An affordable and ultra-durable training tool to mix up your workouts with.
Odd object training—using kettlebells, kegs, atlas stones, sandbags, and more as part of your workout—has been a long time secret of competitive strongmen. Because these devices force you to brace, stabilize, and lift in odd dimensions, they’re one of the quickest ways to build up functional strength.
Rucking definitely fits in with that type of training too, so it should come as no surprise that GoRuck has been hard at work making their own versions of training sandbags to complement their main exercise focus. So for today’s article, we had the folks at GORUCK send us one of their newest Simple Training Sandbags in exchange for a fair and honest review. And after getting our butts kicked by a dozen or so sandbag workouts, we’re here to tell you the ins and outs of this training sandbag (and whether it’s worth buying one for yourself).
But first, a word on sandbag lifting for those who are new to this style of exercise.
Sandbag Training 101
It doesn’t get more real-world-functional than working out with a sandbag. Compared to a standard set of dumbbells, kettlebells, or a barbell, the unpredictable movement of the sand puts a serious strain on your stabilizer muscles—the ones that you’ll need to rely on for hiking, climbing, fighting, and just generally existing in the world.
Additionally, sandbags like GORUCK’s Simple Training Sandbag use handles that put an additional stress on your grip. That makes them an invaluable training tool for martial artists and strongmen, who both have to rely on their grip strength over extended periods of time.
Past those differences though, many of the movements for sandbag training look very similar to standard barbell training. Rows, presses, clean and jerks, and squats can be built into a circuit for maximum endurance training. But you can also throw a sandbag over your shoulders for long distance walks (uphill is even better), or practice rotational loading to a platform to build impressive core strength.
If you’d like to skip the studying and get straight into a sandbag training program though, GORUCK offers a simple (but not easy) monthly program. Each day of the week will have a set of exercises outlined for you, complete with day-specific challenges like Meat Grinder Monday and Technique Thursday. So if you’re going to invest in one of these sandbags, you may as well get the most out of these finely-tuned training programs to go along with it.
Specs
- Materials: 1000D Cordura fabric, nylon webbing, neoprene padding, velcro closures
- Size Options: 40, 60, 80, and 100 lbs
- Price: $49-59 per bag
Materials and Construction
The Simple Training Sandbag is, in many ways, a pared-down version of their Sandbag 2.0. Pared down here doesn’t mean cutting corners, though—it means simplifying the design of the bag to allow for a much more affordable price point that’s perfect for beginners to sandbag training.
Compared to other training sandbags on the market, this one from GORUCK is about as tough as it gets. That comes courtesy of a combination of three things: Nearly indestructible 1000D Cordura as the main material for the bag, triple-stitched interlocking seams, and a triple fold velcro closure. Taken together, this means that once the sand is inside of your GORUCK bag, it’s not going anywhere.
The handles are given a similarly tough treatment, with box X stitched reinforcement and heavy duty neoprene padding sewn directly into the handles in layers. This gives them a good circumference that’s useful for grip training, and enough comfort to keep you training until your muscles give out.
Overall, the quality and durability of materials and construction here is downright impressive for the price. Even the largest bag (measuring in at 100 pounds) is still just $59, while the smallest (40 pound) bag can be had for $49; a whole set of bags would only set you back a little over $200.
Design and Features
First and foremost when it comes to features for this sandbag, we have to talk about GORUCK’s SCARS lifetime guarantee. For a good portion of their catalog—including the Simple Training Sandbag—the items are covered for the entire lifetime. If for some reason a seam should tear or a handle should wear thin, GORUCK will replace the sandbag. That’s easily the best guarantee on the market for this type of training tool.
Outside of that, the beauty of this sandbag is in its simplicity. Stripped down to the minimum of what you need for training, it has just the right amount of functionality to balance out a very affordable price. And with the inclusion of two longer strap handles, you can easily convert the carrying position to add extra weight to your next ruck.
Do note here though: The Simple Training Sandbag is not built as a slam bag. Even though it can hold up to some serious abuse, continually launching it against the ground is likely to put premature stress on a seam. On a similar note, only fill these bags with sand, not gravel.
Final Verdict
All said and done, GORUCK has really nailed their design for the Simple Training Sandbag. Combining easy-to-use utility with top notch durability is a hard enough feat to pull off. But then making it available at such an affordable price is a huge bonus.
If you’re feeling the need for a challenging workout using minimal tools and equipment, combining this sandbag with a rucksack and some weight is about as bare bones as you can get—while still giving you plenty of weight for a demanding series of workouts. Highly recommended by the GearMoose testing crew.
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