When it comes to rucking, there are a lot of different schools of thought out there.
Some people say that you need to have a hip belt in order to properly distribute the weight of your ruck, while others will tell you that it’s not necessary.
So, what’s the verdict? Is rucking without a hip belt a good or bad idea? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons so you can decide for yourself.
Is Rucking Without A Hip Belt A Good Or Bad Idea?
Pros of Rucking Without A Hip Belt
You Have Better Control Over Your Ruck:
When you don’t have a hip belt, you have to rely on your core muscles to keep your ruck in place.
This can actually give you better control over your ruck since you’re not relying on the hip belt to do all the work for you.
You’ll Save Money:
Hip belts can be pricey, so if you’re looking to save some money, rucking without one is definitely the way to go.
No chafing or discomfort:
One of the main complaints about rucking with a hip belt is that it can cause chafing and discomfort.
If you’re someone who is prone to chafing or discomfort, ditching the hip belt might be the best option for you.
Cons of Rucking Without A Hip Belt
Your Ruck Might Shift Around A Lot:
Without a hip belt, your ruck is more likely to shift around since there’s nothing securing it in place.
This can make it difficult to keep your balance, and it can also lead to discomfort since the shifting can put pressure on different parts of your body.
You Might Not Be Able To Carry As Much Weight:
Hip belts help distribute the weight of your ruck evenly, which means that you’ll be able to carry more weight without as much strain on your body.
If you’re planning on carrying a lot of weight, ditching the hip belt might not be the best idea.
So, should you ruck without a hip belt?
Ultimately, it’s up to you. There are benefits and drawbacks to rucking with and without a hip belt, so it really depends on what’s most important to you.
If saving money is your top priority, then going without a hip belt is probably the way to go.
But if you’re planning on carrying a lot of weight or covering rough terrain, then using a hip belt might be the better option.
Whichever way you decide to go, just make sure that you’re comfortable and that you have everything secured so that nothing shifts around during your hike.
