Leave The Sand Behind: The GORUCK Mesh Ruck Backpack

There is a universal truth acknowledged by anyone who has ever spent a day at the beach: you will be finding sand in your luggage for the next three decades. It is the uninvited guest that refuses to leave, burrowing into the seams of your favorite canvas tote or clogging the zippers of your technical daypack.

Standard bags are simply not engineered for the wet, the sandy, and the sweaty. They turn into damp, heavy sponges that trap debris and smell like a wet dog after a few hours in the sun.

For those of us who prefer our gear to be as uncompromising as our adventures, the team at GORUCK—legendary purveyors of bombproof rucking equipment—have unleashed the ultimate solution: the GORUCK Mesh Ruck Backpack.

This is not the flimsy mesh sack you used to carry your PE kit in primary school. This is a piece of equipment built with the same tactical DNA as the brand’s iconic GR1, but stripped down and reimagined for aquatic and coastal environments. The genius lies in its simplicity.

The main body is constructed from a heavy-duty coated mesh (Poly + Non-Phthalate PVC), which essentially makes the bag transparent to the elements. Water, sand, and dirt pass right through it, providing maximum airflow and instant drainage.

Whether you are hauling wet wetsuits from the surf, sweaty gym gear, or sandy towels from the dunes, this pack ensures that your gear starts drying the moment you throw it over your shoulder.

While the mesh handles the ventilation, GORUCK hasn’t skimped on durability or comfort. The back panel and the bottom of the pack—the high-abrasion areas—are crafted from Ripstop ROBIC. This ensures that when you set it down on jagged rocks or rough boat decks, it won’t tear, and more importantly, the material against your back is smooth and comfortable for long hauls. It’s a thoughtful hybrid design that balances the need for breathability with the need for structural integrity.

Functionality is key when you are dealing with salt and spray, which is why the hardware has been specifically chosen to resist corrosion. The pack features Anti-Rust Vislon zippers, chunky and reliable, ensuring that you can always get to your gear even after months of exposure to salt air.

A separate quick-access pocket at the top provides a safe haven for your phone, keys, and wallet, keeping them secure while the rest of your load breathes. Side compression straps allow you to cinch down the load, stabilizing your gear whether the bag is stuffed to its 20L capacity or running light.

Priced at $95, the GORUCK Mesh Ruck Backpack is a surprisingly affordable entry into the GORUCK ecosystem, especially considering the specialized utility it offers.

Measuring 12” x 18.5” x 5”, it hits that “Goldilocks” size for a day pack—large enough to carry a hydration bladder, a change of clothes, and a towel, but streamlined enough not to be a burden. It thrives on boat docks, pool decks, and obstacle courses, redefining what a beach bag can be. It’s tough, it’s efficient, and best of all, when you get home and shake it out, the beach stays where it belongs.