GORUCK and the Green Beret Foundation have partnered for a virtual event known as Rucking for the GBF. This is not an actual rucking event and is on the honor system. Once you choose your distance and make your contribution, it’s on you to put the miles in before they issue the associated patches. You can opt to cover your miles all at once or split it up into multiple rucking sessions.
RUCKING FOR THE GREEN BERET FOUNDATION
The Gear
I’ve used several packs over the years to include the GORUCK GR-1, but the one I settled on for this specific challenge was the Direct Action Dragon Egg Mk2 pack. The pack is extremely comfortable (even under load) and durable.
Dragon Egg Mk2 Pack – The Dragon Egg Mk2 is a very streamlined pack that lends itself very well to rucking. It has an internal slip pocket for either a hydration bladder or in this case, a weighted ruck plate.
GORUCK 30lb ruck plate – It’s not a ruck unless you’ve got some weight on your back. The Green Berets carry heavy packs both through selection and while attached to their respective teams. If we’re going to be doing this for the Green Beret Foundation, then you better do it right and have your pack weighted. I wanted to ruck with a minimum of 30 pounds, which is the reasoning for the plate. Plus I can always use that plate by itself for other exercises.
Hydration – I could have went with a hydration bladder to have the water readily available while on the move, but I don’t personally rely on having the water so readily available. If you maintain the proper hydration before beginning a vigorous activity, then you won’t need to have a full hydration bladder. I only carried a single 32 ounce water bottle which was plenty for me in addition to a sawyer mini water filter in the event I needed to refill the bottle on the go from a lake, stream or pond.
We recently covered an article on the importance of footwear and taking care of your feet when rucking. If you go down due to a blister or other foot injury you risk putting yourself in grave danger; especially if your downrange and are reliant on your own two feet getting you to the objective and then back home. I used the following footwear items for this event.
Footwear and foot care
Salomon XA Pro Mid GTX – Next to socks, a good quality pair of boots is absolutely necessary. Spend the money on a good pair the first time around and be done with it.
Darn Tough boot socks – Some of the best socks out there. Not only are Darn Tough socks issued to some military units, but they also come recommended by industry professionals. They are a solid sock design and come with a second to none warranty.
GORUCK Blister kit – The fact of the matter is that if you do enough running and rucking you will encounter a blister at some point. It’s better to be prepared ahead of time to deal with this and not when you are 10 miles out on a trail.
Other support items:
First Aid Kit – This is more of a comfort item in case I cut myself. I carry a tourniquet in my back pocket at all times.
Cliff Bars – Rucking takes a toll on your body. Having a somewhat healthy snack to eat on the go, refuels your body and gives you a mental edge.
Compact Survival Kit – Because you never know.
Black Diamond Rain shell – Weather permitting I may or may not put this in my pack. I prefer rain shells over ponchos. Black Diamond (in my opinion) has the best rain shells on the market.
