Cheap Rucking Weights: 7 Genius Budget Hacks That Beat Overpriced Plates

Cheap Rucking Weights: The Budget-Friendly Guide to Getting Heavy

Why Rucking Weights Cost So Much (And Why You Shouldn’t Pay It)

Let’s address the elephant—or rather, the steel plate—in the room. Rucking plates aren’t magic. They’re hunks of metal, marketed like ancient relics of warrior culture. The moment a brand stamps a logo on them, the price skyrockets. You’re no longer buying steel—you’re buying the “story.”

Then there’s shipping. Steel is heavy, and UPS isn’t in the charity business. That “$20 shipping fee” is just the cost of mailing a small anvil across the country. You could practically book a discount airline ticket for the same weight.

The OG Way: How People Rucked Before It Was Trendy

Before branded ruck plates became Instagram-worthy gear, soldiers, hikers, and fitness enthusiasts used what they had on hand:

• Pavers from the backyard

• Sandbags from the hardware store

• Scrap metal from job sites

• Water containers for adjustable weight

These weren’t just budget-friendly—they were effective. No logo required.

Best Cheap Rucking Weight Alternatives

Masonry Bricks – $1.92 Heroes

Home Depot sells masonry bricks for $1.92 each, weighing around 10.6 lbs. I use Beltis Paver 60mm | Victorian. Two of these = 21 lbs for under $4. Wrap them in a towel or duct tape to keep your bag from looking like Jason Voorhees took a swing at it. Bonus: toss them in an old laptop bag for easy handling.

You can see more low cost suggestions here.

Old Gym Plates – The Forgotten Garage Treasure

Check Facebook Marketplace or your dusty garage corner. Used plates often go for $0.50–$0.80 per pound, beating the $2+ per pound cost of branded ruck weights.

Sandbags – Adjustable and Travel-Friendly

Cheap, versatile, and available at most hardware stores. Fill them with sand, pea gravel, or even rice for a quieter carry.

Scrap Metal – Industrial Strength Savings

Hit up local scrapyards—metal is sold by weight, and you can often find odd-shaped steel pieces that fit perfectly in a pack.

Water Containers – Cheap, Adjustable, and Portable

Fill them up at your destination, empty them before travel. No TSA headaches.

DIY Rucking Weight Cost Comparison Table

Safety Tips When Using Cheap Rucking Weights

• Pad your bag: Towels, foam, or yoga mats prevent wear and tear.

• Distribute weight evenly: Keeps you balanced and reduces injury risk.

• Secure the load: Avoid shifting weights mid-walk—it’s both uncomfortable and dangerous.

FAQs on Cheap Rucking Weights

Q: Can I Use Random Household Items for Rucking?
A: Absolutely—books, bottled water, or canned goods can double as rucking weights.

Q: How Much Weight Should a Beginner Start With?
A: Start with 10–15% of your body weight, then work up gradually.

Q: Is It Safe to Ruck with Bricks or Scrap Metal?
A: Yes, if they’re properly padded and secured to prevent injury.

Q: Do Cheap Weights Affect My Training Results?
A: No. Weight is weight—your body doesn’t care if it’s a $100 plate or a $2 brick.

Q: How to Make a Ruck Weight Waterproof?
A: Wrap in heavy-duty trash bags or shrink wrap before packing.

Q: Can I Travel with DIY Ruck Weights?
A: Yes—water containers and fillable sandbags are the most travel-friendly.

Conclusion: Stop Paying for “Forged-in-Mordor” Steel

Your ruck doesn’t need a pedigree—it just needs weight. Whether it’s $1.92 bricks or scrap from a yard, your body will get the same workout without the branding tax. Skip the hype, grab a towel, and get rucking.