Comparison

Backpack Workout vs RuckZone

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Backpack Workout

Features
Read full description

Are you looking for a versatile and convenient way to get fit? Look no further than backpack workouts! With just a simple backpack and a little creativity, you can turn your exercise routine into an exciting and effective workout, whether you're a beginner or a fitness enthusiast. Running with a backpack is a fantastic way to elevate your cardiovascular fitness. It's an easy way to add resistance to your run, making it more challenging and engaging. If you're new to running, start with a lightweight backpack and gradually increase the weight as you build strength and stamina. Make sure the backpack is snug and secure on your back to prevent any discomfort or injury during your run. For those who prefer a slower-paced workout, rucking is an excellent option. Rucking involves walking with a loaded backpack, simulating the experience of hiking or trekking. It's a low-impact exercise that's easy on your joints, making it suitable for beginners or those recovering from injuries. You can ruck in your neighborhood, local parks, or even on trails, enjoying the great outdoors while getting a full-body workout. Backpack workouts are not limited to outdoor activities only. You can also perform them in the comfort of your own home. Bodyweight exercises such as squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks can all be enhanced with a backpack. Simply load up your backpack with books, water bottles, or other heavy items to add resistance to your movements. This makes your workout more challenging and helps to build strength and muscle tone. One of the best things about backpack workouts is that they are adaptable to your fitness level. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced fitness enthusiast, you can customize the weight and intensity of your backpack workout to suit your needs. If you're just starting out, begin with a lighter load and gradually increase the weight as you get stronger. Remember to always listen to your body and avoid overloading your backpack, as it can strain your muscles and joints. In addition to providing a challenging workout, backpack workouts also offer the convenience of being portable and accessible. You can easily take your backpack with you wherever you go, making it a great option for busy individuals or those who prefer to exercise at home. With a backpack, you can transform your living room, backyard, or local park into your very own gym. Backpack workouts are also a cost-effective way to exercise. Unlike expensive gym memberships or fancy equipment, all you need is a backpack and some household items to get started. You can get creative with the items you load into your backpack, such as using canned goods, water bottles, or even sandbags as weights. This makes backpack workouts an affordable option for anyone looking to get fit on a budget. Before you start your backpack workout, it's important to take some safety precautions. Make sure your backpack fits properly and is adjusted to your body, with the weight distributed evenly. Avoid overloading your backpack with too much weight, as it can strain your back and shoulders. Warm up before your workout with some dynamic stretches and start with lighter weights if you're a beginner. Remember to stay hydrated and listen to your body, taking breaks or modifying exercises as needed. In conclusion, backpack workouts are a versatile, convenient, and effective way to get fit. Whether you're a beginner or a fitness enthusiast, you can customize your backpack workout to suit your needs and preferences. With the ability to perform backpack workouts at home or outdoors, you have the flexibility to exercise wherever and whenever you choose. So grab your backpack, load it up with some weight, and start your fitness journey with this fun and challenging workout!

About

RuckZone

Track weighted walks and monitor your load with this rucking companion. Features include live data on Apple Watch, history review on iPhone, and training plans for steady progress. Unlock advanced features with a Pro subscription.

Highlights
  • Track weighted walks
  • Monitor carried weight and load
  • Live data on Apple Watch
  • Review ruck history and summaries
  • Follow training plans
  • Apple Watch zone alerts (Pro)
Features
Read full description

Rucking is walking with weight. RuckZone measures the weight — not just the walk. Set your carried load on Apple Watch, start the ruck, and RuckZone tracks what that load actually costs you: energy, intensity, and whether this week is building you up or wearing you down. CALORIES YOU CAN AUDIT Energy burned is estimated with published load-carriage research (LCDA and Pandolf), which account for pack weight, walking speed, grade and terrain — not a generic walking estimate scaled by body weight. Pick your surface — pavement, gravel, grass, sand, mud or bog — and the estimate changes with it. RuckZone also writes net energy to Apple Health rather than gross, so your Activity ring is not inflated by the resting metabolism you would have burned anyway. The full method, including its limits, is documented publicly. LOAD SCORE One number per ruck, combining weight, distance, time and intensity — so a short heavy ruck and a long light one are finally comparable. Weekly trends show whether your load is progressing steadily or spiking. BUILT FOR APPLE WATCH Start an outdoor or indoor ruck from your wrist. Live time, heart rate, distance, pace, carried load, Load Score and zone feedback. The watch runs independently — leave your iPhone at home. ON YOUR LOCK SCREEN Rucks started on iPhone stay live in the Dynamic Island and on the Lock Screen: time, distance, pace and load at a glance, with pause and finish without opening the app. Included free. TRAINING PLANS Week-by-week progressions that raise load and distance at a rate you can absorb, with guidance after each ruck on what the next one should look like. ALSO INCLUDED - Six terrain surfaces, each with its own published coefficient - Indoor rucking, including treadmill sessions - Heart-rate zone targets and alerts - Full ruck history with notes - Apple Health integration - Metric and imperial units - No account, no sign-up, no tracking — your data stays on your devices FREE AND PRO Free: unlimited rucks, your full history, per-ruck Load Score, live tracking on Apple Watch, and Live Activity. Apple Watch zone alerts are included free for your first 14 days. RuckZone Pro keeps zone alerts on, and adds stats beyond the last 7 days, complete training plans, weekly Load Score trends, and post-ruck guidance. The annual plan starts with a 7-day free trial. RuckZone provides general fitness guidance only and is not medical advice. Start light, progress gradually, and stop if you feel pain, dizziness, chest discomfort, numbness, or unusual shortness of breath. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://uniation.com/ruckzone/privacy/

Screenshots

Backpack Workout4 screens
RuckZone4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: RuckZone at none against Backpack Workout's shown. Backpack Workout's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 18.0). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Backpack Workout sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and RuckZone sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Backpack Workout versus RuckZone: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBackpack WorkoutRuckZone
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 8 days
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, Apple Watch
Requires iOS11.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size100 MB4 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperpowerpunchUniation Software Co.,Ltd.

In-app purchases

10 purchases

Backpack Workout

One-time10
  • Remove Ads$0.99
  • Push Pull Legs Workout Routine$1.99
  • Beachbody - Upper Body$1.99
Show 7 more
  • Strength & Conditioning$1.99
  • Bikini Body: Glutes Legs & Abs$1.99
  • Circuit Hiit & Strength$1.99
  • Bootcamp & Circuit Split$1.99
  • Army: Strength & Running$1.99
  • Muscle Growth & Running$1.99
  • Full Bundle$6.99
2 purchases

RuckZone

Subscriptions2
  • RuckZone Pro Monthly$4.991 Month
  • RuckZone Pro Yearly$29.991 Year

Questions

Is Backpack Workout free?
Backpack Workout is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is RuckZone free?
RuckZone is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Backpack Workout or RuckZone have ads?
Backpack Workout shows ads; RuckZone does not.

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