What Rucking Calculators Are Recommended for Tracking Progress and What Premium Features Can I Buy?

Posted on January 11, 2026 by admin

What Rucking Calculators Are Recommended for Tracking Progress (and What Premium Features Can I Buy?)

If you’re asking “what rucking calculators are recommended for tracking progress and what premium features can I buy?” you’ve probably run into the same problem everyone does:

Most apps try to paywall the exact features you need to track rucking correctly.

Here’s the twist: you don’t need to buy premium features to track rucking. I built Rucking.Pro and the Rucking App specifically to avoid that nonsense.

Quick context: My name is Preston Shamblen. I actively ruck, I post the training, and I lost 90 lbs doing this (natural — no TRT/roids/SARMs). I made these tools free because accurate rucking tracking shouldn’t require a subscription.

The recommended rucking calculators (free)

If you want clean, simple, and accurate enough to use for real planning, these are the tools I recommend:

Rucking Calorie Calculator (Web): a quick estimate based on your bodyweight, load, and effort.
Rucking Weight Loss Calculator (Web): turns your rucks into a realistic timeline (so you stop guessing).
Rucking App (Android): the same logic, plus a simple workflow you can use anywhere (and it works offline).

Premium features? You don’t need them here. The app is free. The calculators are free. No paywalls.

Download the free Rucking App (Android) Use the free web calorie calculator (iPhone/no app) Use the free weight loss calculator

Built for rucking and weighted vests. Works offline. No premium upsell.

Watch the app walkthrough

Here’s the short video where I debut the app and show how I use it at the park:

What “premium features” usually mean in other apps

When rucking apps talk about premium features, they usually mean some combination of:

Saving and exporting your workouts
Better calorie estimates for loaded walking
“Advanced metrics” dashboards
Removing ads
Access to basic training plans

The problem is that many of them were built for generic cardio tracking, then they stapled “rucking” onto it later. So you end up paying for features that still don’t model load well.

What actually matters for tracking rucking progress

If you want to track progress the way rucking actually works, focus on these variables:

Distance: weekly mileage matters.
Pace: faster at the same load = progress.
Load: heavier at the same pace = progress.
Terrain/elevation: hills are their own multiplier.
Carry style: vest vs backpack changes the work.

Carry style matters: in our model a backpack/ruck is about ~7% harder than a weighted vest at the same weight, pace, and distance. That’s why the app includes a toggle for vest vs backpack.

The real “premium feature” is accuracy (and it should be free)

Your Apple Watch and most trackers can undercount rucking because they treat it like normal walking. If your ruck gets logged as a casual walk, your calorie burn estimate is low—and your motivation gets wrecked.

That’s why I recommend using tools built for rucking specifically—so you can actually compare sessions and make decisions like:

“Should I add 5 lbs or add 10 minutes?”
“Do I need a vest or is a backpack better for my goal?”
“How much weekly volume do I need to hit my target?”

Recommended gear (optional)

If you want a balanced carry that’s easy to repeat frequently, a weighted vest is hard to beat. Here’s one I use and recommend:

Wolf Tactical Adjustable Weighted Vest

Balanced front/back load. Great for consistency. #WolfTactical

View the Wolf Tactical Vest on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Quick links (free)

Rucking App (Android / Google Play):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ruckingpro.calculator

Rucking Calorie Calculator (web):

Rucking Weight Loss Calculator (web):

If you have feature requests, leave a comment on the YouTube video. I actually build this stuff and improve it.

The Smartest Way to Lose Weight: Rucking (Weighted Vest / Backpack)

Posted on January 11, 2026 by admin

The Smartest Way to Lose Weight: Rucking (Weighted Vest / Backpack)

You’ve heard “just walk more” or “walk it off.” And yeah—walking is a great baseline. But if your goal is real weight loss (and especially fat loss), plain walking often isn’t enough because the intensity is too low.

Rucking is “walk it off”… but heavier. You take the safest, most repeatable form of cardio and crank the demand without turning it into a joint-destroying grind.

That’s why rucking (walking with weight) is one of the smartest methods I’ve ever used. It helps you stay in the zone that matters for fat loss while keeping your training sustainable.

Quick context: My name is Preston Shamblen. I lost 90 lbs with rucking + strength training and got below ~10% body fat naturally (no TRT, no steroids, no shortcuts).

Watch the video

This is the exact talk I recorded outside the entrance to Burkett Trail before a ruck in my 50 lb Wolf Tactical vest:

The fat-burning zone (simple, practical)

When I say “fat-burning zone,” I mean a steady intensity where you can keep moving for a long time and rack up serious work without redlining.

Rule of thumb: fat-burning zone is about 60–70% of your max heart rate.

Max HR estimate: 220 − your age (rough estimate, but good enough for basic planning).

Example: If you’re 40, max HR ≈ 180. Your 60–70% zone is about 108–126 bpm.

Rucking makes it easier to hit and hold that zone because adding weight raises your heart rate without requiring sprint-level speed.

Rucking vs walking calories: why it scales

Normal walking can work for beginners, but it’s often “too cheap” metabolically. You can walk an hour and barely move the needle. Add load and the work ramps up fast.

In real-world use, rucking can burn roughly 2–3x as many calories as an unweighted walk depending on your bodyweight, the load you carry, your pace, terrain, and how hard you’re working. That “scaling” is exactly why rucking is such a powerful weight loss tool.

The wearable problem: Apple Watch undercounts rucking

Your Apple Watch and most fitness trackers are fine for normal walking, but they often undercount rucking because they weren’t built to model load well. They’ll see steps, pace, and heart rate… but many setups still log it like a casual stroll.

That’s why I built free rucking calculators + a free app: so your ruck doesn’t get tracked like a normal walk and so you can actually compare different weights and carry styles.

Get the free Rucking App (Android) Use the web calorie calculator (iPhone/no app) Use the free weight loss calculator

Works offline. No paywall. Supports weighted vest vs backpack.

Weighted vest vs backpack: why the toggle matters

Carry style changes the work. A weighted vest distributes load front/back. A backpack sits behind you and demands more stabilization and posture control.

In our model, backpack rucking is about ~7% harder than a vest at the same weight, pace, and distance—so the app and calculators let you toggle the carry type.

My hard lesson: I lost weight but got “fatter”

When I was chasing the last 20 pounds (after losing ~70), I got too aggressive. I was biking 30–40 miles at night while staying in a calorie deficit, trying to force the scale down.

Then the InBody scan hit me: I was lighter, but technically fatter—because the weight I lost was mostly muscle. That’s the opposite of what you want.

There’s a term tied to this kind of “eager deficit” mistake: gluconeogenesis—the body making glucose from non-carb sources, which can include amino acids from muscle tissue when you’re pushing too hard while underfed.

That’s when I leaned harder into rucking. It helped me keep cutting fat while staying strong, because it’s easier to control intensity and stay in the zone you’re actually aiming for.

How to ruck for weight loss without burning out

Start light: 10–20 lb vest/ruck if you’re new. Build the habit first.
Stay in the zone: aim for that 60–70% range most days (you should be able to talk in short sentences).
Progress slowly: increase only one variable at a time (weight OR distance OR pace).
Track correctly: use the app or calculators so your work isn’t undercounted.

Gear I use

If you want a solid vest setup for walking/rucking, here’s the one I use:

Wolf Tactical Adjustable Weighted Vest

Balanced front/back load. Built for real training. #WolfTactical

View the Wolf Tactical Vest on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Proof (before/after)

I’m not selling magic. I’m selling consistency. Rucking is what helped me finish the job—especially the last stubborn fat.

Preston Shamblen before and after losing 90 pounds through rucking

Questions or feature requests? Drop a comment on YouTube—I actually read them and improve the tools.

Free links

Rucking App (Android / Google Play):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ruckingpro.calculator

Rucking Calorie Calculator (web):

Rucking Weight Loss Calculator (web):

Posted in Fat Loss with Rucking, Rucking For Weight Loss, Uncategorized | Tagged best way to lose weight, fat burning zone, fat loss, gluconeogenesis, preserve muscle, rucking app, rucking calorie calculator, rucking for weight loss, rucking weight loss calculator, weighted vest walking, zone 2 cardio | Leave a comment

Calories Burned Walking With Weighted Vest Calculator

Posted on January 6, 2026 by admin

Calories Burned Walking With Weighted Vest Calculator

If you’re searching for a calories burned walking with weighted vest calculator, you already know the problem: a “normal walking workout” estimate doesn’t match reality once you strap weight to your body.

Blunt truth: most trackers undercount weighted walking.

Apple Watch (and most wearables) often treat it like regular walking — because they don’t truly know your added load.
That means your calorie burn looks smaller than it is… and your fat-loss plan gets fuzzy.
Rucking.Pro gives you free calculators + a free app that actually accounts for the weight you’re carrying.

The easiest solution: use the free Rucking App

My name is Preston Shamblen. I actively ruck, I post the training on YouTube, and I built this because I wanted a simple tool that reflects the real work — not a generic “steps” estimate.

Important: the app includes a toggle for Weighted Vest vs Backpack. That matters because carry style changes the work. In our model, a backpack is about ~7% harder than a vest at the same weight/pace/distance — because the load sits behind you and demands more stabilization.

Download the free Rucking App (Android) Use the free web calculator (iPhone / no app) Use the Weight Loss Calculator (free)

Free. Works offline. Built for vests + rucksacks — not just “walking.”

Watch: How to use the app + calculator

Quick walkthrough showing the weighted vest toggle, the inputs, and how to get a better estimate than a generic walking workout.

Why “walking calories” estimates break with a weighted vest

Walking is usually a lower-effort activity — which is why it’s sustainable. But once you add a weighted vest, the whole equation changes:

More load = more work (even if your pace stays the same).
Heart rate usually increases, but not always enough for a watch to “understand” the added weight.
Stabilization demand rises (core, hips, posture, feet).

This is why calculators matter: you need something that scales when you go from 10 lb → 20 lb → 35 lb → 50 lb. A generic walk estimate doesn’t scale correctly.

How to use a weighted vest calorie calculator correctly

Select Weighted Vest (not backpack).
Enter your bodyweight (this affects the base cost of movement).
Enter vest weight (be exact — don’t guess).
Enter distance + pace (or time if that’s how you track).
Be honest about effort (easy vs moderate vs hard makes a big difference).

Weighted vest vs backpack: pros and cons

Weighted Vest (balanced)

Pros: balanced front/back, usually feels stable, easier to repeat daily.
Pros: “throw it on and go” = consistency.
Cons: less storage/hydration than a backpack setup.

If your goal is fat loss, consistency wins. Vests make consistency easier.

Backpack / Rucksack (classic ruck)

Pros: easy hydration + storage, great for long rucks.
Pros: classic ruck feel and posture challenge.
Cons: can feel harder because weight sits behind you.

In our model, backpack rucking is about ~7% harder than a vest at the same settings.

Why weighted walking beats running for a lot of people

Running can burn a lot of calories — and it can also beat up your joints if you’re heavier, new, or ramping volume too fast. Weighted walking (rucking) lets you:

Train at a solid effort level without high impact
Build legs, core, posture, and work capacity
Progress gradually by adjusting weight, pace, or distance

Progression rule: increase only one variable at a time (weight OR pace OR distance) for 1–2 weeks, then reassess.

Gear I actually use: Wolf Tactical weighted vest

If you want a vest that’s built for real training, this is the style I use and recommend:

Wolf Tactical Adjustable Weighted Vest

Balanced front/back load. Comfortable for frequent training. #WolfTactical

View the Wolf Tactical Vest on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

My story (and why I made this free):

I lost 90 pounds through rucking, strength training, and staying consistent. I built these free tools because accurate tracking keeps people motivated — and most apps don’t handle weighted walking correctly.

Got a question or feature request? Drop it in the comments — I actually read them and improve the tools.

Free tools (quick links)

Rucking App (Android / Google Play):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ruckingpro.calculator

Rucking Calorie Calculator (web):

Rucking Weight Loss Calculator (web):

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Posted in Rucking App, Rucking Calculators, Weighted Vest Calculators, Weighted Vest Training | Tagged apple watch rucking, calories burned walking with weighted vest, fat loss walking, rucking app, rucking calculator, vest vs backpack, weighted vest calories, weighted walking calculator, wolf tactical | Leave a comment

Potts Creek Trail → West Potts Creek (San Angelo State Park) — 360° VR Walkthrough + Armadillo Ridge View

Posted on January 6, 2026 by admin

This is the second upload in my 360° San Angelo State Park trail indexing project — filmed with a helmet-mounted GoPro MAX 360 so you can look around naturally.

These videos are for:

Previewing trails before you visit
Exploring the park from home (including mobility-limited viewers)
Using VR + a treadmill to turn indoor cardio into a real “trail session”

San Angelo State Park has a huge multi-use trail system (TPWD notes about 50 miles of trails across the North + South Units). Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

Watch the 360° video

Video:

VR treadmill tip

This format works surprisingly well on a treadmill:

Set a comfortable pace
Put on a VR headset
“Walk” the trail indoors

Safety note: Start slow, use handrails if needed, and keep your space clear. VR + treadmill is awesome… but only if you don’t eat it.

Route notes: Potts Creek → West Potts Creek + ridge detour

This video runs endpoint-to-endpoint from Potts Creek Trail into West Potts Creek Trail, with two key notes:

Small route variation: there’s a turn where I take a slightly different connector than the “official” Potts line — it still goes to the same place and it’s obvious on video.
Viewpoint detour: instead of finishing immediately, I climb up the ridge where trails and the park area converge, grab the view, then drop back down and finish the Potts Creek line. That ridge is actually named Armadillo Ridge (TPWD lists it as a point of interest and specifically calls out the views from the ridge).
TPWD also describes a “Pott’s Creek Loop” experience as winding through the creek bed and popping up to Armadillo Ridge for the view.

Training notes (ruck load)

I filmed this wearing my Wolf Tactical weighted vest with custom 50 lb plates. #WolfTactical

If you’re using a smartwatch: most of them still undercount weighted walking. If you want better estimates, use the free tools below.

Links

360° San Angelo State Park playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9nht72tJaGZSJtHGmQduBUr33Wtl_GWH

Rucking App (Android / Google Play):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ruckingpro.calculator

Rucking Calorie Calculator:
https://rucking.pro/rucking-calorie-calculator/

Rucking Weight Loss Calculator:
https://rucking.pro/rucking-weight-loss-calculator/

Wolf Tactical Adjustable Weighted Vest (affiliate):
https://amzn.to/4h5Yb0N
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

VR headset option (affiliate):
https://amzn.to/4ppRN73
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

What trail should I film next?

Drop the exact trail name + the direction you want (trailhead-to-trailhead, clockwise/counterclockwise). I’m building this into a full 360° trail library for the whole park.

Posted in 360 State Park Tours, 360 Videos | Tagged 360 video, armadillo ridge, potts creek trail, rucking, san angelo state park, treadmill vr, vr trail walk, weighted vest, west potts creek trail, wolf tactical | Leave a comment

Rucking Calculator

Posted on January 5, 2026 by admin

Rucking Calculator

If you’re looking for a rucking calculator, you’re probably trying to answer the real questions: How many calories am I actually burning? And how much fat can I realistically lose if I do this consistently?

Here’s why most trackers get rucking wrong:

Apple Watch and most wearables undercount rucking because they treat it like normal walking.
Most apps don’t let you properly enter added weight (or they hide it behind a paywall).
Our calculators are free and the Rucking App is free — built by a guy who actually rucks.

My name is Preston Shamblen. I lost 90 lbs rucking + training. I made these tools free because accurate tracking shouldn’t be locked behind subscriptions.

Download the free Rucking App (Android) Use the free web calorie calculator (iPhone / no app) Use the Weight Loss Calculator (free)

Works for weighted vests and rucksacks. Works offline. No paywall.

Watch: How to use the Rucking App

Quick walkthrough showing how the rucking calculator works inside the app.

What makes rucking different than “walking”

Walking is great. But it’s usually lower heart rate and lower overall effort. Running can spike heart rate — but it also spikes impact and injury risk for a lot of people.

Rucking is the sweet spot: more effort than walking, less pounding than running, and it builds legs, lungs, posture, and grit while you’re burning calories.

Why Apple Watch undercounts rucking calories

Most wearables estimate calories based on speed + heart rate + your bodyweight. The problem: they typically don’t know you added 20–50+ pounds (or they don’t model it well).

So your workout gets logged like a normal walk… and the calorie estimate looks weaker than it should. That messes with motivation and makes fat-loss planning harder than it needs to be.

Backpack vs weighted vest (why it matters)

Same weight, different carry.

Weighted vest: balanced load front/back, often feels smoother and easier to repeat frequently.
Backpack/rucksack: load sits behind you and demands more stabilization. In our model it’s about ~7% harder than a vest at the same weight/pace/distance.

How to use a rucking calculator to plan fat loss

Choose carry type: vest or backpack.
Enter your real load: don’t guess—use the actual weight.
Enter distance + pace: rucking “slow” can still be brutal with load.
Be honest about effort: easy/moderate/hard changes the output.
Use the weight-loss calculator: translate rucking calories into a realistic timeline.

Progression rule: change only one thing at a time (load OR pace OR distance) for 1–2 weeks, then reassess.

Optional gear pick (vest setup)

If you want a balanced vest setup for consistent rucking, this is a solid option:

Wolf Tactical Adjustable Weighted Vest

Balanced front/back load. Great for frequent training. #WolfTactical

View the Wolf Tactical Vest on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

My results (proof this works): I lost 90 pounds rucking + training.

Replace the image URL below with your media library before/after photo URL.

Free tools (quick links)

Rucking App (Android / Google Play):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ruckingpro.calculator

Rucking Calorie Calculator (web):

Rucking Weight Loss Calculator (web):

Posted in Rucking Calculators | Tagged apple watch rucking, backpack vs vest, rucking app, rucking caclulator, rucking calculator, rucking calories, rucking weight loss, Rucking.pro, weighted vest calories | Leave a comment

Are there fitness apps I can purchase that estimate rucking calories burned?

Posted on January 5, 2026 by admin

Are there fitness apps I can purchase that estimate rucking calories burned?

Yes. There are apps you can buy (or subscribe to) that claim to estimate rucking calories burned. But most “fitness apps” aren’t built for rucking—so they either:

Track it as a normal walk/run (ignoring the load), or
Paywall basic features behind a subscription, or
Turn into an ad machine that cares more about marketing than rucking.

The better answer: use a ruck-specific tool that’s built around load-bearing training.

The Rucking App is free (no paywall for basic features).
It works offline (use it at the state park / trails with no signal).
It supports backpack vs weighted vest (and in our model, backpack rucking is ~7% harder).

Download the free Rucking App (Android) Use the web calculator (iPhone / no app)

Built by Preston Shamblen — I lost 90 lbs rucking + training. The app is free because I want everyone to have it.

Watch: How to use the Rucking App

Quick walkthrough that shows how the calorie estimate works (and how to log backpack vs vest correctly).

Download the free Rucking App (Android)

Why rucking calorie estimates are tricky

Rucking is not “walking.” Your calorie burn is heavily influenced by:

Your bodyweight
The load you carry (ruck/vest weight)
Pace (time per mile)
Terrain (flat road vs hills vs trail)
Carry type (backpack vs vest)

If an app doesn’t capture those inputs, it’s guessing.

Do you really need to “purchase” an app?

You can—if you want. Some apps lock features behind subscriptions because they’re paying for ads, affiliates, and app-store placement.

But you don’t need to pay just to estimate rucking calories. My app does it for free, and it works offline so you can use it anywhere.

Offline matters. A lot of rucking happens on trails, parks, and backroads where signal is weak. Offline tracking means you still get the estimate when you need it.

Backpack vs weighted vest: why the app asks

These aren’t the same workout.

Backpack rucking

Harder feel: weight behind you increases stabilization demand.
In our model: about ~7% harder than a vest at the same load/pace/distance.
Best for: classic ruck style, longer carries, hydration + storage.

Weighted vest training

More balanced: weight distributed front/back.
Often easier to repeat for daily consistency.
Best for: frequent rucks, hills, “throw it on and go.”

Gear that makes rucking easier (and more consistent)

If you’re going the weighted vest route, here’s a solid option:

Wolf Tactical Adjustable Weighted Vest

Balanced front/back load. Great for frequent training. #WolfTactical

View the Wolf Tactical Vest on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you don’t want an app (or you’re on iPhone)

Use the web calculators:

Rucking Calorie Calculator (web):

Rucking Weight Loss Calculator (web):

Quick links

Rucking App (Android / Google Play):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ruckingpro.calculator

Rucking Calorie Calculator (web):

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Posted in Rucking App | Tagged backpack rucking, calorie burn, fitness apps, ruck march, ruck tracking, rucking app, rucking calorie calculator, rucking calories, weighted vest training | Leave a comment

How can I use a rucking calculator to optimize my calorie burn and purchase the right gear?

Posted on January 5, 2026 by admin

How can I use a rucking calculator to optimize my calorie burn and purchase the right gear?

Use a rucking calculator like a compass: it helps you pick the right combo of load, pace, and distance so you burn more calories without wrecking your joints—and it helps you choose gear that matches how you actually train.

Two truths that make the calculator useful:

Load changes everything. If you track a ruck like a normal walk, your burn is undercounted.
Carry type matters. In our model, a backpack is ~7% harder than a weighted vest at the same load/pace/distance (because it’s less balanced and demands more stabilization).

Get the free Rucking App (Android) Use the web calculator (iPhone / no app)

Built by Preston Shamblen — I lost 90 lbs rucking + training. The app is free because I want everyone to have a real ruck tool.

Watch: How to use the Rucking App

Quick walkthrough that shows how to use the calculator features (including the backpack vs vest toggle).

Download the free Rucking App (Android)

Step 1: Use the rucking calculator to “dial in” calorie burn

Most people guess: “I’ll just add more weight.” That works until it doesn’t. A calculator lets you optimize burn by adjusting the big three:

1) Load

Load increases burn, but it also increases stress. The goal isn’t to see how heavy you can go—it’s to find a weight you can repeat multiple days per week.

2) Pace

Pace is the underrated lever. A slightly faster pace can spike calorie burn without needing a huge weight jump.

3) Distance (or total time)

Distance/time is the lever you can scale safely. If your feet and joints feel good, adding time is usually safer than adding another 20 pounds overnight.

Simple optimization rule: Increase only one variable at a time (load OR pace OR distance) for 1–2 weeks, then reassess.

Step 2: Choose the right carry type (backpack vs weighted vest)

This is where most people waste money. Here’s the real breakdown:

Backpack rucking

Pros: Classic ruck feel, easy to add hydration, great for trails and longer rucks.
Cons: Less balanced; can pull posture/shoulders; can feel “harder.”
In our model: backpack is about ~7% harder than a vest at the same settings.

Weighted vest training

Pros: Balanced front/back, often feels more stable, easy for frequent training.
Cons: Less room for water/storage; some vests can bounce if not fitted right.
Best for: Consistent daily rucks, hills, “throw it on and go.”

Step 3: Buy gear that matches your goal (fat loss + consistency)

Gear is supposed to reduce friction. If it’s annoying to use, you won’t use it. Below are gear picks that match real-world rucking.

Wolf Tactical Adjustable Weighted Vest

Balanced front/back load. Great for frequent training. #WolfTactical

View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Yes4All Ruck Weight Plate

Easy way to scale load. Works in many rucks/plate carriers.

View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

CamelBak Motherlode (Hydration Backpack)

Great for longer rucks: water + storage + weight capacity.

View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to use the calculator to buy the “right” gear (not the expensive gear)

If your goal is fat loss and you want consistency

Pick a load you can do 3–5 days/week.
Use the calculator to find a pace/distance that gives you a meaningful burn without feeling wrecked.
Choose gear that makes that plan easy: a stable vest or a comfortable backpack + plate.

If your goal is “ruck feel” and trail time

Go backpack + hydration (more practical for long sessions).
Remember: backpack is modeled as ~7% harder than a vest—so don’t compare numbers blindly.
Use the calculator to scale distance safely before you add huge weight jumps.

If your goal is minimal setup (walk out the door)

Go weighted vest. It’s fast and balanced.
Use the calculator to slowly build load over time.
Increase pace or distance when your joints/feet feel good.

Don’t let gear become procrastination. The best setup is the one you’ll use tomorrow morning.

Quick links

Rucking App (Android / Google Play):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ruckingpro.calculator

Rucking Calorie Calculator (web):

Rucking Weight Loss Calculator (web):

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Posted in Rucking App, Rucking Calculators, Rucking Gear | Tagged backpack rucking, calorie burn, ruck gear, ruck plate, rucking app, rucking calculator, rucking calories, weight loss rucking, weighted vest training, wolf tactical | Leave a comment

Are there fitness apps that support both backpack and weighted vest training?

Posted on January 5, 2026 by admin

Are there fitness apps that support both backpack and weighted vest training?

Yes — but most “fitness” apps don’t truly support it. They track a walk/run and ignore the two things that actually make this training different: load and carry type.

Here’s the part most apps miss:

Backpack rucking is harder than a vest. In our calculator/app model, a backpack is about ~7% harder than a weighted vest at the same load, pace, and distance.
That’s why the backpack vs vest toggle exists — because “it’s all the same” is false.
And it’s free — no paywall for basic tracking.

The Rucking App was built specifically for this — it includes a toggle for backpack vs weighted vest and it’s free. I’m Preston Shamblen, and I built it because I actually ruck (lost 90 pounds doing this and training consistently). This isn’t “ad budget first, workout second.”

Download the free Rucking App (Android) Use the web calculator (iPhone / no app)

Carry type changes the work. The app/calculator accounts for it (including the ~7% backpack bump).

Why backpack vs weighted vest “support” matters

Backpack rucking and weighted vest training are both load-bearing — but they’re not equal.

Backpack rucking is harder (and we quantify it)

With a backpack, the weight sits behind you. That usually means more postural demand, more “sway,” and more work to stabilize — especially over distance.

That’s why our calculator/app treats backpack rucking as about ~7% harder than a weighted vest when everything else is the same (load, pace, distance). That difference adds up fast over weeks of training.

Weighted vests feel more balanced

A vest spreads load front/back, which often feels more stable for frequent training. It can be easier to recover from and easier to do daily — and consistency is the whole game.

What most fitness apps do wrong

Mainstream apps are made for walking/running/steps. Once you add load, you’re doing a different category of training — but most apps still treat it like generic cardio.

If the app doesn’t ask for your load and doesn’t let you log carry type, it can’t give you consistent ruck tracking.

Paywalls are the other problem: plenty of apps gate the useful stuff behind subscriptions. This one is free because I want ruckers to have it.

Android: the simplest answer

If you want an app that supports both backpack and weighted vest training as a first-class feature, use the Rucking App:

Choose Backpack or Weighted Vest
Enter your bodyweight + load
Log distance + time/pace
Get an estimate that reflects reality (including the ~7% backpack difference)

Get the free Rucking App on Google Play

iPhone (or no app): use the web tools

If you’re on iPhone or you just don’t want an app, use the calculators:

Rucking Calorie Calculator (web):

Rucking Weight Loss Calculator (web):

Gear option: a vest that’s built for this

If you’re training with a weighted vest, balance matters. A good vest makes it easier to train more often (less fiddling, more consistency).

Wolf Tactical Adjustable Weighted Vest

View the Wolf Tactical Vest on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. #WolfTactical

Backpack vs vest: which should you use?

Pick backpack if you want a harder carry and that classic ruck feel (and yes, we model it as ~7% tougher).
Pick vest if you want balanced load for frequent training and easier consistency.
Either works — the key is tracking it correctly and progressing slowly.

Consistency beats perfect gear. But good gear makes consistency easier.

Quick checklist: what to log every ruck

Load: how many pounds
Carry type: backpack or vest (backpack is modeled as ~7% harder)
Distance + time: pace matters
Terrain: flat vs hills/trails (when it changes a lot)

FAQ

Why would a backpack be harder than a vest?

Because the weight sits behind you, which usually increases stabilization demand and postural work. That’s why our calculator/app includes a ~7% backpack factor versus a vest.

Do I need a wearable?

No. Wearables can help, but they still guess if they don’t know your load and carry type. Log the basics and use ruck-specific tools.

Bottom line: Yes, there are apps that “support” both — but the best option is one that was built for rucking from day one, including the backpack vs vest difference, not a generic tracker with a subscription popup.

Quick links

Rucking App (Android / Google Play):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ruckingpro.calculator

Rucking Calorie Calculator (web):

Rucking Weight Loss Calculator (web):

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Posted in Rucking App, Rucking Calculators, Uncategorized | Tagged backpack rucking, fitness apps, ruck calories, ruck march, ruck tracking, rucking app, rucking calorie calculator, weighted vest calorie calculator, weighted vest training, weighted vest workouts, weighted walking | Leave a comment

Burkett Trail (San Angelo State Park) — 360° VR Walkthrough + Weighted Vest Ruck

Posted on January 3, 2026 by admin

If you’ve ever wanted to explore a state park trail without guessing what you’re getting into — or you want a legit “outdoor” workout when you’re stuck indoors — this is exactly what these videos are for.

I’m starting this 360° trail indexing project in my home park: San Angelo State Park. The first upload is Burkett Trail, filmed on a sunny day, running south to north from the south side of the park. Texas Parks & Wildlife lists Burkett Trailhead as a major access point and describes it as the gateway to one of the park’s most popular trail areas. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

Watch the 360° Burkett Trail video

Video:

This is a helmet-mounted GoPro MAX 360 walk so you can look around naturally (mouse/phone/VR headset). It’s not a cinematic hype reel — it’s the real trail, step by step.

The “VR treadmill” use-case (this matters)

A lot of people think VR is just for games. Not here.

These 360 trail walks can be used on a treadmill (or even just walking in place) while wearing a VR headset. It’s a simple way to make indoor cardio feel less like punishment and more like “I’m actually somewhere.”

If you try the treadmill version:

Start slow
Use handrails if needed
Keep the area clear
If you get dizzy, stop — don’t be a hero

VR headset option (affiliate): https://amzn.to/4ppRN73
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Route overview: Burkett Trail → toward Potts Creek connections

On this walk I started from the South Unit side and moved south → north, filming the trail as it flows into the larger network. The park’s trail system includes connection routes that link areas of the park, and the Trailhead-to-Trailhead Route is specifically described as connecting the south and north ends. AllTrails.com

Burkett also ties into routes that lead you toward Potts Creek Trail, which is part of the same broader trail network used by hikers and riders. Hiking Project+1

Training load: 50 lb Wolf Tactical vest (custom plates)

I filmed this one wearing my Wolf Tactical weighted vest with custom 50 lb plates. #WolfTactical

If you’re curious about the math behind weighted walking (and why your smartwatch usually undercounts it), use these:

Rucking Calorie Calculator: https://rucking.pro/rucking-calorie-calculator/
Rucking Weight Loss Calculator: https://rucking.pro/rucking-weight-loss-calculator/

And if you want the app:

Rucking App (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ruckingpro.calculator

Why I’m doing this project

Most trail content is either:

A highlight reel, or
A shaky phone clip with no context

This project is the opposite: one trail at a time, indexed in 360°, so people can:

Preview trails before a trip
Explore parks from home
Train indoors with VR + treadmill
Enjoy the outdoors even with mobility limitations

Gear used

Wolf Tactical Adjustable Weighted Vest (affiliate): https://amzn.to/4h5Yb0N
GoPro Max 2 (affiliate): https://amzn.to/3L3ZGB2
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

What trail should I film next?

If you’re local to San Angelo or you’ve got a trail you want indexed in 360°, send the trail name and the direction you prefer (clockwise/counterclockwise, trailhead-to-trailhead, etc.). I’ll keep building this library until the whole park is covered.

Posted in 360 State Park Tours, 360 Videos | Tagged 360 video, burkett trail, rucking, san angelo state park, texas trails, treadmill vr, vr trail walk, weighted vest, wolf tactical | Leave a comment

What Is the Best App for Tracking Rucking and Weighted Vest Workouts?

Posted on December 7, 2025 by admin

If you’re training with a weighted vest or a ruck, you already know the problem:

Most fitness apps don’t track load at all. Apple Watch, Google Fit, Garmin — none of them let you enter vest weight, ruck weight, or the type of load you’re carrying. They treat a 3-mile ruck the same as a casual walk.

And that means your calorie burn gets undercounted, your training looks weaker than it really is, and your progress becomes harder to measure.

So what’s the best app for tracking rucking and weighted vest workouts?

The Best App for Rucking & Weighted Vest Training

The Rucking App — built by Rucking.Pro — is the first app designed specifically for both rucking and weighted vest workouts. Even though it’s titled “Rucking” in the Google Play Store, it contains the full weighted-vest calorie engine used on WeightedVest.pro.

↓ DOWNLOAD THE RUCKING APP ↓

Why This App Beats Standard Fitness Trackers

Tracks ruck weight AND weighted vest load
Accurate calorie formulas based on real load-bearing research
Select vest or backpack (or switch to compare burn rate)
Works offline — perfect for trails and backcountry training
No account required — open, calculate, ruck
Fast, clean interface that works on any Android phone

This is the same calculation engine used in the online calculators here:

Weighted Vest / Rucking Calorie Calculator

Rucking Weight Loss Calculator

Built by Someone Who Lost 90 Pounds Rucking

This isn’t a corporate app — it was built by someone who lost 90 lbs using weighted vests and rucking. Here’s the transformation behind the project: