On March 23, 2023 I did my first GORUCK City Ruck (formerly Star Course). This is a team or individual event and can be treated as a race or just finish within the allotted time. For the 26.2 miles, we had 11 hours to complete. We weren’t interested in running or “shuffling” just to get done quickly.
My purpose here is to share what gear I used and what I packed in my rucksack. I knew whatever I started out with, I would learn and wish I’d done things differently. So this is my original pack and then what I’d change or not take if I did it again.
A good friend and I were a team and we finished in 9 hours18 minutes. And it was all for this patch (and accomplishment, of course):
Details and rules of the City Ruck are at this link by clicking here and searching for a City Ruck in any location:
Here are the knowns for this City Ruck:
- Date: March 23, 2024, Nashville, TN, Start time 8:00 am
- Weather: sunny, 15 mph winds, temps 40-58 degrees
- Surface: 98% sidewalks/paved paths, 2% grass hills and parks
Pack contents at beginning:
- GR1 (26L)
- 20 lb weight plate
- Nalgene bottle
- 3L water bladder
- Rain jacket – GORUCK Challenge Windbreaker
- t-shirt (as backup or for after)
- 1 pair Ballega socks, 2 pair Darn Tough socks, both as backup
- blister kit (Body Glide, scissors, band aids, Gold Bond, moleskin, alcohol wipes, Neosporin)
- iPhone battery backup (x2)
- iPhone charger cord (long and short) to connect to battery backup
- Bulletproof Bands, formerly Ruck Wraps (for my achilles)
- Dry Bag
- Apples, oranges, bananas, protein bars, peanuts and cashews (extra of all these to share with teammate)
On my person:
- GORUCK Tac Hat
- GORUCK Indestructible Grid Fleece – Half zip
- GORUCK Merino Wool Hoodie
- GORUCK Rough Runners shoes
- GORUCK Simple Pants-mid weight
- GORUCK Merino Wool socks
- SAXX Underwear
- Sunglasses
Now, here is what I would not have brought, having known what I know now:
- GR1 (21L). I wouldn’t need 26L since I wouldn’t bring so much. The 21L or Rucker would be perfect.
- 20 lb weight plate
Nalgene bottle- 3L water bladder
Rain jacket – GORUCK Challenge Windbreaker- t-shirt (added this as a layer for the first leg b/c I was cold)
1 pair Ballega socks, 2 pair Darn Tough socks, both as backupblister kit (Body Glide, scissors, band aids, Gold Bond,moleskin, alcohol wipes, Neosporin)- iPhone battery backup (
x2) - iPhone charger cord (long and short) to connect to battery backup
Bulletproof Bands, formerly Ruck Wraps (for my achilles)Dry Bag- Apples, oranges, bananas, protein bars, peanuts and cashews (extra of all these to share with teammate)
On my person (exactly the same):
- GORUCK Tac Hat
- GORUCK Indestructible Grid Fleece – Half zip
- GORUCK Merino Wool Hoodie
- GORUCK Rough Runners shoes
- GORUCK Simple Pants-mid weight
- GORUCK Merino Wool socks
- SAXX Underwear
- Sunglasses
As you can see, I planned for too much stuff–food, clothing and gear. There was zero chance of rain that day. When I was ready to start, my rucksack weighed 35 lbs. Too much. So, I took out the Nalgene water bottle. My buddy said he wouldn’t eat a banana, so I took one out. I only ended up using about half of the 3L water. Remember, it was not hot. I should have drank more Gatorade though.
My experience rucking long distances prior to this is our annual Mark Forester JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk/Ruck, which I’ve been doing annually since 2011. It has designated rest stops with volunteers, snacks, a trailing truck and a sit-down lunch. So, I was used to taking a break for a few mins and changing my socks. For this City Ruck, I never changed my socks, never took off my shoes, and we barely took any breaks. Our only breaks were when we returned to the start/stop point to get our next waypoints (there were 3 “legs” of the event). And sitting then was only to figure out our next route via Roadrunner app.
GORUCK City Rucks are a great and unique way to see a city. I recommend doing one. I’ve already signed up for the Birmingham City Ruck in November, but I’m only doing the 12 miler.
If you’re considering one or signed up for a City Ruck, I hope this helps you decide what you pack. Weather and how the cadre split it up are the most important variables. Obviously, being prepared by ruck training (you only get good at what you do) and knowing what shoes, socks, and other gear you’ll use is important too.
If you have questions that I didn’t answer, feel free to email me at thad@patriottothecore.com
Our post-ruck meal–steak and potatoes.
Related articles:
What are the best shoes for rucking?
How to train for the Mark Forester JAG 28 Birthday Walk/Ruck
GORUCK Indestructible Grid Fleece Review
GORUCK Merino Wool Hoodie Review
