A small gathering of rucktards occured on Sunday night (sound off in comments if I missed you) to swap war stories, experiences and gear ideas…good turn out and lots of good information shared both for the HTL and upcoming Qtr Ruck. Here is a summary of the nights proceedings…
2 is 1, 1 is none! for key things like water, food, clothing might consider extra
GoRuck (and Qtr Ruck) Minimum Requirements – with suggestions from F3 vets
no watches, GPS devices, phones for either event
If You Are Under 150 lbs.
- 20 LB Ruck Plate (or equivalent)
- or 4 wrapped bricks
- or 20 LB Filler Bag
If You Are 150 lbs. and Over
- 30 LB Ruck Plate (or equivalent)
- or 6 wrapped bricks
- or 30 LB Filler Bag
Put a piece of ductape on your primary ruck weight – i.e. plate, brick pack, etc. with your Name, address, Phone number
One Carabiner per participant clipped to outside ruck molle
Water – Hydration System is required (3L recommended) – can be any bladder/hose combination. if you have camelback already, you can use that for the Qtr Ruck. For HTL i would recommend at least 3L. Also might consider bringing a spare bladder, naglene or platypus – however, not everyone has to. Note that full 3L bladder weights about 6.5-7lbs
Extra Socks – pax preference here. Many of the guys are going with injinji toe socks with outer sock of merino wool or mud gear or other – most vets reported zero blisters with this combination + trail toes
Food – also pax choice – if you require calories during extended periods then bring food that works for you. keep some in your ruck and some in cargo pockets for easy access – suggestions: goo packs, stinger waffles, jacks links beef sticks, trail mix, protien bars, cheese sticks, etc.
Headlamp – with extra batteries. Pax noted that don't be "that guy" with the headlamp on during the welcome party 🙂
Reflective Bands – on the outside of the ruck
Quitters Case and ID – 20 dollars in cash and a photo identification
F3 Veteran Suggestions
Clothing – this is Pax choice of what is comfortable. some of the veterans are going with…
- Pants – Prana Pants, north face, REI, columbia, etc. – hiking pants that are water repellent and dry fast (shorts are not recommended)
- Compression shirt as base layer – Under Armor heat gear long sleeve compression, nike combat, merino wool – fast drying material. Depending on weather, might want to go with something warner
- Outer Layer – Under Armor tee shirt, other wicking tee shirt
- Under your pants – Nike Compression under shorts, other compression shorts
- Socks – Injinji Toes Socks with second sock layer – mud gear compression socks, meriono wool, etc.
- Calf sleeves – protect against abrasions
- Shoes – really Pax choice, what is comfortable and broken in – definitely not GoreTex, shoes or boots need to be able to dran well – Solomon XA 3D Pro trail shoes, Nike SFB's, Under Armour tactical boots, Hooka hikers, Keen's, etc.
- Tactical hat and bring a beenie cap if in case it is cold
- Lightweight Rain Jacket
- Gloves – mechanix wear, iron clad or other tough work glove – recommended to bring extra pair – depending on the weather, you might need to have cold weather gloves as well
Food – Pax choice, something that works with your stomach – dont try new food during the event and go with what works for you. For the QTR ruck – probably dont need a lot of food, for each leg of the HTL, your choice. Small, easy to access food – some suggestions
- Stinger waffles
- Goo
- Salmon bites
- Beef Sticks (Jacks), beef jerkey, pre-cooked bacon
- cheese sticks
- trail mix
- Kind bars
- M&M's
Ruck – when packing your ruck, think weight and waterproofing – your ruck will be wet, submerged, etc. Pack your extra clothes, jacket and anything you dont want to get wet in a dry bag and you might consider packing individual items in another baggie (2 is 1, 1 is none). Recommended to have a handle on the outside bottom of the ruck as well as a waist belt and sternum strap.
Also – bring straps – can get them at REI. 36" to 48"
Miscellaneous (Optional) – other things to consider…
- Electrolyte tabs (Nuun makes good ones), oral IV
- Pelican case (small) – for quitters cash, ID, extra batteries, etc.
- Small foot care kit – mole skin, etc.
- Body Glide, Trail Toes for feet
- Kinesio Tape on shoulders to prevent chaffing
- Desitin, Vasiline (all over!!)
- Pocket knife
- Energy gum, Energy beans (Jelly Belly)
Don't worry it will be great, until it is not!!
If there are other suggestions, things I missed above, sound off in the comments below
See you all Friday!!
TBone…Out!