Close-up of a smartwatch displaying running metrics in nature.

Track Your Rucks Like a Pro: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Your Apple Watch

ByDaniel Harrington

Rucking, the act of walking or hiking with a weighted pack, has surged in popularity as a fantastic way to build strength, endurance, and mental toughness. It’s accessible, effective, and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. If you’re an Apple Watch user and a rucking enthusiast, you might be wondering: How do I track my rucks on my Apple Watch?

While the Apple Watch excels at tracking a wide array of workouts, from running and cycling to swimming and yoga, it unfortunately lacks a dedicated “Rucking” workout mode. This can be frustrating for those who want to accurately monitor their rucking progress and integrate it seamlessly into their fitness data.

But don’t worry, rucking aficionados! Just because there isn’t a dedicated button doesn’t mean your Apple Watch is useless for tracking your weighted walks. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to effectively track your rucks using your Apple Watch, ensuring you capture the data you need to optimize your training and see real results.

Why Track Rucking with Your Apple Watch?

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s quickly touch upon the “why.” Tracking your rucks offers numerous benefits:

  • Monitor Progress: Tracking allows you to see how your pace, distance, and heart rate improve over time, providing tangible evidence of your fitness gains.
  • Calorie Estimation: While not perfectly accurate for rucking (more on that later), your Apple Watch can provide an estimate of calories burned, helping you manage your nutrition and fitness goals.
  • Workout History: Logging your rucks keeps them organized within your Apple Health data, contributing to a holistic view of your activity levels.
  • Motivation and Consistency: Seeing your workout data can be highly motivating and encourage you to stay consistent with your rucking routine.
  • Heart Rate Zones: Monitoring your heart rate during rucks helps you ensure you’re training in the desired intensity zones for cardiovascular improvement and endurance building.

Illustrates the challenge of tracking rucking due to the lack of a native workout mode.

The Challenge: No Native “Rucking” Workout Mode

The primary hurdle is the absence of a specific “Rucking” workout type on the Apple Watch. This means you’ll need to utilize alternative workout modes or third-party apps to log your rucks. Using a non-rucking specific workout mode can lead to some inaccuracies, particularly in calorie estimation, as the algorithms are not designed to account for the added weight of a ruck.

As highlighted in online discussions like those on Reddit’s r/Goruck forum and Apple Support Communities, users have been seeking effective workarounds for tracking rucking for some time. This demand underscores the need for clear guidance on this topic.

Provides a visual guide on how to use the 'Outdoor Walk' workout mode for rucking.

Method 1: Utilizing the “Outdoor Walk” Workout

The simplest and most readily available method is to use the “Outdoor Walk” workout mode on your Apple Watch. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Workout app on your Apple Watch.
  2. Scroll down and select “Outdoor Walk.”
  3. Start your ruck as you normally would.
  4. End the workout when you finish your ruck.

Pros of Using “Outdoor Walk”:

  • Simplicity: It’s built-in and easy to use, requiring no additional apps.
  • Basic Metrics: You’ll get essential data like distance, pace, time, and heart rate.
  • GPS Tracking: Accurate distance and route mapping using the Apple Watch’s GPS.

Cons of Using “Outdoor Walk”:

  • Inaccurate Calorie Burn: The calorie estimation will likely be lower than your actual burn because it doesn’t account for the added weight of your ruck. The algorithm is designed for regular walking, not weighted walking.
  • Lack of Rucking-Specific Metrics: You won’t get metrics specific to rucking, such as workload adjusted for weight carried.
  • Generic Workout Label: Your rucks will be categorized as “Outdoor Walks” in your workout history, which might not be ideal for specific rucking analysis.

Method 2: The “Other” Workout – A More Customizable Approach

For a slightly more customizable, albeit still generic, approach, you can use the “Other” workout mode. This allows you to name the workout post-activity, which helps in categorizing your rucks.

  1. Open the Workout app on your Apple Watch.
  2. Scroll down to the very bottom and select “Other.”
  3. Start your ruck.
  4. End the workout when finished.
  5. Name Your Workout: After ending the workout, tap “Name Workout” and choose “Rucking” or a similar label. If “Rucking” isn’t an option, you can create a custom workout name in the Apple Watch app on your iPhone under Workout -> Workout Types -> Add Custom Workout.

Pros of Using “Other”:

  • Customizable Naming: You can label your workout as “Rucking” for better organization in your workout history.
  • Basic Metrics: Similar to “Outdoor Walk,” you’ll get time, heart rate, and calorie estimates.

Cons of Using “Other”:

  • Even Less Accurate Calorie Burn: The “Other” workout mode might provide an even less accurate calorie estimate than “Outdoor Walk” as it’s a very generic category.
  • No Rucking-Specific Metrics: Still lacks any metrics related to the weight carried.
  • Generic Data: Data might be less tailored to outdoor movement compared to “Outdoor Walk,” potentially affecting GPS and pace accuracy in some scenarios, though this is often minimal.

Method 3: Leveraging Third-Party Apps for Rucking

For the most accurate and feature-rich rucking tracking experience on your Apple Watch, consider using third-party fitness apps. Several apps cater to outdoor activities and offer more customization, potentially allowing you to factor in the weight you’re carrying.

While a dedicated “Rucking” app for Apple Watch might be rare, apps designed for hiking, backpacking, or general outdoor fitness could be adapted for rucking. Some apps might allow you to manually input the weight of your pack, which could improve calorie estimation and provide a more accurate representation of your workout intensity.

Examples of apps that *might* be suitable (always check app features and reviews for rucking-specific functionality):

  • RuckWell: As seen in the Apple App Store and mentioned in social media posts like RuckWell’s Facebook page, this app is specifically designed for rucking and claims to allow weight tracking. It’s worth investigating its features and user reviews.
  • Workout Apps with Customization: Explore popular fitness apps like Strava, WorkOutDoors, or others that offer extensive workout customization and data fields. Check if they allow for manual weight input or have workout types that closely align with rucking.

Pros of Using Third-Party Apps:

  • Potentially More Accurate Tracking: Some apps may offer better calorie estimation by allowing weight input or using algorithms better suited for weighted activities.
  • Rucking-Specific Features: Dedicated rucking apps (like RuckWell) might offer specialized metrics and analysis.
  • Enhanced Data and Metrics: Many third-party apps provide more detailed workout data, maps, and performance analysis compared to the native Workout app.

Cons of Using Third-Party Apps:

  • App Cost: Some apps might require a subscription or one-time purchase.
  • Setup and Learning Curve: Setting up and learning to use a new app can take time.
  • Battery Life: Some feature-rich apps might consume more battery than the native Workout app.
  • Data Integration: Ensure the app integrates with Apple Health if you want all your fitness data in one place.

Tips for More Accurate Rucking Tracking on Apple Watch

Regardless of the method you choose, here are some tips to enhance the accuracy of your rucking data on your Apple Watch:

  • Ensure a Good Fit: Make sure your Apple Watch is snugly and correctly fitted on your wrist for accurate heart rate monitoring.
  • Calibrate GPS (Especially for “Outdoor Walk”): For optimal GPS accuracy with “Outdoor Walk,” calibrate your Apple Watch by completing a 20-minute outdoor walk or run in a clear, open area using the Workout app.
  • Be Consistent: Use the same method consistently to track your rucks to ensure comparable data over time.
  • Manually Adjust Calories (If Needed): If calorie accuracy is crucial, and you’re using “Outdoor Walk” or “Other,” you can manually adjust calorie estimations based on online calculators that factor in weight carried and rucking intensity (though this is an estimate).
  • Explore App Options: Take the time to research and try different third-party apps to find one that best suits your rucking tracking needs. Read user reviews and compare features.

Key Takeaways

  • No Native Rucking Workout: Apple Watch doesn’t have a dedicated “Rucking” workout mode.
  • Workarounds Exist: You can use “Outdoor Walk,” “Other,” or third-party apps to track rucks.
  • “Outdoor Walk” is Simple but Less Accurate: Easy to use but underestimates calories.
  • “Other” Offers Custom Naming: Allows labeling workouts as “Rucking” but is still generic.
  • Third-Party Apps Offer Potential for Accuracy: Apps like RuckWell and customizable fitness apps might provide better tracking, especially with weight consideration.
  • Accuracy Tips Matter: Proper watch fit, GPS calibration, and consistent tracking methods improve data quality.

FAQ: Tracking Rucking on Apple Watch

Q: Will Apple Watch ever get a dedicated “Rucking” workout mode?
A: It’s uncertain. Feature requests can be submitted to Apple, but there’s no guarantee. The growing popularity of rucking might increase the likelihood in the future.
Q: Is the calorie burn accurate when tracking rucking with “Outdoor Walk”?
A: Not fully accurate. It will likely underestimate your calorie expenditure because it doesn’t account for the added weight of your ruck.
Q: What’s the best app for tracking rucking on Apple Watch?
A: It depends on your needs. RuckWell is specifically designed for rucking. Explore other fitness apps with customization options and read reviews to find the best fit for you.
Q: Can I track the weight I’m carrying in my ruck with Apple Watch?
A: Not directly with the native Workout app. Some third-party apps, like RuckWell, may allow you to input ruck weight, potentially improving tracking accuracy.
Q: Does using GPS for tracking rucks drain the Apple Watch battery quickly?
A: Yes, prolonged GPS use can drain the battery faster. For longer rucks, ensure your watch is fully charged. Battery life is also dependent on your Apple Watch model and its battery health.

Conclusion: Rucking Onwards with Your Apple Watch

While the lack of a dedicated “Rucking” workout mode on Apple Watch is a current limitation, it shouldn’t deter you from tracking your weighted adventures. By utilizing the “Outdoor Walk” or “Other” workout modes, or exploring third-party apps, you can effectively monitor your rucking progress and gain valuable insights into your fitness journey.

As rucking continues to gain momentum, there’s hope that Apple might introduce a dedicated workout mode in future updates. Until then, these workarounds will empower you to track your rucks like a pro and keep pushing your limits, one weighted step at a time. Happy rucking!


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