Product of the Week: Is GoRuck Tough Enough for Your Outdoor Adventure?
GoRuck gear can easily transition from adventurous hikes to city streets, but is it worth the premium price tag?
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GoRuck was founded in 2008 by Jason McCarthy, a former Green Beret, who developed rucksacks inspired by the U.S. Special Forces. The company boasts that its high-quality, durable gear is designed to function from “Baghdad to NYC.”
For those unnecessary with the concept, rucking involves hiking, running, or marching with a weighted vest or pack. GoRuck now sells rucksacks for travel and training, as well as shoes for running, lifting and hiking. Although GoRuck began solely as a gear company, it has since grown to become a larger fitness movement inspired by the Special Forces.
Athletech News put two of GoRuck’s main products, its GR1 rucksack and Rough Runners running shoes, to the test to see how they held up.
Pros
GR1
GR1 is a sleek backpack that can transition from an adventurous day hike to an office setting. The GoRuck rucksack has a lifetime guarantee and features that put other backpacks to shame. It is fully rainproof and able to withstand downpours. It also has a stabilizing laptop compartment that distributes its weight easily, along with a false bottom for extra laptop protection. With several different pockets, the rucks are versatile and easy to pack and organize. Its design is sleek, despite its capacity of 21 or 26 liters. The shoulder straps are comfortable either on bare skin or through clothing.
Rough Runners
The Rough Runners are versatile from the street to the trail. Out of the box, the sneakers were comfortable. They are lightweight but also provide cushioning and stability in both the midsole and the outsole. The Rough Runners provide support for heavy loads, distributing them well throughout the foot. They are made from polyester mesh and provide breathability even in warm weather. Although new shoes generally cause blisters, the toe area is reinforced for extra abrasion resistance. The foam in the heel prevents slippage and the lace-locking loops provide extra stability. The shoes really are “rough”—they can withstand hours of tough training in tough terrains.
Cons
GR1
The GR1 comes at a steep price tag that might be unnecessary for the average consumer. The GR1 Travel Rucksack is $335. The backpack is also heavy at around 3 pounds. However, it has features other backpacks lack. Some might be unnecessary for the average consumer, however, like a bombproof laptop compartment. In addition, the GR1 is too small to be a multi-day hiking pack but could work well for day hikes.
Rough Runners
The Rough Runners are likely not the best choice for long-distance running, but instead are best for adventurous walks, lifts, or hikes. Named for Teddy Roosevelt, the original “Rough Runner,” the sneakers are not as adventurous as their rucksack counterpart. For example, the shoes are not waterproof and do not fare as well on steep trails or rocky terrain. In addition, the shoelaces do loosen after several miles while running, which can interrupt mid-distance runs. Their price is also reasonable—on sale, the shoes are $99.
Final Thoughts
GoRuck is a tough brand—its shoes can withstand hours of intense training, and the rucksacks can withstand the elements. If you’re seeking a high-quality brand for new gear, GoRuck might be your best bet. The brand also donates 1% of its annual top-line revenue to various non-profit partners to support those who serve, like teachers, social workers and Veterans, so you can feel good about your purchase.
Read more reviews from ATN’s Product of the Week series here