im in excellent shape both physically and mentally and i can take a physical beating more then anyone i know and not care, as long as my body can still move its w/e. however (and i could be wrong) from what i know the average thru-hike pack weight is 15-20 lbs without food and water so i figure im not too far off ill take the functionality in sacrifice of the weight. besides i went on a half day hike the other day in my new pack with a 45lb load and it literally only felt like 20lb so yah while my pack might weigh 7lb it makes up in comfort, support , and quality to me.