10 Best Backpack For Rucking [2023]

GORUCK GR3 Rucksack

The GR3 backpack from GORUCK is a great option if you want a large-capacity rucking backpack. This is a 45-liter bag with multiple compartments and lots of external attachment points, so it’s a great option if you need a bigger backpack for rucking.

It’s also important to note that the GR3 is a carry-on-sized bag. In case you want a versatile rucking backpack that you can also use for travel, this is by far one of the best options out of the bunch.

The bag is made from extremely durable 1000D Cordura material and it features sturdy YKK zippers with glove/friendly pulls. The back panel features thick padding and ventilation channels for great carrying comfort, and even the shoulder straps have extra padding.

The GR3 backpack is equipped with a removable padded hip belt, which guarantees you stay comfortable even when the pack is heavily loaded. Also, it’s worth noting that the bag has many internal and external pockets and MOLLE panels, for effortless organization. There are also compression straps to help stabilize the load of the bag, and there are even additional attachment points on the shoulder straps.

This backpack has a dedicated laptop compartment that can fit devices up to 17”. There’s also a clip for a hydration bladder inside the pack, as well as additional features that allow you to easily set up hands-free hydration with the GR3 pack.

MT Military MOLLE 2 Large Rucksack with Frame

The MT Military MOLLE pack is one of the most versatile rucking backpacks you can get your hands on. It’s got multiple detachable pouches, so you can easily transform this backpack according to any current needs. It’s made from durable nylon with good water resistance, and it features padded shoulder straps for ultimate carrying comfort.

The capacity of the main rucksack is approximately 65 liters, which makes this bag suitable for multi-day expeditions. But that’s just the main section of the entire backpack – there are also detachable side pouches that each add an extra 8 liters, as well as a multi-purpose waist pack.

This backpack is also equipped with a large contoured frame that provides additional support for rucking and prevents the weight of the pack from shifting. The molded hip belt helps transfer the weight of this massive pack onto your hips so that your torso doesn’t suffer too much during challenging rucking sessions.

It’s also worth noting that this rucking backpack is equipped with multiple compression straps that help stabilize the load of the bag. There are also MOLLE panels on the main backpack body – if you’re not using them to attach all the smaller pouches, you can use them to secure any additional gear.

Kelty Redwing 30L Tactical Backpack

Kelty Redwing 30L is an excellent day hiking pack that works great for rucking. It’s one of the best bags out of the bunch, especially if you’re looking for a versatile backpack that you can use for more than just the exercise.

The backpack is made from 500D nylon and it’s got military-style backpack straps. They’re padded and adjustable, and they pair great with the internal frame and comfortable back panel. There’s breathable mesh and thick padding all over the back system of this bag, and you’ll also get a sternum strap and a hip belt even on the 30-liter option.

This pack also features a dedicated laptop compartment, an external water bottle pocket, and several smaller pockets. It’s even hydration system compatible, and it’s got multiple external attachment points for extra gear.

The Redwing backpack is durable, it’s got a large capacity, and plenty of pockets for easy organization, whether you want to use it for rucking or just some easy hiking. This is also one of the more affordable options, so it’s a great choice if you’re on a tighter budget, but you don’t want to settle for a low-quality bag.

Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 24 Backpack

The Urban Assault 24 Backpack is a great option if you want a rucking backpack that doubles as an everyday carry bag. The 24-liter capacity is great for everyday carry, while the durable construction and spacious main compartment, and comfortable back system make the backpack a good option for rucking.

The bag is made from durable 500D Cordura material, and it’s equipped with waterproof YKK zippers for excellent performance in changing conditions. The shoulder straps and the back panel all feature thick padding and breathable mesh, for excellent carrying comfort.

This backpack features a three-zip opening in the main compartment, which is great if you want to have everything inside the bag easily accessible. This main compartment style allows you to see everything that’s inside the bag, even all the smaller items that are sitting comfortably in their dedicated pockets.

The Mystery Ranch backpack has lots of internal pockets for easy organization, and there’s also a dedicated laptop compartment in the back. The plastic frame sheet offers additional support at heavier loads, while the convenient sternum strap ensures the pack stays put on your torso.

There’s no hip belt on this bag, but that’s fine considering the smaller capacity. It is possible to adjust the height of the sternum strap thanks to the webbing that also doubles as attachment points for other gear.

GORUCK GR1 Rucksack

GORUCK is the brand that introduced rucking to the average person – it’s in their brand name, after all. Their bags are specifically designed for rucking, and the GR1 Rucksack is one of the toughest backpacks they’ve ever made. It’s suitable for both cities and warzones, so there’s no question if it can handle the heavier loads for rucking.

The backpack is made from 1000D Cordura Nylon and it’s got sturdy YKK zippers. There’s a hard plastic frame sheet as well as heavily padded shoulder straps and grab handles for a more comfortable carrying experience. The GR1 pack is also entirely rainproof, so you can continue rucking even in wet weather conditions without worrying about the items inside the bag getting wet.

This is also a very versatile backpack. It’s got a bombproof laptop compartment and it’s a carry-on-friendly size, so it works for more than just rucking. The GR1 bag also features multiple internal pockets for better organization, as well as an external slant pocket for items you need easily accessible or just ruck weights.

The MOLLE panel lets you attach whatever you want to the exterior of the backpack, be it additional gear or just stuff that adds weight to the GR1. You’ll also have similar attachment points on the shoulder strap, and even on the sides of the bag. The rucksack doesn’t have a sternum strap or a hip belt, but that’s fine considering it’s a small capacity daypack.

5.11 Tactical RUSH 24 Military Backpack

If you’re the kind of person who can never have enough pockets on a backpack, this 5.11 backpack is easily the best bag for you. It’s got a total of 29 individual pockets, as well as a spacious main compartment, and MOLLE panels on every side of the bag. The MOLLE webbing system actually wraps around the entire backpack, and there are even attachment points on the shoulder straps.

Durable 1000D nylon is the main material of the bag, and it’s water repellant. The back system features comfortable padding and ventilation channels, while the shoulder straps boast a contoured yoke system for maximum comfort. The convenient sternum strap ensures they stay in place during long rucking sessions, but it’s worth noting that there’s no hip belt on the bag.

The main compartment is spacious and suitable for bulkier gear. It’s only got two pockets – the bulk of the other pockets are in the other backpack compartments, for effortless organization.

Also, the Rush 24 bag has compression straps that help stabilize the load and a dedicated laptop compartment inside the main compartment. It’s not just a great backpack for rucking, but also a decent hiking bag and a pretty good option for everyday carry. This is also one of the more affordable tactical backpacks and a great choice for anyone who is shopping on a tighter budget.

MT Military Alice Rucksack

The MT Military Alice pack is an interesting option for a rucking backpack. It’s a versatile bag with several detachable pouches, so you can easily adjust the backpack to fit your current needs on any day. It consists of the main pouch and several detachable pouches, which allow you to control the size and capacity of the bag at all times.

This rucking backpack is made from 1000D polyester. It’s a durable material with great water and abrasion resistance, so the bag will perform well in changing conditions. The main compartment features a drawcord closure with multiple compression buckles, for better load stabilization.

The bag comes with an LC-1 Field frame, and it must be used with the frame at all times. This is one of the things that makes it a great option for rucking – the frame is extremely sturdy and it does an excellent job at distributing the weight evenly across your body.

Adjustable shoulder straps and a waist belt are also included in this rugged rucking backpack. It’s also got MOLLE webbing panels, lots of compression straps, and a dedicated radio pocket for convenient use in the field.

REI Co-Op Ruckpack 40 Recycled Pack

If you want a rucking backpack that’s versatile enough that you can take it on trips, go with the REI Co-Op Ruckpack. It’s got a capacity of 40 liters and it’s an extremely convenient bag which makes it the best option for a travel bag. The bag is great for multi-day trips, and it’s an even better rucking backpack thanks to all the convenient features, but you can’t really use it as a carry-on for air travel because it’s a bit big.

It’s made from rugged (and recycled) ripstop nylon that’s got excellent tear and abrasion resistance. The back panel and shoulder straps both feature thick padding and breathable mesh, for maximum carrying comfort. Also, it’s possible to stow away the shoulder straps behind a zipper on the back panel, which helps protect them during transport.

The back system includes a sternum strap and a padded hip belt for maximum comfort at heavier loads, which is essential for rucking. The bag also features several external pockets, attachment points, and compression straps, which allow you to keep certain items handy and make the backpack as comfortable as possible.

The main compartment is very spacious, with plenty of room for ruck weights or just the travel essentials. This bag also has a sleeve in the back that can fit either a 3-liter hydration reservoir or a 15” laptop, depending on what you need to use the bag for on any given day.

Direct Action Ghost Tactical Backpack

The Direct Action Ghost Backpack is an excellent option if you want a heavy-duty bag with excellent organization features. It’s made from durable 500D Cordura, it’s got sturdy YKK zippers, and it features a detachable waist belt with suspenders, for premium carrying comfort.

This backpack is also equipped with detachable organizer pockets, and it’s got a myriad of pockets throughout its several compartments. The main compartment is spacious and compatible with hydration bladders, thanks to the clip attachment. It’s worth noting that you can use this clip to secure ruck weights inside the hydration sleeve, plus you can put weights in a bunch of other pockets.

The front compartment has an internal organizer with lots of smaller pockets, as well as a dedicated sleeve for a tablet or a smaller laptop. There’s also a detachable front compartment that can be used to add extra weight to the bag, or removed for those days when you don’t need as many items as usual.

This backpack also features D-ring attachment points, MOLLE webbing, and compression straps on the sides and the bottom. The back system is extremely comfortable even without the detachable waist belt – there’s thick padding in the back panel and shoulder strap, as well as breathable mesh for excellent airflow.

Maxpedition Falcon III Backpack

The Maxpedition Falcon III pack is a good choice if you want a rucking pack with MOLLE panels on every inch of its exterior. This bag has MOLLE on the front and sides, with compression straps on every side of the backpack. There are also some attachment points on the shoulder straps, and it’s possible to use the compression straps at the bottom of the bag to secure a sleeping bag or pad.

It’s also got several spacious compartments for all your gear, as well as convenient pockets you can use to store ruck weights. The backpack has a total of four separate compartments, with many smaller pockets inside them that work great for all the smaller rucking essentials.

This rucking bag is made from 1050D ballistic nylon with excellent water and abrasion resistance. It’s an extremely sturdy backpack that can withstand frequent rucking sessions at max capacity without getting damaged.

The back system features thick padding and breathable mesh for maximum carrying comfort. There’s a sternum strap to help keep the shoulder straps in place, and there’s a nylon webbing hip belt to transfer the load away from your torso. It’s worth noting that the hip belt isn’t padded, so it might not feel as comfortable when the Falcon III is at max capacity.