Ninety Pound Rucksack Challenge
Follow the link below to register!
Event Details:
MEET UP TIME: 6:45pm
MEET UP LOCATION: The Mountain Shop
ROUTE: Bottom of Chair 3 up Weasel Gulch to the top of Rocket (x3)
REQUIRED WAIVER: Special Events Waiver https://shop.marquettemountain.com/forms
On Wednesday night, you’re not just climbing a mountain—you’re stepping into a story that helped shape the outdoor world we know today.
The US Army’s 10th Mountain Division was an unprecedented unit of expert mountaineers who trained for more than three years—often carrying ninety-pound “rucksacks,” or backpacks—to fight the Axis powers in extreme cold and mountainous terrain. In early 1945 they were inserted into Italy’s Apennine Mountains to break Hitler’s Gothic Line, a fortified series of summits and ridges that had stymied Allied advances for more than 500 days.
At 7 p.m., on February 18, 1945, some 800 10th Mountain Division soldiers began a night-time ascent of Riva Ridge, the Gothic Line’s lynchpin. Carrying packs that weighed up to 50 pounds, they climbed via four different routes that ranged from 1,500 to 2,500 feet of vertical gain to take the Germans on top without a casualty. Their successful ascent helped precipitate the German surrender of Italy and hastened the end of the war.
Once back in the States, these same veterans carried their mountain experience into civilian life, fueling the rise of American skiing, founding companies like NOLS and Nike, pioneering avalanche science and wilderness rescue, and developing more than 60 ski areas across the country.
The Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge honors this legacy. On Wednesday at 7 p.m. local time, participants will climb mountains nationwide in tribute to their effort. As you make your ascent, you’ll carry a bit of their story with you.
What to Bring
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Pack weight: How much weight you carry is entirely up to you. The average GI in 1945 weighed 155 pounds; a 50-pound pack would have represented ca. 30% of their body weight. Choose a load that challenges you without compromising safety. (Pro Tip: If carrying excess weight, use water so you can safely pour it out before your descent.)
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Layers: Conditions can shift quickly—dress accordingly.
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Water & food: Stay fueled and hydrated.
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Headlamp & safety gear: Required for after-dark climbs; helmets or other gear may be recommended locally.
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Mindset: This is a tribute—bring patience, grit, and respect.
Share Your Journey
Document your climb. Your photos help tell the story of why this challenge matters and allow us to share the impact with partners and supporters.
If you enjoy posting, use #nprc26.
If you prefer not to post publicly, email your photos to ninetypoundrucksack@gmail.com.
Get Inspired
To learn more about the ascent that started it all, watch our short video on Riva Ridge or explore the full story on the Ninety-Pound Rucksack podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any podcast app.