How to Choose an Affordable Rucking Pack: Tips from Ruckliving

At Ruckliving, we know that purpose-built rucking packs from top brands can cost hundreds of dollars, but there are also great budget-friendly rucking packs available. While these premium packs are great for serious ruckers, you don't need to spend a fortune to get a solid, comfortable cheap rucking backpack that will hold up well for rucking. With the right features and smart shopping, you can find very capable rucking packs at affordable prices. Here are our top tips for selecting a budget-friendly ruck that provides great performance and value.

Prioritize Durability and Strap Comfort

The two most important qualities in an affordable rucking pack are durable construction and comfortable, padded shoulder straps. Look for packs made from tough, abrasion-resistant nylon fabrics like 500D Cordura or 1000D nylon. Reinforced stitching, especially at stress points, is also key for a pack that will hold up to the weight and jostling of rucking.

Wide, thickly padded shoulder straps help distribute the load and prevent hot spots or chafing, especially on long rucks. The straps should be made from a breathable, moisture-wicking material and have some mesh or air channels for ventilation. Avoid packs with thin, flimsy shoulder straps as they will quickly become uncomfortable under a heavy load.

Opt for Simple, Streamlined Designs

Fancy features and tactical styling significantly drive up the price of rucking packs. To get the most bang for your buck, opt for simple, streamlined pack designs without a lot of bells and whistles. A basic top-loading pack with one or two external pockets is really all you need for rucking. Avoid packs with complex suspension systems, elaborate tactical webbing or gimmicky add-ons. A sleek, no-frills pack will be lighter, more affordable, and less prone to damage.

That said, a few simple features are worth having in an affordable rucking pack. A sternum strap helps stabilize the load and takes some strain off your shoulders. A removable hip belt is useful for supporting heavier weights. A hydration reservoir compartment and port let you easily carry water on your rucks.

Check the Capacity and Weight Ratings

Make sure to check the capacity and maximum weight ratings when comparing affordable rucking packs. Most rucks are done with 20-45 lbs, so look for packs with a capacity in the 20-40L range that are rated to carry at least 50 lbs. Some cheap packs may not be built to handle that much weight on a regular basis.

Also, consider the base weight of the empty pack itself. Heavier packs made with budget materials will feel harder to carry and wear you down faster. Look for packs in the 2-4 lb range. Anything over 5 lbs empty is going to feel clunky for rucking.

Look for Versatile Packs You Can Use for Other Activities

One way to get the most value out of an affordable rucking pack is to choose one that can pull double duty for other activities like hiking, camping, or travel. Crossover packs with features like a laptop compartment, rain cover, water bottle pockets, and tool loops will be more versatile than a ruck-specific pack.

For example, a 35L hiking pack with a weight-bearing hip belt can work great as a rucking pack but also serve as a daypack for hikes or a carry-on for flights. Just make sure the pack is overbuilt enough to handle rucking loads and has a sternum strap for stability.

Shop Discount Outdoor Gear Sites

Some of the best places to find affordable rucking packs are discount outdoor gear websites. These online retailers sell past-season models, cosmetic seconds, and open-box returns from major pack brands at deep discounts. You can often find high-quality, durable packs for 30-70% off MSRP.

Some of our favorite discount gear sites at Ruckliving are:

• Steep & Cheap

• Sierra Trading Post

• Backcountry Edge

• Campmor

• Mountain Steals

These sites have frequent sales and some offer an additional 10-20% off for first-time customers who sign up for email newsletters. Just be aware that inventory and sizing can be limited since these are closeout items.

Consider Military Surplus Packs

Another great budget option for rucking packs is genuine military surplus. Rugged, time-tested pack designs like the ALICE (All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment) are available as surplus in a range of sizes. These bomb-proof packs were designed to carry heavy loads in harsh conditions. Surplus stores and online retailers sell them for as little as $30-50.

The main downsides of surplus packs are that they tend to be heavy (5-7 lbs empty) and have few comfort features. The suspension is not very advanced and the straps may be thin or stiff. But if you're on a tight budget, a surplus pack is a dependable, affordable way to get started with rucking. You can always upgrade later as you get more serious about the sport.

Check Reviews and Recommendations

Before buying any affordable rucking pack, be sure to read reviews and check recommendations from other ruckers. Look for packs that have been field-tested under rucking conditions and have held up well over time with heavy loads.

Some great places to find rucking pack reviews include:

• Rucking subreddits like r/Rucking and r/GORUCK

• Rucking blogs and YouTube channels

• Rucking Facebook groups

• Online gear review sites like Outdoor Gear Lab

Pay attention to comments about durability, comfort, and ease of use. See if reviewers have experience with the specific model you're considering. Take one-off negative reviews with a grain of salt, looking instead for consistent patterns of praise or complaints.

Compare Prices and Warranty Coverage

Once you've narrowed down your options, it's time to compare prices and warranty coverage. Check a few different retailers to find the best deal, factoring in shipping costs and any available coupons or discount codes. Don't forget to look for sales around holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday.

Consider the warranty and return policy as well. Even affordable packs should be backed by some kind of manufacturer's warranty against defects. A lifetime warranty is best, but a 1-2 year warranty is decent for a budget pack. And it's always good to have the option to return the pack if it doesn't fit or feel right once you load it up.

Invest in a Quality Rucking Pack for the Long Haul

While it's possible to find great affordable rucking packs, the old adage "you get what you pay for" does hold some truth. The cheapest packs simply won't last as long or feel as good as higher-end ones. If you plan to ruck regularly for years to come, it's worth investing in a quality pack that will go the distance.

Spending $150-300 on a rucking pack from a respected brand like GORUCK or Mystery Ranch will get you top-notch materials, construction, comfort, and features. These packs are built specifically for the demands of rucking and are backed by solid warranties. Amortized over the life of the pack, the cost per use is very reasonable.

So if you have room in your budget, consider saving up for a premium rucking pack. You'll appreciate the difference in comfort and performance, especially if you plan to do events like the GORUCK Challenge or Star Course.

The Best Affordable Rucking Packs

Based on our criteria of durability, comfort, capacity, weight, versatility, and price, here are Ruckliving's top picks for affordable rucking packs:

1. REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 ($100) - This tough, simple pack is a great value with a ventilated suspension system and stowable hip belt. Carries heavy loads comfortably.

2. Kelty Redwing 32 ($125) - A hiking pack with a U-shaped zipper, the Redwing has a sturdy suspension, thick padded straps, and plenty of organization pockets. Often on sale.

3. Osprey Daylite Plus ($65) - Light, streamlined, and affordable, this 20L pack works well for shorter rucks or as an everyday carry. Durable and comfortable despite the low price.

4. Camelbak BFM ($150) - A tactical-style pack originally designed for military use, the BFM has a high-capacity hydration reservoir, plentiful MOLLE webbing, and a well-padded suspension. Rugged and versatile.

5. Surplus ALICE Pack, Large with Frame ($50-100) - The classic rucking pack used by generations of soldiers. Cheap, simple, and virtually indestructible. Pair it with an aftermarket hip belt and shoulder strap pads for better comfort.

Conclusion

At Ruckliving, we believe you don't need to spend a small fortune to get a great rucking pack. By prioritizing durability, comfort, and simplicity, shopping discount sites, considering military surplus, and reading reviews, you can find an affordable pack that will serve you well on many rucks to come.

The most important thing is to get out there and start rucking with whatever pack you have. As you gain experience and put in the miles, you'll learn what you like and don't like in a rucking pack. Over time, you can always upgrade to a higher-end model. But an affordable, quality pack is all you need to begin experiencing the amazing benefits of rucking.