Alaska is a big state where walking, often long distances over rugged terrain, is the primary means of transportation. I have found that any and all extraneous gear and weight is a hindrance when going out - and a downright PITA on the way home when you will hopefully be carrying your first backpack full of meat before you head back to get the rest and the antlers.
Phil,
Even in my 30's, I found that humping packs on steep and/or uneven terrain was a LOT easier when I had a pair of lightweight ski poles along. Fewer stumbles, easing a bit of strain off of the legs etc... Enough so that it easily compensated for the pound of extra weight. Do you use them? A single pole? Hardcore it?
Regards,
Scott
