HOW-TO GUIDE: WHAT THE HELL IS RUCKING AND WHY SHOULD I DO IT?

What is rucking?
The definition of rucking is "the activity of moving with weight on your back in a rucksack (aka backpack), where action, energy, and purpose are required".

It's also the foundation of training for many Special Forces units including Green Berets. These groups use rucking to help troops get used to carrying heavy loads (usually 100+ lbs) across long distance with little sleep to simulate a bug out, deployment where vehicles aren’t available, or other situations where strength and endurance are necessary.

This training has many fitness benefits and modified rucking (usually with less than 50 lbs) is becoming a popular workout method throughout the US.

What do I need to ruck?

Just a backpack (we recommend the Velox II or Paratus) and 10-50 lbs of weight. This weight can be anything from sand bags or gym plates, to your bug out essentials, or even multiple jars of peanut butter and jelly (makes for a great snack when you’re done rucking). Just find a weight that you are comfortable walking 1-5 miles with to start and increase both weight and distance over time.

Why should I ruck?

Simple, it’s a great way to work on your fitness while practicing shouldering heavy weight in case there is a bug out situation in your future.

Rucking can be done anywhere at anytime, since all you need is a backpack loaded up with some weight and a place to walk. Due to the minimalist approach of rucking it’s becoming a popular source of fitness in many communities. There are many cities throughout the US where groups large and small get together and ruck around town. It’s also a great way to meet new people in your area.

Rucking is also supported by some great organizations nationwide including Team RWB (Red, White, and Blue) as a way to network locally and promote healthy living.

Whatever your fitness level, rucking is a fun and entertaining way to reach your next fitness goal and is a great activity for families, community groups, and individuals alike.

There are also a growing number of rucking competitions nationwide. These competitions test your fitness limits and prove to be great motivators to keep working on your fitness year round.

Pick up a 3V Gear Paratus or Velox II today and get out and start rucking your way to health.