The highly anticipated GORUCK Rucker 3.0 is now available! GORUCK has been teasing the Rucker 3.0 in pictures for the past few months and it’s exciting to finally see all of the new features in it.
What’s New?
There’s plenty of new features that differentiate the Rucker 3.0 from the previous Rucker 2.0!
Reflective Strip
There’s a built in reflective strip that runs just below the outside pocket. This strip is very similar to the strip found on the black version of the GORUCK Speed Rucker.
Side Handles
Although side handles aren’t exactly new for the GORUCK Rucker they are new for the 20L version. The 20L Rucker 2.0 had both top and bottom grab handles… this 20L version has handles on every side similar to the 25L Rucker 2.0.
New Back Panel & Shoulder Strap Fabric
The Rucker 3.0 uses 210D HT (High Tenacity) Cordura for both the back panel and underside of the shoulder strap. This material should be a lot less abrasive (and probably more comfortable) than the 1000d Cordura used in all of the previous versions of the GORUCK Rucker.
Extra Lumbar Support
Under the “Specs + Materials” section GORUCK notes that the Rucker 3.0 has 10MM EVA foam padding for lumbar support.
I didn’t have much issue with this area of the pack but I know there’s plenty of people who did… either way I’m excited to experience rucking with this extra support.
Drainage Grommets
There’s two drainage grommets in the bottom of the Rucker 3.0. The later versions of the Rucker 2.0 came with grommets however the original versions did not. Not exactly a “new” feature but if you have one of the original Rucker 2.0 packs this will be new for you.
Improved Framesheet
The new 3mm thick frame sheet no longer tapers towards the bottom, ensuring consistent support and rigidity no matter how high your ruck is cinched. This… is something I’m very excited about. I’m guessing the new framesheet won’t re removable (like with all previous Rucker models) so something nice and strong will be perfect.
Pricing & Options
At launch there’s two different colors and two different accessory options of the Rucker 3.0 available. For colors there’s Black Cordura + Blue Webbing and Black Cordura + Red Webbing options available. For accessories there’s “Sternum Strap” and “Hip Belt + Sternum Strap” options to choose from. It looks like all Rucker 3.0 packs will come with a sternums trap so the big decision now is if you want a hip belt with it or not and what color you want it all in. The Hip Belt is removable and moves the pricing from $185 to $210. You’re saving $5 on the hip belt and you get something that matches so that’s a plus.
From the pictures the red definitely looks brighter than the blue. I’m not sure how they’ll look in person but if you are in the market for something to daily carry as well it looks like blue might be a better bet.
In the future it looks like there will be both 25L and “Small Frame” versions of the Rucker 3.0 available. From the initial listing it appears that the 25L versions will only be available in the Black + Blue color while the “Small Frame” option will be available in both colors… but who knows
Final Thoughts
I already have a Rucker 3.0 on order and can’t wait for it to arrive! I’ve been excited for this pack since GORUCK started rucking with it. I’m also thrilled that the original offering isn’t just Black Cordura + Black Webbing because I have a bunch of those packs already. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Rucker 3.0 pack in the comments below. Happy with the colors? Wish there had been some other changes? Let me know below!
I love my 21L GR1 and have a 26L Rucker for travel and loaner. I have tried not to spend more money on “one more ruck”. I ordered the Rucker 3.0 today anyway! I justified it by using the GR1 for a “go” bag in the trunk of the car, a loaner or travel bag. I like everything they say about it. It comes with the sternum and hip belts. That and the reflective stripe save a bunch of money! Can’t wait to try it out!!!
I can’t wait to try it out either and I’m glad I’m not the only one excited about it! I’m curious if there will be any lingering smell in the new fabric and, if there’s not, I could see this even becoming the perfect travel bag. Use it for a carry-on, use it for rucks at your destination, use it for a carry-on back. So excited!
I’m pretty pumped! Not the biggest fan of the reflective strip, but I can deal with it as everything else looks great. Like you, I really dig the colors and the less abrasive material for the back and shoulder straps is very intriguing. I will definitely be picking up one of the 20l-small frame once that is available next month. I’ve missed out on the other short people rucksacks heh like the echo and 15l rucker so I’m quite happy that they are continuing to offer shorter rucksacks.
The 15L Rucker is AMAZING for shorter/small-frame people. I was surprised GORUCK didn’t make more of them… here’s to hoping the 20L Small Frame is similarly awesome!
Tempted to buy one to try it out (and I have a Tough the first Friday in November so I can really put it thru it’s paces there) but I also have my Rucker v1 – and I use the Titan Fitness Plates (I do qualify for the Gov’t Service Discount so I save some money there…).
The Titan Fitness most likely won’t fit in that elevated Ruck Plate pocket unless you’re using multiple 10 lb plates. I placed my order today and it hasn’t shipped yet… I’m hoping it ships in the next few days but I guess there’s no guarantee it would arrive by first Friday in November. An event would be a great place to test it out though!