GORUCK Sand Jerry Cans – Our Review

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⭐️ Best for additional Rucker loading: 85/100

The GORUCK Sand Jerry Can is one of the company’s more prominent entries in its “train with sand” collection and is notable for being functional and portable.

Comprised almost completely of highly-robust and durable Cordura, the Sand Jerry Cans are perfectly capable of withstanding the rigors of outdoor training and compressing large amounts of “resistance” (sand).

It’s difficult to find a lot to do with the Sand Jerry Cans, especially for those who aren’t involved with “ruck training” as other GORUCK products seem to offer significantly more utility…

Pros

Portable; easy to travel with and load on the beach

Extremely durable and difficult to scuff or tear

Programmed into a lot of GORUCK “Tribe ‘n Training” workouts

Cons

Not overly functional

Total load capacity is larger with certain other sand jerry can options

Not inexpensive

Read more on GORUCK

Overall Score

85

Functionality

65

Durability

100

Load Capacity

65

Materials & Construction

95

Price

75

Customer Reviews

100

Customer Service

95

How we test & score products

Before we get started, we invite you to check out our definitive guide to GORUCK backpacks, bags, and vests. We figure if you’re into other kinds of GORUCK gear, you’ll be into the bags, too.

Also, if you’re interested in GORUCK footwear offerings, check out our definitive guides on the GORUCK boots and GORUCK shoe lines!

Sometimes you just wanna make your workouts more…interesting.

Despite this kind of attitude making people like Mark Rippetoe go absolutely crazy, I think we all get bored of our MWF, 3×5, 3×5, 1×5 progressions from time to time…despite Rippetoe’s warnings…

Rippetoe is certainly one of the GOATs, but there is certainly some middle ground on the topic.

You don’t always have to stick to heavy compound lifts or standard rep scehemes.

…or even to barbells…

On that note, enter the GORUCK Sand Jerry Cans.

These bad boys definitely aren’t your “traditional” pieces of workout gear and possess many of those qualities that’ll make old-school powerlifters hyperventilate.

…but do they possess too many of those qualities to be legit training tools? Do they even possess enough to make them worth picking up for your…say it quietly…functional training regimen?

Depending on how you train…that’s up to you, but in my opinion, the Sand Jerry Cans might actually do more to help old Rippetoe’s argument than to hurt it…let’s take a look.

Functionality

If you look at the marketing material for the GORUCK Sand Jerry Cans, they actually look pretty cool. You have a number of people doing completely different exercises in different workout settings.

Heck, you even have a guy zipping his ruck up around one…an interesting, but certainly unique way to add weight to your ruck!

However, looking closer, the movements aren’t actually all that extensive nor do they appear to be at all “dynamic”…

…and I have found this to pretty much be the case with the jerry cans.

With their unique sizes and shapes, I have found that I can’t do a lot of the same exercises I might use standard dumbbells for. Suitcase carries/farmer’s carries seem to be their “headline” exercises, but this is possibly one of the most simple, non-dynamic exercises out there.

Hell, you can just use regular milk jugs for these.

Originally, I had anticipated using them to for slight variations of kettlebell swings due to their similar sizes and shapes, but they’re just “okay” for Russian swings…

…and downright “bad” for American swings…

I also wanted to use them as subs for kettlebell front rack carries, but they are a bit too bulky for this exercise, especially when I try for a double-front rack variation (if I can even get them both up at the same time…again, a testament to how their bulk (not weight!) screws you).

Truth be told, I haven’t tried Turkish get-ups with the cans, but I can’t imagine I would prefer them to a standard, 53-pound/1.5 pood kettlebell.

As far as bicep curls go with jerry cans…yeah…I don’t think anyone needs to purchase these if “curls for girls” is their primary intention. Same thing can be said for upright rows.

Finally, the whole “fits perfectly in a Rucker!” is an interesting concept, but this falls short on a number of levels:

  • The Rucker is a somewhat niche bag. If you have something else, the jerry can will probably fit it, but it won’t be perfect
  • 45 or 55 pounds of sand is significant for anyone. I understand that you see a lot of people rucking with, like, 100 pounds on the reg. I contend that this is a bad idea and most people should top out at 30 pounds. For real.
  • I understand that the jerry cans cost less than a ruck plate does…but…why not just get a “perfectly-fitting” ruck plate instead?

Ultimately, I know that GORUCK and other rucking enthusiasts are big into carrying stuff (Peter Attia and Michael Easter have entire sections of books talking about primates carrying stuff) and that they work carries into a lot of their programming. However, unless you’re really into carrying a very specific item, you could find something a bit cheaper.

If you’re not into carrying a very specific item, you can find gear that is a lot more functional.

Functionality: 65

Durability

When it comes to outdoor training, it’s generally not as easy as grabbing your stuff from inside and taking it to your outdoor training area with you. Bars gets rusty, dumbbells get muddy, and stuff just gets beat up worse outside.

Considering that you only ever seem to see people doing “dynamic rucking” training outside, this presents a bit of a problem.

Thankfully, the GORUCK Sand Jerry Cans, like the majority of the company’s gear (and definitely like it’s other “train with sand” items) are built with adverse conditions and with…for lack of a better term…less “finesse training” in mind. Besides being able to better withstand outdoor training rigors, they are just plain “durable” in general.

A lot of this durability has to do with the cans’ simplicity; you got large, but compact bags that are almost entirely constructed of tough, Cordura material. When you have these bad boys properly filled (i.e. to their advertised load capacity), they are incredibly stout with zero extra/empty space to allow for any type of warping.

The cans’ top enclosure includes both a zipper (which, admittedly, when filled to the brim can be pretty hard to zip shut) as well as a double-velcro enclosure. These features by themselves don’t do all that much to add to their durability, but they do do an excellent job of keeping sand from escaping, allowing the cans to maintain their compact frame.

I also find the handles themselves to be a bit more substantive than those on (somewhat) similar items like the GORUCK Sand Kettlebells which are kind of…I don’t know…wimpy? The Sand Jerry Cans have legit handles that are easy to grasp, but don’t give the impression that they’re going to break or give.

Overall, for non-steel/metal workout gear (because you can’t really compare metal to material) the GORUCK Sand Jerry Cans are really tough. If you’re worried about the abuse your gear is taking/might take (based off of your own grand fitness plans) you can rest assured that these are gonna hold up and make it for the long haul.

Durability: 100

Load Capacity

As we’ll see in the “Price” section below, the load capacity of the sand jerry cans leaves a bit to be desired.

Don’t get me wrong; a 55-pound farmer’s carry or Russian kettlebell swing isn’t anything to sneeze at, especially at high distances/high rep counts. However, when that is the top end load capacity/limit, you’re gonna be a bit limited after a while (if you’re doing it right, that is).

We’ll see how this capacity (and the 55-pound capacity is for the bigger sand jerry can) is actually pretty low relative to GORUCK’s competition in this area (I’ll go ahead and kill some of the suspense here; Rogue’s jerry cans can hold 100 pounds of sand).

Load Capacity: 65

Materials & Construction

Like just about all of GORUCK’s gear options, to include the other items in the “train with sand” collection, the GORUCK Jerry Cans are pretty much entirely comprised of 1000D Cordura. This is much appreciated, largely because of many of the reasons we covered in the “Durability” section above.

I would argue that being tear-resistant is the most important quality of equipment like sand jerry cans for a couple of reasons:

  • You’re probably going to be dropping these more than you would harder, more “traditional” items (Ex. dumbbells, kettlebells, etc.) and items constructed of lower-quality material would be likely to suffer abrasions or tears.
  • More importantly, I think it would be really difficult to overfill these…like…at all, but especially difficult to fill them to the point where they might bust. As such, this sand implement-specific concern doesn’t really apply here.

To that second point, like many sand implements (most notably, Rogue’s Strongman Sandbags) the GORUCK Sand Jerry Cans have internal “separators” that essentially create three separate compartments. In theory, I understand the importance of these and how they work to better distribute the weight of the sand. However, in my experience, they just make the whole filling process more annoying.

I don’t want to knock these separators too much, but I think for implements that aren’t really that big, their presence is kind of superfluous. Otherwise, these are very nicely crafted and constructed items.

Materials & Construction: 95

Price

This area is a bit tricky for a couple of reasons:

First, there are very few comparable products to measure the sand jerry cans’ price against. This is oftentimes the case with more niche gear, but in this case…I mean…what do you compare a “sand jerry can” to?

Next, the one comparable item we do have to put against the GORUCK Sand Jerry Can (the Rogue JC-100S) is a similar product with very different capabilities.

Truth be told, Rogue’s offering is between $20 and $30 more expensive than GORUCK’s, but its max capacity (100 pounds of sand) is roughly twice as much as either of the GORUCK Sand Jerry Cans.

…so, GORUCK’s can aren’t as expensive, but they are definitely more expensive on a “max capacity” basis.

In order to sum things up in at least a somewhat coherent manner, we’ll say that:

  • The GORUCK Sand Jerry Cans are an objectively expensive product, given their size and (to a lesser extent since we try not to measure “value” in this category) overall functionality/utility
  • The GORUCK Sand Jerry Cans are much more expensive than their (sole) competitor on a “load capacity” basis
  • The GORUCK Sand Jerry Cans are less expensive than their (sole) competitor as far as absolute price is concerned.

I think that’s a fair way to break things down…or maybe it’s just a long way of saying “they’re not cheap…but they’re not as expensive as they could be”…?

Price: 75

Customer Reviews

Unlike some of the bags in the GORUCK “GR line”, the sand jerry cans are one of the company’s less-reviewed products. You could say that this fact is due to the cans’ overall “newness”, but it is probably more likely that most people aren’t like “…yeah…I need to get me some sand jerry cans” today!

Anyways, there are currently less than 100 reviews for the GORUCK sand jerry cans and, outside of a few random reviews on some random retail sites, all of these reviews are houses on the official GORUCK website.

In most cases, I would say that all of the reviews being in the same place isn’t such a big deal, but when the reviews are this good, especially for such an obscure product that…(trying to be as objective as possible)…isn’t great…you kinda start to wonder…

…and by “this good”, we’re talking 5 out of 5 across the board. A perfect (collective) customer review score!

Okay, so technically there are a few 4-star reviews (3, to be exact) so the collective score isn’t a perfect 5 out of 5, but 94 out of 97 5-star reviews is pretty stellar. Also, considering of those 3 non-perfect scores, one of them was a guy (rightfully so) complaining about the pricing…tough to find fault with the product itself.

I personally don’t think the sand jerry cans live up to that amount of hype, but, in this category at least, it doesn’t matter; the customers have spoken!

Customer Reviews: 100

Customer Service

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…dealing with GORUCK customer service personnel ain’t such a bad thing. Granted, I’d rather not have to deal with anyone at all, but when you got questions or returns…well…you know what you gotta do.

I can remember a few years back when I placed my very first GORUCK order and, of the ~12 or so items in the cart, had forgotten something (which was probably pretty small and insignificant, anyways). I contacted GORUCK and they proceeded to cancel the entire order and instructed me to make an entirely new one from scratch…not so cool.

However, since then, all of my experiences with the company have been somewhere between “good” and “great”. I have gotten returns expedited, refunds when I technically shouldn’t have, and have had orders quickly cancelled (or actually changed) with no pushback or questions asked.

I’ve mentioned in some other reviews that I’m also pretty positive that the people (or, to be more accurate, single person who I regularly interact with) is either an actual human (in Florida, at that!) as opposed to some type of sophisticated AI bot. Granted, I could be dealing with a Fembot, but I probably wouldn’t be complaining about that…

IYKYK!

Overall, if you’ve never ordered from the company before and you’re concerned about…something, don’t worry about it. If there is an issue, it is definitely more than likely that you’ll get things resolved quickly and easily.

Customer Service: 95

Who are GORUCK Sand Jerry Cans really for?

Interestingly enough, if we take out the “Functionality” portion of this review (which is undoubtedl

Those who do really simple exercises

This isn’t just me saying this: just look on the GORUCK sales page for the Sand Jerry Cans. The models aren’t exactly doing the most technically difficult exercises and movements…I count farmer’s carries, rows, quasi-swings, bicep curls(?!), front rack carries, and upright rows.

You can do all of these movements…and a bit more…with something like a sand kettlebell.

If you get creative, you can probably think of a few more, but…don’t get too excited about the possibility of doing a bunch of different exercises with these…because you can’t.

Those who want to train outside

If you want to do farmer’s carries, swings, and some of the more interesting exercises discussed above outside, it makes sense to use gear that isn’t gonna get messed up by the dirt, mud, etc. The GORUCK Sand Jerry Cans’ all-Cordura construction is abrasion resistant and is a bit easier to maintain during outdoor use than metal gear (somehow, this is the first time I have written that phrase on this site!)

I would actually even go so far as to designate your “train with sand” gear as your “outside training” gear and your metal stuff (within reason) as the stuff that pretty much stays inside, especially lighter weight, non-barbell implements.

Not for serious fitness enthusiasts

I know that something called a “sand jerry can” sounds kinda interesting and, in an age where it “matters”, sounds like an incredibly “functional” weight training implement.

However, the utility for the GORUCK Sand Jerry Cans just isn’t that high and legit fitness enthusiasts would quickly realize two things about them:

  • To rehash the point above, there just isn’t that much you can actually do with the cans
  • For those with more legit training goals and programs, there are plenty of other pieces of equipment that are a lot more useful and valuable

I get that GORUCK enthusiasts who haven’t really studied programming other than Tribe nn ss may see something like the brand’s Sand Jerry Cans (or, better yet, may see that they’re programmed into a workout) and think that because the company is promoting them that they gotta be legit…

…but trust me; you can do better.

How we reviewed the GORUCK Sand Jerry Cans

Straight up, I don’t use my jerry cans very much. I just…don’t really have a use for them in my fitness regimen and they don’t fit into my programming.

If I have to do some kind of farmer’s carry, I pretty much always perform these with dumbbells (it would be less challenging and, therefore, “scaled” to use the sand jerry cans). I thought that I might be able to use them as kettlebell alternatives (I often have kettlebell front rack carries in my programming), but these don’t work too well for this.

As such, I pretty much only put them through initial testing, but have yet to include them in a workout since.

GORUCK Sand Jerry Can Alternatives

I’m leaving the obvious choice off of this list (an actual jerry can) and going with overpriced options that are, nevertheless, better suited for the rigors of fitness training.

Best Alternative

Rogue JC-100S Jerry Can Sandbag

Rogue’s Sand Jerry Cans (Sandbags) have made numerous appearances in high-level competition and have the highest load capacity of any sand jerry can options we have come across.

Pros

Constructed of tough, 1000D Cordura

High load capacity

Triple-handle version for increased functionality

Cons

More expensive than other jerry can options

There are more functional Rogue equipment options

“Hard” Alternative

Rogue JC-40 Jerry Can

Rogue’s “hard” Jerry Cans aren’t intended for use with sand and are, instead, to be filled with (much more accessible) water. These are more durable than “standard” jerry cans you might find at a gas station.

Pros

Water-loaded; much more accessible and easier to adjust

Durable High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) material

Least expensive “fitness” jerry can options

Cons

Not overly special relative to “standard” jerry cans

Not the most functional piece of equipment

Brand Alternative

GORUCK Sand Kettlebells

The GORUCK Sand Kettlebells are in the same “train with sand” collection as the company’s sand jerry cans, but provide a bit more overall utility with the same solid construction and materials.

Pros

Extremely durable

Numerous size/load options

There is a degree of load flexibility

Cons

Not inexpensive

Not ideal for overhead movements

Frequently Asked Questions

Maybe there are some last-ditch questions that’ll help you make your mind up. By this point, we’re pretty sure you’ve made your decision, though…

Interesting, but good question.

Yeah, it's easy enough to handle; a lot better than the kinda "wimpy" handles on the sand kettlebells. However, there is only the single-handle option (unlike the triple-handle option on the Rogue Sandy Jerry Cans).

Ehhh...I mean...they're not bad for everybody, but for my own personal purposes and training intentions I have legitimately zero use for them...and I would say that this probably applies to most people.

GORUCK Sand Jerry Cans…if you need the complete “Train with Sand” collection…

I really wanted to like the GORUCK Sand Jerry Cans and, for some reason, didn’t even really consider the possibility that I wouldn’t like them.

They’re made of high-quality materials, they’re engineered, marketed and sold by one of my favorite brands, and they’re just kinda interesting.

…but they’re not for me.

I know this is going to sound like I’m knocking it, but I’m actually not…but…these are meant for “ruck training”. You can load them in your ruck, you can do some curls with them (sorta), you can do suitcase carries, and you can do some other random, not overly intense things.

And that’s about it!

If you are dead set on getting every item in the GORUCK “Train with Sand” collection, you’re gonna have to get these.

If you just want a smaller, slightly more functional “sand training” implement to throw around, go with the GORUCK Sand Kettlebells.

If neither of these applies to you…just get something else…

As we finish up, we invite you again to check out GORUCK’s current “Deals”. Knowing what I know about these, there is a good chance that a number of the bags from this guide (among other goodies) are deeply discounted right now!

Also, if you’re interested in the GORUCK sand jerry can, you gotta be interested in other rucking gear and workouts, right? Check out our definitive guides on the best boots for rucking and best dynamic rucking workouts!

⭐️ Best for additional Rucker loading: 85/100

The GORUCK Sand Jerry Can is one of the company’s more prominent entries in its “train with sand” collection and is notable for being functional and portable.

Comprised almost completely of highly-robust and durable Cordura, the Sand Jerry Cans are perfectly capable of withstanding the rigors of outdoor training and compressing large amounts of “resistance” (sand).

It’s difficult to find a lot to do with the Sand Jerry Cans, especially for those who aren’t involved with “ruck training” as other GORUCK products seem to offer significantly more utility…

Pros

Portable; easy to travel with and load on the beach

Extremely durable and difficult to scuff or tear

Programmed into a lot of GORUCK “Tribe ‘n Training” workouts

Cons

Not overly functional

Total load capacity is larger with certain other sand jerry can options

Not inexpensive

Read more on GORUCK

Overall Score

85

Functionality

65

Durability

100

Load Capacity

65

Materials & Construction

95

Price

75

Customer Reviews

100

Customer Service

95

How we test & score products

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AUTHOR

Tom, CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, ISSA-CPT, PN1-NC, DPA, CAPM has been CrossFitting for over 10 years. He has participated in a number of team and individual CrossFit competitions across Europe and the United States. He was the 2012 Chick-fil-A Race Series champion (North Georgia Circuit) and has put together a few gnarly garage and basement gyms in his time!

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