Rucking Around - Interview w/Chris Vick (Squatch Survival Gear)

On todays episode of Rucking Around, host Ari Fleman chats with guest Chris Vick, owner of Squatch Survival Gear. Chris, a former airborne infantry soldier, explains that his business was born out of modifying his uncomfortable military Alice pack and later using rucking to manage PTSD and chronic injuries following his service. The company's core mission is to overcome existing industry flaws by prioritizing comfort and endurance in pack design, recognizing that proper fit is crucial for both physical and mental resilience during long events. Chris emphasizes that packs intended for carrying significant weight must incorporate a true pack frame and be ergonomically designed to distribute the load across the body’s power zone rather than relying solely on connective tissues. They also cover market trends, noting the importance of considering biometric differences when designing gear, leading to new products like a specialized chest strap for women. they wrap it up by offering general advice for new ruckers regarding how to safely adjust the variables of weight, speed, and distance in their training.Follow Chris on Instagram @squatchsurvivalgearVisit the website: squatchsurvivalgear.comSupport the showSubscribe to Running Scared Media wherever you get your podcasts for more episodes!RunningScaredMedia.comVisit our shop to purchase our jogcasts and other merchEmail us at: [email protected] us:Instagram @runningscaredmediaJoin our FB Running Group