This will be my first year as well so I am no expert. I tried one on felt good. I think it's a great pack for hiking but not what you want for a hunt, unless you are bringing a day pack. I ended up getting a Eberlestock blue widow with the spike duffel. It's pretty heavy at 7lbs. But I have done a few hikes 1.5-3 miles (rolling hills and 1mile on tread mill 10 reps up n down my deck stairs for 3 miles plus 50 burpees w/out pack for a warm up) with 70lbs in it and didn't have any problems. Being your first time like me, I'm spending my money on good boots, clothing and shelter. I did a pack in hunt for turkey in the boot hill of Missouri back in 96' and what I remember most was how bad my jungle boots hurt my feet my ruck sack cut into my shoulders and the 8lb tent I lugged with me was worthless because it leaked like I was laying in a shower! I froze my a$$ off for a week and stayed wet the whole time. I'd bet a lot of the guys making hunting packs started out same as us if not with even worse equipment and no great forums like this to ask questions. IMO buy the best u can and go for it!!!
