Okay, so I’ve been hearing a lot about “rucking” lately, and it sounded kinda like hiking, but maybe…more intense? I decided to give both a try this past weekend to really see what the deal was. Here’s how it went down.
Saturday: The Hike
I woke up early Saturday, laced up my old trusty hiking boots, and grabbed a small backpack. I put in a water bottle, a granola bar, and my phone – you know, the essentials. I drove out to a local trail I’d been meaning to check out, one that’s supposed to be a moderate 5-mile loop.
The weather was perfect, sunny but not too hot. I started out at a pretty good pace, just enjoying the scenery and the fresh air. The trail was mostly dirt, with some rocky sections and a few decent inclines. I took my time, stopping to check out a cool-looking tree or a nice view whenever I felt like it.
- Pace: Relaxed, steady.
- Breaks: Whenever I wanted.
- Gear: Light backpack, hiking boots.
- Feeling: Good! Enjoying the nature.
I finished the hike in a couple of hours, feeling pretty good. A little tired, maybe, but mostly just refreshed and energized. I definitely got some good exercise, but it was more about enjoying the outdoors than pushing myself super hard.
Sunday: The Ruck
Sunday was ruck day. This time, I grabbed a bigger backpack – my old army surplus one – and loaded it up with 30 pounds of stuff. I just used some old textbooks and wrapped them in towels so they wouldn’t shift around too much. No fancy weights or anything.
I headed back to the same trail as yesterday, figuring it would be a good comparison. Right away, I could feel the difference. That extra weight made a HUGE impact. My shoulders started to ache a bit, and my pace was definitely slower.
- Pace: Slower, more deliberate.
- Breaks: More frequent, shorter.
- Gear: Heavier backpack (30lbs), hiking boots.
- Feeling: Definitely working harder!
Those inclines that were easy yesterday? Oof. I was huffing and puffing. I had to stop more often to catch my breath and give my shoulders a rest. I was focusing more on my posture and trying to keep a steady pace, rather than just enjoying the * was hard.
I managed to finish the 5 miles, but it took me longer, and I was way more tired. My legs were sore, my shoulders were aching, and I was definitely sweating a lot more. I could tell I’d gotten a serious workout.
The Verdict?
So, yeah, rucking and hiking are definitely different. Hiking is more about the journey and enjoying nature, while rucking is more about the physical challenge. Rucking is like hiking’s tougher older brother. They both have their place, I guess. If you’re looking for a serious workout that builds strength and endurance, rucking is the way to go. If you just want to get outside and enjoy a nice walk, stick with hiking. I think I’ll be doing both, depending on how I’m feeling!