Re: pictures of hiking packs with bolt rifles ?
If you are truly hiking and not mountain fit then every pound is going to really hurt.
I work to how far I have to carry the kitchen sink. If its more than a couple of miles you are in trouble and every non essential thing must be left at home. I go for a featherweight climbing bergan and as rifles are quite tough then it can be strapped onto the side wrapped in a couple of bin liners (or stronger bergen liners). Water is heavy, so re-hydrate before you leave civilization and carry enough. If there is natural water then I take a purifying bottle system to top up safely.
If only a mile or so from the truck and living in a hut then an Eberlestock, like the Gunslinger II (a bit small if you are taking your pajamas), is a nice way to pamper your kit.
If you are then stalking from a base camp then a rifle with sling is fine with a daysack for your lunch, water, emergency gear, and warm kit. If you expect you might have to carry out some real poundage of meat then a strong waterproof jacket can work as a bag strapped to the daysack (meat in bin liners and then in jacket).
Remember the military kit is made bombproof to last a whole campaign, and is heavy compared to civilian kit. Your adventure is only for a couple of days and being completely exhausted by having too much kit isn't the way to do it in my book.
