I used montrail hardrocks last year which are very comfy but I find them too heavy. will probably go for something lighter this year and put the hardrocks in the champex bag. I used poles and if you have the right technique they can propel you up the hills but they do require much more use of energy and this year I'm going to forget them until champex, when I'll have them in case my knees give up on me or I get shin splints again. I bought a 20l raidlight sack last time which is excellent but its hard to get anything out of the pockets without stopping as I find it rests very high up on me and the pockets are not far enough forward.