When I was in the army, I had to ruck 70-pounds worth of gear in the form of an antenna our foot team had to carry out into the hills of Yakima valley and also the Mojave Desert for field exercise. Similar to a Roman load, it was top heavy, being tied to the top of my rucksack. The ruck was so heavy I couldn't lift it onto my shoulders standing up but had to squirm into it sitting on the ground, then roll up to a standing position.
The Romans had it even worse, propping that thing on a virtual cantilever over one shoulder.
Once you start moving, though, it isn't so bad, especially if the ground is level. I was wondering if the reason Marius went with that stick-over-the-shoulder instead of a better weighted backpack was because the stick is so easy to drop if you get ambushed. A really heavy pack, especially if you don't have modern quick-release-buckles, hangs onto you and doesn't want to let go!
Hello, Timmy ...
You have really taken on quite a project. My research tells me that these Roman soldiers were expected to carry about 90 pounds (about 41kg) of equipment.
I wonder how far most of us here at PF could march carrying that amount of weight?
Thanks for sharing.
All the best,
Richard
