I got injured…

So, yea this sucks. I (26 M) had just started to get serious about through hiking and backpacking as a whole. I hadn’t gone full ultralight yet but I was dialing in my gear to about 15- 16 pounds base weight. Nothing fancy, just forgoing the excess. I feel like I have finally found my passion/hobby/whatever you want to call it, spending as much time as I can sleeping on the ground under a tarp in the woods. I had tons of trips planned for the summer.

In mid January, I started to experience some severe back pain, did a MRI and found out I have a 12 mm herniated disc between my L5 and S1. That’s a big herniation, scary surgery big…. I had a snowboarding accident a couple years ago and since then, I just ignored when my back felt “sore”. I don’t think my desk job and poor posture helped anything either. Anyways, since the diagnosis I have been grinding out physically therapy, alternative exercises, and holistic medicines to build strength in my muscles to support my back and reduce inflammation. This has been surprisingly successful, my pain has subsided and I feel super strong. I asked my doctor if he thought I have any chance of getting on the trail again. His response “If you want to do it, it’s gotta be ultralight but you taking a big risk” My understanding is this will never really “heal”, I just can reduce the chances of it getting worst, by strengthening the surrounding muscles.

So I am starting from scratch and I think I want to start with the pack. I need a ultra light bag that is going to minimize weight being put on my spine. Good hip belt, and probably a wire frame might be the way. I have seen some obscure Japanese brands that allow you to build a pack from the ground up. Before the Injury I was thinking about the Durston kakwa for longer trips (7-10 days) and the wapta for short (1-6 day)trips. These may not be a option for me any more. Maybe I need to go for a “heavier” pack that has more support and just go stupid light with my other gear.

I would really appreciate some help picking apart this problem. this season is probably cooked for me anyways, not going to push it or put weight on my back for another 6 months probably, but I refuse to give up on backpacking. I was planning on doing the PCT in 2026, and I don’t want to abandon that goal.

Thank you for your help. :)