Looking for the Best smartwatch that accurately tracks rucking workouts? Most fitness trackers struggle to measure the extra effort of carrying weight, leading to inaccurate calorie burn and heart rate data.
Garmin Tactix 8 solves this problem with the first-ever dedicated Rucking Mode, allowing users to input weight, track real effort, and get precise training insights.
But is the Garmin Tactix 8 Rucking Mode truly a game-changer? Let’s find out!
What is Rucking? – Benefits & Why It’s Popular
Rucking is a low-impact, high-intensity military-inspired fitness workout that involves walking or hiking with extra weight in a backpack or weighted vest.
It originated from military endurance training, where soldiers march long distances carrying heavy packs.
Why Garmin Tactix 8 Rucking Mode is a Game-Changer for Fitness Enthusiasts
Many ruckers, military personnel, and endurance athletes have long requested better tracking for weighted workouts. Garmin has finally delivered.
Why Is Rucking So Popular?
- Burns More Calories: Rucking with 20-30 lbs burns 30-50% more calories than regular walking.
- Builds Full-Body Strength: Engages glutes, quads, hamstrings, shoulders, and core muscles.
- Low-Impact Yet Effective: Provides cardio benefits with less strain on joints than running.
- Essential for Tactical Training: Used in military fitness, law enforcement training, and hiking endurance programs.
🔹 Problem: Traditional fitness trackers struggle to measure rucking effort accurately.
🔹 Solution: Garmin Tactix 8 Rucking Mode finally provides precision tracking for weighted workouts.
If you’re serious about tactical fitness, the Garmin Tactix 8 is the best smartwatch for rucking in 2025.
How Rucking Compares to Other Workouts
| Workout Type | Calories Burned (per hour, ~180 lbs person) | Muscle Groups Worked | Impact Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walking | 200-250 | Legs, Core (minimal) | Low |
| Running | 500-700 | Legs, Core, Heart | High |
| Hiking | 400-600 | Legs, Core | Moderate |
| Rucking (30 lbs) | 600-800 | Legs, Core, Shoulders, Back | Moderate to High |
📌 Conclusion: Rucking is more effective than walking, with higher calorie burn and muscle engagement without the joint strain of running.
How to Enable Rucking Mode on Garmin Tactix 8
Unlike other Garmin smartwatches, the Tactix 8 is the first to feature a dedicated Rucking Mode, allowing users to track weighted workouts with precision.
How to Enable & Use Rucking Mode on Garmin Tactix 8
- Press the Start Button on your Garmin Tactix 8 smartwatch.
- Navigate to Activities & Apps → Select “Rucking Mode.”
- Enter Your Weight Load (e.g., 20 lbs, 40 lbs).
- Start Your Rucking Workout – The watch will track heart rate, calorie burn, and distance accurately.
- Sync Your Data with Garmin Connect for post-workout analysis and performance tracking.
🔹 Pro Tip: If you’re using the Garmin Fenix 7 or Garmin Forerunner 965, you may need a firmware update for future Rucking Mode support.
Need more help? How to Use Garmin Tectix 8 Rucking Mode For detailed instructions check out Garmin’s official support page.
Garmin Tactix 8: The First Watch to Feature Rucking Mode
The Garmin Tactix 8 is the first Garmin smartwatch to feature a dedicated Rucking activity profile, making it the most advanced fitness watch for ruckers.
🔍 What Makes It Special?
- Accurate Rucking Metrics – Users can input their carried weight for precise calorie and heart rate tracking.
- Advanced Motion Detection – Distinguishes rucking from walking or hiking.
- Military-Grade Durability – Built for extreme conditions, ideal for military personnel, endurance athletes, and tactical fitness enthusiasts.
- Long Battery Life – Extended battery life ensures tracking for long treks and ruck marches.
Before this update, ruckers had to rely on inaccurate walking or hiking metrics. With the Tactix 8’s dedicated rucking mode, every step now reflects the real effort of weighted movement.
How Does the Rucking Feature Work on the Tactix 8?
Garmin’s Rucking activity mode uses advanced motion sensors, heart rate tracking, and weight input to provide highly accurate fitness data.
🛠 Key Features of Garmin Rucking Mode:
- Weight Input System – Manually enter your ruck weight (e.g., 20 lbs, 40 lbs, etc.) for precise calorie tracking.
- Smart Motion Detection – Differentiates between regular walking, hiking, and rucking.
- Heart Rate Zone Adjustments – Adjusts heart rate zones based on the extra effort exerted.
- VO2 Max & Training Load Analysis – Measures rucking-specific fitness improvements over time.
Before this update, rucking with a heavy pack showed the same effort level as regular walking.
The Tactix 8 eliminates this inaccuracy, giving users precise training insights.
Garmin Tactix 8 vs. Other Smartwatches: Best Rucking Watch?
Not all smartwatches can track rucking workouts accurately. Here’s how the Garmin Tactix 8 compares to other popular Garmin watches.
| Feature | Garmin Tactix 8 | Garmin Fenix 7 | Garmin Forerunner 965 | Garmin Epix Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rucking Activity Mode | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weight Input for Accuracy | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Military-Grade Durability | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Best For: | Ruckers, Military, Endurance Athletes | Trail Runners, Adventurers | Runners, Triathletes | General Fitness Users |
📌 Conclusion: If rucking workouts are part of your routine, the Garmin Tactix 8 is the best Garmin watch for weighted endurance training.
Looking for another tactical smartwatch? Garmin Instinct 3 Tactical has Surfaced – First Look Features and Release Date. Check out how it compares to the Garmin Tactix 8 and whether it’s the right choice for your needs.
Will Rucking Mode Be Available on Other Garmin Watches?
Currently, Rucking mode is exclusive to the Tactix 8. However, based on Garmin’s past updates, it is likely to roll out to other models in Q2 2025:
- Garmin Fenix 8 (Expected update in 2025)
- Garmin Epix Pro Series
- Forerunner 965
- Garmin Forerunner 975 (Most awaited Smartwatch)
Given that these models already support advanced tracking, a firmware update could bring rucking mode to them soon.
Why Garmin Tactix 8 Rucking Mode Matters for Tactical Fitness & Endurance Training
Many Garmin users have long requested rucking-specific tracking. The Tactix 8 changes the game by:
- More Accurate Calorie Tracking – Adjusts calorie burn based on weight carried.
- Better Endurance & VO2 Max Insights – Ideal for tactical athletes and endurance training.
- Essential for Military & Law Enforcement Training – Built for real-world weighted movement tracking.
If you’re serious about tactical fitness, the Garmin Tactix 8 is the best GPS smartwatch for weighted workouts in 2025.
Also See:- Garmin Tactix 8 First Look – Ultimate Tactical Smartwatch for Military & Outdoor Enthusiasts
FAQs About Garmin Tactix 8 and Rucking
Will the Rucking mode be available on older Garmin watches?
Garmin has not officially confirmed this, but based on past updates, Rucking Mode may come to Garmin Fenix 8 and Epix Pro via firmware updates in 2025.
How do I enable Rucking mode on my Garmin Tactix 8?
Go to Activities & Apps → Select Rucking Mode
Enter weight load
Start tracking your rucking workout
Is Garmin Tactix 8 worth it for rucking workouts?
Yes! If you train with weighted packs, this is the best smartwatch for rucking. It provides accurate calorie tracking, endurance stats, and HR zone adjustments.
Final Thought- Is Garmin Tactix 8 Worth It for Rucking?
If you’ve ever struggled to track your rucking workouts accurately, the Garmin Tactix 8 is the solution you’ve been waiting for.
With its dedicated Rucking Mode, this smartwatch isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a game-changer for tactical athletes, military personnel, hikers, and endurance trainers.
Why Garmin Tactix 8 Stands Out:
- First-ever smartwatch with Rucking Mode – No more relying on inaccurate walking metrics.
- Weight-adjusted calorie tracking – Know exactly how much effort you’re putting in.
- Military-grade durability – Built to withstand the toughest conditions.
- Smart performance tracking – Optimize your endurance, VO2 Max, and heart rate zones.
Final Verdict
If you train with a weighted pack, whether for fitness, tactical readiness, or military preparation, the Garmin Tactix 8 is hands down the best smartwatch for ruckers in 2025.
Are you ready to elevate your training?
Get Your Garmin Tactix 8 Today – Limited Stock Available.
💬 Do you think Garmin’s new Rucking Mode is a must-have? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
Love adventure sports? If you’re into diving as well as rucking, check out our in-depth Garmin Descent G2 Review: The Best Dive Computer of 2025. to see why it’s making waves in the diving community!
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