I’ve gotten into rucking on forest trails (of medium to high difficulty – the state parks around here are full of lots of exposed roots, rocks, lots of twists and sharp little ups and downs as they traverse the ridges and hills) this fall, doing 4-5 hours a week in three hikes.
I’m finding that going as fast as I can with a high walking cadence get HR into that 60-70% HR Peak zone, but with 35-40lbs in the pack (I weigh 165), 90-120min of that will kick my fanny with all the work balancing and keeping footing on trails.
Any tips? Gear loves? Others combining rucks with rides?
Same. My brother got into it and would always ask if I wanted to join him. I’d tell him it’s great he’s trying to stay in shape but I’ve done enough for a lifetime and don’t want to even look at ruck sacks anymore. Great exercise but it will tear your body down. At least with the packs we used. If you really want to go crazy, we used to borrow barbell plates from the gym to throw in.
Unfortunately, I can assure you that the military didn’t go by (or care about) any recommendations like that. Some of the smaller guys were definitely carrying 50-75% of their bodyweight.
That’s the difference between what’s required for an infantryman in the field vs. some dork getting exercise.
Anyway, I think it’s good for a cyclist – upright posture rather than bent at the waist, core stability and strength, back strength, bone loading, low impact. Just don’t overdo the weight or overstride.
Totally agree it can be a great exercise. It really does hit your entire body and cardiovascular system. I just have no desire to touch one anytime soon.
Let’s talk about runs in combat boots…with a rucksack! Yep, did that for 3 years in ROTC. We’d do 5-7 miles w/ 30-40# rucks at a 10-12 min pace. We were young and fit. And STUPID!
I do a lot of hiking carrying my 35-lb toddler or my 20-lb baby. We enjoy it and I like to think it adds some leg strength. The terrain is steep near my house, and the hikes are usually an hour or less. Today I’m hiking with the baby to go watch a cyclocross race! Wish I were racing but should still be fun.
Brings some memories of the army I’m not an expert ruck marcher. In fact, I’ve failed the time cut a my few times. But I do remember some things we do. Tightening the straps so there’s no play between you and the pack. Tight shoes so there’s no blisters on the feet, and I like to pack the heavier things near the top so it can kinda help me lean in forward. Some folks I know wear two socks in each boot to avoid the dreaded blisters. It’s tough when your combat boots aren’t broken in yet.
I’ve been rucking off and on this past year. Bags with dirt, books, or weight plates (borrowed) or kids on my back and shoulders up a mountain. Looking to get a dedicated pack, as the pack I have isn’t great. Here’s me carrying three kiddos…only did that for two miles or so, but one of the toughest hikes of my life. Very sore afterwards.
I’m not an expert ruck marcher. In fact, I’ve failed the time cut a my few times. But I do remember some things we do. Tightening the straps so there’s no play between you and the pack. Tight shoes so there’s no blisters on the feet, and I like to pack the heavier things near the top so it can kinda help me lean in forward. Some folks I know wear two socks in each boot to avoid the dreaded blisters. It’s tough when your combat boots aren’t broken in yet.
Looking to get a dedicated pack, as the pack I have isn’t great. Here’s me carrying three kiddos…only did that for two miles or so, but one of the toughest hikes of my life. Very sore afterwards. 