As a former soldier and current wildland firefighter, I know firsthand that when an operation requires carrying an injured person out or getting equipment to a distant ridgetop, that’s inevitably when the helicopter suddenly can’t take off, the convoy just left, and the roads are impassable. It’s time to lace up the Lambo-feeties and rev those Chevro-legs—by rucking.
To the average outdoorsperson, hiking vs. rucking might seem like splitting hairs. After all, they both usually involve walking with weight in a pack. The difference is largely rucking’s militaristic origins. Hiking, whatever your speed or load, is a way to enjoy the outdoors. Rucking, meanwhile, is training. Its benefits—simplicity, cardiovascular improvements, (moderate) strength improvements, bone density improvements, and focus on mental toughness—have garnered it immense popularity in recent years, as have military fitness influencers such as David Goggins.
Rucking is ultimately as easy as grabbing a pack and heading out the door. Still, the best pack for rucking, a solid route, smart accessories, and a few programming considerations can be the difference between a fad and a healthy habit that sticks. So, for those looking to get outdoors, challenge themselves, or simply burn more calories with less impact, we’ve compiled a few tips, tricks, and gear recommendations to get you moving.
The post Rucking Is the Latest Outdoors Trend. Here’s Everything You Need to Know Before Loading up Your Ruck Pack. appeared first on Outside Online.
