Michael Easter’s Walk with Weight: A Must-Read for Anyone Looking to Build Strength and Resilience

If you’ve ever laced up your boots, thrown some weight on your back, and hit the trail or road, Michael Easter’s new book Walk with Weight will feel like it was written for you. Easter—best known for The Comfort Crisis—returns with another deep dive into what happens when we embrace purposeful discomfort and reconnect with how we were built to move.

The Power of Load and Movement

In Walk with Weight, Easter blends science, anthropology, and personal storytelling to show why carrying weight is one of the most natural and beneficial forms of human movement. He breaks down how load-bearing walks improve fitness, mental resilience, and longevity—echoing many of the same principles that make rucking so effective.

Why Ruckers (or anyone) Will Relate

From the first chapter, Easter’s message aligns perfectly with what ruckers already know: simple, consistent movement under load can change your life. The book goes beyond fitness by exploring the mental clarity and confidence that come from physical challenge—reminding readers that strength is built one step at a time.

He refers to many studies and explains the pros and cons of rucksacks vs weight vest, training on flat surfaces vs trails and the law of diminishing returns when you get to a certain amount of weight on your back.

Final Thoughts

Walk with Weight isn’t just another fitness book; it’s a call to move with purpose. Whether you’re new to rucking or a seasoned GORUCK event veteran, this book will deepen your appreciation for why we walk, why we carry, and why it all matters.

If you’ve read The Comfort Crisis or Scarcity Brain, expect Easter’s trademark storytelling—equal parts science, adventure, and wisdom—to inspire your next weighted walk.

And don’t wait to get the best pack/rucksack; start with whatever you have. Use any backpack and put anything inside it to add weight. You’ll figure it out as you go–what works best, sits best on your back and shoulders, etc. When you’re ready to purchase a rucksack, I recommend the GORUCK Basic Rucker–it’s the best starting point for quality, comfort and simplicity.