I prepared for the PCT this year by rucking a 30# weighted vest around town, biking and hiking. Overall rucking was a big help in my training. I experienced very little back and shoulder pain while on trail. Improvements that I attributed to rucking. I believe that lower extremity conditioning is best achieved by climbing while carrying weight. Weight carried should be gradually increased over time. Joints and tendons are benefited as well as muscles. I wish I had done more of this type of training. High miliage days with significant climbing resulted connective and soft tissue injuries which I have never had in the past.
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Hi Ray,
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Your JMT thru hike video series is one of the reasons I was inspired to finally thru hike the JMT eleven summers ago! I did increasingly long hikes for several years until 2020 when I found it increasingly difficult to get on trail due to family reasons, so I've been trying to keep healthy in other ways, like Rucking. Great to know that you have a similar setup to mine and that it's been working well for you.
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It's also good to know that Peter Attia's Early program has been worthwhile for you. I've read his book, followed his podcasts and articles, but stopped short of Early due to cost but maybe I will consider it again the next time they open an enrollment. It helps that I'm almost exactly Attia's age so I can relate to his personal anecdotes and aspire to his level of fitness.?
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I'm not sure how big the rucking community is -- I think there are a number of GoRuck events and probably websites and communities related to them but I have never really looked into that.?
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Thanks for the reminder Ravi. I especially feel this as I am of a similiar age and need to try and stay in shape more of the year instead of just hitting the trails in the spring. This maybe more inconspicuous than a bag of dog food in the winter pack, which makes the neighbors stare.?
About three months ago, I got into "rucking" which is just walking with a weighted backpack. There are a lot of setups, but GoRuck is probably the most well known. I heard about rucking from Peter Attia's podcasts (which I highly recommend). What's great about rucking, in the context of backpacking, is that one can stay in shape for carrying loads with a small form factor pack, rather than loading up a regular backpacking setup. Rucking involves carrying the load higher on the back than in backpacking, and most people don't use a waist belt (I don't use one). I have found it a great form of exercise to walk with about 20-25% of my body weight, which is about 35-40 pounds, far more than I ever carry for backpacking. This makes my typical backpacking load in my ULA packs seem luxurious in comparison. Anyway, I haven't been able to get out much on trails for several years and this is a way to stay in shape in the city in a non-conspicuous way, compared to walking around with a backpacking setup. As we are now in the "off season" for the JMT, I thought I'd post as an idea for others looking to stay in shape. I also run about 200 miles/month and do weight training, but neither of those activities alone is sufficient prep for backpacking. At age 51, I am increasingly aware of the limited number of summers I have left to enjoy the high Sierra in relatively vigorous health and I think this rucking habit might buy me a few years into my 70s (hopefully) and maybe I have another good 25 years left to enjoy backpacking (crossing fingers, knock on wood).
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Good morning, Ravi, Anand,
I used to be a frequent contributor here, but I've been lurking the past few years and doing very little backpacking (retirement, grandsons, trying to get my health right), but these two posts have drug me back into the forum. Three quick things:
~ My wife and I are also fully committed to all things Attia. We started with the book, then the podcasts, and even enrolled into "Early." I know it sounds like a cliche, but it has changed our lives. I could make a convincing case that we are both ten years younger than we were a decade ago. We can't recommend it enough.
~ I absolutely LOVE my GoRuck. I have a Rucker 25L and a 30# plate; I use it several times a week and even more when I travel (without the plate — I find something else heavy to put in). It is just about?the most versatile piece of gear I own — great for cardio, plus it's essentially a kettlebell I can use to enhance bodyweight exercises.
~ Lastly, I have an idea which may or may not be any good (no offense if you two tell me it isn't). Do you think there would be enough interest to start a small group forum (a dozen or so people) centering around Attia/GoRuck/etc? If so, I'd be happy to do the legwork (techwork?) at my end.
As I said, I haven't gotten out into the woods much lately, but I sure have enjoyed reading the posts here. Thanks, everyone! On Fri, Nov 1, 2024 at 7:49?AM Anand Kumar Sankaran via <anand.sankaran= [email protected]> wrote:
Ravi
Another runner friend of mine used “rucking” as a way to get in shape for this summer (his first multi day backpacking trip in the High Sierra). IIRC, he even jogged a bit with a 25 lb pack.
Another big fan of Attia here. A great companion for South Asians is?. (Dr. Sinha is also my “lifestyle doctor”, I am lucky enough to be able to work with him).
About three months ago, I got into "rucking" which is just walking with a weighted backpack. There are a lot of setups, but GoRuck is probably the most well known. I heard about rucking from Peter Attia's podcasts (which I highly recommend). What's great about rucking, in the context of backpacking, is that one can stay in shape for carrying loads with a small form factor pack, rather than loading up a regular backpacking setup. Rucking involves carrying the load higher on the back than in backpacking, and most people don't use a waist belt (I don't use one). I have found it a great form of exercise to walk with about 20-25% of my body weight, which is about 35-40 pounds, far more than I ever carry for backpacking. This makes my typical backpacking load in my ULA packs seem luxurious in comparison. Anyway, I haven't been able to get out much on trails for several years and this is a way to stay in shape in the city in a non-conspicuous way, compared to walking around with a backpacking setup. As we are now in the "off season" for the JMT, I thought I'd post as an idea for others looking to stay in shape. I also run about 200 miles/month and do weight training, but neither of those activities alone is sufficient prep for backpacking. At age 51, I am increasingly aware of the limited number of summers I have left to enjoy the high Sierra in relatively vigorous health and I think this rucking habit might buy me a few years into my 70s (hopefully) and maybe I have another good 25 years left to enjoy backpacking (crossing fingers, knock on wood).
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Ravi
Another runner friend of mine used “rucking” as a way to get in shape for this summer (his first multi day backpacking trip in the High Sierra). IIRC, he even jogged a bit with a 25 lb pack.
Another big fan of Attia here. A great companion for South Asians is?. (Dr. Sinha is also my “lifestyle doctor”, I am lucky enough to be able to work with him).
--
Anand Kumar?Sankaran
http://www.anands.net
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On Nov 1, 2024, at 7:25?AM, ravi_jmt2013 via groups.io <ravi@...> wrote:
About three months ago, I got into "rucking" which is just walking with a weighted backpack. There are a lot of setups, but GoRuck is probably the most well known. I heard about rucking from Peter Attia's podcasts (which I highly recommend). What's great about rucking, in the context of backpacking, is that one can stay in shape for carrying loads with a small form factor pack, rather than loading up a regular backpacking setup. Rucking involves carrying the load higher on the back than in backpacking, and most people don't use a waist belt (I don't use one). I have found it a great form of exercise to walk with about 20-25% of my body weight, which is about 35-40 pounds, far more than I ever carry for backpacking. This makes my typical backpacking load in my ULA packs seem luxurious in comparison. Anyway, I haven't been able to get out much on trails for several years and this is a way to stay in shape in the city in a non-conspicuous way, compared to walking around with a backpacking setup. As we are now in the "off season" for the JMT, I thought I'd post as an idea for others looking to stay in shape. I also run about 200 miles/month and do weight training, but neither of those activities alone is sufficient prep for backpacking. At age 51, I am increasingly aware of the limited number of summers I have left to enjoy the high Sierra in relatively vigorous health and I think this rucking habit might buy me a few years into my 70s (hopefully) and maybe I have another good 25 years left to enjoy backpacking (crossing fingers, knock on wood).
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About three months ago, I got into "rucking" which is just walking with a weighted backpack. There are a lot of setups, but GoRuck is probably the most well known. I heard about rucking from Peter Attia's podcasts (which I highly recommend). What's great about rucking, in the context of backpacking, is that one can stay in shape for carrying loads with a small form factor pack, rather than loading up a regular backpacking setup. Rucking involves carrying the load higher on the back than in backpacking, and most people don't use a waist belt (I don't use one). I have found it a great form of exercise to walk with about 20-25% of my body weight, which is about 35-40 pounds, far more than I ever carry for backpacking. This makes my typical backpacking load in my ULA packs seem luxurious in comparison. Anyway, I haven't been able to get out much on trails for several years and this is a way to stay in shape in the city in a non-conspicuous way, compared to walking around with a backpacking setup. As we are now in the "off season" for the JMT, I thought I'd post as an idea for others looking to stay in shape. I also run about 200 miles/month and do weight training, but neither of those activities alone is sufficient prep for backpacking. At age 51, I am increasingly aware of the limited number of summers I have left to enjoy the high Sierra in relatively vigorous health and I think this rucking habit might buy me a few years into my 70s (hopefully) and maybe I have another good 25 years left to enjoy backpacking (crossing fingers, knock on wood).
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Re: Who maintains the JMT?
In 2017, even early July when I started, crews had already been through and cut through the downed trees, loads of avi damage that year! Was very grateful to not have to climb up, over, under and around downed trees the whole trail! Le Conte canyon was especially bad.
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On 10 Oct 2024, at 4:47?AM, Jason Greenman <jg@...> wrote:
? Thanks for donating! ? PCTA and JMT Conservancy both do trail maintenance work on the JMT. ?I ran into a PCTA volunteer crew this summer at MTR as they were heading south to do some work. ? And the JMT Conservancy did some repairs on the Muir Shelter on Muir Pass this summer, replacing a damaged 94 year old window with a historically accurate reproduction. ? I'm sure both organizations did lots of other work as well on the JMT this summer. ? I donate to both organizations, and you may want to consider earmarking your funds specifically for trailwork, if that is what you care about. ? ?As you might know, one of the biggest issues right now on the trail is downed trees on the trail from avalanches during the 2022-2023 winter season. ? ?That was by far the biggest trail maintenance issue I faced hiking the trail this summer. ? Donating funds to clear the trail of all these downed trees might go a long way....
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Re: Who maintains the JMT?
Thanks for donating! ? PCTA and JMT Conservancy both do trail maintenance work on the JMT. ?I ran into a PCTA volunteer crew this summer at MTR as they were heading south to do some work. ? And the JMT Conservancy did some repairs on the Muir Shelter on Muir Pass this summer, replacing a damaged 94 year old window with a historically accurate reproduction. ? I'm sure both organizations did lots of other work as well on the JMT this summer. ? I donate to both organizations, and you may want to consider earmarking your funds specifically for trailwork, if that is what you care about. ? ?As you might know, one of the biggest issues right now is downed trees on the trail from avalanches during the 2022-2023 winter season. ? ?That was by far the biggest trail maintenance issue I faced hiking the trail this summer. ? Donating funds to clear the trail of all these downed trees might go a long way....
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Re: Who maintains the JMT?
I've met trail crews, but not lately. I think they were volunteer.?
On Wed, Oct 9, 2024 at 6:18?AM Byron Nevins via <byron.nevins= [email protected]> wrote: I believe the JMT is maintained by the various jurisdictions it goes through. The main ones are
Kings canyon NP Sequoia NP Inyo NF Yosemite NP
--
Byron Nevins
Lead Moderator of JMT at
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Re: Who maintains the JMT?
And Sierra National Forest
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Re: Who maintains the JMT?
There are other SAR agencies as well, besides the county sheriff's teams. There is Yosemite SAR and California Rescue Dog Association (CARDA.org). I have been a member of the later for a couple of decades and participated in several searches in the wilderness areas in the state.
TwoDogs
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Re: Who maintains the JMT?
I usually recommend the JMT Wilderness Conservancy, Yosemite Conservancy and Inyo SAR as worthy organizations. You can check their websites for the projects they do and yes, the conservancy does trail work.?
Inga Aksamit?
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Re: Who maintains the JMT?
I believe the JMT is maintained by the various jurisdictions it goes through. The main ones are
Kings canyon NP Sequoia NP Inyo NF Yosemite NP
-- Byron NevinsLead Moderator of JMT at groups.io
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I make it a practice of donating money to the organizations who maintain the trails I hike each year.? Aside from PCTA are there non-profits that maintain the JMT?? Does the Yosemite Conservancy do any maintenance within the national park??
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Judy McGuire
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Re: Tuolumne Meadows Backpackers Campground
Inga: I was told by a ranger this summer that it was looking like a 2025 opening date but he was referring to the general campground and not the backpacker CG.
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On Sep 9, 2024, at 7:11?AM, Inga <ingasadventures@...> wrote:
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The TM Campground may open but I don't think we can count on it until we see an opening date or other confirmation. It all depends on if they are able to complete the project.?
Inga
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Re: Tuolumne Meadows Backpackers Campground
The TM Campground may open but I don't think we can count on it until we see an opening date or other confirmation. It all depends on if they are able to complete the project.? Inga
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I saw a picture from Aug 29 with the new bridge. Here is the link from FB.?
On Sun, Sep 8, 2024 at 10:54?PM WanderingJim via <jimjmt2020= [email protected]> wrote: I can confirm the temporary bridge is there and almost as fun to cross as the "BOUNCY" suspension bridge over Woods Creek. :)
The end on the north end requires some climbing up metal loops embedded into the rock to get up tot he trail. A little tricky with a full backpack on, but doable.
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I also saw several overflights of helicopters a couple days later after I left MTR. I think they were delivering supplies to the construction site.
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When I got to Reds Meadow, someone said that the permanent bridge was now installed. But I haven't been able to find any mentions or pictures that it is in fact finished.
Anyone been that way after August 25th have any first hand info?
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Re: Tuolumne Meadows Backpackers Campground
The Tuolumne Meadows project was supposed to all happen in 2023, but the delayed construction season further damage caused by the heavy snow of '22-23 pushed the project completion back.
It's a pretty good bet Tuolumne Meadows will be open in 2025.
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I crossed on the 4th over the temporary bridge. Asked the work crew when the new bridge would open. They said 7:15 am the next morning.
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I can confirm the temporary bridge is there and almost as fun to cross as the "BOUNCY" suspension bridge over Woods Creek. :)
The end on the north end requires some climbing up metal loops embedded into the rock to get up tot he trail. A little tricky with a full backpack on, but doable.
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I also saw several overflights of helicopters a couple days later after I left MTR. I think they were delivering supplies to the construction site.
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When I got to Reds Meadow, someone said that the permanent bridge was now installed. But I haven't been able to find any mentions or pictures that it is in fact finished.
Anyone been that way after August 25th have any first hand info?
?
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ravi_jmt2013
Ray Rippel
Lange Jorstad
Jason Greenman
Derek Koonce
Inga
Andrew Paisley
@Sequoyah
WanderingJim