After the second walk with a heavy backpack, while it was -8 degrees Celsius (17.6 degrees Fahrenheit), I knew that I would have to set priorities for the next few days of walking.
I wrote this text on the 8th of January, 2026. The freezing weekend was coming. On Saturday, it should be around -8 degrees Celsius again. While rucking today (I was returning from my office job with a rucksack weighing 30 kg [66 lbs] while it was dark outside), I realized I should set priorities for the upcoming weekend. I must decide whether I want to mainly freeze my body, walk with a heavy burden on my back and shoulders, or simply take photos on Warsaw’s streets. After today’s walk, I know that during such temperatures it will be impossible to walk in summer clothes (today, I had the www.adammazek.com t-shirt, jeans, a winter cap, and winter gloves), carry a ruck with 37.5 kg (it is the usual weight I carry during the weekend) on my back and shoulders, and do street photography.
I will have to sacrifice something toward something.
I believe that during the weekend, during daylight, my priority will be to take pictures on Warsaw’s streets. That’s for sure. If I go out as usual, in summer clothes, I am afraid I won’t take as many pictures as I would like to. Why? It is because in such low temperatures, it would not be easy to take pictures while wearing summer clothes. It is my limit. That’s why I think I would go out with long jeans and a hoodie. Once I decide to return home, I will take off my hoodie and walk with a t-shirt only (of course, I will have a winter cap and gloves all the time).
What about rucking?
I am afraid that if I go out with the heaviest weight, wearing a hoodie, my back would sweat. I consider doing it and, again, taking off a hoodie while returning. Still, I do not know if being sweaty and wet back would not hurt me in -8 degrees Celsius. I do not know if it would be too much.
