GORUCK training – Infinite Life Fitness

… What to do w/ what it do: Product Review Simple Tote & Tough Clutch…

admin — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 15:11:49 +0000

This post is for sure dedicated to my Boss Ass Babes (BAB’s) that love to do endurance events.

GORUCK is doing a GREAT job at trying to create some items that will appeal to the ladies. This has included RUCK with curved straps (to make the chest straps more comfortable for our lady lumps), t-shirts, and now these totes and clutches.

GORUCK Simple Tote:

I have to admit, this was one item that I immediately purchased when it was released. My friends refer to me as “The Bag Lady” because when I travel I always have a ton of bags with me. My friends see it as obsessive packing and clutter… I see it as organization. Let me break it down for you…

I am going on a 5 day trip which will include me doing a 5 K in the middle of the trip. I typically will have bags (similar to the size of the GORUCK totes) filled what clothing or whatever I need for each day. I will distinctively put ALL of my race gear into the PINK bag so it is easy for me to find. So this eliminates me having to dump my suitcase when I travel. I just look for whatever bag I need, grab it, and go! It also helps me to triple check that I have packed everything that I need. Because I am packing a specific race bag I can make sure that I have EVERYTHING I need for the race in that bag. So in a essence it is also like a packing check list for me. I will put the filled bag in my suitcase when I know I have everything I need in it. If I am missing something I will set the bag out until I have what I need and then place it in my suitcase.

These bags are GREAT! For me they are the PERFECT size for every day travel. I have used them at the grocery store and when traveling (to have my food, ipad, and other important things) to have easy access to the things I know I will need. Not to mention there is a small side pocket that is located INSIDE of the bag which is also a great asset to the tote.

Bag measurements:

Dimensions 14″ x 10″ x 5.5″

Volume 12.6L

I do have ONE slight concern. There is no way to close the bag or keep it closed. For instance, when I travel with this bag on the plane and I have to put it on the floor under the seat in front of me…the contents of this bag fall out. My quick fix is that I just tie the straps together. BUT I do wish there was a Velcro or zipper at the opening of the bag to have a way to close it if needed. The traps are very strong and the material is very durable. These bags were made to last and undergo daily abuse.

Other than that one slight issue… I really enjoy the bag and will use them regularly (especially while I travel).

GORUCK Tough Tote:

This is also a great asset to have to your gear inventory ladies. I bought one and will get more! This clutch is perfect to hold your keys, your phone, and any other items that you need easy access to. I will use this clutch alone or I will toss it in my Ruck (or purse) so I can easily find the contents that I need.

This is a great size and is very durable.

MY ONLY wish is that it was made in another size that was slightly bigger than the “large”. Like I said, it is a great size BUT I wish it was just a little bigger. And maybe come with a wrist strap that can be attached to it.

I am happy that GORUCK is making more items for the ladies. I am excited to see what else they are able to come up with. When I can I will purchase those items and let you know what I think/how I feel about them. I have purchased a few things from GORUCK and I can honestly say that I have really enjoyed (and used) all of the items that I have purchased.

I give these items two thumbs up! So ladies, feel free to grab some. Fellas… if you are looking for the perfect gift for your lady I highly suggest these.

…What to do w/ what it do: DIY RUCK Handle…

admin — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 15:48:50 +0000

When doing any type of endurance event you want to make sure that your gear will perform to handle any/all tasks that are thrown at you. You may learn to adjust or modify the things that you use for events to assist you.

My good friend Kelli came up with a CHEAP and EASY handle that you can attach to any pack that has molle. The idea is to use the molle as an anchor for the handle. This is also a light weight and hazard free method to have an additional handle. All of the material is very durable yet “soft” if you were to drop it, land on it, or come into contact abruptly with the components of the handle.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

approximately 10 feet of 1 inch Nylon webbing (may be found at stores such as REI or any other similar store)
approximately 11 inches of 1 inch (or bigger) Nylon Tubing (may be found at most home improvement store) You want this to be the length of the ruck/backpack that you woul like to add the handle.
Ruck/Backpack (For this project we used a GORUCK GR1 and GORUCK GR0) For the difference of sizing of the other GORUCK bags check out my previous post by CLICKING HERE

Instructions:

you can watch the video at the top of the post or click HERE

Weave nylon webbing through one side of the molle that is on your ruck. (START FROM THE BOTTOM).

You will then RETRACE your step and thread the molle back over the same section

You will pull a little bit of the webbing through the molle (to make sure that you have enough) and you will do the same on the 2nd row of molle that is on the ruck.

After you do this you will want to cinch it down and get the webbing tight and secure. You will use the “tail” (or left over portion) of the webbing to tie the two open ends together when you are done.
Next, feed the other end of the webbing into the tube

Pull all of the webbing tight and snug and weave the webbing on the other side of the back through the empty molle. DO EXACTLY THE SAME TYPE OF WEAVING ON BOTH

Feed the webbing BACK THROUGH the tubing (this can be slightly difficult to do! We used a screwdriver and other tools to help feed it back through the tubing).

Once you feed the webbing back through the tube TIE IT to the loose end that is on the other side of your ruck. Make sure that you use a secure not to ensure that it does not come apart while you are using it. You can knot it and burn the knot to secure it.

I have personally used the handle in 2 HCL’s plus other various events. It has held up to the weather, rough terrain, and the abuse of the events that I have done.

Kelli did not want to charge people for this handle. She wanted this to be something that anyone could use. All that she asks is that you make a donation for the BEWBS event that we are participating in this upcoming 4th of July.

You can make a donation via clicking the link below:

https://www.crowdrise.com/bewbschallenge005/fundraiser/kellimartino/setup_success/member

Let us know if you have any questions! And please feel free to share pics of the handle that you create with us! We would love to see how other people are creating their handles.

Happy training!

…What To Do W/ What It Do: Gear Check…

admin — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 15:00:15 +0000

GEAR IS A VITAL COMPONENT TO TRAINING FOR ANY EVENT.

If you know that you need to use gear for a event, you want to make sure to trouble shoot it and also figure out what will work best for YOU! There are so many options out there. I am simply sharing my opinion and view point on products that I have personally used over the years.

You will want to use it as much as possible so you can see if you have any issues with the gear that you will use during your event.

DO NOT BE THAT PERSON who has gear that is too large, too heavy, or just not functional for the event. Simplicity is key during any event and you want to make sure that your gear is function, easy to access, and can withstand the tortures that your event will throw at you. Some events are team events, so you can use your team as a resource to help you just in case something does happen. BUT if you are doing an individual event, you want to do your best to be ready and to make sure that your gear is ready to complete the event with you.

Bag Reviews:

Tactical Back Pack:

Detailed Description:

Capacity:30L
Constructed with waterproof 600D Nylon material, the backpack is wearable and durable.
1.5 Inch Waist Belt, 1 Inch Sternum Strap, padded and adjustable shoulder straps help relieve pressure on shoulders while carrying heavy loads.
Two large compartments with small pouches inside and two front pockets.

Product Overview:

Great bag for the cost for those who are just starting.
It has a lot of pockets for storage and easy organization for placing things where they can be easily be found.
Waist and chest straps are very helpful and easy to use and manipulate.
MUST MAKE MODIFICATION (shown and mentioned in the above video) to ensure the bag will perform with minimal flaws.
The shoulder straps do lose “cushion” after a while and become uncomfortable (and at times painful) when used for long periods of time.
This bag is NOT waterproof (in comparison to water not seeping into the bag). If it is raining lightly you are OK but a downpour did cause water to leak into the bag. Also being submerged in water the bag did retain quite a bit of water.

GORUCK Bag:

Detailed Description:

Product Overview:

All products on the GORUCK website are made in the U.S.A.
The “GR0” (which I talk about in the above video is now called the “GR1” and you can get it in the 21 L size
All products on the GORUCK website come with a SCARS lifetime Guarantee
There are various sizes to accommodate any persons bag size preference.
If you get an item and do not like it, you can send it back and get your money back (as long as it has not been used).
Bags have a lot of padding on the shoulder straps and provide comfort when bags have additional weight in them.
Bags have several internal pockets for storing/organizing items you may need during your event.
MOLLE provides the opportunity for you to attach other add ons/carabiners/webbing
All bags have 2″x3″ velcro section on the bag so you can attach a patch (which can be earned via completing events OR you can purchase novelty patches).

Questions? Comments? Concerns? PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE THEM!

E-Mail me at: infinitelifefitness@gmail.com

In a later video I will go over some suggestions for your Packing list (things to carry in your bag during endurance events).

Please note that all products discussed in this video were purchased by me. I have used them for an extended period of time to create my OWN opinion and views about how well they can perform. I have participated in over 40 events over the past two years. I am just sharing my own personal suggestions, opinions, and views about these products.