To the OP... I am a relative newbie to the whole back pack hunting scene. I have no where near the experience that previous posters have. But, to reiterate a couple things from above that have helped my learning curve:
1) Trekking poles make a big difference. Both in load carrying ability (less fatigue) and in traction/stability. I am 55 y.o. I had much less issue with side hilling and creek crossings in Colorado this year while using trekking poles than my younger compatriots without.
2) Test out your boots, with a weighted pack (60lbs), going up hill and down hill. Especially steep downhill. Toe bump sucks. I had to go up a full size in boot length to ensure I did not have toe bump on steep down hill with a loaded pack. Without first hand experience, it would not seem that a 60lb pack would make a significant difference in boot fit for a 220lb man. But, it does. Much easier to sort out at home, than in the field.
Just my $0.02. I am still learning as well...
