Who would’ve thought any of us would ruck for fun after the military? Definitely, not me. But rucking is a simple activity that helps build muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance. That’s why so many veterans, and civilians, ruck regularly.

Whether you're preparing for a hike or a long-distance trek, knowing how to pack a ruck is essential to your comfort, mobility, and overall performance. It comes down to three main themes – weight distribution, stability, and accessibility.

With those themes in mind, here are our top 3 tips for packing a ruck:

Lightest at the Bottom
When packing your rucksack, put the lightest and least important stuff at the bottom. This helps with weight distribution and stability.
Here’s how.
Placing the lighter items at the bottom helps maintain a lower center of gravity for the rucksack. This stabilizes the load and prevents it from getting top-heavy. It also helps balance the overall weight distribution of your rucksack by preventing heavier items from sinking down into the rucksack and putting strain on your lower back.
Heaviest at the Top
When packing your rucksack, put the heaviest items at the top and near your shoulders. The heavier the item or load, the closer you’ll want it to your back because it helps promote weight distribution and stability.
Here’s why.
Positioning heavier items closer to your back helps optimize weight distribution because the weight is closer to your body’s center of gravity. This helps you maintain better balance. It also keeps the rucksack more stable by reducing the chance of the load shifting or moving while you ruck. This, in turn, helps prevent unnecessary strain or discomfort.
Stuff the Pockets
Many rucksacks have pockets to help you arrange your gear with accessibility in mind. Put the items you’ll need frequently, like snacks, a map, or a water bottle, in easy-to-reach external pockets. It’s all about accessibility.
Pro tip: If your rucksack has a top compartment or lid pocket, put your frequently used essentials in it. This way, you won't have to unpack everything to access those items quickly. This will save you time and effort on the trail.

Want more rucking tips and inspiration?

Download the Team RWB Member App and join our Rucking Activity Group for more training tips and inspiration. Plus, they offer encouragement while you work toward your rucking goals.

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