I have decided 2 months ago to get back in better shape for a moose hunt in Wyoming i should draw this year. Been walking alot and cutting down on eating and carbs. Lost 20 pounds so far and want to loose another 20 before hunting season. I want to start putting weight in my backpack but want to start with lower weight and work up to maybe 35-40 pounds total. Then hike hills with it to build up the muscles a person uses to pack quarters out on your back. I want to be able to hike farther and hunt moose where no one else will or would want to pack one out of. Figure that would give me the best opportunity at a good bull. On that note, i don't feel the need to carry huge amounts of weight on your back before a person really needs to. Seems to me you would be breaking down knees and joints and tendons and everything associated with joint problems prematurely before you actually have to pack the animal out. I would like to save that part for the actual animal and not blow anthing out or hurt myself just to try and get my knees and muscles in shape. But i know i have to use some weight to build them up, just don't want to have a " rebuild" before i actually need one! I know Mike Eastman said he has replaced a knee or knees because of long heavy packs out a long time ago. I have a good 35-40 years left to hunt and need my knees to get me to where i want to hunt. My question is, how much weight is enough to build the right muscles but not over do it, and what kind of hills or distance does a person really need to haul that weight to get in shape? Any of you with experience on this would like to answer or give me pointers, i would be greatful. Thanks