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carry far

The pack and what goes in it

Weighted vest

A garment holding weight around the torso rather than on the back. Mechanically quieter than a pack and easier to keep symmetrical, but it carries almost nothing useful — no water, no layers, no event kit.

Vest or backpack? →

Related terms

Plate carrierA vest built to hold armour plates, used in training as a weighted vest with a military fit.
Ruck plateA flat steel or cast-iron plate sized to sit against the back panel of a pack, usually 10, 20, 30 or 45 lb.

Where it comes up

Guides that use this term in context, rather than only defining it.

A four-week beginner rucking planEight deliberately unheroic sessions: learn the pack, add a little time, and finish the month ready to progress instead of ready to recover.
Weighted vest or backpack for rucking?A vest keeps compact weight close; a backpack carries useful things and teaches pack craft. Choose by the job, not by which one looks more serious.

More from The pack and what goes in it

RuckRuck plateSternum strapHip beltLoad liftersFrame sheetMOLLEBladderCentre of gravityBergenPlate carrierTorso lengthCompression strapBack panelDenierDry bag

All 69 terms