More Than the Weight We Carry

Good people. Strong bodies. Clear minds. Real friendships. A bit of purpose.

WILD RUCK started with a fairly simple idea. Get some good people together, put a little weight on our backs, get outdoors, walk, talk and hopefully become a little stronger along the way.

But the more I thought about it, the more I realised there was an opportunity to create something with a little more meaning.

We’re all busy. Work, family, responsibilities and the general demands of life seem to consume most of our time. We’re constantly connected through our phones, yet I sometimes wonder whether we’re spending enough time genuinely connecting with the people around us.

And perhaps, particularly for those of us who are expected to have things sorted, we forget how important it is to have good people in our corner. People who challenge us, encourage us, keep us accountable and simply show up when it matters.

That’s really the thinking behind WILD RUCK.

Rucking itself is pretty simple. It’s walking with weight on your back. It has its origins in military training but has become a popular and accessible way to exercise. All you really need is a comfortable backpack, some weight and a decent pair of shoes.

It’s a great way to build fitness, strength and endurance, and you can make it as easy or challenging as your ability allows.

But what appeals to me most isn’t necessarily the physical side. It’s the opportunity to get outdoors, clear your head, have a few laughs and enjoy the company of good people.

There’s also something quite symbolic about carrying weight.

The reality is we’re all carrying something already. Work pressures, family responsibilities, expectations, personal challenges and worries. Some of these are obvious, while others aren’t. And we don’t always know what the person walking next to us might be dealing with.

The weight in our packs is optional. The weight we carry through life isn’t always.

I’m certainly not suggesting WILD RUCK becomes a counselling group! I want people to enjoy themselves, have a laugh, challenge each other and share some good banter.

But I’d also love to build a community where we genuinely look out for one another. Where we notice when someone hasn’t been around, check in occasionally and make the effort when a mate needs us.

Nothing forced or complicated. Just good people looking after good people.

On 31 October 2026, we held our first WILD RUCK at Crocworld on the KZN South Coast. We called it the Pioneer Ruck.

A handful of good mates, an early Saturday morning, about 5km through the bush and some weight on our backs.

It was a great morning, but what meant the most to me was that these guys had turned up to support an idea that was still taking shape.

They showed up.

And I think there’s something important in that. Showing up for your own health, for your family, for your mates and occasionally for something simply because you believe it’s worth supporting.

I’d love that to become part of the WILD RUCK culture.

Another important part of this for me is getting people outdoors.

I’ve always loved being in nature and believe there’s enormous value in spending more time outside. Whether it’s a coastal trail, indigenous bush or a challenging climb, there’s something about being outdoors that helps put things into perspective.

And the more time we spend in these places, the more I believe we’ll appreciate and want to protect them.

I’d love WILD RUCK to encourage that connection. To explore new places, respect the environments we move through and, where possible, contribute to looking after them.

I have plenty of ideas for WILD RUCK. Regular community rucks, new routes, longer adventures, shared challenges and opportunities to get involved in conservation and community initiatives.

But I don’t have a fixed plan for what it should become.

I’d much rather see it grow through the people who participate, bringing their own ideas, energy and experiences.

It’s also important to me that WILD RUCK remains welcoming and accessible. It’s not about who carries the heaviest pack or finishes first. Everyone has different abilities and starts somewhere. The challenge is personal, but the experience is shared.

If we can build a community where people get fitter, spend more time outdoors, develop genuine friendships and look out for each other, I reckon we’ll be doing something worthwhile.

On our first ruck, I shared a simple thought with the guys before we set off.

We all carry our own weight. But we look out for each other along the way.

That pretty much sums it up for me.

If it sounds like something you’d enjoy being part of, come and join us.

This is WILD RUCK.