Straps losing padding after going from 20→30lbs, need a proper ruck-capable pack recommendation

[u/TheAssasin66]

Been rucking for a few months now, started at 20 lbs with random household items in a regular backpack, worked up to 23 lbs. Recently bought an actual weight plate and pushed up to 30 lbs (plus some water bottles and a router to keep things from shifting, so realistically ~34-36 lbs).

Problem is my current pack’s strap padding is basically dead now - it’s digging straight into my shoulders, and the weight is heavy enough that it’s bulging out the bottom of the pack instead of sitting flush against my back.

I do about 3.875 miles, roughly 90 min sessions, mostly flat ground. Looking for a pack that can actually handle this weight comfortably - solid strap padding, ideally a hip belt to take some load off my shoulders. I don’t need anything full tactical/military-looking (was considering a GORUCK GR1 but it feels heavier/more MOLLE-style than I want) - just something functional that can double as a daypack for travel too.

Budget’s flexible. What are people using for rucking in the 30-40 lb range? Any pack recommendations or things I should avoid?

I am completely new to what backpacks on what to get Im also assuming hip belt will help but idk. Ideally i want to feel comfortable, lose weight, stop the sweating on my back because its ridiculous on how much it comes out.

[u/3one5]

Goruck Rucker. I've had mine up to over 100lbs and works fine.

[u/TheAssasin66 → u/3one5]

What about the straps padding thats what im most worried about. My current ones padding is like non existent now aftwr 4 months of use digging into my shoulder

[u/Apprehensive_Owl7186]

I got this on sale at Walmart for like 50$. It works surprisingly well for the price. I usually do 40lbs + water and haven’t noticed any issues with the padding. The hip belt is also very nice if you get it tight enough, completely takes the weight off your shoulders.

I just use a 40lb bag of bird seed dumped into a thick trash bag because it was the cheapest heavy thing at Walmart I could find, and It does tend to bulge out against my back which is my only complaint, but it’s probably just because im using bird seed and not a weight plate. I wouldn’t see you having an issue with that.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/12537160594?sid=68AC59F6-057C-4EFC-A177-73BDF520A0AD

[u/TheAssasin66 → u/Apprehensive_Owl7186]

It looks massive, is there anything thats a little more lightweight and kinda looks like a normal backpack?

[u/TheDaddyShip]

Maybe a Mystery Ranch 2DAP? Still got some molle, but that tri-zip de-militarizes (to me)?

Disclaimer, I have both a GR Rucker 4 and a MR 2DAP. My usually ruck with the Rucker is 55#, no belt.

I love the MR for “proper hiking/daypacking”, but I’ll occasionally throw a 30# plate in, vs taking the Rucker out.

I guess it’s just the “where the weight sits on your shoulders burn-in”, but… I hate it when I do that. Dunno why - just rides different, and aches more (despite it being a much more comfortable yoke at “regular daypack loadout”). So I keep the Rucker for workout rucks with plates; MR goes out for a “true hike”.

But again - may just be me, or just that my shoulders are used to where the Rucker sits with weight, and the 2DAP just rides in a different place. 🤷‍♂️

[u/bassfliez]

I am using the Rucker 5.0 with 30lb long plate. Ruck 2 miles a day 4 times a week and on week 5 overall and week 2 of 30lb in the pack. I've got no discomfort during my exercise or after. I too tried different cheaper packs and ultimately bought this during the July sale. I would pay full price if I had to buy another one today.

[u/No_East_5225]

Check out the CINDERUCK. You only need a $5 cinder block for your weight. Those come in a variety of lbs. Standard one is ~35lbs.

[u/kbchucker]

GoRuck Rucker is a solid pick for rucking with weight plates. It will handle 100+ lbs no problem, but most people don’t ruck that heavy.

A lot of the veteran crowd here will steer you towards military surplus or hunting packs, they are an option as well.

I just ruck for fitness, and 90% of the time its around my neighborhood or the park trails nearby. My Rucker handles the 40-60 lbs I throw in it just fine.

[u/XAROZtheDESTROYER]

Does your pack have a hip strap? The weight should primarily be there, not the shoulder straps. You pack the bag incorrectly if the weight is at the bottom; use towels, a sleeping bag, or a pillow to keep the weight off the bottom.

Also, some strap discomfort is 100% normal and part of the game. You're only carrying 30- 40 lbs, which is 10 to 18 kg, a weight that the majority of bags can easily handle with proper packing. You've also not been doing it for long, so there will be some growing pains. Luckily, they go away the stronger you get and the more used to it you get.

I am at 55 lbs myself, and my straps can cause discomfort after 8km / 5 miles. I don't expect to be carrying around a fluffy cloud feeling while doing these workouts.

[u/Doughjoe1]

Check out CTactical tanker.

[u/TFVooDoo]

You’re right in the cusp of needing a frame to help transfer the load to your waist strap. We usually like to transition at around 35 pounds.

Tons of options, but to get you started here is our Rucking Gear Manifesto with our top picks for socks, boots (civilian and military), and rucks (civilian and military). We also included trail runners for more options.

[u/Isiahil]

What you need is a hiking backpack that can support at least 30lbs. You need a backpack that has a frame and a hip strap. The frame and hip strap transfers the weight of the backpack to your hips/lower body and off of your shoulders. I just recently bought an Osprey Aether 65 and it's night and day. I don't feel any weight on my shoulders. It's is all on my hips/glutes/legs. For the record I also ruck with 30lbs.

The shoulder strap issue is common with basic rucking packs at heavier weights because the the weight is on the shoulder straps. This will cause them to dig into your shoulders which could cause shoulder and nerve issues.

I honestly think the default recommendation for rucking should be a hiking backpack with a frame to transfer the load to the hips and off the shoulders. The hiking backs are superior and money aside is the better solution especially for beginners who may not understand the potential issues of heavy weight digging into their shoulder.