Garmin Rucking Update – New Feature Explained
Garmin confirmed the rucking update in its fēnix 9 launch video. Six additions to rucking are included as part of the wider Garmin platform update, alongside the new Garmin Epic and indoor rowing features. Rucking has been part of the Fenix line since the Tactix 8 and Instinct 3, and this update is the largest change to it since launch.
What is new to rucking
- Calorie visibility by pack weight: A rucking session now shows the extra calories burned specifically from carrying pack weight, up to 100 kg, separate from the calories the same walk or run would cost unloaded.
- Mid-activity pack-weight changes: A wearer can add or remove pack weight during a session. The change is live on the watch and carries through to the data reviewed afterwards in Garmin Connect.
- Rucking as a multisport leg: Rucking can now sit as a leg inside a multisport session, with pack weight and effort tracked correctly for that leg rather than applied to the whole session.
- Calorie-goal alerts: A wearer can set a calorie target before starting a ruck and gets alerted on the watch once that target is reached.
- Dedicated rucking reports: A new report brings pack weight, calories, elevation and pace together in one place after a session, rather than requiring a wearer to piece the numbers together from the standard activity summary.
- GORUCK structured workouts: Garmin worked directly with GORUCK to build structured rucking workouts that can be followed on-device, similarly to how Garmin already handles structured running and cycling plans.
Which watches get it
This update follows the same distribution pattern as the rest of the Fenix 9 software release. It reaches the Fenix 8 series, Enduro 3, Tactix 8 and Forerunner 970 in full. Devices without an existing rucking profile do not gain one through this update; it extends an existing feature rather than introducing rucking to new hardware. Full detail on which watches receive the broader Fenix 9 update is in Fenix 9 features will pass to existing Garmin watches.
Garmin Fenix 9 range
Every Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro model, including AMOLED, Solar, and inReach variants across all sizes. One link to the full range.
Further reading
- Garmin Fenix 9 vs Fenix 8: which to buy
- Fenix 9: new features explained
- Garmin Fenix 9 specifications
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro specifications
- Garmin Fenix hub
Quick answers
Does the rucking calorie breakout apply to past activities?
No. It applies to sessions recorded after the update installs. Past rucking activities keep their original combined calorie figure.
Can I change pack weight mid-ruck?
Yes. Garmin confirmed you can add or remove pack weight during an active session, with the change reflected live and carried through to Garmin Connect.
Can rucking be part of a multisport session?
Yes. You can now add rucking as a leg inside a multisport session, with pack weight and effort tracked correctly for that leg.
Do GoRuck structured workouts require a subscription?
Garmin has not stated a subscription requirement for the on-device GoRuck workouts in this update.
What is the maximum pack weight Garmin tracks?
100 kg. Garmin confirmed this limit directly in the fēnix 9 launch video.
Last Updated on 26 August 2026 by the5krunner
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
