Minnesota’s Ruck Life Is The Most Fun + Rewarding Hike You’ll Ever Take

I can't say enough good things about the event I just participated in this last weekend. I've done 5ks before, but this was something on a whole new level. I can't wait to go back next year.

23rd Veteran held their 10th anniversary Ruck Life march on May 31st at Mont Du Lac Resort in Superior, Wisconsin. The event originally was in Duluth at the Lakewalk, but has operated now at Mont Du Lac for the last few years. It's a challenging course.

I put together a team and we rucked up and down a mountain Saturday afternoon. It was really physically challenging.

The two-mile loop goes a half a mile straight up hill, with a mile stretch of up and down hills on the top, followed by a half mile descent.

Since it was my first time, I underestimated the hill climb. It starts off relatively tame for the first 100 yards or so, luring you into thinking it won't be that difficult. Halfway up the hill, the incline gets steeper, and as you carry your rucksack up the mountain, you start to ask yourself, "What did I get myself into?"

What Is 23rd Veteran?

For every veteran that dies in combat, 20 more will die by suicide after they get home. 23rd Veteran was created by Marine Veteran Mike Waldron, who wanted to help others who have experienced trauma to live a fulfilling life.

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They do a program called 23V Recon. It's a reconditioning program for veterans and first responders who have experienced trauma. Veterans go on an outdoor wellness adventure, followed by weeks of exercise and group psychology. They also tackle fear reassociation and have a high success rate for graduates.

The Experience At Ruck Life Is Like None Other

I really wasn't sure what to expect when I got there. Immediately, I ran into about a dozen people I already knew. There were a lot of people there!

It was a very uplifting experience from the start. We started with the National Anthem, followed by an opening ceremony. We did a group warm-up (thank God, I think the stretching saved me), and then we were off rucking.

What I Carried In My Rucksack

My rucksack was just a hunting backpack I've had for a while. It was my first ruck, so I filled it only to 15 pounds with food and clothing. At the end of your ruck, you weigh your sack and donate the food and clothing.

Last I heard, the heaviest rucksack someone carried was 71 pounds. That's insane!

All Kinds Of People Were Participating

The cool thing about the event is that you do as many laps as you are comfortable with. A lot of people only do one lap; it's exhausting enough. As long as you finish a lap, you get a finisher's coin. If you do 5 laps, which is 10 miles, you get an all the way patch. That's a goal for me in the future. Maybe next year?

Read More: 2 Mile Hike Leads To Hidden Gem In Northern Wisconsin

It's A Mental Health Boost

There's a sense of accomplishment for climbing this hill. There are people and volunteers cheering you on. Everyone is friendly and inclusive. You could show up to this event by yourself, and there would be someone there to welcome you. It really is a great event, and I can't wait for next year.

If you don't want to wait until next year, there's another Ruck Life event in Anoka on September 6th. Bonus - it's an easier course than Mont Du Lac!