The best way to get in shape for carrying heavy loads on your back in the hills is to carry heavy loads on your back in the hills. Nothing will increase your odds of success more than pre-season scouting and the best way to test your gear is on a pre-season scouting trip. Pre-season trips are also great in helping you figure out what you can do without. Because the more gear you leave in the truck, the better off you'll be.
Sometimes, it's better to forget about the place you found on the map that's 7 miles in, and hunt the place that's 2-3 miles in. The animals are where you find them, not where you think they should be.
