One suggestion re: using a back pack
Use it
Too many of us use a backpack rarely and thus when we do use it, we are not familiar with it, how to adjust it or its weight, in this case "practice" can improve your experience
Carry it "heavy" and build up your endurance slowly, and then carrying a "normal" load is much easier
Know the terrain you will explore and try to get use to it: expecting to be climbing, try starting with stairs, living at sea level or 900 feet but vacationing at 12,000 feet learn how that could affect you physically and/or mentally
All things I know or have learned
and I am too stupid to do myself