Tag Archives: goruck preparation

…WHAT TO DO W/ WHAT IT DO: GORUCK Echo vs GORUCK Kids Ruck…

There are various bags that can be found on the GORUCK website. I know that the first question that is running through you mind is… “Why are these bags so darn expensive!??” and the next question may be…”If I decide to get a bag which bag should I get!?”.

Yes, I admit, these GORUCK bags are expensive.  BUT in reality let me break it down for you…

quality-over-quantity

You can pay $20-$50 for a bag at a typical store. BUT how long will it last you? You will in return burn through SEVERAL of those $20 – $50 bags (because I know I have!) and have to spend more money in the end.  OR You can spend a little more money on a good quality bag and NOT HAVE TO WORRY about the bag failing you.  GORUCK offers a “SCARS Lifetime Guarantee“.

What is SCARS?

It is a way for you to get your bag (and this warranty also applies to various other items that they sell on the site) repaired or replaced if you were to damage it. YES you heard me right… You can get the bag fixed or replaced IF YOU DAMAGE it.  This also applies for regular wear and tear that may occur when you use the bag. GORUCK takes pride in building gear that is made to last through your torturous workouts and training.  How many $20 bag companies offer that kind of warranty!? So is the extra money for a GORUCK bag worth it… YES! Hence why I personally bought a GORUCK bag.

I have had a few questions in regards to the GORUCK ECHO and the GORUCK Kids Ruck.

echo_kids_watermark

As you can visually see, there is some similarity between the two bags BUT there are also a lot of things that are also different.

GORUCK ECHO

echo

This bag is VERY similar to the GR0, GR1, GR2, and Rucker. It is just a smaller version of those bags.  It has all of the same features at the GR0, GR1 and Rucker. This is a great bag for someone who is small/petite. Or is can be a good day bag and can store all of the things that you need. Yes this bag is the more expensive option (when looking at the Echo or Kids Ruck). BUT you are getting a lot of extra things.  You are getting the padded compartment for your laptap, the padded straps, the molle on the front, and the two internal pockets.  This bag also opens and can be laid down flat.  It also is heavier and thicker than the Kids Ruck. CHECK OUT THIS POST if you are looking for other Ruck options.

GORUCK Kids Ruck

kidsruck

This ruck comes in various colors.  This ruck is a great day bag and bag for children of ANY age.  There is not a padded internal pocket, there are NOT two internal pockets, BUT it does have the external pocket and the padded straps. The added extra is that the one internal pocket does have Velcro on it so you can attach patches or anything else you would like.

I hope this post helps to answer any questions that someone may have had about these two bags. Please let me know if you have any other questions!

 



… What to do w/ what it do: Product Review Simple Tote & Tough Clutch…

This post is for sure dedicated to my Boss Ass Babes (BAB’s) that love to do endurance events.

GORUCK is doing a GREAT job at trying to create some items that will appeal to the ladies.  This has included RUCK with curved straps (to make the chest straps more comfortable for our lady lumps), t-shirts, and now these totes and clutches.

 

GORUCK Simple Tote:

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I have to admit, this was one item that I immediately purchased when it was released.  My friends refer to me as “The Bag Lady” because when I travel I always have a ton of bags with me.  My friends see it as obsessive packing and clutter… I see it as organization. Let me break it down for you…

I am going on a 5 day trip which will include me doing a 5 K in the middle of the trip. I typically will have bags (similar to the size of the GORUCK totes) filled what clothing or whatever I need for each day.  I will distinctively put ALL of my race gear into the PINK bag so it is easy for me to find.  So this eliminates me having to dump my suitcase when I travel.  I just look for whatever bag I need, grab it, and go! It also helps me to triple check that I have packed everything that I need.  Because I am packing a specific race bag I can make sure that I have EVERYTHING I need for the race in that bag. So in a essence it is also like a packing check list for me.  I will put the filled bag in my suitcase when I know I have everything I need in it. If I am missing something I will set the bag out until I have what I need and then place it in my suitcase.

These bags are GREAT! For me they are the PERFECT size for every day travel.  I have used them at the grocery store and when traveling (to have my food, ipad, and other important things) to have easy access to the things I know I will need. Not to mention there is a small side pocket that is located INSIDE of the bag which is also a great asset to the tote.

Bag measurements:

Dimensions 14″ x 10″ x 5.5″
Volume 12.6L

I do have ONE slight concern.  There is no way to close the bag or keep it closed.  For instance, when I travel with this bag on the plane and I have to put it on the floor under the seat in front of me…the contents of this bag fall out.  My quick fix is that I just tie the straps together.  BUT I do wish there was a Velcro or zipper at the opening of the bag to have a way to close it if needed. The traps are very strong and the material is very durable. These bags were made to last and undergo daily abuse.

Other than that one slight issue… I really enjoy the bag and will use them regularly (especially while I travel).

 

GORUCK Tough Tote: 

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This is also a great asset to have to your gear inventory ladies. I bought one and will get more! This clutch is perfect to hold your keys, your phone, and any other items that you need easy access to.  I will use this clutch alone or I will toss it in my Ruck (or purse) so I can easily find the contents that I need.

This is a great size and is very durable.

MY ONLY wish is that it was made in another size that was slightly bigger than the “large”. Like I said, it is a great size BUT I wish it was just a little bigger. And maybe come with a wrist strap that can be attached to it.

I am happy that GORUCK is making more items for the ladies. I am excited to see what else they are able to come up with.  When I can I will  purchase those items and let you know what I think/how I feel about them.  I have purchased a few things from GORUCK and I can honestly say that I have really enjoyed (and used) all of the items that I have purchased.

I give these items two thumbs up! So ladies, feel free to grab some. Fellas… if you are looking for the perfect gift for your lady I highly suggest these.



…What to do w/ what it do: DIY RUCK Handle…

When doing any type of endurance event you want to make sure that your gear will perform to handle any/all tasks that are thrown at you. You may learn to adjust or modify the things that you use for events to assist you.

handle_wm

My good friend Kelli came up with a CHEAP and EASY handle that you can attach to any pack that has molle.  The idea is to use the molle as an anchor for the handle. This is also a light weight and hazard free method to have an additional handle. All of the material is very durable yet “soft” if you were to drop it, land on it, or come into contact abruptly with the components of the handle.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

  • approximately 10 feet of 1 inch Nylon webbing (may be found at stores such as REI or any other similar store)

  • approximately 11 inches of  1 inch (or bigger) Nylon Tubing (may be found at most home improvement store) You want this to be the length of the ruck/backpack that you woul like to add the handle.

  • Ruck/Backpack (For this project we used a GORUCK GR1 and GORUCK GR0) For the difference of sizing of the other GORUCK bags check out my previous post by CLICKING HERE

packinglist_wm

Instructions:

you can watch the video at the top of the post or click HERE

  • Weave nylon webbing through one side of the molle that is on your ruck. (START FROM THE BOTTOM).

stepone_wm

  • You will then RETRACE your step and thread the molle back over the same section

steptwo_wm

  • You will pull a little bit of the webbing through the molle (to make sure that you have enough) and you will do the same on the 2nd row of molle that is on the ruck.

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  • After you do this you will want to cinch it down and get the webbing tight and secure. You will use the “tail” (or left over portion) of the webbing to tie the two open ends together when you are done.
  • Next, feed the other end of the webbing into the tube

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  • Pull all of the webbing tight and snug and weave the webbing on the other side of the back through the empty molle. DO EXACTLY THE SAME TYPE OF WEAVING ON BOTH

stepsix_wm

  • Feed the webbing BACK THROUGH the tubing (this can be slightly difficult to do! We used a screwdriver and other tools to help feed it back through the tubing).

stepseven_wm

  • Once you feed the webbing back through the tube TIE IT to the loose end that is on the other side of your ruck.  Make sure that you use a secure not to ensure that it does not come apart while you are using it.  You can knot it and burn the knot to secure it.

finish_wm

kelli_wm

 

I have personally used the handle in 2 HCL’s plus other various events.  It has held up to the weather, rough terrain, and the abuse of the events that I have done.

Kelli did not want to charge people for this handle.  She wanted this to be something that anyone could use.  All that she asks is that you make a donation for the BEWBS event that we are participating in this upcoming 4th of July.

You can make a donation via clicking the link below:

https://www.crowdrise.com/bewbschallenge005/fundraiser/kellimartino/setup_success/member

Let us know if you have any questions! And please feel free to share pics of the handle that you create with us! We would love to see how other people are creating their handles.

Happy training!



…What To Do W/ What It Do: GORUCK Packing List…

The packing list is just as important as preparing and training for a event you want to do.

Here are the things that I typically pack in my ruck when doing a GORUCK TOUGH event (12+ hours and 20+ miles).  You can also find the official GORUCK packing list here:

  • ID (drivers license or government issued identification)
  • $20 (for can fare or to use to purchase food/snacks)
  • Headlamp and extra pair of batteries
  • Water bladder (I will usually pack two and leave one bladder empty or other water sources)
  • PT/Reflective belt
  • Weight (bricks, sand bag, iron plate, etc. Anything that will help to reach the required weight for my ruck)
  • Gloves
  • First aid Kit/foot repair kit
  • Food/snacks
  • Tylenol & caffeine pills
  • electrolytes (tabs or powder that can be added to the water bladder)
  • straps and carabiners
  • Dry bag
  • extra layers of clothing
  • Duct tape, multi use tool, sharpie
  •  sunglasses and hat

Like I stated in the video you want to make sure to not pack too much! This can be a hindrance to you during any event that you do.  You will want to pack only the things that you will need.  Simplicity is key!!!

The weight that you choose for your ruck for the event is also important.  You want to make sure that the weight will be durable and withstand the whole event.  There are various things that can be used (sand, rocks, weight plates, steel plates, diving weights, etc).  YOU have to find what will be comfortable to you. AND TRAIN WITH IT so you will know if it will work for you.  You want to limit the amount of malfunctions you have for your event via working with and training with all of the things you plan to have during the event.  It will also allow you to figure out what you will/will not need. Each person will prefer different things in their ruck.  You will have to just figure out what will work the best for you.

Each event will have a different packing list:

GORUCK Light 

GORUCK Tough

GORUCK Heavy

SPARTAN Hurricane Heat

Again, simplicity is key! Only pack what you will need.  You will be grateful to have the limited amount of clutter and the light ruck for your event.



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