Hi OBE: You will not be able to pack enough water and will need a filtration system. I used to carry crystal light to add to water after the tablets to make the taste better, but now prefer filtration. I hunt more like Co Bob and might go in 10-12 miles, set up a base and go out on day jaunts until I find animals. I spent much of my youth "backpacking" around NH and VT and will tell you that gear that might last a lifetime hiking the AT is just not going to cut it bushwacking. Between the brush, thorns and branches, chinks are a must. I used an EMS brand pack for many years on trails and it was ripped to shreds the first hunt I used it on. I do try to cut weight, just won't do it with the items I mentioned. I pare down MREs from Meyer's Custom Supply, which become quite light, don't require you to carry a stove/fuel and are tasty.