Rucking (Ruck Marching)

[krausejmk]

Originally Posted by AZST_bowhunter

Are there any good areas to ruck around Tomball/Cypress/Montgomery area? I would like to start doing weekend rucks, I miss living in Arizona where I could go do hike all the time!

I use some mountain bike trails off of cypresswood. They are cypress creek mountain bike trails ( You can park between Grant and Jones road on Cypresswood ). Have some good up and down elevation built in and I live right there. Can get about an 8 mile loop without repeating too.

[krausejmk]

Originally Posted by popup_menace

My favorite workout to do by a long shot is throwing 60# on my back and just walking. Turn on a podcast and I can go for days. It comes in handy when you want to hunt and pack out your deer without dragging anywhere.

Attachment 882201

Is that an EXO pack? If so which one and how do you like it?

[popup_menace]

Originally Posted by krausejmk

Is that an EXO pack? If so which one and how do you like it?

Yes it’s an Exo. It is the k2 3500. I am very pleased with the overall capacity and performance. I use it at least 3 times a week with about 60# in it for backpack cardio and I have never had an issue with discomfort. It is easy to load up and the load stays in place with minimal tweaking while you walk. The frame articulates very well which keeps my hips from hurting.

As far as hunting, I can fit enough clothes in it to go to deer camp for up to 5 days if I don’t put any cooking stuff in it. I have yet to take it to Colorado, but I’d feel comfortable backpacking in for at least three days with it if I had the right gear. As you can see in the pic, it has changed the way I look at hauling out deer.

The people at Exo are also some of the nicest folks I’ve talked to. They sent out a Christmas card and another sticker last week, and I can always get a hold of the owners when I have questions or even suggestions. They are not a large company, but the quality is definitely there.

[krausejmk]

Originally Posted by popup_menace

Yes it’s an Exo. It is the k2 3500. I am very pleased with the overall capacity and performance. I use it at least 3 times a week with about 60# in it for backpack cardio and I have never had an issue with discomfort. It is easy to load up and the load stays in place with minimal tweaking while you walk. The frame articulates very well which keeps my hips from hurting.



As far as hunting, I can fit enough clothes in it to go to deer camp for up to 5 days if I don’t put any cooking stuff in it. I have yet to take it to Colorado, but I’d feel comfortable backpacking in for at least three days with it if I had the right gear. As you can see in the pic, it has changed the way I look at hauling out deer.



The people at Exo are also some of the nicest folks I’ve talked to. They sent out a Christmas card and another sticker last week, and I can always get a hold of the owners when I have questions or even suggestions. They are not a large company, but the quality is definitely there.

Thanks for the info! I have been trying to decide between an Exo or the Mystery Ranch Metcalf or marshall. I have found a few of those on sale lately.

[super_dave]

Originally Posted by jmeghunts

What do you guys think of this pack for a beginner? It's in the budget and I can pick it up today.

https://www.gtdist.com/red-rock-assault-pack-1.html

You’re really gonna want a waist strap and I don’t see this bag having one

[SwampRabbit]

Originally Posted by jmeghunts

What do you guys think of this pack for a beginner? It's in the budget and I can pick it up today.

https://www.gtdist.com/red-rock-assault-pack-1.html

It is really small. I watched the video (scanned it) and the guy clearly says it is small and compares it to some other sized packs which tells the tale. I am by all means no expert, but I would be worried about the ability to up the weight on it and the straps are probably sized for lighter weight since it is a small pack.

On the flip side... when you have too big of a pack... it is hard to get the weight up higher and you are stuffing it full of stuff to get the weight distribution that is more ideal... so there is that. But lets be honest... in the real world, you rarely find yourself having to pack something dense to your back.. you are often carrying some bulky thing like a bag of corn... or a stand... or a deboned deer...

[JTeLarkin08]

This was a fun Ruck


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[covedogs]

Walking does everything you need. I ran for a long time, and now I am paying for it in my knees and hips. Constant pain.

[SwampRabbit]

Look... there is a leaderboard and somehow I am in the top 5 after logging 6 miles from this mornings 65# ruck.



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[BJ DUPLECHAIN]

Good job, Swamp! Keep it up!

[1369]

First “long Ruck” of the training cycle this morning.

[SwampRabbit]

Good job Mark

Putting in 4ish mile tuck between sits right now myself.

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[.270]

Originally Posted by 1369

First “long Ruck” of the training cycle this morning.

Attachment 891106

Were leading the group that rucked through GVTC field today? I was out there with my daughter this morning and saw a group come through.

[SwampRabbit]

Well... 4 turned into 5... the 1k challenge is a real good motivator.

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[1369]

Originally Posted by .270

Were leading the group that rucked through GVTC field today? I was out there with my daughter this morning and saw a group come through.

Wasn’t me, I was in the Stone Oak area. Not familiar with GVTC. Where is that and are they good trails?

[1369]

Originally Posted by SwampRabbit

Well... 4 turned into 5... the 1k challenge is a real good motivator.

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Well done! Yea, that number of X miles/day to complete motivates you to try and keep it small.

[.270]

Originally Posted by 1369

Wasn’t me, I was in the Stone Oak area. Not familiar with GVTC. Where is that and are they good trails?

If the gate is open the loop around the field is about 1 mile. I would jog it while my daughter had soccer practice. Then, kinder ranch has some hills. It's the fields on the right when you head north on Bulverde Rd from Borgfeld.

29064 Bulverde Rd, San Antonio, TX 78260

[SwampRabbit]

Finally, after 7 months, I got around to buying a smaller duffel for my heavy ruck. The old one was huge and sagged...



The new one is much better and upped it 10% from 65 to 72#



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[1369]

Originally Posted by SwampRabbit

Finally, after 7 months, I got around to buying a smaller duffel for my heavy ruck. The old one was huge and sagged...



The new one is much better and upped it 10% from 65 to 72#



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That looks like it’s gonna be tons more comfortable.

[SwampRabbit]

Originally Posted by 1369

That looks like it’s gonna be tons more comfortable.

About to go take it for a spin... so we'll see

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[SwampRabbit]

Well... I am going to have to get used to the new weight and config.... was bugging my middle back after about 2 miles.

But I did switch out to the 40#er and finished off 4.4 miles with the wife.

So I am at 54.7 miles for the first week. The longest was only 7 miles with the rest 4-5 milers and double header days.



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[Dave]

From someone who has carried a lot of heavy rucks a lot of miles over the years, be careful with that weight. Generally more than 25# is too much if you are doing it on a frequent basis. 25# engages the stability muscles in the back and hips without putting too much strain to cause repetition injuries. There is a reason 35# is the standard for Infantry times road marches. We carried way more than that for field exercises and in combat but only trained with that for weekly ruck marches. The lighter weight will give you the benefits without the chance of damage.

[jmeghunts]

Originally Posted by Dave

From someone who has carried a lot of heavy rucks a lot of miles over the years, be careful with that weight. Generally more than 25# is too much if you are doing it on a frequent basis. 25# engages the stability muscles in the back and hips without putting too much strain to cause repetition injuries. There is a reason 35# is the standard for Infantry times road marches. We carried way more than that for field exercises and in combat but only trained with that for weekly ruck marches. The lighter weight will give you the benefits without the chance of damage.

I'm still trying to decide on all this rucking stuff. So, in your opinion, should I just work my way up to 35# and keep it there? Also, what shoes would you recommend?

[Dave]

Originally Posted by jmeghunts

I'm still trying to decide on all this rucking stuff. So, in your opinion, should I just work my way up to 35# and keep it there? Also, what shoes would you recommend?

Yes, start light and get to 35#. Start with a 20# pack. Get your body used to walking miles day after day.

As for shoes/boots I think a lot is up to personal preference. I hike in a pair of Solomon ankle height light hikers. All the guides I work with either use a light hiker or trail runners and when we are working we are carrying a lot more than 35#. Depending on the situation of course, trudging through snow and mud in Alaska I had a calf height treeking boot on. But for Texas and the South West I'm more concerned with my feet breathing than keeping stuff out.

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[SwampRabbit]

Originally Posted by Dave

From someone who has carried a lot of heavy rucks a lot of miles over the years, be careful with that weight. Generally more than 25# is too much if you are doing it on a frequent basis. 25# engages the stability muscles in the back and hips without putting too much strain to cause repetition injuries. There is a reason 35# is the standard for Infantry times road marches. We carried way more than that for field exercises and in combat but only trained with that for weekly ruck marches. The lighter weight will give you the benefits without the chance of damage.

Part of being careful is acclimating. I had 100s if miles of walking miles before I started at 15 and worked my way to 40 as my staple weight. It took considerable time and miles to adapt. I actually ended up adapting pretty well to the 55, then 65# load that I used occasionally... and then more regularly. The jump to 70 is my last, as that was the goal and 40% of my body weight. I will back down on volume with that load until I slowly adapt.

My 40# pretty much feels like nothing these days.

Oh, and if you want to know why I am rucking with 70#.... well an Elk quarter weighs more than 35#... or so I am told.

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[Dave]

Originally Posted by SwampRabbit

Part of being careful is acclimating. I had 100s if miles of walking miles before I started at 15 and worked my way to 40 as my staple weight. It took considerable time and miles to adapt. I actually ended up adapting pretty well to the 55, then 65# load that I used occasionally... and then more regularly. The jump to 70 is my last, as that was the goal and 40% of my body weight. I will back down on volume with that load until I slowly adapt.

My 40# pretty much feels like nothing these days.

Oh, and if you want to know why I am rucking with 70#.... well an Elk quarter weighs more than 35#... or so I am told.

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No doubt, but I'm telling you that there are a lot better and safer ways to build the muscle that will help carry that 70 lbs than just putting on a 70 lbs ruck and walking. Anything over 35 is asking for trouble. Get in the gym, do squats, dead lifts, hours of stair machine all will end up in a better result.

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[SwampRabbit]

Originally Posted by Dave

No doubt, but I'm telling you that there are a lot better and safer ways to build the muscle that will help carry that 70 lbs than just putting on a 70 lbs ruck and walking. Anything over 35 is asking for trouble. Get in the gym, do squats, dead lifts, hours of stair machine all will end up in a better result.

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I do those things as well

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[.270]

Thoughts on this right here? I like the price.

https://www.roguefitness.com/alice-f...YaAhidEALw_wcB

[Dave]

I wouldn't want to carry an alice pack anywhere. All your weight on your shoulders, pulling you into bad back and spine troubles. I carried one for a lot of miles because the Army said I had to, not never again with any weight in it. I know a lot of people with screwed up spines and knees from those things.

You want a modern pack with a weight distribution belt so you can carry the bulk of the weight on your hips.

[SwampRabbit]

Originally Posted by .270

Thoughts on this right here? I like the price.

https://www.roguefitness.com/alice-f...YaAhidEALw_wcB

Hey, that is pretty cool. Price isnt bad... Just don't like the price of weights

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[1369]

For y'all doing the Jailbreak, any suggestions on a place to stay the night before the event?

[SwampRabbit]

Originally Posted by 1369

For y'all doing the Jailbreak, any suggestions on a place to stay the night before the event?

After doing a Constellation event... I wouldn't think you would be too choosy

I am about a 50 minute drive, so I am just starting my day an hour early.

There are hotels and such in Baytown... but when I was younger... I would normally head down to Clearlake/Kemah for the hotels, restaurants, and bars/shopping and enternainment.

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[SwampRabbit]

Even if just for a few minutes...



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[Junkers88]

Almost 80 miles this year already? Man you are just crushing it!


God bless and happy hunting.
Richard.

[1369]

Well, it ain't 80, but I'm getting there with training ruck #3 on the books.

[SwampRabbit]

Originally Posted by Junkers88

Almost 80 miles this year already? Man you are just crushing it!


God bless and happy hunting.
Richard.

Thanks Richard! It is officially 80 miles now.

Hoping to hit 100 before the end of the week. Weekend plans might mess that up though.

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[1369]

This popped up this morning...

[SwampRabbit]

Originally Posted by 1369

This popped up this morning...

Attachment 891890

Seriously? Crap! I procrastinated too long Didnt even know they had a quota for the ruck.

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[Hardware]

I started last night with 20lbs in a 511 pack for 4 miles!!!!

[kingranch]

this is a bad idea from medical standpoint.. your disc in your lower back will tell you that in a few yrs but dont say I didnt warn you, I see it every day... worst are usually middle age ex military guys from training like this
-just get out and use body wt and squats to strengthen legs no more needed..
Slow and steady hauling meat back on pack

[SwampRabbit]

Originally Posted by Hardware

I started last night with 20lbs in a 511 pack for 4 miles!!!!

Nice! Which 5.11 did you use? I am using the Rush12.

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[txbowhunter08]

Originally Posted by 1369

FYI, registration for Bataan 2018 opens on 1 October.

Did this 4 years ago in the army with air assault load the last 2 mile hill was brutal

[.270]

Originally Posted by SwampRabbit

Nice! Which 5.11 did you use? I am using the Rush12.

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Yes please fill me in on the 5.11 packs!!! Look good and affordable via Amazon but I know nothing about how to compare which packs are worth a dern.

[JoseyWales82]

I really like the all the hiking and mileage that I see getting cranked out. I've read this thread and others like it from Swamprabbit in past. (The ruck fishing trip was awesome)

I'll never understand why people use a "rucksack" instead of a backpacking pack. The backpacks offered by osprey, Gregory, arcteryx, etc, are awesome. Years of research from thru hikers. Super lite and designed to minimize wear and tear on your body. So you are ready for the next day.

I guess I understand (or maybe I don't) that guys from the military want to use a product that they are familiar with. I understand that the "ruck" backpacks are made from a thicker material, hence maybe more reliable in the long run.(durability) But youre not getting shot at and its not a life or death situation if your pack gets a hole in it.(Osprey has a life time warranty, small hole, send it back)


So I guess my questions is......

Why not use the best gear available for your task?

[JoseyWales82]

I saw this the other day and thought of Swamprabbits ruck threads.

https://houston.craigslist.org/spo/d...438697973.html

Still too heavy (empty) for my likings. But I thought of the Ruckers.

[Hardware]

I have a 511 tac tec plate vest.

[1369]

Originally Posted by JoseyWales82

I really like the all the hiking and mileage that I see getting cranked out. I've read this thread and others like it from Swamprabbit in past. (The ruck fishing trip was awesome)

I'll never understand why people use a "rucksack" instead of a backpacking pack. The backpacks offered by osprey, Gregory, arcteryx, etc, are awesome. Years of research from thru hikers. Super lite and designed to minimize wear and tear on your body. So you are ready for the next day.

I guess I understand (or maybe I don't) that guys from the military want to use a product that they are familiar with. I understand that the "ruck" backpacks are made from a thicker material, hence maybe more reliable in the long run.(durability) But youre not getting shot at and its not a life or death situation if your pack gets a hole in it.(Osprey has a life time warranty, small hole, send it back)


So I guess my questions is......

Why not use the best gear available for your task?

I see your point, but I don't thru hike, backpack, etc.

I have used a GORUCK GR0 for the past 4 Bataan Death March events and all the training that leads up to those events. I've also used it for other events as well. I also use it as a travel bag for short work trips. I've used it as a range bag. I've used it to haul stuff back and forth to a deer blind. I've used it to hump gear at Disney World and Universal.

I wanted a ruck sack that I could have for multiple uses. Just so happens that I'm also accustomed to it for weighted endurance events as well.

[JoseyWales82]

Originally Posted by 1369

I see your point, but I don't thru hike, backpack, etc.

I have used a GORUCK GR0 for the past 4 Bataan Death March events and all the training that leads up to those events. I've also used it for other events as well. I also use it as a travel bag for short work trips. I've used it as a range bag. I've used it to haul stuff back and forth to a deer blind. I've used it to hump gear at Disney World and Universal.

I wanted a ruck sack that I could have for multiple uses. Just so happens that I'm also accustomed to it for weighted endurance events as well.

I do the same with my packs too. 30L for the day stuff described(and some quick summer time overnighters). 65L for multi-day trips.

Seems like more of a "looks cool" then practicality. (Which I'm not against by any means) I mean why have molle webbing everywhere? to attach things? like what?

Just for the record, I think the tactical look is bad ***.

[JoseyWales82]

Originally Posted by 1369

I see your point, but I don't thru hike, backpack, etc.

I have used a GORUCK GR0 for the past 4 Bataan Death March events and all the training that leads up to those events. I've also used it for other events as well. I also use it as a travel bag for short work trips. I've used it as a range bag. I've used it to haul stuff back and forth to a deer blind. I've used it to hump gear at Disney World and Universal.

I wanted a ruck sack that I could have for multiple uses. Just so happens that I'm also accustomed to it for weighted endurance events as well.

I agree they are cool packs. And versatile.

But when it comes to distance and weight distribution.....

[JoseyWales82]

Originally Posted by AZST_bowhunter

Are there any good areas to ruck around Tomball/Cypress/Montgomery area? I would like to start doing weekend rucks, I miss living in Arizona where I could go do hike all the time!

Check out the Lone Star Trail.

http://lonestartrail.org/ <------ Really nice maps