Yep, had trekking poles and the $40 REI insoles in my Merrel Boulders. As I've been a day hiker for 40 years, this was my first backpack adventure. As does everyone who have horror stories of their first backpack adventure, this is mine. I think if I go ultralight, in comparison to traditional, I may be a little more kind to my middle aged knees. 
Or I could go stealth like Rambo, but I dislike spiders. 
It sounds likely the hip belt constricted those muscles that support the IT band.NW Yeti wrote:
