The History of Rucking
From ancient military training to modern fitness phenomenon
Chapter 1 from The Way of the Ruck • Reading Time: 8 minutes
From ancient military training to modern fitness phenomenon
Chapter 1 from The Way of the Ruck • Reading Time: 8 minutes
At its core, rucking is a straightforward concept: walking with a weighted pack on your back. Yet, within this simplicity lies a depth of history, culture, and personal development that spans centuries and continents. Originally rooted in military training, rucking has evolved into a multifaceted physical activity embraced by civilians for its robust physical and mental health benefits.
The term "ruck" stems from "rucksack," a German word for backpack, which has been an essential part of military equipment for generations. Historically, soldiers have rucked with their gear over vast distances, both as part of their training and in the line of duty. This practice aimed to prepare troops for the rigors of carrying necessary supplies and equipment across difficult terrains during missions.
The military rucksack can trace its origins back to the Merriam Knapsack. In 1878, Colonel Henry C. Merriam, Commander of the Seventh U.S. Infantry, patented his improvements on the knapsack. Merriam was focused on improvements on "the construction of knapsacks, whereby they are more completely adapted to all the requirements of the army in respect to the comfort and convenience of the wearer."
Crucially, his invention introduced a frame made of sheet metal that provided rigidity and hardwood sticks to transfer weight to the hips. Merriam wrote that his Knapsack helped by "reducing the number of separate equipments, lessening the weight to be carried, and at the same time disposing it more uniformly, and leaving the body of the soldier freer and less hampered by straps and other fastenings."
After a decade of mixed success in landing government supply contracts, Merriam's knapsack was eventually abandoned as an infantry option because many soldiers found the bag to be too cumbersome.
Development of the modern infantry pack began in the 1960s. Based on a pair of military studies that concluded infantrymen needed lighter gear, the U.S. Army called for the development of Lightweight Individual Clothing And Equipment (LINCLOE). This led to the Lightweight Rucksack made of nylon fabrics and an aluminum frame which weighed less than half of cotton canvas duck and steel item which it replaced.
Introduced in 1973, the ALICE (All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment) system was developed to improve upon and replace the Lightweight Rucksack, offering more versatility and comfort for a wide range of environments beyond the jungles of Vietnam. While most military units are now using the newer MOLLE system, ALICE packs remain highly popular and are still used by the Navy and the Marine Corps for training.
Today rucking serves as a foundational exercise, testing and enhancing soldiers' endurance, strength, and resilience. It is a critical component of training regimens in armed forces worldwide, from the United States Army Ranger School to the British SAS selection, where the ability to ruck under significant weight over long distances is a prerequisite for operational readiness.
The transition of rucking from a military exercise to a civilian fitness activity is a testament to its effectiveness and adaptability. Rucking is a low-impact activity yet it can make a powerful impact on your general fitness.
Rucking is a full-body workout that combines strength training with cardiovascular endurance. The added weight increases the intensity of walking, engaging more muscle groups than regular walking or running. The core and back are recruited to support the additional weight, resulting in improved muscle tone and strength.
Rucking also boosts cardiovascular health by elevating the heart rate, which can improve heart and lung conditions over time. The weight-bearing aspect of rucking enhances bone density, offering a protective effect against osteoporosis. Furthermore, rucking can be a significant calorie burner, aiding in weight management and fat loss.
Because it is low impact compared to running, rucking is accessible to a wide range of fitness levels, reducing the risk of joint strain and injury while still providing substantial health benefits.
Beyond the physical benefits, rucking offers profound mental health advantages. The act of moving forward under load, often in nature, promotes mindfulness, reduces stress, and enhances psychological resilience. Rucking embodies the concept of "embracing the suck," a philosophy of facing discomfort with determination and grit, which translates into personal growth and strength.
In recent years, the growth of local rucking clubs has played a pivotal role in popularizing rucking among the general public. These groups are using rucking as a means to build communities that value physical fitness, mental toughness, and social connection.
Events organized by these communities range from casual group meetups to challenge events designed to test participants' limits while fostering teamwork and community spirit. The inclusive nature of rucking — anyone can do it — contributes to its growing appeal.
The history of rucking reveals its significance as more than just a form of exercise; it's a practice steeped in history, with the power to build communities, forge resilience, and connect us to a fundamental aspect of human capability.
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