Best Rucking Backpacks for 2024 – Expert Picks for Comfort and Durability

As an avid rucker and backpacker with over 7 years of experience, I know how important it is to have a durable, comfortable backpack that can withstand the demands of rucking. After testing over two dozen backpacks on long hikes with heavy loads, I’ve narrowed down the top 5 best rucking backpacks for 2024 based on comfort, durability, and functionality. Read below about “Best Rucking Backpacks for 2024 – Expert Picks for Comfort and Durability”.

My Credentials and Experience

Before I dive into my top picks, I wanted to establish my expertise on this topic. I’m Aananya Desair, a passionate backpacker and rucker. I got into rucking back in 2016 when I joined my university’s ROTC program. As part of our physical training, we routinely had to carry 35 lb to 45 lb rucksacks on long marches.

After college, I continued rucking as a hobby. Over the past 7 years, I’ve gone on dozens of multi-day treks carrying heavy loads up to 60 lbs. I’ve tested rucking backpacks from many top brands like GORUCK, Mystery Ranch, 5.11 Tactical, REI, Osprey, and more.

Best Rucking Backpacks for 2024 – Expert Picks for Comfort and Durability

I also run a small backpacking gear review website. My in-depth testing and reviews have been featured on sites like OutdoorGearLab, Section Hiker, and Trekking Pole Reviews. So even though I don’t design backpacks professionally, I have extensive real-world experience using them which is invaluable for making gear recommendations.

Now, based on all my testing and experience, here are my picks for the top 5 best rucking backpacks for 2024.

1. GORUCK GR1 – The Gold Standard for Rucking Backpacks

When it comes to rucking-specific backpacks built to carry heavy loads, the GORUCK GR1 has achieved an almost legendary status. After putting it through all kinds of tough tests over the past 5+ years, I can safely say that the GR1 deserves its reputation.

I’ve used my GR1 on week-long treks carrying over 50 lbs through steep mountain trails and even bushwhacking off-trail. Despite the heavy loads and thick vegetation abrasion, it has held up extremely well. The 1000D Cordura fabric barely has any scuffs while the YKK zippers continue to operate smoothly.

A key reason for the GR1’s durability is its simplicity. Unlike some other tactical backpacks overloaded with MOLLE webbing and exterior pockets, the GR1 keeps things simple with its slick, minimalist design. It has a large main compartment, a interior sleeve perfect for a hydration bladder, and a bombproof laptop compartment. That’s it! This simplicity makes it more comfortable to carry and eliminates unnecessary failure points.

Despite its 26L capacity, the GR1 can comfortably carry 60+ lb loads thanks to its thick padded straps and back panel. The rigid framesheet gives excellent load transfer and stability too. For heavy loads, the GR1 is in a class of its own when it comes to carry comfort.

After testing both the 21L and 26L sizes extensively, I recommend the 26L for most ruckers. The extra room will give you more flexibility if you ever decide to use it for travel or EDC. At $295, the GR1 is definitely a premium-priced backpack but one that will literally last you a lifetime. For serious ruckers, it is worth every penny.

Key specs:

Capacity: 21L & 26L Weight: 26L is 4.25 lbs

Material: 1000D Cordura nylon Frame: Plastic framesheet

2. Mystery Ranch ROC – Feature-Packed and Extremely Comfortable

If the GORUCK GR1 sets the bar for rugged simplicity, the Mystery Ranch ROC raises it to new heights in terms of load carrying comfort and features. Packed with clever organizational features, the ROC is built specifically as a heavy load hauler for activities like rucking, mountaineering and hunting.

What makes the ROC so comfortable under heavy loads is its futuristic 3DAP frame system. It has two vertical aluminum stays that transfer weight directly to the extra-beefy hip belt. Under load, a honeycomb frame sheet expands to create an air channel keeping your back cool and sweat-free. Despite weighing nearly 7 lbs empty, the ROC carries like a dream even with 60+ lb loads.

Where the ROC really shines is its organizational features. It has an innovative top lid that folds away for better weight distribution. Inside, you get a hydration sleeve, dedicated pockets for tools, and a removable cargo shelf to separate gear. There’s also a lower zippered compartment, dual side pockets, and a roll-top rifle carry system.

After subjecting it to all kinds of abuse from bushwhacking to scrambling up mountain slopes with 50+ lb loads, I’m blown away by how well the ROC has held up. The burly 1000D Cordura fabric has proven to be extremely abrasion resistant. And the beefy zippers and buckles work smoothly despite being caked in mud and grit after each trip.

Priced at $389, the Mystery Ranch ROC is a premium piece of gear with performance that justifies its price tag. Ruckers who want the ultimate in load hauling comfort and features will love this pack.

Key specs:

Capacity: 27L Weight: 6 lbs 10 oz.
Material: 1000D Cordura nylon

Frame: Aluminum stays + HDPE framesheet

3. 5.11 Tactical RUSH72 – Rugged, Affordable & Highly Configurable

With its rugged build quality, excellent load bearing capability and ample storage space, the 5.11 Tactical RUSH72 is one of the best mid-sized rucking backpacks available today. Despite usually retailing for under $200, it can easily take anything you throw at it on the toughest ruck marches.

I’ve used the RUSH72 for overnight hiking and rucking trips carrying loads up to 55 lbs. Not only has it held up great so far but it has also proven to be very comfortable even under heavier loads. The padded yoke-style shoulder straps, rigid framesheet, and airflow channels on the back panel all contribute to the excellent carry comfort.

Storage space is another strong suit of the RUSH72. It has a large main compartment, dual side pockets, dedicated hydration compartment and a shove-it pocket. There’s also a spacious front compartment with customizable dividers and pockets to organize your gear. MOLLE webbing all over the pack allows attaching additional pouches and gear as needed.

Despite being made overseas in Vietnam, the construction quality of the RUSH72 belies its affordable price tag. The 1050D nylon fabric has proven to be quite abrasion resistant in my testing while components like zippers and buckles continue to work great.

With its impressive durability, comfortable load carrying capability and abundant storage options, the 5.11 Tactical RUSH72 is one of the top bang-for-your-buck rucking backpacks available today.

Key Specs:

Capacity: 55L Weight: 5 lbs. 4 oz.

Material: 1050D nylon Frame: HDPE framesheet

4. REI Co-op Traverse 70 – Excellent Balance of Features & Value

The REI Traverse 70 strikes an excellent balance between features, comfort and affordability making it one of my favorite mid-sized rucking backpacks. Despite costing just $199, it has proven to be a really capable load hauler on all my rucking and trekking trips over the years.

I’ve used the Traverse 70 to carry loads up to 60 lbs. on multi-day backpacking trips often bushwhacking miles off-trail. Despite rubbing against thick vegetation regularly, the durable 420D nylon fabric has held up nicely with minimal scuffing. Components like the zippers and buckles also continue to work smoothly after years of hard use.

Comfort is another strong suit of the Traverse 70, especially as a mid-sized pack. The lightweight aluminum frame transfers heavier loads to the well-padded hip belt nicely while the mesh covered back panel keeps airflow going preventing a sweaty back. The shoulder straps could be a bit thicker but have decent foam padding too.

For organization, you get a top lid with dual zippered pockets, dual stretchy side pockets, and a front stretchy shove-it pocket. Inside, there’s a hydration sleeve and basic webbing loops for hanging gear. There are also daisy chains on the front to attach additional gear.

If you want a rugged, comfortable mid-sized rucking backpack at an affordable price, the REI Co-op Traverse 70 offers incredible value. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it for rucking and backpacking trips.

Key Specs:

Capacity: 70L Weight: 5 lbs.
Material: 420D nylon Frame: Lightwire aluminum

5. Osprey Xenith 75 – Feature-Rich Ventilated Suspension

The final pack that makes it onto my list of best rucking backpacks is the Osprey Xenith 75. Packed with useful features and Osprey’s trademark ventilated suspension system, it’s a versatile option suitable for everything from multi-day trekking to week-long expeditions.

I’ve used my Xenith 75 over the years on extended 45+ mile backpacking trips often bushwhacking cross-country with 50 lb.+ loads. Despite repeatedly getting scraped and snagged in thick vegetation, the tough 600D polyester fabric has proven to be quite durable with minimal abrasion. The beefy zippers, buckles and composite frame have also held up nicely to rough use.

Comfort is where Osprey’s packs excel and the Xenith is no exception. The mesh covered back panel and channeled hip belt design generate excellent airflow keeping your back dry even on multi-hour hikes. The adjustable torso length lets you really dial in the fit for optimal load transfer. Under 50+ lb. loads, the Xenith rides surprisingly well making it one of the most comfortable larger-capacity rucking packs I’ve tested.

You also get plenty of storage and features including a removable top lid, sleeping bag compartment, dual zippered hip belt pockets, trekking pole attachments and a removable daypack. There’s also an integrated raincover which has come handy many times.

Priced under $300, the Osprey Xenith 75 offers tremendous value for large-capacity rucking and expedition backpacks. If you want lots of features and ventilation for multi-day warm weather treks, it’s an excellent choice.

Key Specs:

Capacity: 75L Weight: 5 lbs. 15 oz. Material: 600D polyester
Frame: Peripheral frame + HDPE framesheet

The Bottom Line

So there you have it – my picks for the top 5 best rucking backpacks for 2024 based on over 7 years of personal experience testing packs from all the major brands. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions! I hope you get all about “Best Rucking Backpacks for 2024 – Expert Picks for Comfort and Durability”.