Review: the GORUCK face mask
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In Texas, we're still struggling to find decent reusable cloth masks. My wife ordered some stylish ones from Canada over a month ago, and they still haven’t shipped. Recently, I waited three weeks for some overpriced masks that fell apart after the first use.
But there's good news: more clothing brands are stepping up with their own mask lines. GORUCK is the latest to enter the market with a new line of masks that are actually in stock (as of this writing).
I've been using these masks for a week, both myself and my family, and here's my take:
- The GORUCK masks are super comfortable for long wear.
- They have excellent build quality and really stand out compared to other reusable masks.
- They don't filter as effectively as a properly fitted N95, but they fit snugly around the mouth and nose, making them great for most situations.
- I wear them when I'm outside near crowds or in large, well-ventilated spaces.
- If I'm going to be in a small, crowded indoor space, I still prefer an N95.
- My kids love them—they look like little ninjas!
- At $45 for a three-pack, they’re cheaper than many lower-quality masks you can find online.
**Our Pick:**
Face Mask with Filter Pocket
These masks come in a three-pack, and for every purchase, GORUCK donates N95s to people in need. We like them for hot days, but the gaps around the nose make us think N95s are still best for crowded, indoor areas.
**Buy from GORUCK**
*Note:* GORUCK provided a three-pack of masks for review. As always, our Prepared Promise means that the source of the product doesn’t influence our evaluation. Also, I ended up buying two more packs of these masks with my own money.
**Features and Use**
These masks look really sleek. They’re not bulky or puffy, and they fit the face snugly, so you don’t look silly wearing one. This might seem trivial, but it matters if you're asking people to wear a mask every time they go out.
My kids love the “ninja†vibe these masks give off, which makes it easier to get them to put one on when we're heading out. My wife, however, is a bit more resistant because she doesn’t like the behind-the-head ties. People with long hair tend to find them messy. So I’m picking up some cord locks to convert the ties into ear loops.
I actually prefer the way the mask ties behind my head because when I don’t need it, I can untie the top ties and let the mask hang down on my chest—it’s still held on by the bottom two ties.
The mask design is dual-layered, with a slick outer material and a soft inner layer. These nylon/polyester/spandex blend layers are sewn together to create a big pocket where you can insert your own filter.
You can fill that pocket with a filter medium of your choice, like PM2.5 filters. But the standard inserts don’t quite fill the entire pocket, which isn’t ideal. Fortunately, GORUCK offers a printable template for cutting your own filter insert from suitable materials. I plan to experiment with cotton sheets to see what works best.
One issue I’ve noticed is that the mask fits snugly across the face, so you’re breathing directly through the filter. Still, I’d feel better if the filter covered more area. The mask has some stretch, and it stays on your face pretty well.
The material is moisture-wicking and dries quickly, making it much more comfortable than standard N95 masks. I find N95s start to feel stuffy and damp quickly, but the GORUCK mask remains comfortable throughout the day.
The seams are double-stitched, and overall, the build quality of these U.S.-made masks is significantly better than most others I’ve seen. It feels like a high-quality piece of workout gear.
The only downside is the wire inside the nose bridge. While it can be shaped to fit, it’s not stiff enough to hold its shape if the mask is tied too tight. That leaves small air gaps along the sides of the nose, which worries me a bit.
If I exhale into the mask and feel air escaping around my nose, I know it's also coming in through those same gaps. That’s why I still rely on an N95 in crowded, enclosed spaces.
My (possibly ineffective) fix is to puff my lips slightly and breathe through my mouth. This creates a kind of seal around the mask, forcing air to pass through the filter. It's not perfect, but it's how I manage the issue for now.
**Conclusion**
I liked the GORUCK masks so much that I ended up buying two more three-packs with my own money. I can definitely see using them long-term and will experiment with different filter materials.
Some of the masks will go into my family’s emergency kits, and I’m giving one to each of my parents. I’m lucky to have a solid supply of N95s for high-risk situations, like being indoors in a crowd. But when I’m outdoors, especially in Texas heat, these masks shine—they stay cool, comfortable, and keep my face dry and fresh.