Why everyone should be rucking this Christmas and New Year

The New Year is here, bringing the usual social events, stress, and demands on your time. Rucking is the best way to stay active at Christmas and beyond. Get outside for all the benefits of a good ruck - and take it forward into next year!

Benefits of rucking in the New Year

Rucking is a great way to train all year round, but it comes into its own when your routine is all over the place. It can be done nearly anywhere, whether you’re at home, staying with family, or travelling.  All you need is a ruck backpack or rucking plate carrier.  The perfect choice when sticking to your usual training routine is difficult.

Here’s why we’ll be packing our weighted rucking gear everywhere we go this December.

Rucking is easy

Rucking is straightforward – it’s just walking or hiking with weighted apparel on your back. All you need is a backpack or plate carrier and some weight, no need for fancy equipment or complex instructions. 

Rucking is accessible

Rucking can be done nearly anywhere. Whether you're at home over Christmas, staying with family, or travelling around, you can ruck. This is ideal for Christmas and New Year when gyms might be shut and you just might not have time for your usual workouts.

Rucking is versatile 

Rucking fits any goal -  tailor the intensity by adjusting the weight, incorporate varied terrain, ruck faster or longer, or tackle hills. Or just get out on a gentle ruck for some fresh air and silence!

Rucking for strength and cardio

Rucking’s dual benefit of cardio and muscular engagement makes it a full-body workout that raises your heart rate and maintains muscle mass - ideal for staying on top of health goals during festive feasting!

5 reasons to ruck over the Christmas holidays

Calorie control

Rucking burns more calories than walking without weight, so it’s an easy way to torch a few more calories over the festive season. Whether you go on formal rucks or just wear your weighted ruckpack for dog walks, you’ll burn more calories the rucking way.

 

Fresh air and Vitamin D

We often spend more time indoors than usual over the Christmas period, which doesn’t do much for your mood or general health. Rucking gives you a fun reason to step outside, get some fresh air and precious winter sunlight for a boost of vitamin D.

 

Mood booster

Rucking in nature can reduce stress, boost your mood, and help you look after your mental wellbeing at this stressful time of year. Something about the rhythmic nature of walking in winter landscapes leaves you feeling calmer and more upbeat.

 

Explore your surroundings

If you’re visiting family or friends away from home, rucking is a great way to explore new areas. Whether you’re discovering rural trails or strolling through scenic villages, rucking combines exercise with exploring – even if you end up meeting people at the local pub!

 

Level up seasonal events

If you’re already signed up to festive events like Santa Runs or charity 5ks, wearing your rucking gear takes things up a level. If you’re already in top shape, wear your weighted kit to make it more challenging. And if you’re not ready to run 5k but want to enter the event anyway, ruck walk it instead!

 

What equipment do you need to ruck in winter?

If you’re new to rucking, you’ve got two main options:

Rucking backpack - a durable backpack designed for carrying weight (rather than using a normal backpack and filling it with random stuff to make it heavy). Proper rucking backpacks are ultra-durable, tough, and designed to fit comfortably on your body for long weighted rucks.

Weighted plate carrier – these are slimmer than ruckpacks, more like a weighted vest for rucking. The snug fit keeps weight close to your body.

Once you’ve got your rucking weight sorted, make sure you’ve got the right clothing and accessories for comfort winter conditions. Choose weather appropriate clothing and consider layering up with a waterproof outer layer. Have sturdy, comfortable footwear that will cope with the terrain and conditions. And think about accessories like gloves and hat.

 

Continue your Christmas rucking into the New Year and beyond

Rucking isn’t just for the Christmas period – it’s an activity that has tons to offer in every season. Keep your Christmas rucking going into the New Year and beyond with these tips:

Have a goal – rucking doesn’t have to become your primary sport, but it could do! Set some rucking goals, whether it’s frequency or distance. Or maybe take a look at the many rucking events and challenges out there. 

Schedule it in – whether you’re a gym member, runner, or hiker, incorporate rucking into your training plans. Try to do it 1-2 times a week and then change the duration, frequency, or intensity throughout the year to suit your goals.

Boost your fitness - use rucking alongside your other fitness activities to switch things up, increase your cardio base, and build functional strength.

Mental wellbeing - let rucking be part of your mindset toolkit. Walking in nature and setting personal challenges is great for your wellbeing.

 

Best rucking kit for Christmas

It’s not too late to add some rucking gear to your wish list. Take a look at our affordable, top-quality rucking backpacks and weighted plate carriers build to be indestructible for rucking.