It’s that wonderful time of year when I procrastinate to the last minute and then scramble to find holiday gifts for all my family and friends.
Whether you are an early shopper or a procrastinator like me, the holiday season is the perfect time to surprise the rucker in your life with gear that enhances their adventures. Whether they’re just starting out or are seasoned pros, these gift ideas cater to all levels and budgets. Make sure you watch my Top 10 Gift for Ruckers below.
Rucksacks and Backpacks
Many people will say that you can use any old backpack to carry your weight while rucking. This may be true at lighter loads, but you will miss out on padding, straps, hydration features, and a pack truly designed to carry large amounts of weight while being stable. This is important for comfort and to prevent injuries. Here are some of my top picks for rucksacks and backpacks:
LAPG Atlas Backpack
Constructed from durable 900D polyester, this backpack features laser-cut MOLLE for a sleek design.
Maxpedition Gyrfalcon Rucksack
With a capacity of 36 liters, it offers ample space for gear, making it suitable for both training sessions and extended rucking events.
TETON 85L Explorer Rucksack
For ruckers seeking a reliable and spacious backpack without breaking the bank, the TETON Sports Explorer 85L presents a compelling option.
Mardingtop 35L Tactical Backpack
With a capacity of 35 liters, it offers ample space for gear, making it suitable for both training sessions and extended rucking events.
Gootium 21101AMG Rucksack
For ruckers seeking a reliable and spacious backpack with a vintage aesthetic for everyday use.
Osprey Rook 65L Backpack
Extremely versatile backpack designed for multi-day rucking adventures.
Footwear
If you follow this blog, you know I think your footwear is the most important piece of gear while rucking. Good footwear can keep you rucking all day. Inadequate footwear will leave you miserable and can lead to injury. Here are some of the best shoes and boots for rucking:
Brooks Men’s Divide 5
Offering durable grip, all-terrain support, and plush cushioning to easily handle long, weighted hikes.
MudGear Speed Ruck
Designed with rugged durability, superior traction, and lightweight comfort to tackle demanding rucks.
Merrell Men’s Rogue Tactical
Designed for rugged outdoor activities, offering a combination of durability, comfort, and advanced features.
Salomon Men’s ALPHACROSS 5
Versatile trail running shoe designed to handle various terrains, making it suitable for both rugged trails and neighborhood rucks
Merrell Men’s Chameleon 8
Includes a waterproof membrane that seals out water while allowing moisture to escape, keeping feet dry in wet conditions.
GORUCK MACKALL Rucking Shoes
Offering maximum cushioning, a wide toe box for natural foot splay, and a durable triple-compound outsole.
Ruck Plates and Weight Vests
Ruck plates and weight vests are great for any rucker. They allow you to customize the weight for your ruck easily and are great for training.
GORUCK Ruck Plates
Specialized weights are designed to fit seamlessly into rucksacks, providing a compact and stable load for rucking exercises.
Yes4All Cast Iron Ruck Weight
Durable and budget-friendly choice for ruckers, featuring a streamlined design that fits most rucksacks.
WOLF TACTICAL Adjustable Weighted Vest
Features adjustable straps, ergonomic weight distribution, and compatibility with various weight plates.
MVRK Adjustable Weighted Vest
offers customizable resistance, a compact design, and padded straps for comfortable, unrestricted movement during any workout.
Cross101 Weight Vest
Great quality at an affordable price. See my review of it here
APEXUP Weighted Vest
Featuring breathable materials and reflective straps for enhanced safety during workouts.
Hydration
You tend to lose a lot of water when you ruck, whether from sweat, heat, altitude, or a combination of all the above. You want a hydration system that will keep you hydrated(obviously) but also be unobtrusive. Here are some of my favorites to bring on rucks:
CamelBak Chute Mag
Cheap and reliable. Featuring a magnetic cap that stows securely while you drink and an angled spout for a high flow of water without spillage.
Hydrapak Force Bladder
featuring a slide-seal top for easy filling and a high-flow bite valve for rapid water access.
Sea to Summit Watercell X
Features a multi-function cap and a flexible, durable construction for reliable hydration during outdoor adventures.
GRAYL GeoPress Water Purifier
Combines a user-friendly design with advanced filtration capabilities to remove pathogens and contaminants from any freshwater source.
Apparel and Accessories
Almost as important as footwear is the clothing you choose for your ruck. You want a breathable fabric that will also protect you from the elements. Here are some of my favorites:
MudGear Hiking Socks
Superior breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and robust cushioning to keep feet comfortable
RevolutionRace Men’s Nordwand Pants
Featuring reinforced panels and a water-resistant finish, making them ideal for various outdoor activities.
Columbia Men’s Glennaker Lake Jacket
Lightweight and waterproof jacket, ideal for outdoor activities, featuring a stow-away hood, zippered pockets, and adjustable cuffs
Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat
Excellent sun protection with its wide brim and UPF 50 fabric, combined with a moisture-wicking sweatband and adjustable fit.
GPS and Fitness Trackers
GPS and fitness trackers provide valuable data that helps to optimize training and ensure safety during rucks. These devices can track distance, pace, and route, allowing ruckers to measure their performance and progress over time.
Apple Watch Series 10
Offering comprehensive fitness tracking, heart rate and GPS, and seamless integration with Apple Devices
ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
Combining SMS, email, and app communication into one device that ensures safety and connectivity in remote areas without cell coverage.
Garmin Vívoactive 5
Advanced fitness tracking, built-in GPS, customizable workout programs, and health monitoring tools
COROS PACE 3
A lightweight and robust sports watch featuring advanced tracking, a long battery life, and detailed analytics to enhance training and performance.
Safety
At the end of the day, we all want to get home safely. Longer rucks or rucks into remote places should have some safety gear in case you get lost, are exhausted, or injury or health issues occur. Here are some items I recommend:
Atomic Bear Paracord Bracelet
Featuring a high-strength paracord that can be unraveled for emergency use, along with a built-in compass, whistle, and fire starter for essential survival needs.
GearLight LED Headlamp
Offers bright, hands-free lighting with adjustable settings, making it an essential tool for nighttime rucking or hiking
Guardian Angel Micro Series Safety Lights
highly visible and versatile personal safety devices, designed to be attached to clothing or gear, providing powerful LED illumination.
Pohaku Multitool Knife
I’m a big fan of multi-tool devices. This one features a knife, pliers, screwdrivers, and other essential tools in a durable package.
Wrap-up (Pun Intended)
Finding the perfect holiday gift for the rucker in your life doesn’t have to be a challenge. From durable rucksacks to essential accessories like hydration systems, ruck weights, and safety tools, there’s something for every level of rucker and every budget.
Thoughtful, practical gear not only supports their fitness goals but also shows that you understand and value their passion for rucking. This holiday season, give them something that will keep them moving strong, prepared, and safe for all the miles ahead.
