If you’ve read about our rucking adventures (trail dust, urban pavement pain, and all the life questioning in between), then you know: gear matters. Like, really matters.
You don’t want to be 12 miles in with a backpack that bounces like a toddler on sugar or boots that feel like medieval foot traps. So today, I’m sharing our favorite rucking gear that’s helped us survive (and sometimes even enjoy) this slightly masochistic hobby of ours.
🎒 GORUCK Rucker 4.0
If you’re serious about rucking or even just fake-serious like we were when we started, this is the pack.
- Designed specifically for rucking (aka not a school backpack with extra ambition)
- Comes in multiple sizes (15L, 20L, 25L – pick your poison)
- Holds the weight high and close to your spine
- Doesn’t flop, sag, or shift mid-ruck
It’s like the sturdy friend who always shows up and never complains, unlike my knees on pavement.
🥾 GORUCK MACV-1 Hi Speed Boots
These are the boots you want when you need to move fast-ish and light without sacrificing support. We love them for urban rucks, but they hold up just fine on trail and mixed terrain too.
- Lightweight, breathable, flexible
- That mid-top ankle support we didn’t know we needed
- Designed after Special Forces jungle boots, so basically: tougher than we’ll ever be
Break-in is quick, they dry fast, and they won’t slow you down even when your legs say otherwise.
🥾 GORUCK MACV-2 Boots
If the MACV-1 is your daily warrior, the MACV-2 is your weekend tank. It’s a little more structured, a little more cushioned, and still ready for whatever chaos you’re dragging yourself (and your ruck) into.
- More midsole support = happier arches
- Improved heel lock = no more slidey-feet
- Urban-approved AND trail-tested
This is our go-to when we know we’re hitting a longer ruck, or when we want to feel like we actually did something at the end of the day besides suffer.
💬 Real Talk
If you’re going to be out here voluntarily carrying XX lbs while questioning your life decisions (like we do every time), do yourself a favor and wear gear that’s made for it. These picks from GORUCK have earned their spot in our ruck rotation through sweat, blisters, and post-hike carbs-recovery.
Need help choosing between MACV-1 and MACV-2? Or want to know what size ruck works best for moms who carry emotional baggage and plates? Drop me a message or leave a comment, I’ve probably rucked through it already. 😉
Mai Household Mayhem 