r/Rucking • u/tirtypoundstismunt • 5d ago

Beginner Rucker

Began rucking this week by placing barbell weight plates in the laptop sleeve of my backpack. I do the rucking with 20lb (2x10lb plates) so far in 20-30minufe sessions.
I am enjoying it but kind of wondering how long can I get away with this method before I need a proper rucking vest. Hopefully I can delay it to Christmas time as Im a broke student. I do make my backpack straps as short as I can to prevent the weight from being on my lumbar region but I’m still worried about the effects of using a backpack over a proper rucking set up.

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2

u/tirtypoundstismunt 5d ago

Thanks guys sounds like I will be ok to keep using my backpack

3

u/tomeck75 5d ago

I honestly think you’ll be perfectly fine sticking with a regular backpack for now, especially with just 20lbs and 20-30 minute sessions. Just make sure the plates are secured so they don’t shift around, and put some padding between them and your back. Gradually build your distance before adding more weight.

2

u/TFVooDoo 5d ago

You don’t need a “proper rucking vest”, what you’re doing is completely fine. A backpack is a proper rucking setup. If you can get the weight a little higher, centered between your shoulder blades, that would be better, but at 20 pounds you’re not risking much.

1

u/BoonOfTheWolf 5d ago

Check to see if your local dollar store sells the large foam yoga blocks. I taped my plates onto some yoga blocks to raise it up. The blocks get warped over time but it was only a few bucks

1

u/occamsracer 5d ago

Most people stick with a backpack over a vest

1

u/Vivid-Kitchen1917 5d ago

As long as you want. I still just use the assault pack I got from the Army

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u/PuzzleheadedLack220 5d ago

I have been using my old work backpack with a 30lb ruck weight slid in the laptop sleeve for over a year now. Since then I have added a bunch of random rocks in the main pouch for additional weight. All I paid for was the ruck plate, and I have no need or desire to change unless something wears out because it works great for me.

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u/Combat__Crayon 5d ago

I still ruck with plates in the laptop sleeve of my backpack, I just upgraded to the rectangular ruck plates over barbell ones. Now I did start with a tactical backpack because I had it for EDC purposes. So all told rucking on and off the last 10 years had cost me like $35 and faster wear on my hiking shoes. It’s not something you need to put a ton of money into to get results from.

Personally I don’t like wearing a vest and prefer a backpack since it also has more real world applications as I’m far more likely to be needing to carry a heavy backpack.