What Is Yomping?
What Is Yomping? (Rucking and How to Start Properly)
Yomping is the British military term for what’s now widely known as rucking.
It means walking with weight—typically carrying a loaded backpack over distance.
Originally used by the Royal Marines, yomping was built for one purpose:
To move efficiently under load, over distance, no matter the conditions.
Today, it’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to build strength, endurance, and real-world capability.
Different name—same principle:
Load. Movement. Consistency.
What Yomping Represents
Yomping wasn’t designed to be comfortable.
It was designed to be effective.
Carrying load over distance builds something most training doesn’t:
Resilience
Discipline
The ability to keep moving when it’s uncomfortable
That’s why it still matters.
Not because it’s new.
Because it works.
And because it transfers directly into real-world capability.
How to Start Yomping (Rucking)
This is where most people overcomplicate it.
You don’t need much.
What You Need
A proper rucking backpack
A starting weight of 5–10kg
A proper rucking backpack matters.
It should:
Hold weight securely
Sit high on your back
Include a sternum strap and hip belt
Without this:
The load shifts
Your shoulders fatigue
Progress becomes difficult
PACE GOALS: 15 minutes/mile is a good goal in terms of your pace. If you're moving slower than 20 minutes/mile, consider reducing the weight. Start with 1-2 rucks per week to get the hang of it. If you're brand new, you'll probably have some muscle soreness. That's a good thing!
How to Progress Properly
Most people make the same mistake:
They increase weight too early.
Instead:
- Increase time
- Increase distance or terrain
- Then increase weight
Only ever change one variable at a time.
That’s how you build real capacity and avoid burnout.
Want a Structured Approach?
If you want a clear progression to follow:
Explore the 12-Week Rucking Plan
It shows you exactly how to:
Build endurance
Progress safely
Introduce load at the right time
How to Measure Your Progress
Yomping isn’t about a single session.
It’s about what you can repeat.
Explore the YOMP Standard™
A framework designed to:
Benchmark your load-carrying ability
Track progress over time
Give structure to your training
Start Simple
You don’t need a perfect plan.
You don’t need ideal conditions.
Do this:
Load a backpack
Go for a walk
Keep it steady
That’s how it starts.
ANYONE CAN DO IT
Put weight on your back and just move what could be simpler. With so many fads and complex fitness programmes out there often leading
RESISTANCE TRAINING
Yomping or walking with weight builds muscle and strength while improving cardio and endurance. Bringing both types of exercises together in a single movement
BURNS UP TO 3X CALORIES
Yomping burns a considerable amount more of calories than walking. Exactly how much will depends of weight and pace. The faster you go with more weight the more calories you burn
GET OUTSIDE
1 in 3 men and 1 in 2 women in the UK are classed as sedentary and do not meet minimum requirements for physical activity. Put down the phones, get away from the screens and get outside the health benefits are endless.
IMPROVES POSTURE
Our backpacks are designed to spread the weight evenly across your back pulling your shoulders back, which should aid in moving with proper posture. Eventually with or without the backpack as it carries over to everyday life!
BUILD MENTAL TOUGHNESS
Pushing yourself , creating your own personal challenges. Gradually adding more weight, more distance, moving faster. You can always take one more step!