A:
I have never used a ''high end" pack - or a structured pack as this likely indicates.
However, I can say I noticed some hip pain after my first long hike into the woods with the GamePlan Treestand Support System. I blamed it originally on the tall grass meadow I had to traverse which was dragging my legs down - but maybe it was due in part to the weight distribution of the stand.
I didn't notice the same hip pain after the afternoon's hunt - so likely it was the grassy meadow causing the extra strain.
Regardless, my back nor my neck hurt after hauling my stand when using this product. I love it so far!