Review: the GORUCK face mask
Note: GORUCK provided a three-pack of masks for review. As always, our Prepared Promise means that the source of the product doesn’t impact our evaluation of it. Also, I ended up buying two more packs of these masks for myself with my own money. Furniture,Outdoor Furniture,Chair Furniture,Office Furniture NINGBO CHEN WEI SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT CO.,LTD , https://www.chenweifurniture.com
Face Mask with Filter Pocket
Features and Use
These masks look really sleek. Unlike many other masks, they aren’t oversized or puffy — they fit snugly against the face, so you don’t look like a giant dork in one. This might seem trivial, but it matters when you're asking people to wear a mask every time they step outside.
My kids love the “ninja†vibe, which makes it easier to get them to put one on when we’re going out. My wife, however, isn’t a fan of the behind-the-head ties — especially if you have long hair, as it can get tangled. I’m planning to pick up some cord locks to convert those ties into behind-the-ears loops.
I actually prefer the way the mask ties behind my head. When I don’t need it, I can untie the top ties and let the mask hang down on my chest — still held on by the bottom two ties. It’s a convenient feature.
The design is dual-layered, with a smooth outer material and a soft inner layer. The nylon/polyester/spandex blend is sewn together to create a large pocket where you can insert a filter. You can use PM2.5 filters or even DIY options like cotton sheeting. GORUCK also provides a printable template for cutting your own inserts.
One thing to note is that standard PM2.5 inserts don’t fill the entire pocket, which isn’t ideal. But since the mask fits snugly, you’re breathing mostly through the filter. Still, I’d feel better if the insert covered more area.
The mask has some stretch, making it easy to adjust and keep in place. The moisture-wicking fabric keeps your face dry and comfortable, unlike N95s, which can get stuffy quickly.
The build quality is impressive. The seams are double-stitched, and the overall construction feels like premium workout gear. These are made in the USA and definitely stand out from the competition.
However, there's one issue: the nose wire isn't stiff enough to hold its shape once the mask is tied tight. This leads to air gaps along the sides of the nose, which can reduce effectiveness. To compensate, I’ve started puckering my lips slightly to create a seal around the filter. It’s not perfect, but it helps.
Overall, I loved the GORUCK masks so much that I bought two more three-packs with my own money. I plan to use them long-term and experiment with different filter materials. Some will go into my family’s bug-out bags, and I’ll give one to each of my parents too.
While I still rely on N95s for high-risk environments, these masks shine in outdoor settings, especially in Texas heat. They’re cool, comfortable, and keep my face from getting sweaty. For daily use, they’re a solid choice.