Started my training for next summer's hikes

[bald tires]

Have up my hikes to 3 miles with about 500', maybe 600', of elevation gain. Takes me a little over an hour to do the hike. No pack yet. That will come later.

[Schleppy]

Have up my hikes to 3 miles with about 500', maybe 600', of elevation gain. Takes me a little over an hour to do the hike. No pack yet. That will come later.

Coming along! Nothing fairing up?

A small backpack with a couple liters of water is enough to start introducing a load.

[bald tires]

I have a small backpack that easily holds a couple of 1 gallon milk jugs. Probably start carrying that in a month or so.

[c9h13no3]

I have a small backpack that easily holds a couple of 1 gallon milk jugs. Probably start carrying that in a month or so.

I would start now. Doesn't have to be much weight and doesn't have to be every outing, but the best way to get comfortable hiking with a pack is to hike more carrying a pack. And the best way to make something more gradual is to start earlier so you have more time to ramp up.