GORUCK Rucker 4.0 Review

We’ve reviewed a few different GORUCK bags in the past, such as the GR1 and the Bullet 15. But these have been primarily within the scope of using them as EDC bags. But now, we’re trying out the Rucker 4.0, which is truly a bag that was meant for rucking. I.e., the features and organization are significantly trimmed down. Obviously, it wouldn’t be fair to judge the Rucker 4.0 solely on its functionality as an EDC bag, so we’ll include rucking in the scope of the review.

If you’re unfamiliar with “rucking”, it’s a simple workout method. You get a backpack, put weight in it (using whatever you want — actual weights, sandbags, books, camping gear, etc.), and you get moving. Literally, just go for a walk or a hike. If you’re up for more of a challenge, build a workout around it by incorporating plyometrics or segments of jogging (if you’re joints are up for it). The added weights help burn more calories and build more muscle than just going for a walk.

GORUCK has built a significant community around rucking, though they certainly aren’t the only ones out there promoting rucking. There are many rucking events that you can attend if you want that sort of camaraderie and community. And of course, there is the gear. GORUCK has a variety of Rucker backpacks (though you can use any backpack for rucking). They also have weights that are designed to fit well with their backpacks. So if you get really into rucking as a means of staying fit, it’s worth considering.

In this review, I’m using the Rucker 4.0. I’ve used it on and off for several months now for both rucking and as an EDC bag, and I’ll try to touch on both perspectives.

Overview

As we’ve come to expect from GORUCK, the Rucker 4.0 is built insanely tough. It will take a beating over and over again, just as it is designed to. The Rucker 4.0 has a clamshell opening with a U-shaped zipper. The amount of organization and features is very minimal. The version I am using is a 20 L pack, though there is a 25 L version as well.

One of the key things to note about the Rucker 4.0 is that the zippers for the internal pockets have been replaced with Velcro, which are more difficult to use but less likely to break.

Strengths

• Ultra tough build both in terms of the materials (primarily 1000D Cordura) and the craftsmanship.
• If you’re using it for rucking — it does have useful features, such as grab handles on every side of the bag and grommet holes for water to drain out of the bag.

Weaknesses

• While it’s a good size for EDC use, it lacks the organization and features that are needed. If you’re just using it for rucking, then this doesn’t matter.
• Like all GORUCK bags, the shoulder straps are very stiff when you first get the bag. It takes some time for them to break in and get more comfortable.

Features

As you’ll see, these are really more focused on using the Rucker 4.0 as a rucking backpack.

• Grab handles — Padded and on all four sides of the bag. Designed to be able to handle heavy loads of rucking and workouts where you may be hoisting, hauling, throwing, catapulting, whatever you want with the bag.
• Sternum strap — Removable and fully adjustable, but there isn’t a strap keeper, so it can be dangly if you aren’t using it or have some excess webbing. Pretty critical for rucking scenarios to help keep the backpack more stable on your body.
• Grommet holes — At the bottom of the main compartment are a few holes to drain water from the bag. Useful for cleaning the pack, especially if you’re crawling through mud for a rucking event.
• MOLLE — Three rows of MOLLE webbing on the front and side panels so you can add modular components. GORUCK has a waist belt that can attach to the MOLLE (sold separately).
• Velcro field — The usual 2"x3" hook and loop on the front panel to add your own personal flair. There is also one inside the main compartment.
• Hydration bladder compatible — Interior D-ring and hydration tube port under the top handle if you want to use a hydration bladder with the bag. There isn’t a hook for the hydration tube, so you’ll have to attach your own or thread the hydration tube through the daisy chain/MOLLE on the shoulder strap, which can be a bit of a tight squeeze.

Organization

Organization is far and few between on the Rucker 4.0. But then again, when you’re just hauling 40 lbs of weight plates around, you don’t exactly need an admin compartment.

• Main compartment — Clamshell opening, makes it easy to pack. And by pack, I mean fill with weights.
• Plate pocket — Inside the main compartment for ruck plates that GORUCK sells. It’s 9.5" x 11.75" so you can fit other weights in there as well. I don’t have GORUCK’s plates, so I typically just drop some other weight plates in there. The pocket is also a couple inches in depth, is not removable, and is pretty stiff. So it takes up a lot of volume in the main compartment. I’m guessing around 3–4 L of space. So you do have to pack around it if you’re using the backpack for EDC. It’s also not the easiest to use as an organizational compartment because it’s not an easy pocket to get into. The rim of the main compartment’s walls kind of get in the way of the pocket’s opening, and the flap’s Velcro is very strong. While that’s good for keeping plates in, it can be a bit of wrestling to actually get the weights (or other items) in, especially if they are as wide as the pocket itself. So, when I used the Rucker 4.0 for EDC, I just left the plate pocket empty. Due to the stiffness of the pocket, that means a relatively significant loss of volume in the main compartment. The 25L version of the Rucker 4.0 has two of these plate pockets.
• Two Velcro interior pockets — The one at the top is 11" across and 6.5" in height. The one below that is 11" across and 10" in height, and is mesh. Replacing the zippers with Velcro removes a mechanical component that could break, especially given the beating these rucksacks often take. But using a zipper when these pockets don’t have their own internal volume means that if you put bulkier items in them, the hook and loop fields may not align perfectly. While it doesn’t render them obsolete by any means, it can be a mild nuisance for someone who likes the look of perfect alignment. In any case, these are really the only form of organization, so you’ll want to keep your wallet, keys, phone, etc. in here.

GORUCK removed the exterior pocket for the Rucker 4.0 that you typically see in their other EDC bags and earlier versions of the Rucker. This eliminates another component that can fail during intense rucking. But it also eliminates one of the most useful pockets for EDC. I wish they kept the exterior pocket, since weights in the main compartment shouldn’t put too much pressure or tension on a zipper on the outside in my opinion, I understand their decision. This bag was meant to get down and dirty, after all.

Comfort & Construction

As you would expect, the Rucker 4.0 has a ton of padding, both for your lumbar and on the shoulder straps. The padding on your back is a 10mm EVA foam, which is a closed-cell foam. Check out our guide on foam padding to learn more about backpack foams. The shoulder straps are slightly contoured and use the same EVA foam. Though they will eventually break in after use, the shoulder straps will feel too stiff initially, and can put extra pressure on your trapezius muscles the first couple times you use the back. The Rucker 4.0 also has a stiff internal frame sheet, which is necessary for all the weights you carry when rucking. It certainly doesn’t feel as comfortable as a hiking backpacks would, but it’s also not an uncomfortable backpack.

The Rucker 4.0 is primarily 1000D Cordura, though the smoother material on the back panel and the underside of the shoulder straps is 210D High Tenacity Cordura. The one and only zipper is YKK with paracord pulls. The craftsmanship is as tough as you would expect from any GORUCK backpack. The stitching has tons of reinforcement.

At 18" x 11.5" x 5.5" (H x W x D), the Rucker 4.0 weighs in at roughly 3 lbs, which is slightly heavier than average for a 20L backpack that doesn’t have many features, but not noticeable if you’re dropping 30–50 lbs of weights in it anyways. The bag tapers slightly at the bottom, where the depth is 4.5" instead.

Additional In-Field Usage Notes

Because the Rucker 4.0 doesn’t come with a waist belt, if you’re jogging with it and carrying weights, the weighted bag will bang against your back as you run. Though you aren’t always running/jogging when you go rucking, a simple waist belt would do wonders in stabilizing the bag.

Lastly, the FAQ of does the bag stand on its own — sometimes. Yes, what a cop out. It does have a flat bottom, so yes, it can easily stand on its own if it’s packed in a certain way. But if you’re using it for rucking and have weights in the plate pocket, the balance will be very off and it won’t stand (though if you’re rucking you probably don’t care). The frame sheet in the back panel is firm, so an empty bag will fall forward.

Summary

For a rucking pack, the design of the features and bag makes quite a lot of sense. But for an EDC pack, they are suboptimal. It’s a good option if you want a rucking pack that you can occasionally use for EDC. But it’s not a good option if you want an EDC bag that you can occasionally use for rucking, and certainly not a good bag for work or school as it just lacks the organizational needs, including a laptop sleeve. This backpack has a very specific intention and I wouldn’t stray too far from that.

Features: 2 of 5 — The Rucker 4.0, like most of GORUCK’s bags are pretty simple. There aren’t many things to write home about, just basic features.

Organization: 2 of 5 — There is very minimal organization, but a few key pockets are still there. The MOLLE webbing allows for some customization too.

Construction: 5 of 5 — Excellent material quality with the 1000D Cordura. Tons of reinforced stitching at the anchor points (and even the non-load bearing points). Hard plastic frame sheet. Padded back, bottom, and straps.

Aesthetics: 4 of 5 — It’s a simple and clean look. It’s slightly tactical with the MOLLE but not overly. Like most of GORUCK’s backpacks, it’s also a little boxy, but again, not overly, and that 2x3 Velcro field helps if you want to add your own style. I also like the contrast of the black strip across the front panel.

Comfort: 3 of 5 — While the bag has pretty supportive padding on the back panel and shoulder straps, and the shoulder straps are slightly contoured, it has no air flow features, like mesh lining or air flow channels.

Life Integration: 5 of 5 — The features are very straight forward and there is nothing difficult about this bag. The only thing you’ll need to figure out is how you want to configure attachments to the MOLLE webbing.

X-factor: 4 of 5 — GORUCK essentially has a cult following. They’ve built a very popular brand for themselves amongst backpack nerds and to some extent, fitness buffs too. Their Scars lifetime warranty (not just for manufacturing defects) is also worth highlighting.

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions about the Rucker 4.0, feel free to drop a comment. Follow us on Instagram (@pangolinswithpacks) to stay up to date on what bags we’re trying out and what we’re up to.