<h1>GORUCK Basic Rucker 17L Loadout: My Weighted Hiking Setup</h1>
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GORUCK Basic Rucker 17L Loadout: My Weighted Hiking Setup

ByJeremy

Over the last few months, I have been trying to find a better way to increase my cardio and core strength while hiking, trekking, and walking.

The one thing I kept coming back to was weighted carry.

I tried weighted vests. I tried sling bags. I tried wearing a weighted vest with a normal backpack. I also tried using regular backpacks with a ruck plate sleeve after seeing people recommend that as a budget-friendly way to start rucking.

None of those setups worked the way I wanted.

The weighted vest made it harder to carry other gear comfortably. A normal backpack with a plate felt awkward and uncomfortable. I was also concerned that some of those setups might make me more prone to injury.

So I finally picked up the GORUCK Basic Rucker 17L.

This bag has changed the way I hike.

Watch the Full Video

Why I Wanted a Rucking Backpack

My goal was not just to carry more weight for the sake of carrying more weight.

I wanted a practical hiking setup that would help me increase the workout value of my walks and hikes while still letting me carry the gear I actually want on the trail.

That means water, medical gear, tools, lighting, calories, emergency items, and weather protection.

The challenge was finding a way to carry all of that comfortably while also adding weight for training.

GORUCK Basic Rucker 17L

The bag shown in the video is the GORUCK Basic Rucker 17L.

GORUCK also offers a 14L version, but I went with the 17L because I wanted a little more room for my hiking gear and emergency items.

This is one of GORUCK’s newer and more affordable rucking bags. GORUCK bags can be expensive, which was one of my barriers to getting into rucking, but I was able to pick this one up during Amazon Prime Day for around $88.

GORUCK Basic Rucker:
https://amzn.to/4frms29

Materials and Build

The Basic Rucker has a strong, durable feel.

The materials listed in the video include:

  • 420D ROBIC body
  • 840D ROBIC bottom
  • 210D Cordura back panel and straps

The exterior feels tough, and the bottom material gives the bag a little extra durability where it is most likely to get set down on rough ground.

One small complaint I have is that I would not mind a little more padding in the shoulder straps.

Chest Strap and Exterior Carry

I added an inexpensive chest strap to the bag.

That has helped with comfort and stability, especially while carrying weight.

On the strap, I currently have pepper spray attached. I have also been thinking about switching to bear spray because bears have been becoming more common in my area.

POM MK3 Pepper Spray:
https://amzn.to/4c8t8Qq

Water and Tourniquet Carry

One side pocket carries a water bottle.

On the other side, I have a CAT Gen 7 tourniquet from Great American Rescue.

The Basic Rucker also has a reflective stripe on the front, which I really like for visibility.

CAT Gen 7 Tourniquet:
https://amzn.to/4vYvyZh

Hydration Bladder Port

The bag also includes a hydration bladder port.

I am not currently using it, but it is a nice feature to have. A hydration bladder may be something I experiment with in the future.

ROXON Flex Multitool

Inside the bag, I have my ROXON Flex multitool.

This is a newer addition to my hiking setup, and I recently did a video on it.

The Flex makes sense here because it is modular and can be customized around a specific use case. For a hiking bag, that is exactly the kind of flexibility I like.

ROXON Flex on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/4vStf9O

Shop ROXON through Surviving the Daily:
https://survivingthedaily.com/roxon

Use code SURVIVINGTHEDAILY10 for 10% off on the ROXON website.

I am a ROXON affiliate. Purchases made through my link may earn the channel a commission at no extra cost to you.

Follow @roxon.usa and check out #ROXONtools for more ROXON gear.

Food, Calories, and Electrolytes

I carry calories in the form of dehydrated fruit, along with electrolyte packets.

One thing I mentioned in the video is that many electrolyte products are sodium based. Since I personally try to keep an eye on sodium, I prefer looking for lower sodium options when I can.

Low Sodium Electrolyte Powder:
https://amzn.to/3RlGTUZ

Bug Net

I also carry a head net in case the black flies get terrible.

It is one of those lightweight items that barely takes up any space but can make a miserable hike a lot more tolerable.

Nextorch Headlamp

For lighting, I carry a Nextorch headlamp.

This gives me a reliable hands-free light source in case I get stuck out after dark.

I also keep a spare battery with it.

Nextorch Headlamp:
https://amzn.to/4vYvVmy

Rain Protection

I had a disposable plastic poncho in the bag, but I used it recently after getting caught in a heavy downpour.

It came in handy, mostly to help keep the backpack dry.

That is one item I need to replace in the kit.

Sofirn SE1 Beacon Light

I also carry the Sofirn SE1.

One of the things I like about this light is the blinking LED function, which can be used as a beacon.

Sofirn SE1:
https://amzn.to/4wkRkaq

Medical and Hygiene Items

The bag also carries a variety of medical and hygiene items.

That includes:

  • Medication
  • Gauze
  • SWAT-T tourniquet
  • Toilet paper
  • Tissues
  • Spray wipes
  • Body wipes
  • Sunscreen wipes
  • Nitroglycerin

SWAT-T Tourniquet:
https://amzn.to/44TT8uY

Emergency Clothing and Small Gear

In another small pouch, I carry gloves, a beanie, toilet paper, a lighter, a knife, and an emergency USB-C phone charger.

Small USB-C emergency chargers can be found at places like Dollar Tree or grocery stores, but I also linked an option below.

Emergency Power Banks / USB-C Chargers:
https://amzn.to/3RwDPFB

Cold Pack, Splint, and Moleskin

At the bottom of the bag, I also have an instant cold pack, a portable splint, and moleskin.

Those items are there for trail comfort and minor emergency support, especially when hiking regularly.

Portable Splint:
https://amzn.to/3TEwK6n

Ruck Plate

The Basic Rucker can hold GORUCK ruck plates in 10 lb, 20 lb, or 30 lb sizes.

I am currently using a generic 10 lb ruck plate from Amazon.

From what I have seen, if you are using a generic plate like mine, the 10 lb version is the one that fits the plate pocket properly.

Ruck Plate:
https://amzn.to/4fFPRUY

Loaded Weight

With two bottles of water, this setup comes in around 18 lb total.

That is not terribly heavy, but it is enough to add some extra training value to my hikes.

For me, that extra weight helps make hiking feel more like a strength and cardio workout without turning the entire trip into punishment theater.

Fitness and Hiking Thoughts

Walking and hiking have been a big part of my fitness and weight loss routine.

I am not a doctor, and this is not medical advice, but getting outside, walking, hiking, and eating a balanced diet have helped me tremendously.

The GORUCK Basic Rucker gives me a way to add some extra difficulty while still carrying the gear I want with me.

Gear Featured

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links in this post are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through those links, at no extra cost to you.

I am also a ROXON affiliate. Purchases made through my ROXON link may earn the channel a commission at no extra cost to you.

Final Thoughts

The GORUCK Basic Rucker 17L has changed the game for my hiking setup.

It lets me carry a ruck plate, trail gear, water, medical items, tools, lights, and small emergency supplies in a way that feels much more comfortable than the other weighted carry setups I tried.

Weighted vests did not work well for me. Normal backpacks with plates were not comfortable. This bag feels like it was actually built for the job.

For my current hiking routine, the Basic Rucker has been exactly what I was looking for.

Outro Music

The music at the end of this video was created by me using Suno AI.

Use the following link to listen in its entirety:

Listen to the full track

Thanks for stopping by Surviving the Daily. Let me know what you carry in your hiking or rucking setup.

#ROXONtools

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