Back in the 70’s I used to hike the Appalachian Trail. If you were winter camping and hiking, you were required to stop in a ranger station and have them approve your hike. They then inspected your pack to make sure you carried all the appropriate gear. Seems they did not look fondly on rescuing improperly prepared hikers. My pack weighed in at 55 lbs.
I have to admit, even though I was in better shape (not to mention 42 years younger) it was quite a load to carry up a mountain, even with switchbacks. Let’s just say it put me off winter camping for a few months.
I did a dry run of packing my new Osprey Aether 70 pack today which included 3 liters of water, stove, 2 person tent, sleeping bag rated to 14ºF, air mattress, first aid kit, two days of food, and other sundry items. It weighed in at 31 lbs! Still, that’s a pretty good load for this out-of-shape old man but I’ll take the 14 lb difference in weight!
You go, boy!