Essentials: 5AM Ruck
For those seeking an invigorating and purposeful start to their day, morning rucking offers the ideal blend of fitness, adventure, pain, and discomfort. Whether you’re a seasoned rucker planning your next rucking competition or just beginning your journey, having the right gear can make all the difference. Here are the must-have morning ruck essentials that will make your 5AM rucking experience just a bit less awful.
GORUCK Rucker 4.0 Backpack
THE GOLD STANDARD
Just like Liam Neeson’s CIA operative, the GoRuck Rucker 4.0 has a very particular set of skills. Namely, the ability to hold a very heavy weight plate (see below) in its depths so you can run, lunge, pushup, and otherwise engage in the no-joke training that is rucking. We consider it the standard in rucksacks, and a must-have for the serious rucker.
Price: $255
GORUCK 30lb Ruck Plate
LOW-PROFILE WEIGHT
To add some extra weight to your morning ruck, consider incorporating the GORUCK Ruck Plate into your gear arsenal. This one is a 30 pound version, which is considered the standard for any ruck race. These rugged plates are specially designed to fit inside the GORUCK backpacks, providing a more demanding workout in half the time.
Price: $120
Ten Thousand Seamless Shirt
MOISTURE-WICKING
A reliable base layer is essential for any physical activity, and the Ten Thousand Versatile Shirt fits the bill perfectly. featuring a seamless body mapped mesh build for superb breathability, this shirt keeps you cool and comfortable during your morning rucks. Its athletic fit ensures freedom of movement, while moisture-wicking technology keeps sweat at bay, allowing you to focus on the journey ahead.
Price: $64
On Cloudstratus 3 Sneakers
SUPERFOAM MIDSOLE
If you’re going to be carrying some extra weight for several miles at 5AM, you’ll need some footwear built for the task. We recommend On Running’s Cloudstratus 3 sneakers. This latest iteration of the brand’s bestselling shoe provides more cushioning, more comfort, better stability, and more energy return. Pretty much everything you’ll want in a sneaker when you’re pounding the pavement.
Price: $180
Mack Weldon Stratus Active Shorts
STAY COOL & DRY
The patented 37.5 Technology featured in the Stratus Actives is an impressive science, perfect for you rucking gents out there. They’re made of active particles that help keep your body at core temperature, between 97 and 99 degrees. They also help keep the microclimate of your skin at the ideal humidity, which is around 37.5%, by removing sweat in its vapor stage. Basically, these shorts are hyper-responsive and work overtime to keep you dry and cool.
Price: $68
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