The Pack Test Isn't Enough: What It Really Takes for Steep Terrain, Altitude & Smoke
Think passing the pack test means you're ready? It's just the floor, not the ceiling. Austin Womack from Rugged Athlete breaks down why three miles in 45 minutes only proves minimum fitness—and what it actually takes to handle steep climbs, heavy tools, altitude, smoke, and back-to-back shifts without getting destroyed.
What we cover:
Why the Pack Test is Just the Baseline
Built on aerobic data from the 90s
Modern evidence shows uphill assignments nearly double the demand
If the minimum leaves you gassed, the mountain will eat you alive
The Type 1 Fitness Test (Austin's Alternative)
Mile run → hand-release push-ups → loaded lunges → heavy carries → more lunges → two-mile run
Sub-40 minutes = meaningful benchmark for Type 1 crews
Exposes weak links: quads/glutes under load, grip endurance, mental grind after leg fatigue
Training for Altitude & Smoke
Build big aerobic volume at home (Zone 2 sessions)
Add loaded uphill work and VO2 intervals
Plan acclimatization when possible
No gimmick mask replaces true hypoxia—consistent training and smart pacing do
Recovery Tactics That Cut
Injuries Better sleep and carbohydrate timing for long shifts
Protein targets for tissue repair
Hydration and electrolytes for heat and elevation
Mobility sessions to stay durable through 14-day rolls
Rugged Athlete App
Seasonal programming and on-ramps after layoffs or injuries
Micro plans for push-ups, pull-ups, timed runs
High-performance hiking and preventative maintenance education
7-day free trial available
Find The Journeyman App here:
Google Play Store: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.livetjm.t…
Apple App Store: apps.apple.com/us/app/tjm-the-journeyman/id65039028…
Visit Our Website livetjm.com/tjm
Find Rugged Athlete ruggedathletetraining.com
