r/Goruck

I stumbled across this book from another post recently that completely changed how I think about food.

We’re so used to fridges, supermarkets, and next day delivery that I honestly never stopped to think about how people actually ate before all that existed. This book is basically a collection of old recipes that were designed to last months or even years without refrigeration. The same kind of food our great grandparents (and great great grandparents) relied on.

What surprised me most wasn’t even the recipes, it was the mindset. Everything was about making food stretch, using what you had, and not relying on systems that could disappear overnight. Reading it made me realize how dependent we are now compared to even a couple generations ago.

I’ve tried a handful of the recipes so far. Some are definitely outside my normal rotation, but a few were genuinely good and oddly satisfying knowing they’d keep without power or fancy storage.

It’s less of a cookbook and more of a little history lesson disguised as one. Made me appreciate how resilient people used to be, especially when it came to food. I wanted to make this post as a bit of a shoutout to the creators for putting it together and the person who shared it here a couple months back (I couldn't find the old post to go back and comment).

Here's the website I bought the cookbook from, it's a pretty niche book so I don't think it's available on any mainstream platforms - survivalsuppers.com

Originally had the bag for my wrestling bag due to its good ventilation tho usually most people use it for the beach. So I finally had the chance to use it for both

82 minutes for 5.25 miles in a torrential downpour. Again the GR Rucker 4.0 proves it’s pretty darn water resistant. Ruck plates not wet and neither are my keys, wallet or AirPod case. Most the way back was in off and on ankle high water where the sidewalk and roads were flooding. New OTB Piratas held up like a champ again. Water drained quickly and EVA didn’t suck up any of the water as advertised. That coupled with the 15.5 miles I did in them out of that box Saturday and the five miles I did yesterday in them. After 25 plus miles I’m definitely liking them immensely. No hot spots, no rubbing or blisters and they stayed very cool in 90deg weather during that 25k trail ruck race this past Saturday. Win win.

CTV’s W5 is reporting on a disturbing luggage-tag switching scheme involving flights from Canada, including cases tied to Toronto Pearson.

The allegation is that airport workers removed baggage tags from legitimate passenger luggage and attached them to drug-filled suitcases, making the bags appear to belong to unsuspecting travellers.

This is not just a theoretical risk. The RCMP has confirmed baggage-tag switching investigations at Pearson, including a France-bound cannabis case involving two Swissport baggage handlers and a separate Germany-bound case involving an Air Canada employee.

CTV says W5 identified at least 17 innocent passengers caught up in these cases over the past year. Some were detained abroad or faced serious legal jeopardy before authorities determined the luggage was not theirs.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/L-l81vMlXaQ

The practical takeaway for travellers:

• Take photos of your checked bag before drop-off
• Take a photo of the baggage tag and receipt
• Use a tracker if possible
• Make your bag visually distinctive
• Keep records of what you packed
• At destination, verify the bag and tag before leaving the airport

This seems like a real insider-threat issue, not just a traveller-awareness issue.

I know ppl don’t search but if ya do 3 #10 yes4all plates fit in the standard pocket of the Rucker 5.0. I have a 4.0 and 3 fit in that as well.

Also the magnets are legit. I didn’t have the zipper version but I sure didn’t like the Velcro. This reminds me of Yetis bag coolers. Easy open and close. Strong magnets. 🤙🏽

Ok. For the new Ruckers out there (like me) thought I would put this comparison out. I am new to Rucking, but not new to carrying weight. Avid backpacker. Also a retired Marine. I started doing F3 workouts about a year ago and have naturally been introduced to Rucking for exercise (to include using the bag itself for presses, swings, etc) I decided to buy the Basic when it was 49$ to try out a dedicated plate carrier. I have been loading up a backpacking bag with a duct taped sandbag. Using the shoulders only is a way way different experience... I have had the Basic for about a month and put about 50 miles on it, with 30lbs in it. I just got the 5.0 and did a 10 mile, 3,500 elevation hike, with 40lbs in it. In retrospect I should have done this at 30lb also for a good comparison... I am a tad over 5'10". 175lb. I am 54 years old (I think age matters here as it probably changes how your traps handle this type of activity!) I bought the Basic first and the Rucker 5.0 in the 20L size when it was very apparent I would want to go over 30lbs and use the bag itself differently....

The 5.0 is an obvious choice if you want to go above 30lbs and if you want to use it for various other exercises; such as bear crawl drags, presses, swings, etc... To be fair I didn't look at cheaper brands as I like original innovators in gear and know they care about the quality. I can't speak to how these compare to other brands. I follow suit in backpacking gear, supporting companies like Zpacks, Seek Outside, Borah Gear, Mountain Luarel Designs, Enlightened Equipment and the list goes on!!

1. SIZE: The length between the 2 is the same. The difference is in the shoulder strap gap and obvious shape of the bag. The shoulder strap gap on the Basic is 3.75" and the gap on the 5.0 is 4". I'll need to confirm the width of the actual shoulder strap tonight as my photos did not come out. The 5.0 is wider and it does make a difference. The 5.0 20L seems to fit me, although I need to dial in it's use. I'll comment more on this later, but I did get some nice rub rash where the lumbar hits the small of my back. Maybe on a 6.0 they will make that lumbar adjustable in height. I understand the complexity that may add to a bag that is drug through mud.... Would make that lumbar sit perfectly for everyone though. Bottom line is there is no adjustment to the where the pack strap and lumbar sit - so this will affect individuals uniquely. I am very very used to carrying all weight on my hips and having a bit looser pack straps. I usually tighten these up as I progress on a trip. With the Rucker you are starting off with them tight to keep that weight high. It's just different and is going to take a bit to fully get used to.

2. WEIGHT PLATES: Not having ever used a pack with a dedicated weight pocket - this is the obvious seller of these bags! The Basic has a small plate pouch. The 5.0 has the small and large plate pouch. Both are secured with Velcro. For the Basic I bought qty 3, 10lb Yesforall short plates. They fit perfectly. My thought was the versatility; although I have only used it fully loaded. One of the reasons I now have the 5.0 is I quickly realized I would want to exceed 30lbs... For the 5.0 I bought a Fitvid 30lb and 45lb long plate off Amazon for 1$ lb. The 30lber has arrived and fits perfectly. It had a couple burs I had to grind down. But for 1$ a lb, that is ok. The 45bler comes in a few days, so I'll update my post if it fits as well.

3. POCKETS: The pockets on both work for me. I don't mind the lack of any interior pockets in the Basic, as I usually just put my phone and keys in the exterior pockets and a water bottle and maybe a jacket inside. To be clear - the exterior pockets on the sides are not water bottle pockets, or if they are they are for Smurfs. Even a small 18oz Nalgene does not come close to fitting. I still like them, as it's super convenient for a phone and keys. For the 5.0... The interior space is usable. Both pockets on the lid have the new magnetic closures and they are really really nice. Can't speak to the previous velcro and zipper pockets; although I have to think the magnetic closure is superior. Not having ever used the exterior slash pocket they used to have, I can say it's a feature I don't need. If I start to do any events, them maybe I'll lament not having it as a map pocket; although I already have Molle solutions for that, that would keep the map visible. I was able to fit my typical trail running kit easily in the 5.0 (and it would fit in the Basic too, but I have only used the Basic for city hikes). For me that includes a first aid kit, a rain jacket, a large water bottle (for the dog and I), a toilet kit, and a dog bowl and a few dog treats. The magnetic top pouch was great for small, loose items. I did not use the magnetic bottom mesh pouch (although I like it and will use it at some point).

4. ACCESSORIES: For the Basic I got a sternum strap. (I am used to using these and like changing the pressure as I ruck.) It works as intended. I also made what Goruck calls TRex Straps out of some thicker cord. Really like these also. For the 5.0 I bought the TRex straps, some various clips off Amazon (some to secure the Trex straps differently), a couple reflector straps off Amazon (that is a solid grey that I like better than the nicer Goruck ones), and the Sternum Pouch. I have to say I am surprised there are not more comments on the Sternum Pouch. I like to adjust my sternum patch and that is not possible when the pouch is installed the way Goruck intended (over the sternum strap). You have to dial it in and it is what it is while rucking. I used the attached clip and dangled it from my should strap and that worked fine. I liked it. My mindset for these bags is not using a hip belt. I have gear that much better transfers weight properly to your hip. That being said, I ordered one now and have it coming. Figured it will keep the load steady at the very least.

5. USE: Ok! I like them both and will keep them both. The 5.0 for a dedicated Rucker, particularly when I want to combine it with different workout exercises. The Basic to keep at my office for lunch time walks, etc... The experience of having weight solely on your shoulders is so much different. Personally I can go about 4 or 5 miles before my traps really feel it. I hope to build on this and can tell you that I have built on it with the Basic already after a month. When the traps start to fail I have to concentrate on form. This may sound weird, but the Basic seems to be easier for me to keep that form when I hit that point. It hits my back in more places, if that makes sense. The lumbar on the 5.0 changes how it carries a bit. It's hard to explain. I would like to try a 4.0 and see how it carries for my back type. I honestly feel like it may be better than the 5.0. My back has a more pronounced curve at that top, which may affect the design and carry. I can feel the difference of the wider strap and the wide strap gap - but it does not affect my trap failure rate (or really comfort too much if I am honest). The Basic honestly feels pretty good. The only annoying thing is how slippery it is when I stop and do push ups as I have to make sure it doesn't ride up to my head! Both do what they are intended to do; carry weight efficiently. The 5.0 lumbar felt what like it was sitting properly, but my shirt and sweatshirt kept riding up. I didn't feel it as I was hiking, but I did get some pretty good welts from the lumbar. One of the reasons I got the waist belt coming was to secure it better and hopefully eliminate this movement. I was doing some pretty good elevation, so that naturally changes your gait. I think this can be solved.

Anyway - this is waaaay to long. If you have specific questions, dm me. I have more photos if wanted. If I think of something new Ruckers may want to know, I'll add it.

9.8 miles 2,247 ft elevation gain. Did the same hike pre rucking and it was a slog. It was a pleasant walk in the woods with a hip pack and 2L of water.

I’ve had this for ten years, purchased it new. It has come everywhere with me! Took a cross country trip and have added 9 more states to its adventures. Got this cool patch in the Denver Yeti store!

Interesting outcome.
I did the Bragg Tough event in these Mackalls. No issue.

Did a 12 mile ruck in them and my right foot started hurting at mile 7. At the end, this was the result. About a month later now and visibly healed, but still pain in that spot when wearing the Mackalls (but not my other shoes like Ballistic Trainers).

My Theory- I got them too tight on the 12 mile, feet swelled, and it created a bruise.

Any other theories?

Unintentionally color matched!

Recently got the Goruck Bullet Classic in Java. Very excited to get my most-desired version of the Bullet in my most-desired colorway.

Left is their Bullet in VX21 X-Pac, center is the Bullet Classic in 500D Cordura w/ 210D back panel + straps, right is an older "Black Knight" CT21 in Ecopak 400. Bottom left is my Tom Bihn Side Effect I'm always talking about, since it's the first thing to go in any bag.

I think when they came out with Java again in its recent incarnation they did all the GR-'s first, then the Double Compartment Bullet. Dunno when they released the Classic in Java, but I'm glad I noticed it! IMO it's "Goruck's color", a custom brown + coyote in tribute to the owner's dog Java. It's a classic Bullet without being a plain black molle bag. I really like the color.

A quick note on versions:

• the X-Pac Bullet is slick, no laptop compartment, with the top quick access pocket over the hydration passthrough, and aquaguard zips
• the Classic has molle, no laptop compartment, hydration passthrough, and mercifully, no aquaguard zips

I'm happy to have both configurations. The X-Pac + aquaguard zips is highly waterproof. I brought it camping and it was a champ when it rained. But the zips are stiff, there's no way to customize it with molle, it can't use a regular sternum strap, and because of the stiffness of the xpac it always looks full so it appears to be a bigger bag than necessary, even though it must be their lightest possible version and feels great. Also because of the stiffness of the fabric, opening it just to get my laptop isn't as easy.

The Cordura version feels much softer and more malleable, and naturally caves in when not full so looks much smaller in-use. I feel like there's no other bag that "locks in" as well with a sternum strap. First day I had it, it was a nice day and the spirit of Java must have taken me so I spontaneously went on a 7 mile walk. Then I treated myself to local ice cream and took a Lyft home :)

The Ecopak CT21 wbp must be their best version. Ecopak is fantastic and light and water resistant, the CT21's aquaguard zips are much smoother than Goruck's (edit: and they put zip counterpulls), and it has 2x stretchy water bottle pockets and a laptop compartment (with 2 zips!) if I want to use those things. AMA.

Edit: the molle pouch is this guy from Amazon. It's got a solid bottom w/ drainage hole vs mesh that some of those pockets have, and it was the closest to brown+coyote I could find :)

Will this area loosen up as the boot breaks in? The stitching feels tight and rubs a bit over the top of my foot

Currently using my Froning x Allegiance GR1 21L for my EDC but wanting to add another bag, not as a replacement but as a second option. I work weekend shifts and am at work the whole 72 hours, but also like to travel with everything in one bag. I like the GR2 26L solely for the fact that you get two pouches. What would you guys recommend? I get 25% off via govx so really any bag goes down to $280 ish.

Can someone tell me 34L opinions?

Side note: anybody selling a gr2 34L?