weighted backpack

SaudeKeep · February 12th, 2007, 11:01 PM

i want to begin hiking with a weighted backpack. the terrain will be almost completely flat, grassy, muddy, and unpredicatble.

whats a good starting weight? one website stated no more than 1/3 body weight. ill probably start with about 10 pounds and 3-5 miles just to introduce myself.

ill probably be using a regular old jansport book bag with plates inside. any forseable negatives to this?

does anyone here do this also? im kind of just looking for tips or cautions. this is preparation for boot camp so any military experience input would be greatly appreciated.

btw i posted in cardio training because this is my sole purpose for the activity and this section gets many more views than the hiking thread

**Doughboy** · February 12th, 2007, 11:07 PM

umm i have tried doing the same and the plates will hurt cause they will bump into your back, especially if u hiking on rough terrain you need that comfort that wont sacrifice the weight. Plus with all the weight on the plates it will put stress on the bookbag.

You are better off putting other stuff in there to stuff the bag and make it heavy instead of just putting smaller plates in an empty bookbag and leaving them room to move around. If u have them a good thing to do is stuff the bookbag half with clothes then toss in ankle weights and fill it with clothes so the weight is distributed evenly and you wont have hard plates bumping u as u walk. You can also use that weighted bookbag to do pushups and squats as long as u strapped in good it will make u concentrate on balance more and give u extra weight.

A heavy bookbag is the cheap mans weighted vest. It can help out lots of exercises and just about everybody got one or can get one cheap.

Starting weight depends on you. Try it one day with 10 pounds and a 3 mile hike, if u feel u can go higher than do it. Dont overdo it though. Have fun.

**theatrain** · February 12th, 2007, 11:28 PM

You know whats funny?

My backpack that I use for school weights 19.5lbs on the dot. I carry it all day, I do not use my locker. I never even have any complaints its not so heavy when its on my back. . I guess I'm getting a pretty good workout though, huh? haha those damn books can really weigh alot

**Doughboy** · February 12th, 2007, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theatrain

You know whats funny?

My backpack that I use for school weights 19.5lbs on the dot. I carry it all day, I do not use my locker. I never even have any complaints its not so heavy when its on my back. . I guess I'm getting a pretty good workout though, huh? haha those damn books can really weigh alot

Mine weighed 25 in 6-8 grade and around 35 throughout highschool.
Yeah i weighed mine as well. As long as u have the strap on both shoulders and not just one and stand up straight yeah bro u doing good.

SaudeKeep · February 12th, 2007, 11:32 PM

yeah actually i plan on using my schoolbooks as weight(approx 10lbs) since theyll already be in the bag

i dont own any plates yet but the clothes and plates will be my next upgrade.

im trying to devise a chest strap for the backpack to secure it to my body a little tighter. some of the highend hiking bags have the strap that goes from should strap to shoulder strap across the center of your chest. so far i havent come up with anything but once i get hands on i hope to come up with something

**tat2** · February 13th, 2007, 07:20 AM

buy a 50lb bag of play sand, 1 gal. size zip-lock bags, and a roll of duct tape from wal-mart. fill the bags with sand (you can weigh each bag if you want) then seal the bags and duct tape over the seal, or you can wrap the whole bag with tape if you're worried about them busting. place sand bags in your back pack and have at it. this is way cheaper than buying plates and way more comfortable too.

**Bravo** · February 14th, 2007, 12:31 PM

We usually found sand to be the easiest and cheapest weight element to manage,
much like Tat described. Towles work well to distribute the weight, as does a
half inflated air mattress, depending on the size of your pack. If you're going to
do anything more than thirty pounds, you'll probably want to upgrade your pack.
Parachute cord, or just plain string can substitute for a strap across the chest.
I've done it with eighty pound packs, so it should work with lesser weight,
although I suppose some type of flat strap would be more comfortable. If you
don't have a waist belt, you can rig one of those too. A good thing to do if you're
looking at doing any running with it. Don't forget your water, not only do you
want to stay hydrated, but it can be part of your initial weight load. If you're
truley training for the military, then make sure you're hiking in boots. Military
boots are getting better every year, but many new trainees aren't used to wearing
high top boots and are surprised at the weight. Ankle weights may be a more
important investment than plates for a pack.

Sounds like you have a good starting point and the right attitude. Good Luck.

SaudeKeep · February 15th, 2007, 03:38 PM

I already own ankle weights. And I currently run off-road in trail running shoes. So will this accomplish the same thing or do the military boots do more than just add weight (ie change the style of running). I never wear boots but Im probably going to buy some work boots (for weight and style), not military boots, in order to get used to walking around daily with heavy shoes.

**Bravo** · February 15th, 2007, 08:50 PM

Many people simply complain about the weight, others about the heel or the
thicker souls and yet others about the higher tops chaffing their ankles and
calves. Think of it as the difference between lifting heavy and then lifting light.
They’re both good for you, but the preparation is subtly different. You’re
training to be a Mule, not a Thoroughbred. A lot of young troops could run me
into the ground during PT, but let us throw on a full uniform and a ruck and this
old man could make the young babes whine. Depending on what you do, you’re
going to be learning various ways of running, marching and walking. You’ll have to
fit the styles to your objectives; but don’t sweat that, that’s just something you
learn with time. My suggestion: Buy yourself a good pair of hiking boots,
something you’re willing to hit the trail with, perhaps wear for work and a casual
day out on the town too. That gets you used to heavier feet, and gives you your
money’s worth too.

SaudeKeep · February 16th, 2007, 12:27 PM

ya, i was thinking the same thing. are you in the military now? what part of texas are you in?

**Bravo** · February 22nd, 2007, 08:10 PM

I spent 20 years in the USAF and right now I'm a struggling college student in
Stephenville, TX. Now don't roll your eyes because I was AF, I've played silly
reindeer games with the army and the marines and we always held our own. The
sandbox is full of joint service, multi-national patrols right now, so the training
standards, both physical and tactical are becoming more alike every day.