Have you decided to partake in the practice of rucking? Many people have started enjoying this activity because it can provide them with so many unique benefits. Rucking can improve your strength, define your muscles, and enhance your cardio. Nevertheless, the practice can be dangerous if you’re not properly prepared. Specifically, you need to make sure that your rucksack has been packed correctly.
You must pick the right weight and load the items correctly to avoid discomfort and physical harm. Continue reading the guide below to learn how to properly pack for your upcoming rucking adventure.
What Is Required?
First, you need to acquire the required equipment for rucking. What do you need to begin rucking? The requirements are slim since you’ll already have many of these items. First, you need proper clothing, including pants, boots, and tops. Depending on the weather in your area, you may be able to wear shorts and short-sleeve shirts.
Make sure that you’re comfortably dressed because you’re going to be hiking for a long time. You’ll also need to pick the right pair of boots. Make sure that they fit comfortably and provide plenty of cushioning. It is best to wear boots that have already been broken in. Otherwise, you may develop blisters and other issues.
A rucksack is essential. It should be made of waterproof, durable material that can easily support the weight. The bag should have straps and adjustments so you can get the right fit. A waist strap is also helpful for distributing the weight evenly. Finally, you need weights. You can purchase weight plates to make the process easier.
If you want to save money, you can use books, bricks, and other items found around your home. Regardless, you’ll need enough to match 10 to 30% of your body weight.
For Long Rucks
In some situations, you’re going to be rucking over many miles. You may decide that 10 miles are enough for the day. Since you’re rucking over a long distance, you need to prepare and bring other items. During the trip, there is a good chance that your feet will become sweaty. Unfortunately, this will increase the likelihood that you’re going to develop sores and blisters.
Be sure to bring another pair of socks so you can change midway through the trip. You’ll also need to pack food and drinks since you’re going to be gone for so long. You’ll likely stop during your trip so you can take a break and have a snack. In terms of water, it is wise to use a water bladder.
It will fit in your bag and have a tube that reaches your mouth. You can use this to drink even when you’re moving.
Loading Your Rucksack
Once you’ve obtained everything you need, it is time to load your backpack. You’ll start by loading the bottom. Remember that these items are going to be underneath others so you won’t be able to access them easily. With this in mind, you should put items that aren’t essential at the very bottom of the bag. However, you don’t want to put anything down there that might break since it is going to have heavier items on top of it.
In the military, it is common to place sleeping bags, socks, and clothes at the bottom. These items will provide some protection from heavier items.
The Center
The heaviest items should be placed near your back to make them easier to carry. They should also be near the top. You can access these items easier so you can begin adding essentials. In the center of your bag, you can store your batteries, water bladder, and extra boots.
The most important items should be at the top to ensure that you can grab them easily. Placing the heavy items in the center will make the rucksack easier to carry.
The Top Of The Rucksack
Finally, you will need to fill the top of the rucksack. Since you don’t want to destroy anything, lighter items should be added last. You can now add your tarp, cap, and poncho. When it begins raining, you can grab these items swiftly and protect your belongings from water. Other items that should be put at the top include your maps, paperwork, and electronics.
Remember that you’ll still have room left in the pockets, but they might not be big enough to hold certain items. Stick these items at the top of the rucksack to make them easy to access. Although it depends on your role, you may need a pair of binoculars. Put them here as well.
The Pockets
A high-quality rucksack will have plenty of pockets for additional storage. It’ll also make it easier to organize your items so you’ll know where everything is. The pockets are great for storing items that you might need quickly. For instance, you should use your pockets to store snacks, a knife, a pen, and tools. Other essentials that can be stored in the pockets include goggles, gloves, bug spray, and sunscreen.
When you need these items, you’ll have no trouble grabbing them.
Compressing The Pack
Once you’ve loaded everything into your rucksack, you should use the straps at the bottom to compress it. Surprisingly, packing everything tightly will make the rucksack lighter. It may also prevent it from having an odd shape that will make it harder to carry. If the items are shifting around, they’ll take a toll on your body and core muscles.
Compression will help you avoid these issues.
Go Hiking
Now that you’ve learned how to pack your rucksack, it is time to get outside and enjoy a hike. For beginners, rucking can be very tough so they may not see it as fun. However, this will change once they’ve become accustomed to this strenuous activity. Learning to properly pack your rucksack is one step in the right direction. If you’re going to be serving in the military, it would be wise to practice this before going on long hikes. It’ll make a big difference and help you remain comfortable during those 20-mile marches.