[Prairiewolf]

Sorry for the rambling structure, but here's some tips:

• Prioritize stretching, even so far as doing some forms of yoga. You'll find many threads here about eager guys throwing weights around and getting injured. You probably don't need to pack on a bunch of muscle, but you do need to remain healthy leading up to and during your hunt.

• Familiarize your body with a heavy backpack, start to work on some hikes around your neighborhood and find some hills where you can load your pack down and move around in it. Use your boots too!

• Get on a rowing machine 3-4 times a week and go for 5000 m per go, tracking your progress. This is great cardio, simulates an 18-25 minute aggressive exertion, targets your supporting back muscles and core, and even some legs. Throw in some 10,000 m attempts once you consistently flirt with a 2 minute for 500m split.

• Think about your food for your trip and try to re-create that menu a few times while home for the week. See how you feel and how your body reacts. Adjust as needed.

Good start there.