[Surgicalcric]

Valhal:

45 lbs of sand weighs the same as 45 lbs of equipment.

There is no science to packing your ruck, or atleast none that I have found. There is a packing list of things you will be required to carry in your ruck, but from what I have been told, by many of the experienced guys here, it will be up to you to get everything required into the ruck and make sure your ruck is atleast the minimum weight.

Be sure the heaviest items are packed closest to your back and weight is distributed evenly left-to-right. Pack your spare socks and t-shirts in ziplock bags at the top so they are easily accessible during wellness checks and place your poncho in the space at the bottom of the ruckframe so its easily accessible while moving or without removing your pack. When on long movements keep food consisting of simply carbohydrates (apple sauce, graham crackers, etc) in your bellows pockets of your BDU's so you can eat while you walk.

HTH,

JD