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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.
@danielcornell @chmod777
the new material is so nice, it is padded, definitely worth the purchase. Though the inner compartments use velcro now over zippers. That is why I got myself a Long-Ranger instead, which is great for travelling as well plus it still uses zippers. Used it on a 7-day backpacking trip this year.
@barefootstache @chmod777 That's awesome!
It -is- tough to justify the upgrade when no matter what I do to the old one they'll either fix it or send me a new one. Hey maybe they'd send me a -new- new one... 😀
@danielcornell @chmod777 if it's unfixable you will get a voucher and can keep the ruck
@barefootstache @danielcornell I've looked into a couple of the GoRuck bags. The lifetime warranty/repair is clutch in my books. I'll continue using my current backpack, and will definitely throw in some kettlebell + sandbag workouts to help round out everything.
I might treat myself to a new bag once I start putting in the work 😉
If you choose to do the events, then would recommend getting yourself a ruck with handles on all 4 sides. Since it will ease plenty of exercises, especially on the higher weight end. I per se used a #TasmianTiger ruck for my first 5 events before upgrading.
@barefootstache @danielcornell this is solid. And yah, I see myself investing in a GoRuck pack in the future. I want to put in some work on my current setup but I can see myself grabbing one down the line.
Speaking of boots, what sort of shoes/boots do you wear on your rucks?
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.
@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.
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 @chmod777 All great points!
The GoRuck SCARS program is fantastic - they replaced a GR-2 of mine that got caught in some airline machinery and chewed up. Not their fault of the fault of the gear and they still replaced it
And agreed - the Ruckers are perfect for working out. I have one of the originals with an added hip-belt and it is super-solid but the newer ones (v4.0 now?) look to have materially improved on the design and some of the materials