Getting through rucking boredom and managing winter rucking

Hey Wild Ruckers!

I had a couple of rucking questions for you, I’m curious what you do in these situations.

First question: do you ever get bored doing loops around your neighborhood when you’re rucking?

I often find a change of scenery keeps me moving, so I’ve been checking out some new spots for rucking. One of my favorite areas is our local ski and bike trails. One spot was a small downhill ski area when I was growing up, but it’s since been repurposed for cross-country skiing and mountain biking. It offers such a variety of options that are awesome for rucking.

I can focus on longer hills, steep hills, gravel, or grass. I can hit up a longer flat trail or one with rolling hills, or catch one of the “Black Diamond” sections that is full of steep up-and-downs. It’s an easy way to get into nature that’s near town, especially in the fall when the leaf change is happening.

We also now have a variety of multiuse trails that are primarily used by ATVs or bikes, but can also be used by those on foot. One of our bike trails ends almost 200 miles away, so a lot of ground to cover there!

I’ve also been making more use of nearby state parks. They offer a variety of trail lengths and types (some easy, some not) so I can tailor my rucking to whatever I need that day.

If all else fails, I head over to a part of town I’m less familiar with, or a nearby town, and see what’s happening there. I’ve discovered numerous Little Free Libraries and pantries and seed exchanges along the way. I love to see what people do with their yard and garden spaces. It’s nice just to see something new and makes rucking feel like an adventure.

That leads me to winter, because the ski trails and multiuse trails are (understandably) taken over by skiers and snowmobilers once the snow flies. I have not tried skiing with a ruck on, but I feel like I’d land on my back

I think this winter I am going to try snowshoeing, though.

Question 2: if you live in a place with snow and ice, have you made a plan for winter rucking?

What do you do when the snow flies? Do you hang it up and wait for warmer days? Do you get out in the snow and wear good boots? Head indoors to the treadmill or stairstepper? I have done rucking while loading wood and shoveling, that definitely adds an element so I am watching for more opportunities for those kinds of activities. If you have kids, you could ruck while Trick or Treating, even!

My biggest challenges in the winter are clothing, and that our roads and sidewalks are covered in snow and ice for months. I found cleats for my boots for better grip, but I haven’t solved the clothing equation yet. My jacket is too bulky for wearing a ruck – it’s super uncomfortable. But some days it’s too cold for my lined hoodie. I generally do layers, but rucking has proven a bit more challenging on that front.

What other kinds of problem solving have you run into regarding rucking? Maybe we should do a Q&A format so we can brainstorm together!

Let me know what you are cookin’ up for your rucking habit!

-Kim

Getting through rucking boredom and managing winter rucking

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