CPT Rawles,
In reference to the article Making Our Bug Out Bags Work: Shaving Weight, I applaud the efforts of Joshua H. taking the opportunity to hike 22 miles in three days, however, without any other information, his resulting experience is not surprising. As a fellow Army officer, you can attest that ruck marching is essentially a practiced art. One builds up to those distances and weights. Cutting weight is good, but only those items not deemed necessary. Don’t cut weight because of a lack of practice carrying a weighted down backpack. Practice carrying that weight, and build up the weight you can carry, over progressively longer distances. Otherwise, you will find that you have moved 22 miles in three days, and that is the end of your trip due to medical reasons. Slowly build up your distances and weight, keeping a standard 15 minute mile time on flat ground. – CPT D.
Letter Re: Making Our Bug Out Bags Work: Shaving Weight
