Available for: Forward, Endure, Advanced, Compete

The PATHFINDER Coupon Ruck Challenge prepares your mind and body for the real-world demands of GORUCK-style events, where awkward, heavy, and unpredictable objects become part of the mission. Carrying coupons is about more than brute strength. You learn how to deal with the mental grind while problem-solving and being resilient under load.

Whether you're training for an event or simply leveling up your ruck experience, this Challenge is a deliberate discomfort builder.

Challenge Parameters

Think outside the sandbag. While sandbags are a standard training tool, don’t stop there. Coupons can be:

• Water jugs or cans

• Tires

• Buckets of gravel

• Concrete blocks

• Logs

• Packed duffels

• Anything heavy, awkward, and frustrating

Just make sure it’s safe to carry, legal in your area, and won’t break apart mid-ruck. Your job is to make it challenging, not dangerous.

Workload distribution should feel unfair. This Challenge shouldn't give equal weight shares to the athletes. You're learning to carry more than you want for longer than you’d like. Rotate, strategize, and keep the weight moving.

If you’re working with a partner or two:

• One carries the full weight while the other moves unloaded

• Rotate every mile, half-mile, or by time

• If the coupon splits (e.g., two 40# sandbags), get creative: one carries both, then hands off one

• Consider terrain: stairs, hills, and uneven ground add complexity—use them if you’ve got them

If you’re solo:

• You’ll carry both your ruck and your coupon

• Stop to adjust, but avoid long rests

• Choose a distance that forces effort, but still allows safe movement

Looped routes work best.
This allows for easier switching between teammates and gives a defined point to reassess, hydrate, or change strategy. You can ruck out and back, but a loop makes logistics easier and keeps momentum.

Challenge Distance Requirements

Life:
This Challenge is not currently part of the Life program. However, the Life Weight+ Challenge offers a similar training stimulus. (Access is available to Life rosters only.)

Forward:
Move 45 lbs of coupons per two people for at least 8 miles.

Endure:
Move 80 lbs of coupons per two people for at least 10 miles.

Advanced:
Move 80 lbs of coupons per two people for at least 10 miles.
Rucks must be worn at prescribed program weight:

• 45 lbs dry weight if bodyweight is 150 lbs / 68 kg or more

• 30 lbs dry weight if bodyweight is under 150 lbs / 68 kg

Advanced: Ocala:
This is not currently a Challenge for this program.

Stirling:
This is not currently a Challenge for this program.

Horizon:
This is not currently a Challenge for this program.

Compete:
Move 80 lbs of coupons per two people for at least 10 miles.
Ruck must be worn at Compete weight:

• 45 lb dry ruck weight for Open category

• 30 lb dry ruck weight for Female category

Challenge Weight Requirements

• Forward and Endure: there is no stated minimum ruck weight requirement. An appropriately challenging weight for the rosters fitness level must be in the ruck at all times.

• Advanced: 45lb / 20kg ruck dry weight for body weight of 150lb / 68kg or more, or 30lb / 13kg ruck dry weight for body weight less than 150lb / 68kg
• Compete: 45 lb / 20kg ruck (dry weight) Open, or a 30 lb / 13kg ruck (dry weight) Females

Challenge Time Requirements

• There are no time requirements for this Challenge. Don't let this take all day, though. Move with a purpose.

Challenge Guide for Individuals (Solo Coupon Ruck Challenge)

Yes, you can complete the Coupon Ruck Challenge solo. The distance and ruck requirements remain the same. That said, approach this Challenge with strategy and respect for the weight.

You are not required to carry the full prescribed (Rx) coupon weight for the entire mileage, but you must carry it for a substantial portion of the distance. The goal is to simulate the event experience as closely as possible, meaning strain, fatigue, and problem-solving under load.

Below are two solo-friendly models to complete this Challenge effectively:

Model 1: 1-Mile Loop

• Choose a 1-mile loop course or out-and-back route.

• Carry the full coupon weight (e.g., 60–80 lbs) for one full loop.

• Drop the coupon in a secure location at the end of the loop.

• Ruck the next loop without the coupon (prescribed ruck weight only).

• Alternate each mile: one with the coupon, one without, until your full Challenge mileage is complete.

• You should complete at least half of your total mileage with the coupon.

Model 2: Time-Based Carry

• Use a timer rather than distance to guide your load switches.

• Carry the full coupon weight for 10–15 minutes.

• Drop the coupon and continue rucking without it for 10–15 minutes.

• Repeat until the total required mileage is completed.

• This model is ideal for routes that don’t allow easy loops or turnarounds.

Recommended Solo Weight Distribution

• Forward: 45# Rx Coupon Weight
• Mile 1: carry the full Rx weight (45#)
• Mile 2: carry half the Rx weight (20-25#)
• Mile 3: carry no extra weight (0#)
• Mile 4: full Rx weight (45#)
• Mile 5: half Rx weight (20-25#)
• Mile 6: no extra weight (0#)
• Mile 7: full Rx weight (45#)
• Mile 8: half Rx weight (20-25#)

• Endure/Advanced: 80# Rx Coupon Weight
• Mile 1: carry the full Rx weight (80#)
• Mile 2: carry half the Rx weight (40#)
• Mile 3: carry no extra weight (0#)
• Mile 4: full Rx weight (80#)
• Mile 5: half Rx weight (40#)
• Mile 6: no extra weight (0#)
• Mile 7: full Rx weight (80#)
• Mile 8: half Rx weight (40#)
• Mile 9: no extra weight (0#)
• Mile 10: full Rx weight (80#)

Coupon Ruck Safety, Form & Carry Variations

The Coupon Ruck Challenge focuses on how well you manage weight and time under load. A poorly executed carry can set you up for unnecessary risk, especially over longer distances. The awkwardness of the implement is the Challenge. That’s what makes it useful. But form, awareness, and carry strategy will determine whether this workout builds resilience or breaks you down.

Safety First

• Start With a Load Check. Test the coupon before you go. Make sure it won’t tear, leak, or shift dangerously. If you're using a sandbag, tape the seams or secure the fill to minimize shifting weight.

• Wear Gloves (or Don’t But Know Why). Gloves help prevent abrasions, especially if you're carrying a rough object like a rock or jerry can. But going barehanded increases grip training. Make your choice based on the duration, not ego.

• Mind Your Spine. Never twist while lifting or setting down a coupon. Treat every lift like a deadlift. Squat down, chest up, neutral spine. Use your legs, not your lower back.

• Don’t Be a Hero. If the object is slipping, grinding into your shoulder, or causing sharp pain, stop and readjust. You're here to train, not to injure yourself out of the next event.

Form Tips for All Carries

• Keep the core tight at all times. The awkward shape of most coupons will want to pull you off axis. Fight that with abdominal and glute engagement.

• Walk with deliberate posture. Head up, shoulders down and back. Do not hunch forward. This compresses the spine and tires you out faster.

• Breathe with your effort. Don’t hold your breath while carrying. Breathe steadily and rhythmically to prevent dizziness or lightheadedness under load.

Carry Variation Ideas

Switch up your carries throughout the Challenge to spread muscular fatigue and simulate real event conditions. Here are foundational options:

• Shoulder Carry
  Classic event-style. Hoist the coupon onto one shoulder. Switch sides regularly to prevent overuse or imbalance.

• Bear Hug Carry
  Hug the coupon tight against your chest. Great for core and upper back, but may restrict breathing. Use in short bursts or on steady terrain.

• Zercher Carry
  Hold the weight in the crooks of your elbows (like a front squat). Tough on the arms and midline, this carry builds brute strength.

• Farmer’s Carry (if using two smaller implements)
  One in each hand. Focus on grip, posture, and even stride. This style will challenge your shoulder stability and make you think.

• Drag Carry (only in team settings or soft, safe terrain)
  Attach the coupon to a strap and drag it behind you. Brutal, but simulates team gear haul situations.

Challenge Safety & Restrictions