As my dog continues his recovery from knee surgery, I’m stuck rucking mostly hyper-locally…mostly to ensure that I can get back home to carry his 65 lbs frame up and down stairs as needed. I’m not complaining, mind you. The slow, short walks with him and the fast-paced rucks on my own have given me much time to contemplate my next adventures, which include rucking and backpacking adventures. 

In my mind, there’s nothing like a goal on the horizon to inspire me to push harder, dial in my gear, and celebrate the wins. Though I have a few destinations in mind for this spring and summer, knowing that they’re just ahead of me keeps me going.

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Motivation

How Rucking Can Be the Adventure and the Vehicle to Adventure at the Same Time

There’s been a lot of buzz in the Ruckerverse lately—mostly about the incredible adventures that come with rucking. It’s no surprise. Rucking isn’t just catching on as a fantastic form of exercise; it’s also being celebrated as a perfect way to prepare for epic outdoor adventures, like backpacking trips. That’s exactly why I started rucking a few years ago.

But here’s the thing: rucking and adventure don’t have to be separate pursuits. Last weekend, while my wife stayed home with our dog, I headed north to meet a buddy for a long hike. We’ve done this trail together a few times, but after being cooped up for so long, it felt like more than just a hike—it was an adventure and a killer rucking workout.

I showed up with my GR2 loaded with 45 pounds of weight plus water, and we tackled a steep uphill climb. Nature was on full display, and I was drenched in sweat by the time we reached the summit. The 360-degree views—from the bay to the west and the mountains to the east—were breathtaking. Standing there, I was reminded how fortunate I am to experience these moments. Oh, and burning around 475 calories wasn’t bad either!

As we rested, my buddy pointed out that the last time we did this hike, we were training for the John Muir Trail (JMT), a 250-mile trek through the Sierra Nevada. Back then, my focus was solely on the destination, and I didn’t fully appreciate the smaller adventures that were preparing me for the bigger one.

Now, I know better. Rucking isn’t just a workout—it’s an adventure in itself and the foundation for future ones. Carrying heavy things in nature, as humans have done for millennia, strengthens the body, clears the mind, and nourishes the soul. No need for pretense or a grand plan—just ruck, and let the journey prepare you for whatever comes next.

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Rucking Adventures

5 Epic Rucks for Your Adventure Bucket List

As you can probably tell, it’s full-on adventure mode over here, at Ruckr. To that end, here are some of the rucks that we think everyone should add to their bucket list. 

What makes these so special? These five epic trails offer stunning scenery, physical challenges, and unforgettable adventures. 

Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail (Bryce Canyon, Utah)

If you’ve never been to Bryce or Zion National Parks, these are must-adds for anyone’s list. Not only are these parks gorgeous, but they offer ruck-worthy hikes for everyone and every ability. This one, which we did quite a few years ago, is a 2.9-mile loop through Bryce Canyon’s iconic hoodoos and offers a moderate challenge and jaw-dropping views. The trail winds through red rock formations, lush juniper trees, and narrow switchbacks, making it a perfect combination of cardio and scenery.

Devil’s Bridge Trail via Dry Creek Road (Sedona, Arizona)

Another southwest US, rucking destination, is Sedona, Arizona. The unworldly landscape is best rucked in late fall, winter, or early spring before it gets too hot. This 4-mile round-trip trail leads to Sedona’s famous Devil’s Bridge, a breathtaking natural sandstone arch. The moderate climb rewards you with incredible views of Sedona’s red rock landscape. It’s an ideal ruck to test your endurance while enjoying an iconic landmark.

High Sierra Trail (California)

Though the JMT is the big daddy trip in the Sierra Nevada range, for our money (and time), the best views and most beautiful trail is the High Sierra Tail, which winds through Sequoia National Park. For seasoned ruckers, this 72-mile, multi-nighter is a bucket-list must. Traversing from Crescent Meadow to Mount Whitney, it offers stunning vistas, alpine lakes, and a serious test of your physical and mental endurance. 

West Highland Way (Scotland)

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous and are ready to try on a different kind of hike/ruck altogether, this 96-mile trek through Scotland’s highlands takes you past lochs, moors, and castles. The mix of rugged terrain and history makes it an unforgettable multi-day rucking experience. Plus…there are plenty of services that will carry your essentials from inn to inn, so all you have to worry about is your daily rucksack and which pubs to stop at along the way.

Alta Via 1 Hut-to-Hut Hike (Dolomites, Italy)

For a multi-day rucking adventure, the Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites is apparently unmatched. Though we haven’t done this one yet, some good friends did this last summer and uttered the phrase, “life-changing” several times in one sentence. This iconic 75-mile trail takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Italian Alps. Starting in Lago di Braies, the route weaves through rugged peaks, lush valleys, and charming alpine meadows. Along the way, you’ll stay in traditional mountain huts (rifugios), enjoying hearty local meals and a warm bed each night. The combination of stunning scenery, cultural experience, and physical challenge makes this a bucket-list-worthy ruck for any adventurer.

But why stop at five?! If you’re not already using it, we recommend finding the best rucks in your area (or abroad) via AllTrails.

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