For a brand that has (very humbly) declared itself to be “the rucking company”, GORUCK sure goes out of its way to make gear and promote activities that involve things other than walking with a heavy rock in your bag.
Most notably, they push the concept of (and the gear they use to facilitate) “training with sand”…
The thing is, this ain’t a bad rabbit hole to find yourself spiraling down; if you’ve watched any serious “Strongman” or related competition, you know exactly how crazy strong (and fit!) someone can get from this type of training. However, depending on your goals and preferred style of training, some of this gear is going to be more applicable than others…
Today, we’re going to do a deep dive into all of the currently available GORUCK sand training options. Hopefully, by the time we’re finished you’ll have a beach’s worth of sand piled up in the corner of the garage or basement.
Now, without further ado…
Table of Contents
The GORUCK “Train with Sand” Collection
Simple Sandbag
91
Sandbag Kit/Sandbag 2.0
88
Sand Kettlebell
78
Sand Med Ball
85
Sand Ruck Plate
79
Sand Jerry Can
83
Sand Tombstone
83
The GORUCK “Train with Sand” Collection
GORUCK Simple Sandbag
Best All-around for Training with Sand: 91/100
The GORUCK Simple Sandbag combines “simple”, but oversized functionality with a very reasonable price point. The first iteration of the company’s sandbags, these still serve as handleless liners in the Sandbag 2.0.
With a multitude of positive reviews, the social proof is there with the Simple Sandbag and due to them being easy to transport and useful for a number of different activities, they are commonly used at GORUCK events.
The Simple Sandbag possesses outsized durability and it is perfectly reasonable to satisfy all “train with sand” needs with just 2 or 3 of these bags.
Pros
Dual and triple-layer stitching for high-level durability
Handles are simple, but provide more functionality than circular bags
Relatively inexpensive
Con
Load capacities are very specific
The Simple Sandbag is GORUCK’s even more humble answer to the less humble (but still humble) barbell. These cylinder sandbags are capable of being deadlifted, cleaned, pressed, front squatted (heh), and thrusted (heh!) among being capable of facilitating other, more niche movements.
Being almost exclusively constructed of heavy duty, 1000D Cordura, the Simple Sandbags don’t really “stand out” (most of the top sandbags at this point are constructed of this robust material). However, these bags are nevertheless incredibly durable and, given their relatively reasonable price point, will provide lasting functionality without breaking the bank.
If you click around for even a short period of time, it’s not difficult to find numerous clips of GORUCK events where Simple Sandbags are present (as a side note, I actually attended an event where Cadre Dan was selling them out of the back of his car after the event). With this in mind, aside from your ruck, the Simple Sandbag might be the most likely item incorporated into your GORUCK event.
GORUCK Sandbag Kit/Sandbag 2.0
Best for Dedicated Sandbag Training: 88/100
The GORUCK Sandbag Kit (previously known as the Sandbag 2.0) is the successor to the Simple Sandbag and the company’s latest iteration of cylinder training bag.
With both exterior (“grab”) and interior (“fill”) bags, the Sandbag Kit possesses an extra layer of durability over the Simple Sandbag. Its 12 grasping handles allow for numerous grips and upgraded general functionality.
Many trainees may not need the additional handles for their preferred training programming and they are priced at a premium compared to Simple Sandbags, but the Sandbag Kit has the highest functionality of any “train with sand” option.
Pros
Incredible versatility by the virtue of 12 grasping handles
Exterior and internal filler bags for maximum durability
One of the highest-reviewed GORUCK training items
Cons
“Only” 80-pound top-end capacity
The GORUCK Sandbag Kit, which was, for years, called the GORUCK Sandbag 2.0, is the “premium” version of the GORUCK’s Simple Sandbag. It is upgraded in just about every conceivable way with 12 handles instead of 2 as well 2 bags (internal filler bag and an exterior bag). With so many different grips and an additional bag, functionality and durability are high.
Sandbag Kit bags are extremely popular training bags among GORUCK clubs, even if they may not be as common at GORUCK events. That being said, these aren’t uncommon by any means and outside of the Simple Sandbag, these might be the most commonly incorporated “train with sand” implements at these events.
Sandbag 2.0 bags are significantly more expensive than Simple Sandbags and we generally advise that trainees who are not likely to use the extra handles should opt for the less expensive bags. However, these bags’ durability is tough to compete with and even the “low top-end load capacity” (80-pound) option will be more than enough for most people to handle.
GORUCK Sand Kettlebell
Best for Fatigued Sandbag Training: 78/100
GORUCK Sand Kettlebells are the company’s answer for those who have discovered the benefits of kettlebell training, but who want “softer” and more portable options.
The Sand Kettlebells come in the range of sizes/weights that are suitable for most activities/movements and, due to their design, create a safer movement pattern for exercises like the kettlebell snatch.
The Sand Kettlebells’ respective designs make certain movements more difficult to properly execute (relative to “standard” kettlebells) and they are generally more expensive than these options, as well.
Pros
Undoubtedly the most appropriate kettlebells for outdoor training
Minimal “break your wrist” during snatches potential
Wide range of size/load options
Cons
More “technical” kettlebell movements are slightly more difficult to perform with these
The GORUCK Sand Kettlebell is to the “traditional” kettlebell what the GORUCK sandbags are to the barbell. Granted, the different kettlebells have more in common than the sandbags and the barbells do, but there are many very similar movements/movement patterns present between the implements that allow trainees to seamlessly work them into even more “trad” workouts.
The Sand Kettlebells take a little bit of effort to properly fill. However, this is either a one-off effort (their multiple velcro-enclosing system ensures that no sand escapes during use) or is a small price to pay to be able to travel with your gear. Of course, it makes the most sense to travel with these to the beach!
Despite having similar proportions to many popular kettlebells, the Sand Kettlebells are weighted differently and movements such as “American” kettlebell swings and snatches are more difficult to properly facilitate. Also, these are a bit more niche of items and although they are pretty functional for regular training, they are less likely to show up at a GORUCK events.
GORUCK Sand Medicine Ball
Best for “Strongman” Sandbag Training: 85/100
The GORUCK Sand Medicine Ball is in its essence a hybrid implement, crossed between a traditional medicine ball and a circular, “Strongman”-style training sandbag.
With more precise weights that go as low as 20 pounds, Sand Medicine Balls are attractive options for those who want to go lighter with their training and also for those looking for hard-to-find “in-between” weights.
The GORUCK Sand Medicine Balls do not have the highest load capacities and are priced a bit high relative to many other Strongman sandbag options that are not marketed as “medicine balls”.
Pros
Solid, as a “true” med ball or as a “Strongman” sandbag
Low-weight options are ideal for newer trainees
Heavy duty Cordura can handle serious abuse
Cons
If you want to go heavy, there are much better-suited bags for the task
GORUCK’s Sand Medicine Balls are more akin to smaller/lighter “Strongman”-style sandbags than they are to more “standard” medicine balls found in hotel gyms and boxing clubs. As such, if you’re looking for something more like that, I would advise stashing one in your suitcase after leaving the Hilton Garden Inn of Hampton Inn (always one at these two) after your next trip.
(I don’t actually endorse such an action and apologize if these are your vacation hotels).
Truth be told, the smaller (20 and 40-pound) varieties of these bags can be used for activities like weighted sit-ups, but you’re going to get much more of a stimulus performing sandbag-to-shoulder, sandbag loads, back rack sandbag step-ups, and sandbag squats with these. You’re more likely to use a Simple Sandbag or a Sandbag Kit to do these at a GORUCK Tough, but you should be doing them in your training, anyways.
I can’t say that these are the least expensive Strongman sandbag options I’ve ever come across, but they do come in pretty light options, making them accessible to newer trainees. Also, the lacing/velcro-enclosing system isn’t my favorite, but it gets the job done well enough to prevent my floor from becoming a sandtrap.
GORUCK Sand Ruck Plate
Best “Adjustable” Ruck Plate: 79/100
GORUCK’s Sand Ruck Plates are more commonly associated with “pure” rucking ventures more than for use in “dynamic” rucking training and in official GORUCK events. Nevertheless, they are some of the most popular “train with sand options”.
Sand Ruck Plates are the most portable of any of GORUCK’s dedicated training gear options and are particularly valuable for those who wish to fly with their gear.
The Sand Ruck Plates are not likely to be featured in official rucking events and have limited utility outside of serving as additional resistance when rucking and/or when they remain inside of a ruck or weighted vest.
Pros
Fits almost perfectly into GORUCK bags and other company gear
Softer against the back/body
No worries taking these on the airplane with you
Cons
Very low load options
NOTE: “Functionality” for the Sand Ruck Plate does include the plate’s normal capabilities (serving as added weight to lug around on your back).
The GORUCK Sand Ruck Plate is the least “train with sand”-esque piece of workout gear on this list as these plates are generally associated with “pure” rucking ventures (sticking one in a GORUCK backpack, bag, or vest and hitting the road). Regardless, these are sand implements that have the added utility of being “adjustable” (they are the most adjustable ruck plates) and easily portable.
With proportions that are almost exactly the same as “standard” GORUCK Ruck Plate, the Sand Ruck Plates fit just about perfectly in GORUCK rucks (and other bags that fit “standard”-sized ruck plates) as well as the GORUCK Weight Vest and GORUCK Plate Carrier.
There aren’t going to be many occurrences where you’ll find yourself using a 10-pound Sand Ruck Plate as a “coupon” during a GORUCK Tough, but its little top handle makes it a decent enough implement to practice with. This little bit of extra utility easily justifies its price for GORUCK event diehards.
GORUCK Sand Jerry Can
Best for Niche Training with Sand: 83/100
The GORUCK Sand Jerry Cans are the most niche of all of the company’s “train with sand” options. It is designed to perfectly facilitate the foundational hand-held carry movement.
Despite being geared towards workouts that call for farmer’s carries and suitcase carries, the Sand Jerry Cans can also be used for “Russian” kettlebell swings as well as exercises like upright rows.
Overall functionality isn’t the highest with the Sand Jerry Cans, although chances are high that your upcoming GORUCK event will include hand-held carries at some point, making them effective prep tools.
Pros
Can double as a poor man’s sand kettlebell in a pinch
Probably the best element for farmer’s carries
Pretty commonly programmed into GORUCK Tribe ‘n Training workouts
Cons
Not a ton of non-niche functionality
The Sand Jerry Can is the piece of training equipment you probably never knew you needed. GORUCK sure thinks you need it and if you’ve read any of the company’s (or any of Peter Attia’s insights in Outlive) content on the benefits of carrying, you probably have at least a bit of an idea of why they think so.
The Sandy Jerry Can may not be the exact implement used for carries at GORUCK events, but with the amount of handheld “coupon” carries that are involved in these events (particularly GORUCK Tough and GORUCK Heavy events) these are very good implements to use in preparation.
You can use these for “Russian” kettlebell swings decently well, as well as for a few more random exercises (on the product page, some guy is doing upright rows), but the Sand Jerry Cans probably have the least functionality/utility of any “train with sand” option. They aren’t the cheapest either, so these probably shouldn’t be your first gear item.
GORUCK Sand Tombstone
Best for Heavy Carries: 83/100
The GORUCK Sand Tombstone is the company’s version of a large load capacity Husafell training sandbag. Their trapezoid-like design better enables a lasting grip on bearhug and similar carries.
With very large capacity options (300 pounds) the GORUCK Sand Tombstones are able to provide enough resistance for particularly large and/or experienced trainees.
The Sand Tombstones themselves may not be present in many GORUCK events, but against-the-chest carries are common, so prepping with these works very well. There are also less expensive options available, but larger weight capacity bags are relatively cheaper.
Pros
Specifically designed to facilitate bearhug carries
Pretty large load capacity
Covered by SCARS Lifetime Warranty
Cons
Not an inexpensive option
GORUCK Sand Tombstones might be the most “fun” of all of the company’s “train with sand” gear as they are the best for facilitating the most primal, brutally difficult movement…the heavy bearhug carry. The best thing about them is, you can go really heavy (up to 300 pounds) with these.
Like the smaller sandbag options, the Sand Tombstones are primarily constructed of 1000D Cordura. This structural material, combined with GORUCK’s Scars Lifetime Warranty, pretty much ensures that you’re not going to run into any significant problems with these (and if you do, your tombstone will get repaired or replaced…fo’ free!)
It’s certainly not impossible to find less expensive Husafell bag (because that’s what “Sand Tombstones” are more commonly referred to as) options, but these actually start to get a little less expensive (relative to their size), the heavier you go. I can guarantee that you’re not going to have to haul a 300-pound bag at selection…but practicing with even a 100-pound bag will make bearhug ruck holds/carries, much easier by comparison.
What to Look For in GORUCK “Train with Sand” Gear
Picking out the “Train with Sand” gear for your workouts is a bit of a difference process than picking from a list of the best Smith Machines or even from a list of the Best GORUCK Backpacks, Bags, and Vests. Those items have a lot more in common with each other than the items we’ve looked at today do, which really only have that beautiful sand in common with each other.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the factors we used to rate each of these items before diving deeper into how you can make the best selection based on your own personal preferences, needs, and training style.
General Functionality
To many (most?) people, the most important quality of training gear is the ability to actually be able to use it for a number of different exercises and workouts. This is particularly important when considering that a lot of sandbag exercises are, by their nature, already variations of popular barbell, kettlebell, and other movements.
Of course, the truly creative types are rewarded with a plethora of extra exercise options for each piece of equipment, but most people don’t want to have to perform one-arm hanging curls in order to maximize the “functionality” of their gear…it should be accessible to everyone (within reason…).
…and to this point, we see a pretty wide range among these items.
If it wasn’t pretty obvious from a quick glance, items like the Sandbag 2.0 (and its 12 handles) exude functionality, allowing for a multitude of “standard” movements as well as exponentially more variations of each movement to be performed. On the other hand, the Sand Jerry Cans are really niche and you pretty much have to get creative in order to justify your purchase.
6One last thing to clarify is that we don’t measure functionality solely in the confines of exercises and workouts you might find on GORUCK’s Tribe ‘n Training page and fully endorse using your sand in other fitness modalities and contexts, namely during CrossFit workouts and other “functional fitness” endeavors.
Overall, a good rule of thumb is “a functional ‘train with sand’ option is a good ‘train with sand’ option”.
Event Prep/”Coupon” Potential
Unlike the previous category which is focused on overall/more general functionality, this area specifically focuses on how functional an item is in the context of preparing for an official GORUCK event (or a closely aligned or similar undertaking). Items score higher in this category if you’re more likely to see/use that item at an event or something similar to it.
Now every GORUCK event is different and what you may experience at your Heavy is completely different from what someone else might experience at theirs (and the people on /GORUCK will not shy away from telling you this!) I’ve participated in events where we only used our rucks in pretty vanilla manners.
…but don’t count on this.
At the other extreme, if you look closely, you’ll see just about all of the items discussed today at some point in this video:
Don’t expect that either…unless you end up going to Bragg, that is.
Even if a specific item isn’t itself used at your event, you might use something else to perform a very similar movement (lately, cadres having been loading rucks even heavier for bearhug holds/carries) and ultimately, the higher the score in this category, the more likely you are to…”experience it” on event day.
Price
Our last two category areas are much more objective and, for lack of a better term, “constant” in terms of how they are scored and in regard to their applicability…especially price.
For many of you reading, this is the most important scored category (can’t say I blame you!)
Truth be told, GORUCK gear isn’t the cheapest stuff on the market and most of its items command a premium price tag. Granted, the general high-quality nature of these items helps to justify the higher prices (most of the time) while the SCARS Lifetime Guarantee on every product ensures that you’ll get as much use out of it as you want.
One thing to note here is that we score each item relative to other similar items (ex. Simple and Sandbag Kit vs. other brands’ cylinder sandbags) as opposed to scoring them relative to other GORUCK “train with sand” gear. It should be pretty obvious that a small, Sand Ruck Plate will cost less than a large training sandbag with 12 handles on it; it’s less obvious how much less (or more) that same plate costs relative to other, “adjustable” ruck plates.
Our price ratings for GORUCK gear are relative to other similarly-sized bags. I don’t blame you if this is the most important thing to look for in a ruck; it’s certainly something that everyone should consider.
As always, we’re not trying to making value judgements in this category and price scores reflect absolute price, irrespective of whether or not it is perceived to be a “good” price or “good deal”. We’re pretty sure you can figure that out on your own!
Customer Reviews
An item’s customer review score is an even more objective measure than its price score. Here, we just took the collection of scores available on the GORUCK main page (supplemented by Amazon and Rogue scores, when possible) and converted them for use in a 100-point scale.
Of course, these are “objective” scores based off of purely subjective user ratings. For every legit criticism of an item, you get 5 reviews like this:
Regardless of how imperfect this system admittedly is, I think we can all agree that a higher score, especially one comprised of a big sample size, is better than a small one. As much as I absolutely hate to admit it…I will admit that I’m a pretty good judge of this gear and whether specific items are good or not…
You’re not always going to agree with the masses, but we take what they (and you!) have to say seriously enough to prioritize these scores in our rankings.
Shopping tips for GORUCK “Train with Sand” Gear
We’ve looked at how we rate bags, but it’s also important to discuss things that you should consider and look for when selecting a GORUCK bag. There is a lot more subjective, personal preference thought here than in the previous section (as well as a degree of dealing with circumstances that are oftentimes out of your control).
Just because other people (to include us!) give a bag great reviews, you can load it to the brim, and the price is right doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the bag for you…
Intent
As obvious as this seems, I’m sure there are people out there who are just gonna be like “I should just get my hands on all of this gear just…because!” who don’t really have a plan in mind. Granted, the fact that you’re reading this leads me to believe that you are a bit more discerning than the average bear, but I still advise you to think for a minute…
What kind of training are you into now? Which of the “train with sand” gear supports this training?
What kinds of training are you not doing now that you’re interested in trying with one or more of these items?
Which of these items can you use for variations of exercises you’re already doing (ex. barbell cleans to sandbag cleans)?
Which of these items will you actually use with regularity?
Again, these questions may seem obvious, but the last thing you want is a glorified home flood prevention system with a bunch of random sandbags of different shapes and sizes. Be sure to revisit a few times and even check out our two different sandbag workout articles (here and here) to get a better idea of what you’re into and what you might be into in the future.
Event Type
To be completely frank, if you plan on sticking to GORUCK Lights or GORUCK Ingress (hehe) events and you’re in any type of shape/do any type of consistent training, you really don’t have anything to worry about. You’re going to be able to handle whatever is going to be asked of you whether you have been specifically training for it or not.
As you get into Tough and Heavy levels, there are going to be more instances where some prepping with the gear and/or “coupons” that is going to more frequently pop up will increase your chances of success and make you a more valuable teammate.
You want to give Selection a try…you’d better have gotten a hold of all of this stuff and practiced with it a lot.
Of course, if you simply want to train with this gear without any aspirations of participating in official GORUCK events, that’s cool, too. However, you “lose” a little bit of that added utility of each item serving as a prep device.
Availability
Like any other company, GORUCK runs out of stuff from time to time.
Good problem to have, I guess…
In my experience, they actually run out of stuff a little bit more than others (they’re not, like, a yuge company so it’s kinda expected), but it’s nothing to get too worried about, especially if you’re flexible on sizes, colors, load capacities, etc. For example, as I write this, the 100, 150, 200, or 250-pound sand tombstones are not available, but you’re more than welcome to take a 300-pounder for a ride!
I’m not saying that you should just settle for what happens to be in stock, but I do suggest that you keep an open (and realistic) mind when selecting gear.
The GORUCK “Train with Sand” Collection…
In some ways, I wish that I was more of a sandbag/sand training enthusiast. A lot of this gear is actually a lot of fun to throw around and train with. Although I have a soft spot for heavy bearhug carries, I’ll personally probably always opt for a barbell over a bag for my cleans, squats, and (begrudgingly) thrusters.
…that doesn’t mean that this gear isn’t legit and that I don’t work it into my training on a constant basis.
Whether you ride or die with GORUCK “train with sand”-influenced workouts, you follow more traditional CrossFit programming, or you’re into something else entirely, I can assure you that one or more of these items has a place in your armory.
I know that you may get a look from your wife when a “sand jerry can” shows up on your credit card statement, but judging the kinds of things a lot of people are spending money on these days (I’m not gonna spell it out; use your imagination), you could certainly do a lot worse…
As we finish up, we invite you 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 GORUCK training gear, you gotta be interested in other rucking gear and workouts, right? Check out our definitive guides to the GORUCK shoe and GORUCK boot lines!
The GORUCK “Train with Sand” Collection
Simple Sandbag
91
Sandbag Kit/Sandbag 2.0
88
Sand Kettlebell
78
Sand Med Ball
85
Sand Ruck Plate
79
Sand Jerry Can
83
Sand Tombstone
83
