GORUCK Bulgarian Sandbag Review

The GORUCK Bulgarian sandbag is one of those odd pieces of equipment that looks simple until you start using it.

I tested the 40 lbs sandbag and once I started working out with it, I quickly noticed that it’s a different type of workout that requires a full body approach unlike isolation exercises. And that’s because the pea pebbles (or sand) inside shift when I move it around so it requires a lot of control.

There’s several ways to use it: I can set it on top of my shoulders, grab it from the ends, or use the three handles on top, so I can do a bunch of exercises with it. And the best part is that I don’t need a ton of equipment or a lot of space to get a great workout in.

But is it worth buying and how does it compare to traditional sandbags with handles?

In this GORUCK sandbag review I’ll break down the bag’s build, performance, exercise options, pros and cons, and whether the 40 lbs version deserves a spot in your home gym.

Key Takeaways

• Crescent shape allows the GORUCK Bulgarian sandbag to sit on my upper back more comfortably than a regular sandbags

• Curved design gives me better leverage for spinning, swinging, and explosive exercises

• Three handles give me multiple grip options for more exercise versatility

• Works best for functional training, grip strength, rotational movements, conditioning, and explosiveness

• It’s made out of 1000D Cordura fabric with reinforced seams for durability

• Internal funnel makes it easy to fill with sand or pea pebbles (does not come filled)

• Comes with a lifetime warranty

Unboxing

Whichever sandbag you go with, they’ll come empty and wrapped in a plastic bag.

This is more economical than having a weighted sandbag shipped. I prefer to use pea pebbles over sand to fill my sandbags and a 50 lbs bag was $6.

And here’s what the 40 lbs Bulgarian sandbag looks like once I took it out of the bag.

It’s flat, moon shaped, has 3 handles on top, and a zipper with an internal funnel on the side to fill it.

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Specs

• Weight: 40 lbs

• Available sizes: 40 lbs and 60 lbs (don’t come filled, I filled mine with pea pebbles)

• Dimensions: 26″ wide x 18″ tall (40 lbs sandbag), 26″ wide x 20″ tall (60 lbs sandbag)

• Material: 1000D cordura

• Handles: (3) reinforced padded handles

• Closure: Zipper opening with internal Velcro funnel

• Color: Black

• Warranty: Lifetime

What Is The GORUCK Bulgarian Sandbag?

The GORUCK Bulgarian sandbag is a moon shaped bag used for functional training and conditioning workouts. Unlike other sandbags I’ve reviewed, this one curves around my neck and shoulders making it easier to carry when I’m doing lower body exercises like squats, lunges, calf raises, etc.

But it also has 3 handles on top of the crest that I use for upper body exercises like bicep curls, bent over rows, and even a combination of upper/lower body explosive movements.

Off to the side, there’s a zipper where I fill the bag with sand. I prefer to use pea pebbles because it makes less of a mess.

Inside the zipper there’s an internal fabric funnel that pulls out and makes it to fill.

I have the 40 lbs Bulgarian sandbag so a 50 lbs bag of pea pebbles is enough to fill it up.

This 50 lbs pea pebbles bag cost me $6 at Home Depot. Play sand is about a dollar less so whatever you fill it with, it’s gonna be cheap.

Before filling the sandbag, I always spread out the pea pebbles and leave them out to dry for a day.

Since Home Depot keeps these in the gardening section, they’re gonna be wet and you don’t wanna trap moisture inside your bag or you’ll end up with a ton of mold.

You wanna do the same with play sand.

Who Is The GORUCK Bulgarian Sandbag For?

✅ Ideal For

• Minimalistic training – I can do a lot of exercises with one bag

• People training for functional strength and conditioning

• Athletes who prefer full body workouts (I’ve gotten more into full body training as I get older)

• Anyone who wants an alternative to dumbbells and barbells

• Those who want to add more rotational exercises to their training

❌ Not For

• Anyone who dislikes unstable or shifting resistance

• Bodybuilders who need weight progression

• People who prefer weight training

• Those who prefer adjustable sandbags (I’ve reviewed some with interchangeable filler bags)

Top Benefits Of The GORUCK Bulgarian Sandbag

Comfortable Shoulder Position

The moon shape is what makes this more comfortable on my shoulders than traditional sandbags. I don’t have to balance it on my shoulders or bend my neck forward so that it stays on my upper back.

This makes it more comfortable for exercises like squats, lunges, good mornings, step ups, calf raises, etc.

Full Body Training

To me, using a Bulgarian sandbag is similar to kettlebell training. I can use do lower body and upper body exercises or a combination of both to get a full body workout.

And I like to use it in circuits where I’m moving from one exercise to the other so it’s great for strength and conditioning at the same time.

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Compact Footprint

The Bulgarian sandbag is perfect for people who don’t have a lot of space.

I don’t need a rack, barbell, weight plates, or anything that takes up a lot of room to get a good workout in.

So for less than $100, I have space saving training equipment that’s multipurpose which is always a win in any home gym.

Best Features Of The GORUCK Bulgarian Sandbag

No Leak Funnel

The internal funnel makes it real easy to fill the bag with sand or pea pebbles. If you notice closely, the top of the funnel has velcro.

So after I filled the bag, I secured the velcro together, then folded it several times until I got it inside the bag.

This keeps anything from leaking out through the zipper.

Heavy Duty 1000D Cordura Fabric

The GORUCK Bulgarian sandbag is made out of 1000D Cordura. This is thick, durable fabric that can take on a lot of drops so it doesn’t rip easily.

Stitching on the bag is top notch: Seams are double stitched and the handles have box stitching so they’re reinforced to handle a ton of pulling.

I know I’m gonna be dragging and dropping this indoors and outdoors, so durable construction like this matters.

The three handles on top of the crest are mildly padded and feel comfortable on my hands.

I use the two outer handles for exercises like thrusters, bent over rows, bicep curls, shoulder presses, and cleans. The middle one I like to use for suitcase carries but the options are only limited by your imagination.

GORUCK Bulgarian Sandbag Pros & Cons

Pros

• Full body training: I use it for strength, conditioning, carries, and rotational training

• Grip and forearm strength: Ends of the sandbag force me to maintain a firm grip throughout

• Compact: Takes up minimal space in my garage gym

• Construction: Made out of heavy duty fabric and heavily reinforced stitching so it’s durable

• Internal funnel: Prevents leaking so everything stays inside the bag even when dropped

• Handles: 3 top handles add versatility

Cons

• Fixed weight: 40 lbs is what I get out of the bag, it’s not adjustable

• Not filled: Sand is not included but this helps to keep shipping down.

GORUCK Bulgarian Sandbag Price

I’m not surprised with the $75 price tag on a sandbag of this quality.

There’s cheaper ones out there but after testing a lot of bags, the last thing you need is a cheap bag that’s gonna rip and make a mess everywhere.

And all GORUCK products have a lifetime warranty so I know they’ll take care of me if something happens to my bag.

GORUCK Discount Code

I’ve scoured the internet and unfortunately haven’t been able to find a GORUCK discount code.

If I do, I will update this section. In the meantime, click the red button below for the best current prices.

GORUCK Bulgarian Sandbag Alternatives

Rogue Feed Sack

The Rogue Feed Sack is made out of 1000D Cordura fabric and comes in 50 lbs and 100 lbs sizes.

This one is rectangular in shape and has a couple of 8″ handles (no handles on top).

Even though this sack could be use in similar ways to a Bulgarian sandbag, it is not as versatile.

Titan Bulgarian Sandbag

The Titan Bulgarian Sandbag is made out of polyurethane and has an extra set of handles.

From a product longevity standpoint, the 1000D cordura on GORUCK’s bag is much more durable.

I’m not a fan of the 3 handles on top of the bag.

They seem like they’re more for grip training which is good but I already have the handles on each end for that so they seem redudant.

My Hands On Experience Using The GORUCK Bulgarian 40 lbs Sandbag

Obviously, a sandbag is not the same as bodybuilding or lifting for maxing strength but I do like using them for quick workouts.

I like using this Bulgargian sandbag for EMOMs and circuit training where I can go from a ballistic exercise to a strength exercise with one piece of equipment.

For example, I like doing 20 minute EMOMs where I do thrusters on the first minute and jump to reverse lunges on the second minute.

The Bulgarian sandbag lets me move from one exercise to another quickly without having to change equipment.

One thing about rotational and ballistic exercises with this bag, is that my grip is always challenged cause I’m hanging on for dear life.

Overall, I like that it’s compact and extremely versatile so I can get a lot done in a short amount of time without needing a lot of space.

Final Verdict: Is The GORUCK Bulgarian Sandbag Worth It?

Yes, it’s worth it if you’re into functional strength and conditioning, full body workouts.

This is a compact tool that’s versatile so I see it as a great fit for small home gyms. Heck, I could even throw it in my car and take it to a park when I feel like being outside.

It’s not going to replace weight training and I can’t go up or down in weight with a single bag but for short whole body workouts, I get a lot of bang for my buck.

For most home gym owners, I think the 40 lbs bag is a good starting point for most exercises. As you get stronger, you can upgrade to the 60 lbs bag.

GORUCK Bulgarian Sandbag Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the different between a Bulgarian sandbag and a regular sandbag

The most obvious difference is the shape. A Bulgarian sandbag has a moon shape designed to wrap around my neck so it sits on my shoulders, with 3 handles at the top of the curve. Traditional sandbags are rectangular in shape and have handles in multiple places.

The Bulgarian sandbag’s design is useful for lunges, squats, loaded carries, shoulder exercises, and rotational movements.

Does the GORUCK Bulgarian sandbag come filled?

No it doesn’t. I don’t see this as a bad thing because it helps to keep shipping costs down and I can buy play sand or pea pebbels for around $5 a bag.

Can you adjust the weight?

Technically yes, if I add or remove sand/pea pebbles but it’s not made to be adjustable. It’s made to be used as a fixed weight sandbag.

Can I slam the GORUCK Bulgarian sandbag?

No. Even though the sandbag is made out of tough material, it’s not made for slamming.

What muscles do Bulgarian sandbags work?

These sandbags can give me a full body workout. I can do isolation or compound exercises as well as explosive and rotational movements.