I put the pack on the stand as if the stand base were a person and then I put the stand on my back, having a 31lb stand then another 20+ lbs pack (after the hydration pack is filled) is kinda hard, which is why im looking into the summit openshot SD and a fanny pack. Stick with a combo like that, youll be better off trust me. And thats coming from a VERY in shape 16 year old.