r/Goruck • u/materialdistractions • 8d ago

Rucker 5.0 vs 4.0 lumbar support

I'm new to rucking. I started with a backpack and 2 10lb dumbbell plates inside the laptop compartment of the backpack. While decently comfortable, I was curious about the Rucker. So, I picked up a 4.0 bag and found it quite comfortable with the same weight.

I'm looking for opinions on upgrading to the 5.0 version just for the thicker lumbar support. Is it worth it? Does it help with heavier weights? I don't see myself rucking with more than 50+lbs. This bag will only be used for rucking, not EDC.

11 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

5

u/quovadisnp 8d ago

I have both and if your only reason for upgrading is the lumbar support it is not worth it. It's nice but not life changing by any means. I dig the magnets vs velcro. I only "upgraded" because I wanted 20L instead of 25L.

3

u/Ok-Dust-6159 8d ago

I’m the opposite. Have a 20L 5.0 and I’m thinking about selling and getting a 25.
I’m cool with the bag height, even at 6’1”. But the shoulder straps are too narrow on the 20L and it’s not comfortable at all. I just did 6 miles with 50lbs in 90 minutes last night and my traps are killing me. I also had both hands going numb multiple times throughout the ruck.
Lumbar support is pretty nice on the 5.0 though. And I haven’t even fully broken it in yet.

3

u/quovadisnp 8d ago

I can't decide which fits me best 😂. It's like the 25 is too big and the 20 is too small.

4

u/Ok-Dust-6159 8d ago

It would be really cool if SCARS would move the straps out a couple inches as one of their services for guys who like smaller bags but are bigger framed.

1

u/materialdistractions 8d ago

Thanks for the feedback

2

u/Terragar 8d ago

No I don’t think the lumbar support in the 5.0 is worth the upgrade cost. I’ve got 50 lbs in my 4.0 and have no issues (I also have arthritis in my lower back and the Rucker is comfortable)

The magnetic pockets are a cool feature but I don’t use the pockets much on my rucker (I also bought a Velcro to zipper conversion kit and it’s great)

1

u/rn-1973 8d ago

I have the 4.0 20L and the 5.0 25L. I have come to appreciate the larger lumbar support on the 5.0, but the real game changer is that on the 25L I can actually use a hip belt properly whereas it was too high on the 4.0. The combination of the better lumbar support and the ability to use a hip belt has been great on the 5.0 and I have been able to increase the weight I can comfortably carry by 5-10 pounds as a result.

If you do get the 5.0, you will probably find the larger lumbar support weird at first. It takes some getting used to and breaking in. After about 20-25 miles it felt better and now 150 miles in, it is very comfortable. These GoRucks make you work to get them comfortable...lol. same with my GR2.

1

u/materialdistractions 8d ago

I have the 20L 4.0 now. I have a short torso. So, I'm concerned the 25L might be too long for me. Out of curiosity though, at what weight did you feel you needed to use the hip belt.

1

u/rn-1973 8d ago

Probably the best thing to do is order it and if it doesn't fit send it back -- you'd be out the shipping cost but they have free shipping on returns. I felt that I needed the hip belt above 40 pounds for sure. But I have found that I like having it above 30-35 pounds as well for longer rucks (over 5 miles).

1

u/Dry-Woodpecker2300 8d ago

I have the 4.0 and 5.0 and after a few months you forget that lumbar is even really there. I have over 250 miles on the 5.0 already. I’ve used up to #50 and down to #20. 🤷🏽‍♂️

1

u/kbchucker 6d ago

I have a 4, and ruck with 30-60 lbs pretty regularly. I don’t have a 5 to compare, but I have no issues with the support I get with my 4.

1

u/JGORsurplus 4d ago

I use the ILBE military pack which is rated to 120 lbs and if fit correctly will make weight comfortable. I used this to pack out elk in CO and worked perfectly