After doing my first challenge I learned the value of having a handle to grab on the bottom of your ruck. Anything overhead can be accomplished much easier when you have a nice handle to grab on both the top and bottom of your ruck. I put this together for less than $20 and in my opinion, it's the best handle option I have seen.

          This is a list of materials you should have or need to buy before getting started. Each item is linked to the store I bought my items from, so just click on the link and it should take you there. I have no affiliation with these stores, just trying to make your job a little easier as you put it together.

1. Webbing runner from REI

2. Clear vinyl hose from Home Depot

3. Carabiners from REI

          Once you've gathered all your supplies it should be pretty obvious what the plan is. However, instead of letting you figure it, out I am putting together a step by step tutorial on attaching all this stuff to your ruck. As a side note, all this stuff far exceeds the weight limit of your ruck or what you could possibly lift. Even you meathead qualified individuals don't stand a chance as the carabiners are good for over 1500 lbs each and the runner is good for over 4000 lbs. Without further delay, here we go.

Step 1 - Acquiring all your goodies.  The 60cm runner is about the right size. On my GORUCK GR1 I prefer it on the bottom row of molle on each side of the ruck. If you have a more narrow ruck or a different sized runner you can adjust the placement.

Step 2. Start attaching your carabiner as seen in this pic. I like the gate facing the back so it's more accessible.

Step 3. Loop your carabiner through the next section of molle as pictured.

Step 4. This is where it gets a little tricky. To get the carabiner through the bottom row of molle you have to push everything together as seen in this picture. It takes a little work but once you figure it out it's a breeze.

Step 5. Your carabiner should be properly oriented and ready to go. Now grab another carabiner and repeat steps 2 through 5 on the opposite side of your ruck. Once both sides are complete, you can start working with your runner and vinyl tubing.

Step 6. Push your runner through the vinyl tubing as pictured.

Step 7. This is how your runner and vinyl tubing should look when you have it prepared to attach to your ruck.

Step 8. Attach the runner through your carabiner on one side, then attach it to the other side and you're done!

Step 9. Pick it up over your head with as much weight as you feel comfortable with! It's easy to grab, easy to clean and super durable.

This is a just a picture of an alternate carabiner mounting location using just the bottom row of molle. This is the method I actually prefer on my GR1 to keep the ruck handle close enough to the bag but also easy to get a hand on.

           This is what works for me and by having this strapped to your bag you also have some great tools with you. The carabiners always come in handy for something and you can clip extra stuff to them as well. The runner is also a great tool to have; a simple webbing loop can be used to add a handle on odd objects or to strap things together. One of the best parts about this handle is all the parts are multi-purpose. The carabiners I use for this are about $6 each, the runner is about $5, and the vinyl tubing was a buck or two. Take it out and give it a shot, then post your results here and let me know how it goes! Thanks for visiting All Day Strong!

          There it is my home made patch board on cork board. I started small because the fact is I don't have that many patches. That and I don't think I could get it mounted on the wall without pissing off the fiancee if it was 4' x 4'. A huge perk to this board is if you have no velcro patches as I do you could pin them to it, or if you want to add event pics by your patch just pin them on. I'll start with my material list and walk you through the steps in building an inexpensive awesome little patch board!


            1. Veltex Fabric - Click here for the site I used
                I have read about other people using this with some complaints, my experience with Veltex was great. Patches stick to it way better than I would have thought and its easy to work with. I ordered 2 yards to my door for $36 and change.I only used maybe 1/4 of a yard.

           2. I purchased a framed cork board from Hobby Lobby which was on sale, it was around $4.  Click here for the link to cork boards

           3. I purchased some spray adhesive from Hobby Lobby, I would buy better adhesive next time. It worked but I'm not sure how it will hold up in the long run. Click here for an assortment of spray adhesives.

           4. Flat thumbtacks or a stapler

           5. Scissors

     Step 1: This is the board and adhesive I got laying on top of the Veltex material.

     Step 2: I used scissors and cut around the board leaving a 2" to 3" on all sides to wrap the edges with.

    Step 3: Spray adhesive all over the face of your cork board and the edges. Then layout your material hook side down and place the cork board on it.

     Step 4. Wrap all your edges and trim to fit. You will need to take extra out of the corners to keep it from bunching. Then secure it with thumbtacks as seen here or with a stapler.

     Step 5: My cork board came with hangers already so I measured and attached them to the sides.

     Step 6: Cover with patches and enjoy your new patch board!

          The initial total cost for this was around $30 or so. I needed some Veltex for another project I will feature on here later so it was convenient to order extra and give this a shot. The best part is you should easily be able to get 4 patch boards out of a yard of Veltex! So for $15 more, total of $45 you could make 4 complete patch boards and share with your friends! Give it a try and if you figure out a modified version that works better let me know so I can update it. Thanks for following!