Best Rucking Gear for Every Budget (From Dirt Cheap to Tactical Nerd)

Table of Contents

1. Intro: Stop Overthinking It
2. The Bare-Bones Ruck Setup (Under $50)
3. The Solid Mid-Tier Ruck Setup ($50–$150)
4. The Tactical Dream Loadout ($150+)
5. Best Rucking Footwear (And Socks That Don’t Suck)
6. Rucking Self-Defense Gear
7. Don’t Forget This Stuff
8. Suggested Articles
9. FAQ

Intro: Stop Overthinking It

Rucking isn’t complicated. You throw some weight on your back and walk. Boom. That’s it. But let’s be honest—once you start, it doesn’t take long before you’re eyeballing someone else’s plate carrier or wondering if your kid’s old Jansport is gonna explode on mile four.

Whether you’re a broke beginner or a full-blown gear goblin, this guide’ll show you how to build your rucking loadout at any price point.

The Bare-Bones Ruck Setup (Under $50)

• Old backpack: If it has shoulder straps, it’ll do.
• DIY ruck weights: Water jugs, bricks in a towel, duct-taped dumbbells, canned beans.
• No-name shoes: They’ll suck, but they’ll get you moving.

Upgrades:

• Amazon Basics Ruck Plate
• TETON Sports Scout 3400 Pack
• Carhartt Force Performance Socks

The Solid Mid-Tier Ruck Setup ($50–$150)

• Backpack with chest/waist straps
• Ruck plates that won’t bash your spine
• Real footwear and socks

Recommended gear:

• 5.11 Rush24 Backpack
• Goruck Ruck Plate (20lb)
• Salomon Speedcross Trail Runners
• Fox River Military Boot Socks

The Tactical Dream Loadout ($150+)

• Goruck GR1 Pack
• Shellback Tactical Banshee Plate Carrier
• Viktos Johnny Combat Boots
• Byrna SD XL Launcher
• Garmin Instinct 2 Watch

Best Rucking Footwear (And Socks That Don’t Suck)

• Good: Merrell Moab 3
• Better: Salomon XA Pro 3D V8
• Best: Altama Maritime Assault Boot

Socks:

• Darn Tough Boot Sock
• Injinji Toe Socks

Rucking Self-Defense Gear

• Entry-Level: SABRE Pepper Gel
• Intermediate: Byrna SD Launcher
• Advanced: Concealed firearm, flashlight, legal knife

Don’t Forget This Stuff

• Blister Kit
• Hydration Bladder
• Headlamp
• Anti-Chafing Stick

Suggested Articles

• Weighted Vests vs. Plate Carriers vs. Ruck Packs
• Best Rucking Footwear: From Running Shoes to Combat Boots
• Self-Defense for Ruckers: What to Carry and What’s Legal
• The Rucker’s Checklist: What to Pack, Wear, and Prep

FAQ

Q: Can I just use my regular gym backpack?
A: You can. Until the seams split and it dumps a dumbbell on your heel.

Q: What’s the ideal weight to start rucking with?
A: 10–20 lbs. If your ego says “more,” tell it to shut up. Your joints will thank you.

Q: What if I don’t want to look like a mall ninja?
A: Skip the MOLLE and grab a sleek pack like the GORUCK GR1.

Q: Are Byrna launchers legal everywhere?
A: Yep. That’s the beauty of ‘em. Legal in all 50 states and TSA-friendly if you’re traveling.

Q: Where can I show off my gear and get feedback?
A: Right here on RuckMeSideways. Upload pics to your profile, tag your loadout, and drop a comment in the Gearheads group.