How much does the gear and rucksack weigh ?
Typically you are given a packing list for road marches which is what you will need to sustain yourself while training. It might consist of two pairs or uniforms, socks, shirts, hygiene kit, shelter half, sleeping pad and a few other things in your pack, which in basic should not get to be more than 35lbs. Also the lengths of the marches get progressively longer, meaning you are not expected to be rambo on day one, you will be built up. Your gear usually consists of your weapon, your helmet, and your load carrying equipment (ammo pouch, first aid dressing and canteens) maybe 20lbs all together, but since this weight is distributed pretty evenly over your body you get used to it relatively quickly. My advice, don't worry so much about the weight, what usually makes it hard during a march is the pace. If you are one of the unlucky ones who is near the back you will experience the accordion effect which might require you to hustle to keep up.
Is it safe to do squats with a backpack with weights in it?
yes it is perfectly safe if you do the squat properly. Before you use a backpack full of weights make sure you perfect the squat properly without it. I am a 100 m sprinter and my trainer showed me pictures of a girl he trained who done the wrong technique and now she has joint problems in her knee and in her lower back. Alot of people say its dangerous to do weights and lift them but its perfectly safe if you do them properly. I done them properly and it improved my time from 12.95 to 10.66. Also do not lift the weights or squat with them unless you are physically training like running , sit ups etc, if you don't you get stub shoulders and other problems. And Please stretch out properly before and after, i know its a pain in the *** but it pays off. Also drink plenty of water. I hope this answer helps you!
13km walk with rucksack WTH?
Yup, the 13Km ruck march is part of the BFT in the CF. I've seen a few people puke during it, it was not the hardest thing I've done but it tires you out for sure. The time limit is 2 hours 25 minutes. If walking with running shoes and no weight was "pretty damn hard" after 30 minutes, you have some serious fitness issues that need to be addressed. Start walking lots, get an ipod and walk for a few hours a day. Also try running, biking and swimming too to improve your fitness level. Add weights to your walks, and just push through the discomfort. We had a 100Lb, 45 year old woman on my platoon who finished the march with us. If she can do it, I'm pretty sure you can too. EDIT: Ah, now I understand. They did a few of our practice runs at that exact speed that's too fast to walk and too slow to run, it was pretty brutal but just push through it. It is supposed to be hard.
During Infantry OSUT, how much does your rucksack weigh on ruck marches?
It will probably not exceed 40 pounds in OSUT. Keep in mind though that you will be carrying water, a weapon, a helmet and body armor as well as a uniform and boots that will increase the load carried significantly.
What kind of rucksacks do you use during RASP 1?
I'm 16 and preparing for RASP. I want to buy a rucksack and want to know what kind of rucksack do they use during rasp? Also should I put sandbags in the rucksack to add more weight? Planning on starting off at 35 lbs. Can anyone send me a link to where to buy the rucksack as well? Thanks