At Fort Bragg in the wintertime, we would do long movements in the rain, crossing uneven terrain and bodies of water with names like “Big Muddy”. The coldest I’ve ever been in my life was when we’d stop and wait, sometimes for hours. The sweating would start, and it would freeze into my cotton uniform, and there we were on an ambush line doing “jackhammer PT” where your body shakes uncontrollably and you can feel the cold, dead ground trying to steal your soul. Where it did not succeed, we came out stronger. The concrete in our bones was only temporary, and that lesson made all the difference.
The movements, though, were nice and warm. Because the rucksack is the number one warming layer of all time. We even called it “the microwave.” When we were moving, we were happy. Sitting around, we froze. If you’re cold, ruck more. If it’s still too cold, go faster or add weight. Or both. When the stopping is cold, you’ll really appreciate the warmth of the rucksack. Perspective is everything.