Since you are new to backpacking, I'm going to mention a basic "truth" that seems contray to all the hyped-up stories that mostly surround backpacking:

It is possible to have a fairly painless multi-day backpacking experience.

I've seen the "no pain, no gain" attitude in myself and my hiking partners and it just winds up grinding us down. Speaking for myself, it's a combination of denial and laziness... and a good dose of trying to avoid the bitter truth that I wasted a lot of money buying the wrong gear. But well-fitted gear eliminates a lot of the suffering that most people associate with backpacking.

Yes you will be tired and maybe sore after a few days (just due to the repetitive motions of backpacking), but there should never be pain or discomfort -- especially in the first several hours of hiking. If you are feeling pain that early, you won't get used to it, it will only get worse.

Good for you for seeking more info on fitting your gear to yourself! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

We all have had to do that and, really, we never stop! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

-jamieS