On a recent Saturday, Devyn Johnson brought her children and their friend to the Rainbow Falls trailhead at 5 Mile. They met with a curious hiker and prepared to trek up the path to the top, about six-tenths of a mile away.
Before starting on the journey, Johnson found a large slab of rock weighing between 20 and 30 pounds and put it into her backpack. That’s the difference between hiking and adding a rucking element to it.
Every weekend, rain or shine, the Wrangell parks and recreation department hosts a rucking hike in various places around the island to provide movement and a little extra challenge.
Rucking’s history is rooted in military training, as soldiers would have to carry their gear-laden backpacks for miles, building endurance and preparing for combat. These days, people have formed groups across the globe to participate not only in casual rucking events but competitions, with people loading up with weights.
In Wrangell, the rules for rucking are far less heavy and was “started just to encourage people to get out and move and enjoy the outdoors,” Johnson, the recreation and aquatics coordinator for Parks and Recreation, said. “Sometimes it’s more fun to do things in a group, so once a weekend I’m going to rally folks and choose a different spot.”
So far, she and her children have hiked Rainbow Falls, the Volunteer Park nature trail, the Mount Dewey Trail, the path around Muskeg Meadows Golf Course and the airport loop.
People who come along for the hikes don’t need to carry backpacks or weights. That’s just to add more challenge if someone is up for it, Johnson said.
Rucking is another offering from Parks and Recreation staff to keep people moving. Director Lucy Robinson said she is considering buying a GoRuck backpack, which is a name brand hiking gear company that hosts official events and competitions. The packs are specifically designed to carry weights and can range in price from $95 up to $555.
Robinson said she gave Johnson information on rucking when she started in her position and Johnson has “kind of run with it.” She pointed out that rucking allows people of all fitness levels to come together for one activity. Though it has just started, she said they would like to see it continue throughout the year.
“We’re trying to do walking and hiking and running,” Johnson said. “We’re trying to break it up so there’s something for all abilities. If you’re not super keen on going up Rainbow Falls one weekend, reach out to me and we can do the nature trail the following weekend. I just want it to be accessible to everyone.”
It’s recommended that participants wear flexible clothing and comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots depending on the terrain, carry water and keep dogs on a leash if they are brought along.
Most hikes have been between one and two miles, except for the airport loop, which is closer to three miles.
People who participate in the rucking group can also use the miles logged as part of the Walk Southeast challenge if they are registered for the event, which lasts until Sept. 1.
Johnson will host rucking hikes every weekend, either on Saturday or Sunday depending on her schedule. The hikes are free to attend and information for upcoming hikes can be found on the Parks and Recreation Facebook page or in the member email that is sent out on Mondays.
Though she tries to challenge herself while rucking, Johnson said the rock she carried up Rainbow Falls trail wasn’t the heaviest she’s brought with her.
“I’ve carried my children,” she said. “I’ve carried them on countless adventures.”
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