I dare say I have had extensive experience with the "New" Ruck Sack, at least 2 BFT's, 1 Nijmegan and 2 Iron Man competitions under my belt with this ruck and I can say whole heartedly that I love it. To complete these events you must master the challenges of blisters, chaffe and mental endurance. I'll leave the mental endurance to your imagination but I will share two essential tips that have enabled me to be successful in each event.
Blisters - Don't get them. No really, just don't. When I bought my boots I was wearing the issue black and green sock. To switch to something else means my boots are too big, so I stick with the issue socks. The secret- Elastoplast wrap, free at the MIR. You can wrap your whole foot up to the ankle (seems a little extreme to me but guys on Nijmegan loved it), or what I do, just wrap the areas of your foot where you normally get blisters. Problem solved.
Chaffe - Again, just don't. Dry fit shirt under your normal dress along with long under armour underwear and you slip slideing away with no issues. Some guys swear by body glide, vaseline or whatever goop suits there fancy. I have found the dry fit shirt and underwear keep things chaffe free.
Wrap your feet, put on your dry fit and you're good to go. As for the new ruck, sinch up the straps along the sides so things can't move, tighten up your shoulders and chest while leaving comfortable room to breathe and then crank the waist belt as tight as you can get it and you'll be ready for the best RUck RUn of your life. Wisdom from the RSM on my SQ in Meaford '07 about the Zebra gloves rings true with the new RUck, "this is the best kit the military will issue you. Take care of it and it will take care of you"
