In addition to releasing the Rucker 4.0 today GORUCK has also opened up pre-orders for what they’re calling the Rucker Long Range. This pack is available in Black and Coyote and comes in two sizes: 33L ($245) and 39L ($255). Both sizes come with a matching hip belt and sternum strap.
Here we have the 33L Black and Coyote rucks.
And here we have the 39L Black and Coyote rucks. The smaller Rucker series (20L and 25L) has followed a numbered naming scheme starting with the original Rucker (later dubbed the 1.0) and increasing to the newest 4.0 version. From what I can tell, when it comes to features, the Rucker Long Range falls somewhere between the Rucker 3.0 and Rucker 4.0.
Based on pictures and a couple emails from GORUCK, the Rucker 4.0 brought four larger modifications to the Rucker 3.0 and the Rucker Long Range utilizes two of those changes. I’ve marked the changes that the Rucker Long Range includes in bold below and you can see them both in the picture above.
- No zippers for the internal pockets. Velcro hook & loop is now in use. (The Rucker Long Range still uses zippers on the internal pockets. The Rucker 4.0 does not.)
- No outside slant pocket on the front. (The Rucker Long Range kept the outside slant pocket. The Rucker 4.0 got rid of it.)
- Additional D-rings on the inside.
- Improved interior padding. There’s extra padding on the top of the pack to cushion the blow from a ruck weight into your skull during bear crawls and burpees.
The Rucker packs have always lagged 1L behind their GR1 counterparts due to the lack of a laptop area within the pack. The 20L Rucker is built like the 21L GR1 and the 25L Rucker is built like the 26L GR1. From what GORUCK has told me, the 33L Rucker Long Range will be built like the 34L GR2 and the 39L Rucker Long Range will built like the 40L GR2.
So what we have here is basically a 34L/40L GR2 sized pack with a double ruck plate pocket (just like on the 25L Ruckers), some extra D-rings, and the same smooth back and shoulder straps that the Ruckers have. The D-rings, at least according to Instagram, will be used for upcoming accessories that GORUCK will be putting out. I have no idea what these will be but I have to say I’m pretty intrigued.
Final Thoughts
I did not think I would be interested in this pack in the slightest. We’ve known for ages that GORUCK was planning a larger Rucker but 25L has always been enough space for me. I really don’t care for the fit of the 40L GR2 but I somehow love the 34L GR2. The last 50 miler GORUCK Star Course I finished was with a 15L GORUCK Speed Rucker and I had plenty of room for all of my stuff. I don’t need more than twice the space because I’m not rucking more than 50 miles. With that thought process cemented in my brain I figured there was no reason I’d even be remotely interested in a Rucker Long Range. Maybe for a winter Heavy? I’m not doing Selection so that’s not a reason.
Then, I started thinking about hiking and travel and maybe this could be a great pack for that. The last time I flew to Boston I only brought a 34L GR2 with work clothes, workout clothes (with shoes), and some regular clothes. I’m still not sold but I’m getting closer. If you have thoughts on what you would like to use the Rucker Long Range for I’d love to hear them in the comments. Maybe they’ll get me off the fence and into the “reserved” category.
All Day Ruck-Off
I am especially interested in the 39L LR Rucker for several reasons. First, I like being able to carry extra gear (gloves, layers, snacks) people or I may need. Second, I like being able to carry extra gear people brought and believe they will need but lack additional space (up to a point, of course). Third, I prefer the added length of this model of ruck and should make good use of the stabilizing waist belt.
Finally, I am a hunter and this size pack and layout will be great for lowland deer and hog hunts where thick underbrush and dense vegetation sometimes tears up your gear. Add swampy elements where hogs like to set up shop and conditions can get pretty interesting. (I have a dedicated tree stand pack, and an Eberlestock F1 Mainframe for mountain hunting.) My kit includes wallet + phone in a waterproof S3 dry case, license and tags in a Zip-Loc also put in the dry case and the dry case goes into a dry bag, stripped-down first aid kit (alcohol wipes, triple-antibiotic cream, cotton bandana, and Duct tape), a tourniquet, drag kit, kill kit / field-dressing kit, basic fire kit (Bic lighter, ferro rod), water treatment tabs, water bottle, snacks + food + electrolyte boosters, map + compass for areas I don’t know, gun wrench, and extra ammo. Depending on the weather, I may bring along extra layers- I’m a bit bigger of a guy and my clothing is also a bit bigger than some, so I’ll take any extra space I can get.
Seems like this would pretty much be perfect for you then! I’ve always had issues with the fit of the 40L GR2 but if you’ve got a lot of extra stuff to bring then you should have no problem getting it all squared away in this bag.
I’m still on the fence for the 33L but I think I’ll be going for it. Let me know if you end up picking one up!
Would you mind sharing what you use in the stand for a pack?