Big news for the rucking community: Garmin has officially added rucking-specific features to a range of their smartwatches in their May 2025 software update.
That’s right: what used to be a workaround (tracking your ruck as a walk or hike) is now a fully supported activity mode. This update reflects the growing popularity of rucking (walking with a weighted backpack) as both a fitness tool and a lifestyle movement.
Key Takeaways
- Garmin’s May 2025 update adds a dedicated Rucking Activity mode to multiple smartwatch models.
- Users can now input pack weight for more accurate calorie, heart rate, and performance tracking.
- The update recognises rucking as a unique, low-impact strength and endurance workout.
- Available on Instinct 3, fēnix 8, Enduro, and Forerunner 570/970 series—enable auto-updates to access it.
- This upgrade makes it easier to train smarter and track real progress on every weighted walk.
What’s New?
With the new Rucking Activity mode, users can:
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Manually input their pack weight, giving far more accurate calorie burn and training data
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Track metrics like pace, distance, heart rate, VO₂ max, elevation, and more - tailored to the added strain of carrying weight
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Analyse and improve performance over time, whether you're hiking trails or rucking city streets
This feature rollout supports models like the Instinct 3, Tactical, fēnix® E/8 series and Enduro™, Forerunner 570/970, and more. If you’ve already got one of these, the update may be available now – just enable automatic updates to check.
Why This Matters
Rucking has been flying under the radar as one of the most effective, low-impact ways to build strength, endurance, and mental resilience. It’s been a staple in military and tactical training for decades, and now it’s gaining ground in fitness circles and even corporate wellness programs.
With Garmin's new dedicated mode, it's easier than ever to make your rucks count. You’ll get precise data that reflects the extra effort it takes to carry weight and that means smarter training, better progress, and more motivation to keep going.
Ready to Ruck?
If you’ve been rucking without logging the true effort, this update is your green light to level up. And if you're new to rucking, there’s never been a better time to start.
Grab your weighted vest or pack and hit the trail with data that finally keeps up.
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