Go Ask ALICE
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The question I am most often asked about rucking is,
“What ruck should I use?”
This is both a hard and an easy question to answer.
Hard, because if you are setting out to buy a ruck, there are many factors that can influence what you should get:
Cost (How much cash do you have to spend?)
Max load (Will you be carrying 10 lbs or 80?)
Torso size (Rucks are adjustable, but some will fit small/tall people better.)
Use (walking around the block, camping in the mountains, or using the ruck as weight for workouts)
On the other hand, the question is easy to answer because I always recommend using the ruck you have.
I’m sure you have some backpack stuffed somewhere that you can use.
Maybe it is the high school JanSport, the old Boy Scout pack, or the one you use as your carry-on when you fly.
Why is this the best ruck?
Because it is the one you can load up and use today.
I follow quite a few rucking groups and someone is constantly bitching about not being able to ruck because they don’t have $250.00 to drop on a GoRuck.
Instead of bitching on social media, get out and ruck in what you have. Use it until the straps snap, pick it up, and bearhug it all the way home.
Another great, often overlooked option is the local surplus store. If you can find a serviceable ALICE pack, Bob’s your uncle. (That means you're good to go in British.)
The ALICE pack (large) was put into service during Vietnam and quickly became the choice ruck of special operations units because of its massive load hauling capacity.
ALICE stands for All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment.
The acronym initially applied to a suite of equipment, but the name stuck to the ruck.
ALICE is an external frame ruck capable of hauling as much as you can fit in it. It comes with an internal ‘radio pouch’ located at the top of the pack against the back. The size of this pouch is perfect for carrying your weight where it should be, high and tight.
Versions of this ruck are still in use by many special operators because it is a proven performer.
If you can find a good used ALICE pack with a frame, consider giving it a go.
It’s a timeless classic, and it is, of course, featured on the inaugural RTFU T-shirt.
So, grab an ALICE Pack (or whatever you have) get out there, ruck the fuck up.
John
If you’ve carried an ALICE Pack, let me know your thoughts.
Wearing a turtleneck is like being strangled by a really weak guy, all day. Wearing a backpack and a turtleneck is like a weak midget trying to bring you down.
You know you have a few friends who need to Ruck the Fuck Up. Share this with them.
If you have read Tough Rugged Bastards, I’d appreciate a review on Amazon.
If you can’t read, you’re in luck. It’s now available on Audible.
Good Deals
My pals at SOFLETE provide world-class training, supplements, and gear. I love their training app. You can get 20% off with the code: Walkingpoint20
Salty Britches coupon code: RTFU20 will get you 20% off an already ridiculously underpriced insurance policy against chafing and blisters.
I now have a new favorite all-purpose belt from the Marine Raider-owned company BoldBannds. Bold Bannds are not only stretch/roll proof but also antimicrobial, waterproof, crackproof, bombproof, and maintenance-free. The owner, Chris Bannister, will work with you to create your personalized belt. Use the coupon code RTFU to get 10% off.
In ALICE I trust. You can ruck the whole tea party down the rabbit hole all at once with that thing.
The ALICE is great, but I do prefer the MOLLE. Wide straps and a huge kidney pad help a bunch.