standard backpack that you carry to high school and offices.
Rucking was initially introduced as a form of physical activity for the military. They carry heavy backpacks and walk on long routes to build their stamina and strengthen their muscles. That is why if you are looking for a backpack for rucking, it should be made of high-quality materials to withstand heavy use and weight. We have researched different brands and models to compile the following list.
Table of Contents
- 1 8 Best Rucking Backpacks-Get Ready To Ruck
- 1.1 1. Monoki Military Tactical Rucksack
- 1.2 2. Samurai Tactical Rucking Backpack
- 1.3 3. 5.11 Tactical RUSH24 Military Molle Rucksack
- 1.4 4. SOG Opord Tactical Day Pack
- 1.5 5. GEARONIC Hiking Rucksack Bag
- 1.6 6. Fieldline Tactical Alpha OPS Rucking Pack
- 1.7 7. ARMY CAMO Military Assault Rucksack
- 1.8 8. Cannae Pro Gear Backpack for Rucking
- 2 Benefits Of Rucking
- 3 Some Features to Look Out For When Buying the Best Backpack For Rucking
- 4 Conclusions:
8 Best Rucking Backpacks-Get Ready To Ruck
Numerous rucking packs are overflowing in the market. But you have to do complete homework before investing your money. I have assembled some of the top-notch options from Amazon concerning the best backpack for rucking. Let us have a more detailed review session regarding these rucking bags.
1. Monoki Military Tactical Rucksack
Starting off our hunt for the best backpack for rucking, we came across Monoki Tactical Rucksack.
Firstly, let’s talk about its material. Monoki backpacks are commonly known for their high-quality and density material, which makes them highly-rated ones. This Monoki Rucksack is made of high-density double-stitched 900D Oxford and Nylon Fiber offering amazing durability and comfort.
Likewise, Molle webbing attachment points will provide you with some extra gear during your long route march. Webbing is attached at the front, bottom, both sides, and with the shoulder straps. Shoulder straps are well-padded with two D-rings attached. A chest and waist strap is also attached. This Monoki rucking backpack has ample space consisting of many compartments having dual zippers. There are two large main compartments and two smaller compartments in front and one back compartment. In the interior, we have zippered and mesh pockets for extra storage. The backside is mesh-padded to avoid back strain or injury.
Suggestions: If you want a rucking pack for military marching or professional hiking purposes, you can go for this one. There are many positive reviews and an appreciable level of customer trust.
2. Samurai Tactical Rucking Backpack
Samurai snatches the second position in our list for the best backpack for rucking. The brand name is derived from ‘Saburai,’ meaning warrior who doesn’t compromise on loyalty, strength, and integrity. Like the name’s meaning, Samurai also promises the same to their customers.
This rucksack is made from high-density 100% polyester material, enhancing its durability, hardware, and craft. The Molle webbing feature will provide some extra pouches for you to handle excessive items. There is a large compartment with dual zippers. The front contains an essential organizer pocket with a Velcro patch holder for your name. Sides have side compression straps and water-holding pockets. For the back, Samurai offers yoke-style shoulder straps with an adjustable sternum strap. Dual bottom grommeted drain holes and a ventilating mesh-back adds more to the versatile features.
Suggestions: This one might be one of the best cheap rucksack backpacks offered on Amazon, with much better-performing features. Overall, I can say it’s a good one, but you will get fewer options with colors.
3. 5.11 Tactical RUSH24 Military Molle Rucksack
5.11 is an immensely well-trusted brand that has gained many customers due to its exceptional heavy-duty gear for the most demanding missions. RUSH24 is among the best rucksacks for rucking, hiking, hunting, camping, and other recreational activities. Talking about its material, it’s made from 1050D waterproof Nylon. It brings forward a hefty craft and a sturdy design for all your missions.
Jumping to its features, we have a large main compartment with multiple interior pockets. Compatible Molle wrapping points are all over the rucking bag. It has a grab and go handle which provides ultimate ease for carrying it when your shoulders have given up while rucking. Moreover, there are three mesh admin compartments, side pockets for water-wattles, and a hook and loop area for your name tag. The shoulder straps are padded and come attached with a sternum strap and have two compression straps also.
Suggestions: Honestly speaking, 5.11 can be trusted blindly when it comes to quality. If you have a handsome amount of money to spend on, get your hands on this one right away. You won’t regret it as it is reviewed as one of the best packs for rucking on Amazon.
4. SOG Opord Tactical Day Pack
SOG Speciality Knives gives a lifetime warranty for their items against any defects in the material or craft. That’s like a bonus point for this best rucksack for rucking. Okay, so starting with material, this rucksack is made from 100% polyester. Tactical features include Molle webbing, which has attachments to the front stash pocket, backside shoulder straps, and the hydration bladder. Moreover, it has a velcro name patch. Bottom drainage holes and two compression straps are present with D-rings to attach a sleeping bag also.
Let’s get to the compartment section. SOG focuses on creating a rucksack that is entirely compatible with a soldier’s need while vigorously marching. It features a large spacious compartment with an interior mesh pocket and hydration reservoirs. The hydration reservoir comes with a hook so that you can easily access it when thirsty.
For the rest, they offer a front organizer pocket, side pockets, side compression straps, and a stash pocket too. Shoulders straps come with a sternum belt, and additionally, the waist belt is also present.
Suggestions: I would suggest this for those who are professional military personnel. Or if you love experiencing adventurous hiking and hunting, you can also pick this one. This cheap rucksack backpack has additional tactical features as compared to other rucksacks. So it is instrumental in terms of more extended plans.
5. GEARONIC Hiking Rucksack Bag
In our search for the best backpack for rucking, I hit upon Gearonic’s Hiking Rucksack, which is just profoundly so classical yet maintains a casual look too. I had to choose a rucking pack that is more stylish and still has that rugged and sturdy canvas on it.
This product is made from good-quality cotton and leather material. It has these unique and trendy button closure flaps giving a vintage accent. The main compartment is conveniently spacious for essentials. Moreover, there are four external pockets and six internal pockets to hold your accessories securely.
Overall, this rucking pack is unisex and available in more colors also. It’s not a very large tactical backpack as compared to other picks. But it will perfectly carry your laptop, books, headphones, mobile, keys, wallet, lunch, camera, garments and some other pieces of equipment.
Suggestions: Okay, so if you plan to ruck or hike just for fun, you can pick this. It’s not recommended for professional personnel as it lacks some tactical features. It is made for family/friends-centric adventures that aren’t very demanding and challenging. You can use this multi-purposely for rucking, camping, school, university, office, traveling, and shopping.
6. Fieldline Tactical Alpha OPS Rucking Pack
Fieldline Tactical Rucking Pack is another cheap rucksack backpack for those who are on a strict budget. This company is renowned for creating affordable and well-built packs and accessories for outdoor enthusiasts.
This rucking backpack contains a large main compartment with internal zippered mesh pockets. Then there is a second large compartment that has a built-in-organizer space and fleece-lined sunglass pouch. Basically, this backpack is built keeping in mind the requirements of a soldier during a special operation mission. The tactical features include a digital media pouch, integrated headset, Hydration compatible pouch, velcro-name patch, Molle webbing, heavy-duty padded handle, and dual grommet drainage holes.
Moreover, the padded yoke-styles shoulder straps come with an adjustable sternum strap and side compression straps. The digital pouch helps you catch frequency signals while you communicate through radios or walkie-talkies in the operation field.
Suggestions: This product is a decent pick if you have less to invest in. It’s a compact and lightweight rucking backpack but remember to handle it with care, especially in the case of zippers.
7. ARMY CAMO Military Assault Rucksack
Next on our list of ‘best backpacks for rucking under $50′ is this ARMY CAMO Military Assault Rucksack. It has some pretty decent reviews.
It’s made from 600D polyester, offering tear and abrasion resistance. Jumping to this rucksack’s features, I must appreciate the abundant space it provides. The company claims that you can keep three days’ worth of clothes, toiletries, equipment, and other accessories. That means it is among the best rucksacks for rucking in forests, mountains, and hilly areas. The best part is that this combat and survival backpack is water-resistant, so you won’t have to worry regarding rainy and snowy places too.
Moreover, this bag features fantastic expandability and versatility to shrink or expand it into smaller/bigger sizes, suiting your requirements. There is enough space for a hydration bladder and a 72-hours emergency survival kit for long route ruck marching. Above all, this rucking pack weighs only 3.6 pounds and can expand to hold almost 64 Liters of weight. The company offers a 100% money-back guarantee in case of defects or tears.
Suggestions: Overall, it’s a good rucksack backpack. But I must advise not to put a laptop or tablet into this backpack as it doesn’t contain a laptop sleeve. Similarly, if you have back pain issues or are a beginner in rucking, your shoulder might pain due to less padding.
8. Cannae Pro Gear Backpack for Rucking
Last but not least, I bring you this Cannae Pro Gear Backpack, which attains a high star rating. The unique part of this rucksack is its highly durable 500D Cordura Nylon material. Cordura is commonly used for heavy-duty backpacks and offers water resistance too. Its ergonomic craft and design promise less friction and more comfort while you are rucking.
The zipper covers the entire bag’s body (main compartment) which can vertically open. That gives you very much space for storing your items. Similarly, there is a laptop/tablet sleeve also which will protect your electronics during harsh conditions. The backside compartment has a 2-liter hydration bladder along with a Molle attachment point for your extra gear. Ykk zipper pulls are sturdy enough to prevent breaking. Other tactical features are D-rings on the exterior, compression straps, easy-grab top handle, duraflex buckles, earphone port, and a soft-padded eye-wear compartment. Moreover, there is a front organizer pocket and side pockets for easy access to your essentials.
Suggestions: Okay, so if you are tired of looking at a tactical backpack in the form of rucksacks, you can surely put your eyes on this. Some of you may not like the military tactical sort of look. So this product offers more of a sturdy and straightforward design outlook despite having almost all good tactical features. It’s a little expensive, but it is a decent go, according to the reviews.
Benefits Of Rucking
People who hate intense cardio or can’t run due to joint pains can always opt for rucking. Research tells us that rucking will burn almost double the number of calories compared to a regular walk at the same pace. Let’s dig deeper into the benefits of rucking.
- Boosts cardiovascular activity
- Fastly burns more calories than regular walking
- It puts less strain and tension on the body than running
- Builds and replenishes back, leg, thigh muscles
- Improves your overall psyche, fitness, and posture
- It gets you closer to nature
- Teaches you basic survival
Some Features to Look Out For When Buying the Best Backpack For Rucking
1. Durability
Durability is the most important feature one can never ignore. When you are rucking, your rucksack has to handle many weights (20lbs-50lbs) for a more extended period. For that, the stitching and the material have to be strong and offer high quality, lasting for a longer time. Otherwise, you might find your rucking pack getting torn during your march.
2. Reinforced Padded Straps
Wide and well-padded shoulder straps are a great necessity when searching for the best backpack for rucking. The absolute pressure and stress of the weight you carry come directly on your shoulders. Thus, padded shoulder straps will provide the utmost comfort while you walk.
3. Molle Webbing
Molle ( Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) is used by military and police personnel for their strenuous training. It’s the most noticeable feature among military tactical backpacks. Similarly, Molle webbing is incorporated in rucksacks too. That allows one to get quick access to his/her essentials.
4. Lightweight
Lightweight rucksacks will prove to be the game-changers for you. You have to understand the difference between the weight of a heavy backpack and the weight of the load you carry. If the rucksack is heavy, you might enjoy rucking for some time, but the bag will soon get torn and damaged more shortly. Likewise, if the pack is lightweight and the load you carry is heavy, your bag has a higher chance of lasting longer.
Josh Byrant, a very famous strength and fitness coaching expert, says that rucking is the base for all types of special training exercises.
In his book Rucking Gains, he explains all about rucking benefits and how to accomplish it with proper pace and form. You will find a complete roadmap of rucking exercises and all the tips and techniques related to them in his book.
If you don’t know much about rucking and its techniques, give a quick read to How To Run With A Backpack
Conclusions:
Here’s a quick breakdown of what this article covered. I gave an introduction to rucking, its excellent benefits, and highlighted those important features which you should care about before buying the best backpack for rucking. After that, I gave a detailed review of all the compatible and in-your-budget rucking bags available on Amazon.
The only thing you need to do is prioritize the items on the list based on what suits you the best. If you are a professional or a student, your needs and budget are different. Make sure you make a wise decision so that you won’t regret your investment.
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