Do you really need a book to start rucking? No. But will you benefit by learning from fitness professionals and military veterans who have vast expertise in weighted carries for long distances. Yes. That’s why we’ve compiled a best of list for books on rucking.

The following book recommendations will provide you with insights and best practices when carrying a weighted backpack whether it’s a DIY version or one built for rucking. Here’s our top picks for books that will help you achieve your goals. 

Best Rucking Book For Strength and Hypertrophy: Rucking Gains

Authors: Josh Bryant and Adam benShea

I’ve known Josh Bryant for many years but that’s not why it’s at the top of our list. Having written best-selling books such as Jailhouse Strong, Josh has vast experience in the roughest and toughest forms of strength and conditioning. This book is perfect for those looking to make rucking a part of their powerlifting, strongman, or hypertrophy training programs. There are workout plans and simple-to-follow advice for developing muscle through rucking activities. 

If you’re serious about progress, you might want to pair this with a rucking training plan to ensure your workouts are aligned with your goals. While you’re at it, make sure you have the best rucksack for rucking to maximize comfort and performance.

Key Points:

• Integration of rucking with traditional weight training.
• Step-by-step instructions suitable for beginners and advanced athletes.
• Emphasis on correct technique to prevent injuries.
• Comprehensive guidance on achieving tangible strength gains.

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Best for Mental Resilience: Shut Up and Ruck

Author: Dr. David C. Walton

As a decorated military veteran, David C. Walton knows more than a thing or two about rucking across difficult terrains for long periods of time. This book was created for those preparing for the Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) but it is also a really good book for those who want to build mental toughness. Kind of along the same lines of Living With a Navy Seal but specific to weighted carries. In the book you will find a detailed program for enhancing resilence and overall performance. The book also includes a journal so that you can document your rucking journey.

Key Points:

• Access to top performance coaching across various domains.
• Eight-month, day-by-day training guide.
• Focus on developing mental and physical endurance.
• Insights into the demands of SFAS and strategies to meet them.

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To build resilience, it’s also crucial to know how to ruck faster without compromising form or safety. Equally important, don’t forget to monitor your progress with the best watch for rucking, so you can track pace, distance, and time.

Best for Tracking Progress: Let’s Ruck! Your Ultimate Rucking Log Book

Author: Sorrel Moore

If you want to see a difference, you must document your progress. Sorrel Moore’s “Let’s Ruck!” is a simple way for ruckers to monitor their progress which will make you feel the dopamine hit every time you write it down. James Clear of “Atomic Habits” would approve of this logbook because it helps reinforce the reward. The logbook provides structured templates allowing you to record and analyze each of your rucking sessions. 

Key Points:

• Over 100 pages for detailed session logging.
• Sections for dates, locations, times, and weights carried.
• Helps in setting and achieving rucking goals.
• Encourages consistency and accountability.

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For more ideas on tracking and organizing your rucking goals and being more efficient, check out these rucking tips for practical advice.

Best for Rucking Philosophy and Technique: The Art of Rucking: FM TAOR-01

Author: Ken Schafer

This book is for those who are interested in the philosophy and holistic reasons for rucking. Having a baseline understanding of the deeper aspects of rucking which includes its history, developments over time, and current techniques gives more meaning to this practice which creates an emotional attachment to rucking, helping to further form the habit. The Art of Rucking gives you a comprehensive exploration of the art and science of rucking along with instruction on how to make it a regular part of your week. 

If you’re gearing up for your next trek, consider reviewing your rucking gear to ensure you’re fully prepared for the journey. For footwear, check out this detailed GORUCK Ballistic Trainers review to find a pair designed for durability and comfort during rucking sessions.

Key Points:

• Detailed coverage of rucking history and evolution.
• Advanced tips on form, gear selection, and route planning.
• Emphasis on mental resilience and camaraderie.
• Guidance on incorporating rucking into a disciplined lifestyle.

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Key Points:

• Detailed coverage of rucking history and evolution.
• Advanced tips on form, gear selection, and route planning.
• Emphasis on mental resilience and camaraderie.
• Guidance on incorporating rucking into a disciplined lifestyle.

For those recovering from setbacks, understanding post injury rucking strategies can help you ease back into the activity safely. Additionally, follow these rucking injury prevention tips to avoid further setbacks and stay strong on your journey.

Best for Comprehensive SFAS Preparation: Ruck Up or Shut Up

Author: Dr. David C. Walton

Last but not least, Ruck Up or Shut Up is a more detailed guide for individuals aiming to succeed in the Special Forces Assessment and Selection. In this guide you will find an in-depth look into the SFAS process, offering both prescriptive and descriptive insights. We’ve included this in our list of books on rucking because many of our regular readers are actively getting ready for this assessment and need to know this book exists.

Key Points:

• Week-by-week breakdown of what to expect at SFAS.
• Training methodologies tailored for selection success.
• Insights into the culture, legend, and lore of Special Forces.
• Strategies to build physical and mental readiness.

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Before diving in into this book, learn how much weight should you ruck with to avoid overloading your pack too early.

Conclusion

Each of these recommended books provide unique perspectives into rucking and have valuable information that can benefit your training. But let us remind you that most who purchase a book do not finish it. That’s not you right? Dig into these helpful resources and further your physical and mental resilience by becoming a better rucker.  

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