Ideal rucksack training weight ?

ToTheBone · 06-10-2005, 16:17

I was reading over alot of "pre training' articles and programs for going in SF as a 18x and the majority of them said only use 50 lbs. Now Im far from a expert so maybe some of the Pro's could spare a bit of there hardwon wisdom and give a rough estimate, what is the roundabout normal weight of a rucksack when your lifes on the line ? It might sound wierd but Im a big believer of fighting like you train and training like you fight.

NousDefionsDoc · 06-10-2005, 17:17

There is no "normal" weight for a rucksack unless you weigh it empty. What it weighs full depends on the mission and the environment. A 7th Group guy in a jungle in Colombia doesn't need to carry as as much snivel gear as a 10th Group guy on a mountain in Uzbekistan. Most of the weight is mission essential gear, so it depends on what the mission is. And most of it is usually comms-related kit.

Anyway, it doesn't matter. Rucking is mental thing more than physical. 50 pounds is fine for training.

aricbcool · 06-10-2005, 17:40

"Snivel Gear" I like that. Is that a technical term?

The Dave · 06-10-2005, 17:54

Took about 5 seconds to dig this up...

http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/...light=Rucksack

Good point made in that thread.

ToTheBone · 06-10-2005, 17:57

Thanks both of you very much for your information

QRQ 30 · 06-10-2005, 18:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by aricbcool

"Snivel Gear" I like that. Is that a technical term?

I like that.

I don't like being referred to as "Bro".

NDD hit the head. Take what you need and then what you may want. We used to get a kick of the RVN returnees to the 10th SFGA. The name of their game was "Travel light and freeze at night."

In addition to the essential military gear we also carried Gaz stoves and fresh food like potatoes, rice, tobasco, onions etc.

Normally the ruck and march are the means and not the ends.

Frankly, I never weighed one but have seen rocks snuck into rucks that people loaded with inflated air mattresses.

NousDefionsDoc · 06-10-2005, 19:46

Who called you "Bro"?

QRQ 30 · 06-10-2005, 20:22

My sincerest apology!! My tired old eyes mis-read. I have no objection to being called a Pro though this tired old VFOG is out to pasture.

Again, entschultigen bitte!!

lksteve · 06-10-2005, 20:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by aricbcool

"Snivel Gear" I like that. Is that a technical term?

yes...not be be confused with Hawk Gear...likewise a very technical term...

**Peregrino** · 06-10-2005, 21:26

50 lbs is more than adequate for training. More than that increases the probability of stupid training injuries. NDD said it best - work on the headspace and timing, everything else will fall into place when it's required. You hump what you have to - it doesn't matter what it weighs. All these adherents to "ruck marches" as a means to an end tend to overlook the doctrine which calls for fighting and sustainment loads anyway. If you're carrying a rucksack you're in the pack mule mode - not the "steely eyed killer" mode. I was raised by the RVN generation - they taught me not to put anything in a ruck I wasn't willing to dump a thermite on. The concept worked well in LATAM, I think the guys in the sandbox have carried the fighting vs. sustainment load concept to a whole new level. Rucksacks spend most of their time in the vehicles. Works well as long as you don't mind motor stables like a mech unit. My .02 - Peregrino

Warrior-Mentor · 06-17-2005, 20:57

Stick with 50 pounds...focus more on being able to WALK as quickly as possible. Walking a 15 minute mile is the goal to shoot for. Walking is something you can sustain. Running expends a lot of wasted energy and greatly increases your risk of injury.

As for the increased weight same thing. You'll build up to what you need. Stick with 50 pounds in a large ALICE pack. Try to get the weight to sit as high on your shoulders as possible to let you stand up straight.

Warrior-Mentor