(Part 3) Top products from r/Goruck

I can't speak to fusion directly, but I had a microdiscectomy on my L5-S1 four years ago. Mine was due to a massive herniation at the L5-S1. Originally, the doctor thought he was going to have to fuse me as the location of herniation was in a place that was difficult to reach, but in the end he didn't.

Since my surgery, I made a full recovery and am stronger now than ever. Since surgery, I've competed in several Crossfit competitions (I even won one), done mountain ultra races, Spartan Trifectia's, and about 30 GORUCK events (including a bunch of heavies and a couple HTLs). I still ruck several times a week (many times with a 75# ruck) and Olympic lift in my daily workouts.

Your post op recovery/rehab is key. Don't rush it... listen to your body. I highly recommend the "Foundation Training" program (www.foundationtraining.com). I followed this programming to a "T" the weeks following surgery and I truly believe that it was a major contributor to my recovery/results (positive mindset/outlook is #1). The program focuses on redefining your "core" as not your abs, but your posterior chain muscles. The exercises are very "yoga-ish", but don't let it fool you, I've seen it make gym-rat & muscle heads alike shiver in their own puddle of sweat. Here's a link to the actual book I used https://www.amazon.com/Foundation-Redefine-Your-Conquer-Confidence/dp/1609611004. Several times a week I still integrate their movements into my workouts.

Best of Luck!!!

Skywalker505 knows his straps. However that is the MINI OP/Tech S.O.S Strap. I also use that same strap on my Tom Bihn Pilot and it fits perfectly. The Tom Bihn Absolute Strap is too big IMO for smaller bags and I also don't like the give in the strap when using it with a loaded Aeronaut 45 either. I've switched to carrying the Aeronaut only in backpack mode unless I'm boarding or checking into a hotel. I thought I would retire my Aeronaut 45 when my GR2 40L arrived but I think I'll keep both. I have become a GoRuck fan but Tom Bihn bags have served me well for MANY years and for MANY trips. Both are quality bag manufacturers and each piece has a different set of Pros and Cons. The one perfect bag has yet to be invented IMO. Here is a link to the mini: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001TST8U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have an Arc'teryx belt that I love, but it costs as much as you'd expect. For single time use belts, just get the cheapest option off of Amazon Prime - http://amzn.to/1w2NpdV (~$25)

Drop a couple bucks on a decent carabiner though, you'll find use for it in the future. Black Diamond are durable and not too pricey - http://amzn.to/1w2NOwK ($10)

As far as what you'll be doing? Who knows, maybe dragging something like sled dogs or rope bridge work. Sounds like a blast!

This Vanquest PPM-HUSKY 2.0 is awesome and fits perfectly. But you'll need some of these.

Answer by number:

1. Pants. I like Prana, others wear the Goruck brand, some wear the ones you get at Walmart (very similiar to Goruck Simple Pants).
   
2. Gu Gels or Clif Shots, Starburst, some kind of crackers or Datrex emergency bars, candy bar, 5 hour energy. That's it.
   
3. If you're less than 2 weeks out and don't have shoes sorted your feet are likely not going to enjoy this. Trail runners are popular with Hoka and Altra leading that pack. The Goruck MACV-1s are also very popular. I wear New Balance currently and have tested them on the road and trail both doing long rucks. Whatever you get I would wear it 100% of the time between now and your event and do some practice rucks.
   
4. Just a very light rain jacket. You will not be cold for long.
   
5. Bring pedialyte electrolyte powder and mix them when you get a longer break. You shouldn't need more than 2 for this event.
   
   DFQ.

I believe this is the one I have, except mine is blue. The link says this one is crush proof too. I know mine has definitely been treated roughly.

It definitely adds a little bulk, but I find it big enough to store things you definitely don't want to get wet (i.e. phone, batteries, electrolyte tablets, advil, etc.)

Leukotape. I put 2 strips along my lower back where my ruck rubs during long rucks or events. Works great. I put some on before the heavy of the HTL I just finished and it lasted all weekend and was still difficult to get off. That’s with 3 shower and a swim across a canal in Tampa. I also used some on hot spots on my feet and it was great for that too.

https://www.amazon.com/Leukotape-1-5-Inch-15-Yds-Cover-roll-Stretch/dp/B000FMMTKM

There are TSA approved locks with wire shackles that fit almost anywhere.

Lots of good advice here. I agree about the need for some type of pouch(es) to give some extra organization so everything doesn't become more of a jumbled mess at the bottom of the bag.

And make sure you carry one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Hammer-Diaper-Dispenser-Lavender/dp/B001QKDI48?th=1

I figure I might as well throw this one out there, it's what I have on my ruck.

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MF7H7W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

With two small carabiners at the attachment points and a stiffer frame sheet, I've been able to pretty successfully dump probably 70 percent of my ruck weight off of my shoulders. It's not ideal, but it helps a little bit with that. It's also padded, has reduced that bottom of ruck chafing that I used to always get and keeps it off of your head for bear crawls.

The buckle can get a little annoying, but despite the muck that crawled into it at the start of Heavy 057, it kept working consistently.

If you dont need it to be quick release, something like this might work: https://www.amazon.com/VELCRO-Brand-Purpose-Straps-Elastic/dp/B00006IC2R

Not original or creative, but an S-Biner. Small one on the shoulder strap to keep the water hose in place, larger ones on the front for whatever else I'm clipping on. I actually have used the shoulder strap one to temporarily hold a hanger/suit while I'm trying to one-trip it from the car to the hotel - it looks ridiculous but it's useful. (I mean you can probably just thread a hanger straight into the MOLLE but this was easier.)

amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E59HXC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Boom.

Invest in The Stick and work your calves and muscles on the outside of each shin.

Stretch too!

What about one of those clipboards with integrated storage?

//Edit: Or a "job jacket?"

They used to sell this on the GORUCK website:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GKFCUW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_zd9yzbZHNGBVT

Try corrosion X but you might be in trouble. I haven't had much luck with zippers once they start corroding like you're describing, saltwater destroys everything it touches unless it's washed immediately