1st rucking experience! Experimented with a 2 mile hike, 25lbs in bag. It felt good but may need to switch the bag up. Best part was catching up on podcast backlog!
@chmod777 Get some!
Starting out is often harder on your shoulders than your legs - getting your traps used to supporting the ruck takes some time. A ruck with better straps helps - I'm a GoRuck gear fanboy but their stuff isn't cheap. And there's also just some acclimation that has to happen
And, yeah, rucking is a great way to keep on top of your podcast backlog
Most rucks that I have tried have a break in period, just like boots. Although the GoRuck gear might be pricier initially they have lifetime warranty whereas most other products only have a year, if even. One can usually find them cheaper on ebay.
If you will be doing PT definitely go with the Rucker line.
Each footwear has its pros and cons and best is to figure out what you like.
I base the choice on the terrain, the load, the distance, and duration.
When doing mountainous terrain or heavy load (30# or more) or long distances (half a marathon or more) or doing 6h or more, I choose my 6 inch #Haix boots.
When doing shorter or lighter either #VivoBarefoot shoes or just #BareFoot.
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Most of the others in our #RuckClub use sneakers/gym shoes or ankle high boot.
I would be cautious with barefoot shoes/boots (assuming you are going with this choice) and longer distances, since unless you are a trained barefoot athlete, feet tire out fairly quickly.
Barefoot wear should be trained in a slow pace just like any other exercise. So before purchasing new consider this additional strain.
Also at least by VivoBarefoot, I have noticed that their quality lasts about a good year before they start to degrade.
Although I have started my barefoot experience ten years ago, I struggle to go further than 20 km in barefoot wear. Whereas with boots I easily achieve 50 km.
In the end, try them out and report back your experience.
@barefootstache @danielcornell I’m glad there are experienced ruckers here on Mastodon. I plan on making this a lifetime investment and I’m appreciative to be learning from folks like you and @danielcornell .
@barefootstache @danielcornell I was actually looking at some of the Xero shoes for this. They make a hiking “boot” that looks like it would fit the bill.