The GORUCK 25L Rucker 3.0 is finally here! The Rucker 3.0 was released back in November with the “Small Frame” version releasing in December, 2020. GORUCK had announced the 25L variant but, besides that, there wasn’t too much information released on it. Now it’s the middle of January, 2021 and the 25L is here with its own surprises.
Here’s the picture that got me… 45 LB Ruck Plate sitting in the new Rucker 3.0. I went and checked the “Specs + Materials” section and sure enough…
- 25L Main Ruck Plate® Pocket Dimensions: 9.75″ x 15.5″
- 25L Lower Ruck Plate® Pocket Dimensions: 9.5″W x 11.75″H
The Main Ruck Plate pocket is deeper than the Ruck Plate pocket found on the 20L Ruckers. Checking the dimensions of the 45 LB Ruck Plate shows 9.5″ x 15″ x 1.38″ which should fit in there perfectly. We finally (again) have a GORUCK Rucker designed to securely carry the 45 LB Ruck plates. I know you can fit the 45 LB plates in the elastic pocket but I think having that Velcro secure it in will be great.
In terms of colors the 25L Rucker 3.0 has been released in Coyote and Black. These are pretty standard colors however I’d imagine GORUCK will be releasing additional colors down the line. I already have the black one on order and can’t wait for it to show up.
It’s great seeing two Ruck Plate pockets again. GORUCK hasn’t released a Rucker that featured two secure pockets since their Rucker 1.0 years ago.
Here’s the Rucker securing the Ruck Plates in the pocket. This picture puts a smile on my face :)
Not that we need additional proof but here’s the Rucker 25L in Black fitting two Ruck Plates. As I type this up I somewhat regret opting for GORUCK’s Free Shipping instead of springing for Priority.
Final Thoughts
I’m really excited that the 25L Rucker 3.0 is here. Finally! I have the Black one on order and am anxiously awaiting its arrival. The two Ruck Plate pockets are an added bonus that I’m thrilled for and hopefully you are too. If you have any thoughts or comments on this new pack let me know in the comments. Now to anxiously await the GR2 sized Rucker that GORUCK is apparently working on.
Robert Wallace says
FWIW, I looked at the measurements of the 30# Titan Ruck Plate and the main pocket of the 25L (where the 45# plate would go) and it looks like they’ll be an inch of wiggle room in the height and width of the pocket once the plate is in there. Not having either one at my disposal, not sure how true this is…
rmc0109 says
Yeah, looks like the “for GR1” 30# ruck plate is okay. There’s also the Yes4All 30# plate which has measurements closer to the GORUCK plate compared to the Titan plate.
Maybe a new “Will It Fit” video is needed…
rmc0109 says
Just received mine, and very disappointed to find out that it does not securely hold a 30# (Expert/Rucker) plate. The 30# plate won’t fit in the smaller plate pocket, and there is an unacceptable amount of vertical empty space in the larger plate pocket with anything smaller than a 45# plate. Clear design flaw on GORUCK’s part.
Jonny says
I received mine yesterday and I have the 30 pound go ruck plate and I noticed it slips around when I lift it up. I am thinking I am going to add some pool noodle material. I have a titan fitness 30 plate but I loaned it out so I am going to see it that fits better. If it does, that will drop the cost from 90 to 43 for a 30 lb ruck plate. Nice bag. I am 6’3 so it fits well. I ordered black.
Jonny says
I received mine yesterday and I have the 30 pound go ruck plate and I noticed it slips around when I lift it up. I am thinking I am going to add some pool noodle material. I have a titan fitness 30 plate but I loaned it out so I am going to see it that fits better. If it does, that will drop the cost from 90 to 43 for a 30 lb ruck plate. Nice bag. I am 6’3 so it fits well. I ordered black.
rmc0109 says
Yeah the Titan plate might be a better fit. My problem with the design is that the GORUCK made “for Rucker” 30# plate doesn’t fit well is a complete fail on GORUCK’s part.
Brian ADR says
Mine just showed up so I haven’t had any time to use it yet but I can’t believe what I’m hearing on the 30# “For Rucker” plate not fitting well. As if things weren’t confusing enough with 2 to 3 name changes for the Ruck Plates but now this? At this point I think we need a detailed chart to figure out exactly which Ruck Plates are designed for which pockets… I can’t imagine someone who doesn’t pay close attention to GORUCK ever figuring this out on their own.
rmc0109 says
Here’s HQ’s response:
“The Rucker 25L is designed to and offers the ability to beef up your weight more than both versions of the 20L and comes with a detachable hip belt as well.
The 25L can hold a 45lb plate in the back plate pocket, unlike the 20L versions which can only fit a 20 or 30 Rucker plate.
You can always return it within 30 days of delivery but make sure to include the hip belt with your return as we will not be able to accept it back otherwise.”
Iftekhar says
Looking fwd to your review!
Brian ADR says
Me too! Haha… can’t wait for this to show up.
dilfer says
I’m really curious if the lumbar and slick material will help solve the problem I’ve had with my 26L GR1… it rubs my lower back raw. This is why my go-to for rucking has been my GR0 and my Rucker 1.0… but they don’t hold much. They DO hit my back higher.
Now, I’m confused on what to get. I was close to pulling the trigger on a 20L 3.0, but didn’t know how I’d secure 50-70# for PT (bear crawls, etc). Was thinking I’d have to use fillers. How much taller is the larger Rucker and does the lumbar help?
Brian ADR says
I’m not getting any rubbing with the 3.0 like I have previously with the 2.0 or 1.0. My rubbing wasn’t bad but it would start and I’d have to adjust to get it to stop. Come on over and check it out sometime!