Thank you for your input. The vet has cleared her as "almost good as new, and as good as she's going to get". I have pain meds for if she happens to overdo it, and the vet has said to allow her as much exercise and physical activity as she feels comfortable with. The biggest factor the clinic warned me against is letting her become overweight as that will really put extra stress on her joints.

I wouldn't expect her to carry a pack, or go on difficult trails with rough footing. I do however worry about the lenght of the hike. It can be hit or miss as to how much activity she is up to. I'm not sure if it is how she sleeps, the weather or something else, but sometimes she could go all day and sometimes she's not up for much.

I liked your suggestion on leaving the pack for later, but this old pup is too smart, she knows what's going on well before we head for the door. "First comes the dehydrator, then measuring and packing... yup, they're going packing again without me!"