THE BENEFITS OF RUCKING

Knowledge
Written By Northern Survivalist

Rucking, or ruck marching- military sized backpack or rucksack, carried over distances traveled by foot.

The true skill of rucking comes with increasing the weight, the distance, the terrain difficulty, and the speed at which one moves.

Rucking is a power workout done outdoors. Ruck marching offer a very practical advantage for survivors. The benefits of rucking as we see it:

  • You commit to buying a good military grade / pro hunter backpack. (Mystery Ranch or Eberlestock) A bag big enough to carry all your bug out / wilderness camp / family grocery scavenge bag / able to carry a side of venison or more. Serious shoulder support system, adjustable straps, ventilated backs, sturdy hip strap, a chest strap, internal frame, weather resistant. You want a bag that can carry possibly 110lbs+ with a 70L + combined caring volume. No one says you need to stuff the thing to the brim and hike a mountain. But this could be a good end goal.

  • You are walking in your environment with something heavy on your back. You are outdoors, walking with something heavy on your back. Welcome to the most likely future of any true survivor event. Mobility, stealth, habit. You know your area. You know where to fill your bag. It feels natural after time.

  • A loaded rucksack and a quick pace can lead to some of the most powerful workouts you can access for basically free. By building muscle endurance, cardio endurance, breath muscle endurance, and mental fortitude you are training for what could be essential in an uncertain future. Why not train now and reap the confidence that comes from doing great exercise outside while looking good doing it.

  • You learn your pace. You know how far you can walk in a day carrying different weight, in different seasons, weather and terrain. Combine your rucking with map and compass or orienteering and you jump your per minute training value. Check out our article on Map and Compass.

  • Lastly, but not least, you get good footwear. Rucking without the proper foot support is dangerous. Personally, I like a boot that has arch, and ankle support, a wider toe box, responsive soles, sticky tread, allows me to run flat-out if needed, and vents humidity and moisture. Gortex can be advantages too. Especially when combined with Gortex sock and gaitors. Here are some of the boots and accessories we have tried and love. Solomon 4D Forces, Solomon Guardian, S.W.A.T. Classic 9”, Rocky S2V, Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather Socks, Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters.

    Get out and ruck!

The Northern Survivalist

Cover Photo: Matt Gross  @mattkgross

Northern Survivalist
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