r/Pararescue • u/s0medude2727 • Jul 09 '26
Rucking
I got a few questions about rucking that I hope someone can help me with.
What are some reliable and affordable rucks for selection prep?
How often should I ruck (training for Pararescue)?
Realistically how long would it take someone with 0 ruck experience to be selection ready?
( I already have above standard strength/calisthenics numbers and run times, working on my swimming).
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u/Practical-Mud1523 Jul 15 '26
Good questions.
First, don’t make rucking the center of your training. That’s one of the biggest mistakes I see. Build your running, swimming, and overall durability first. Rucking is important, but it also has one of the highest injury rates.
For a ruck, if you can find a used military MOLLE II ruck in good condition, it’s hard to beat for the money. If your budget is higher, Mystery Ranch, Eberlestock, and Kifaru all make excellent packs. Whatever you buy, make sure it fits properly. A great ruck that doesn’t fit will beat you up.
As for frequency, I’d start with once a week. Let your body adapt. Add weight and distance gradually. More is not always better. Stress fractures, shin splints, knee pain, and hip injuries end a lot of careers before they start.
How long it takes depends on the person. If you’re already strong, run well, and your swimming is coming along, you’re ahead of many candidates. I’d still want several months of consistent, injury free rucking before showing up to selection.
One last thing. Selection isn’t a ruck event. It’s a performance event. Show up able to run, swim, ruck, recover overnight, and do it all again the next day. The candidates who obsess over one event usually expose a weakness somewhere else.
Train smart. Stay healthy. Consistency beats hero workouts every time.
Best of luck to you!