Help with packing my ruck?
I’m currently using the issued MOLLE II ruck with the buttpack attached to the front for my wet weather top and bottoms. When I go out into the field I need to take my poncho, IBA, ACH, Hygiene Kit, up to three uniforms, socks, PT Shoes, sleeping bag, and so on. What’s the best way to pack? I’m mainly looking for some accessory I can buy to stash the sleeping system in, for that is what takes up a lot of my space despite my efforts in making the stuff sack as small as possible.
How does everyone else pack there rucks?
Close the internal divider and pack as much as you can fit into the upper compartment. Weight rides easier when it’s higher up. Compress the straps tight to prevent items from shifting around too badly, and use the uniforms to keep the IBA settled. Ditch whatever sleeping bag you don’t need, summer or winter, and put the sleep system in the bottom compartment. Put your shoes and hygiene kit into the detachable side pockets. If you are still stupidly hard up for space, your assault pack can attach onto the ruck with its seemingly excess buckles. If you are somehow still have no room, wear your ACH and/or IBA. If you have your ruck, odds are your are either driving (have to wear the ACH) or rucking (might as well wear the IBA to keep some weight off of your back, heat permitting).
If you are rucking, tighten the shoulder straps as much as possible. Buckle the waist belt and chest strap, as doing so shifts a good portion of the weight off of your shoulders and upper back and onto your hips. If your shoulders or hips start to tire while you are moving, tighten or loosen the upper shoulder straps (the higher of the two shoulder straps, not the lower ones you pull when putting on your ruck). These are designed to shift the ruck’s weight between the shoulders and hips when you adjust them. Personally, I prefer to keep them tight, but you might decide otherwise.
Preventative foot care is just as important as anything you do with your ruck. Invest in some decent boot socks. $10 a pair might seem like a lot, but your feet will thank you a few miles in. Make sure they are nicely padded and wool. Cotton boot socks are God’s punishment for idiots road marching. They get too wet too quick and speed blistering. If you know you blister easy, wear sock liners or use mole skin.
The best way to get better at rucking it to load up your ruck and march. Four miles once or twice a week at a decent sub-fifteen minute a mile pace will make it much easier to do legit road marches later on. Up the distance as you get closer to whatever you are working towards. Your body will get stronger and you will figure out how you like your ruck packed and carried.
MOLLE SYSTEMS
|
|
Foliage Green Safariland Drop Leg Holster with MLS – Molle Locking System $59.99 |
|
|
MOLLE MAIN RUCKSACK WOODLAND CAMO WITH FRAME STRAPS BELT @ SLEEP SYSTEM CARRIER $49.99 |
|
|
DESSERT ARMY MOLLE II SKILCRAFT HYDRATION SYSTEM PACK $10.04 |
|
|
Molle Sleep System Carrier w/ Carrying Strap $4.99 |
|
|
USMC Flak Jacket Molle System Woodlands $95.00 |
|
|
Backpacker Sharpening System, 2 Stone, Coarse/Medium $25.00 ATTRIBUTES Includes: Coarse/Medium Aluminum Oxide Stones 6 Angle Sharpening Guides Storage: MOLLE compatible ballistic nylon pouch… |
|
|
Real Rocky: Rocky Mountain National Park (A Walk in the Park Series) $27.94 This is the most in-depth DVD available on Rocky Mountain National Park. Nick Molle and his crew live in Estes Park and have dedicated several years to this production. Enjoy stunning scenery at every turn as you enter the world of the Real Rocky – from a breathtaking drive over Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved highway in the world – to hiking deep in the backcountry. Climb mountains… |
|
|
LaunchPad – Mil-spec iPad(1&2) Sleeve – Coyote $37.99 While there are lots of cases and sleeves for the new Apple Ipad there are none like this one. As a likely professional or casual mil-spec gear buyer you will have a lot to love about this functional and/or fun new product. It starts off with a carefully sized fit to accomodate both the Ipad on its own or with a thin plastic over-case. The design is rendered in DuPont Cordura and has generous padd… |
|
|
LaunchPad – tactical iPad Sleeve – Black $37.99 While there are lots of cases and sleeves for the new Apple Ipad there are none like this one. As a likely professional or casual mil-spec gear buyer you will have a lot to love about this functional and/or fun new product. It starts off with a carefully sized fit to accomodate both the Ipad on its own or with a thin plastic over-case. The design is rendered in DuPont Cordura and has generous padd… |
|
|
MOLLE System Laptop Attache, US Air Force (ABU) Digital Camo $79.99 Materials: 600 denier Polyester Sizes: 18″ x 15″ x 7.75″expandable to 12.75″ Features: CODE ALPHA Brand Military Tactical laptop computer and messenger bag Constructed of 600D poly material with a double coated PVC lining for strength and durability Large main compartment with expansion feature Multiple gear pockets and MOLLE loops Interior ID pocket 3 detachable MOLLE pockets on front of bag Sepa… |
