Complete Rucking Gear List

Here’s a full list of rucking gear to get you started:

1.	Rucksack	6.	Socks	11.	Rain Jacket
2.	Ruck Plates	7.	Hip Belt	12.	Reflective Bands
3.	Hydration Bladder	8.	Headlight	13.	Hat
4.	Boots	9.	Gloves	14.	Compression Shirt
5.	Boot Insoles	10.	Anti Chafing Balm	15.	Trekking Poles

1. Rucksack

This goes without saying, but rucking is not rucking without a rucksack. The 5.11 Tactical RUSH 72 backpack is a great choice for ruckers of all experience levels. It’s made from 1,000D Nylon making it very durable, its waterproof, spacious, and can be used for other outdoor activities!

What is it?	A rucksack, also known as a backpack. When rucking, it’s used to carry as much weight to make your ruck as challenging as possible for you.
Why use it?	It’s the main gear needed to ruck.
How to Use it?	Pack the heavier items higher in your rucksack, and closer to your back. Always keep the weight closer to your back.
Where to Buy it?	Check it out on Amazon here.
Alternatives	Check out our other rucksack recommendations.

2. Ruck Plates

Ruck plates are used to save you space inside your rucksack while adding weight and resistance for a more challenging ruck.

What is it?	A ruck plate.
Why use it?	Adds weight and resistance to your ruck. It also saves space in your rucksack.
How to Use it?	Simple place it in your rucksack, preferably closer to your back.
Where to Buy it?	Check it out on Amazon here.
Alternatives	These ruck plates come in 10 pounds or 25 pounds.

Check out our recent rucking plates guide to better understand what they are, what consider before buying one, and why rucking plates are worth it.

3. Hydration Bladder

A hydration bladder insures you’re properly hydrated throughout your ruck. Also, it avoids having you stopping during your ruck to grab a sip of water from your bottle in your rucksack.

What is it?	Hydration Bladder
Why use it?	To keep yourself hydrated during your ruck.
How to Use it?	Fill up your hydration bladder, and clip it inside your rucksack.
Where to Buy it?	Check it out on Amazon here.

4. Boots

What is it?	Rucking Boots
Why use it?	Rucking boots are designed to withhold tough terrains, different weather conditions, and keep your feet protected.
How to Use it?	Same way you would wear any other boot. Be sure to break into them first before using them on a long ruck.
Where to Buy it?	Check it out on Amazon here.
Alternatives	Check out our other recommendations on the best boots for rucking.

5. Boot Insoles

People wear boot insoles when rucking to help alleviate the stress on their feet. When rucking for hours on hours, you may end up racking up more than 10,000 steps in a single session. That’s a lot of work for your feet.

What is it?	Boot Insoles
Why use it?	Helps alleviate footpain such as Plantar Fasciitis.
How to Use it?	Insert them in your boots. All you need to do is wear them for a few days to customize them for your feet.
Where to Buy it?	Check it out on Amazon here.
Alternatives	Check out our other recommendations on the best boots insoles for rucking.

6. Socks

While you can definitely wear whatever socks you want, we do recommend these darn tough socks as they are made from Merino Wool. Which is the most recommended material for socks when rucking.

What is it?	Rucking Socks
Why use it?	Comfortable, prevents excessive sweat during the summer, keeps you warm in the winter, and it helps prevent blisters.
How to Use it?	Wear them like any other socks you’ve got!
Where to Buy it?	Check it out on Amazon here.
Alternatives	Check out our other recommendations on the best socks insoles for rucking.

7. Hip Belt

Hip Belts come with some rucksacks, but you can get them separately in case your rucksack does not have one. Hip belts are helpful on long rucks. It help to distribute the weight more evenly across your body.

What is it?	Hip Belt
Why use it?	Puts less strain on your shoulders, and allows you to use your entire body to carry the weight. It does this by keeping the rucksack closer to your body.
How to Use it?	Strap the hip belt to your rucksack. It should cover your back while also making sure that the help belt is centred and wrapped around your hip bone or just above.
Where to Buy it?	Check it out on GORUCK here.

8. Headlight

What is it?	Headlight
Why use it?	It’s helpful if you ruck at night, or if your ruck event is going to last till night time. You want to see whats in front and around you when rucking at night.
How to Use it?	Simply strap it across your head!
Where to Buy it?	Check it out on Amazon here.

9. Gloves

What is it?	Tactical Gloves
Why use it?	It’s helpful to keep you warm in colder climates. Also, it helps protect your hands if you need to clear the path with your own hands during your ruck
Where to Buy it?	Check it out on Amazon here.

10. Anti Chafing Balm

What is it?	Anti Chafing Balm
Why use it?	Chafing occurs in so many parts of the body. Typically its caused by heat and constant friction between body parts or between your skin clothes. It also helps prevent blisters forming or worsening
How to Use it?	Rub it on sensitive areas. Be sure to keep it on you during your ruck just to be safe!
Where to Buy it?	Check it out on Amazon here.

11. Rain Jacket

What is it?	Rain Jacket
Why use it?	Very useful when it’s cloudy outside. It’s light so you can pack it easily, and is a great solution to keep you dry for those rainy days.
Where to Buy it?	Check it out on Amazon here.

12. Reflective Bands

What is it?	Reflective Bands
Why use it?	They’re used if the trials are too dark, and are typically used as a safety measure.
How to Use it?	Just slap them on and they wrap around your arms or legs very easily.
Where to Buy it?	Check it out on Amazon here.

13. Hat

What is it?	Hat
Why use it?	Protect yourself against the sun.
Where to Buy it?	Check it out on Amazon here.

14. Compression Shit

What is it?	Compression Shirt
Why use it?	Protect you against chafing and helps to regulate your body temperature
Where to Buy it?	Check it out on Amazon here.

15. Trekking Poles

What is it?	Trekking Poles
Why use it?	Helps keep you stable when rucking on wet grounds, especially when you’re carrying a heavy rucksack on a steep decline or incline, or if the terrain is covered by leaves.
Where to Buy it?	Check it out on Amazon here.

photo credit Ian Mackay: https://www.flickr.com/photos/maniacyak/2862972665/