5 Military Rucking Rules Every Backpacker Should Know - Backpacker

All good insight but I generally found that I didn't get to pick what boots I wore, how much weight I carried, the terrain I had to traverse etc. I found that you had to hump the load without regard to pain, blisters, fatigue or anything else. When you took a break, you worked on your feet, dry socks (if you had them), have the corpsman check out any foot issues, take motrin, hydrate, keep humping.

The basic combat load for a Marine is 98 lbs (all in, rifle, web gear, helmet, pack etc). If you weigh 175 lbs (about what I weighed then) that is a load.

They are great rules. Namely the weight of what's on your feet. Too bad the military doesn't follow that rule though. In the civilian world though, pack light, move faster, & further.

I've always been a very avid out-doors-man.
Being a bit of a smaller guy, I've also made sure I didn't pack a backpack with more than what was comfortable.
Extra socks and a few other apparel items, plenty of water, first aid kit and lots of cordage, were always my main supplements in my pack.....as well as granola and other forms of nutrients.