This week brought the reveal of a brand new Garmin that you probably haven’t heard of before.
Garmin’s Tactix series are a number of tactical smartwatches with military use in mind. The new Tactix 8 has an AMOLED screen, a sturdy design and Applied Ballistics Solver Tech, offering customized target solutions for recording a rifle.
As you can see, the Tactix 8 is military in both class and purpose, which also explains the inclusion of a whole new feature of tracking an exercise taking the world by storm.
Ruck and Roll
Rucking is a training trend that is growing in popularity. It involves training while wearing a weighted backpack or backpack (hence the name) and of course has its roots in military training, which explains the Tactix 8 link.
Enthusiast Outfit Goruck describes it as a staple for military training. Infantry is recruiting in the US Army (and in militaryers around the world) will take on hours long ruck marches with heavy equipment.
Due to the potential to increase caloric burning and improve fitness, Rucking now starts as a fitness trend beyond military use and is now so popular that Garmin feels compelled to offer a dedicated training profile to support it.
Rucking: What are the benefits?
Rucking is an increasingly popular exercise because it is really easy to do. All you need is a backpack or backpack and a little heavy weight. You also don’t even need to use actual dumbbells or kettlebells, some old books or water are doing well.
Several studies have highlighted the benefits of load -bearing exercises. This 2019 study found that 10 weeks of training by rucking drastically increases a person’s squat jumps maximum force, push-ups, sit-ups and estimated oxygen uptake. This 2021 study found similar improvements in both male and female participants, including a 5.4% increase in aerobic capacity in men.
Even in older participants (65-74 years) improved training at home involving weighted step exercises, staircase speeds and power, which helps prolong independence and avert age-related health conditions.
Rucking on Garmin
We had heard reports late last year that Garmin planned to add support to Rucking, possibly with the new Garmin Instinct 3., while it was not realized with that launch, we have now got a few weeks later.
As mentioned, it is currently limited to Tactix 8, but there is every chance that Garmin is planning to increase support, bringing rucking to more devices in the future. We have reached Garmin to see if we can confirm any future support and will report back accordingly.
Using the Rucking activity on Tactix 8 seems to be straightforward. The only key metrics you need is package weight that you can enter before starting your exercise. Then Garmin calculates all the usual health and fitness measurements as you go, presumably taking into account the weight you are struggling.
Another string to Garmin’s Bow
It has been a minced start to 2025 for Garmin, with the company’s instinct 3 -launch overshadowed something of a global interruption that saw thousands of units made useless by a blue triangle of death.
While the company’s infrastructure has taken a throbbing, it is commitment to the industry’s leading health and fitness tracking unquestionable, and this new support for rucking is another big reason why Garmin always places a lot among the best smartwatches, best running watches and beyond.
