Hiking Challenge - Everything You Need to Know

• The roster must ruck a 2-mile, 3-mile, 4-mile and 5-mile trail in order to complete this Challenge. The hikes may be done in any distance order, over any time-frame of their choosing, within their 12-week PATHFINDER Class.

• The entire PATHFINDER Hiking Ruck Challenge must be conducted on A MARKED, BLAZED TRAIL. Unmarked trails should not be followed. We highly recommend using the AllTrails app to find trails in your area around the world.

• Each Trail Ruck should be conducted in one continuous movement, like the other PATHFINDER distance rucking Challenges.

• A weighted ruck will be worn for the entire Challenge. (See Weight Requirements.)

Considerations

• Hiking should match your skill level, so if you are new to hiking, stick with easy trails. As you get more comfortable with hiking, you'll know when you can advance to more challenging trails. Always consider the following when choosing a route:

• Distance
• Time of Day
• Hiking Elevation
• Weather Conditions
• Fitness Ability

• Be mindful of trail conditions. If a trail is muddy, wet or icy, save your hike for another time. Trail conditions like those listed can be dangerous, and can damage the trail condition and the ecosystem around the trail.

• Carry mapping tools if the trail is unknown to you. A smartphone with gps is something nearly everyone has now, but be mindful that you may not always have service, especially on hard trails and ones far from cities. Download the trail map for offline use. We recommend taking photos of the trail map at trailheads and carry a power bank phone charger and cord with you too. If you are going on a Hard trail (but Intermediate trails can certainly qualify), and you're not quite sure what you're about to encounter, carry a paper map.

• Buddy system or solo hiking? Hiking is more enjoyable with at least one other person, and is safer too. If you hike by yourself, always be sure to let someone know where you are and what trail you are taking. Always stick with well-marked trails and check the weather before you leave. Hiking with your ruck club is always our favorite recommendation!

• Bring food, water and extra clothing* If you are planning for a quick hike out and back and know the trail, these items aren't as necessary. But if you are hiking an Intermediate or Hard trail, are unfamiliar with the trail, or anything else that makes you wary (trail reviews, etc.), be smart. Carry water, a LifeStraw, food and extra socks (we like to carry extra shirts and keep flip flops in our car too).

• Do not mark your Challenge as complete until ALL of the legs of your Hiking Challenge are complete. Record each leg of the Challenge individually in your log in the Notes section (ie: 2 miler for Hiking Challenge) so you can keep track and only once you have completed each leg can you log the Challenge as complete.

Challenge FAQ

Can I do this Challenge all in one hike? We love the enthusiasm of our rosters! But in this case, the spirit of the Challenge is to enjoy a smaller-scale hike, over the course of a few days, on a trail you might not have been on before. This Challenge is to enjoy a different facet of rucking. There's great benefit to shorter hikes (and shorter doesn't always = easy) and if you traditionally haven't been a hiker, this is a great bite-sized way to explore a new area.

Do I have to find a 2-mile trail to do a 2-mile hike on? No, that is not necessary. You can do a 2 mile (or any distance) hike on any distance trail, and just enjoy the experience for what it is.

Does the trail HAVE to be dirt/gravel? No, it does not. While we will always prefer you get out and experience different ground conditions during your ruck, in some areas, finding an unpaved trail may be difficult.