Quote:
My question: With a stiff sleeping pad and a tent pole inside, will the Prophet be supportive enough so that the weight will transfer to the hip belt and not pull on the shoulders?


I'd say yes. I am yet to actually use my Prophet on a hike but have played with it packing different items. I found that a full length Z-Lite pad was way overkill to use as the frame sheet. I carried 20lbs around the house. I think a rolled foam pad with gear in the middle should be PLENTY for a sub 10lb pack.