Rucking in the Cold: What You Need to Know, by Semper Ruck on YouTube. 2 min 5 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 5 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Check your local forecast for the coming week and note the morning temperatures you will actually ruck in. This tells you which gear to pull out before the cold arrives.
Set your first trigger at below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. When the morning is under that, add one extra layer over your base layer before you head out.
Once temperatures drop into the 50s, add merino wool gloves. Keep them in your rucksack so you are not caught out on a colder-than-expected morning.
As it gets colder still, switch to mid-weight hiking pants instead of shorts or thin trousers. This keeps your legs warm without bulk.
Swap to heavier merino wool socks for the colder mornings. Warm, dry feet make the biggest difference on a long ruck.
Add a merino beanie when the cold bites. Covering your head and ears helps you stay comfortable for the whole walk.
Load your rucksack with the weight you normally carry and test the full setup on a short walk near home. Adjust layers before you commit to a longer route.
Keep your cold weather gear packed and ready by the door so an early frost does not become an excuse to skip training.
Tips and common mistakes
Layer up before you leave rather than waiting until you feel cold, since you warm up fast once you start moving.
Merino wool stays warm when damp, which makes it a better choice than cotton for gloves, socks and a beanie.
Test new socks and pants on a short ruck first to avoid blisters or chafing on a long one.
Tell someone your route and carry a phone when rucking alone in cold or dark conditions.
Questions
What temperature should I add a layer for rucking?
The creator uses a simple rule: below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, add a layer. Into the 50s, add merino wool gloves, and go warmer from there as it gets colder.
Do I need special gear to ruck in winter?
No. A base layer, a mid layer, mid-weight hiking pants, merino wool socks, gloves and a beanie cover most cold mornings. Start with what you own and add pieces as needed.
How do I stay consistent with rucking when it gets cold?
Prepare your gear before the temperature drops and keep it packed and ready. Having a set plan for each temperature range makes it easier to head out regardless of the forecast.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
