I just kind of went through this and agree with
@kyler1945 . I have a day pack from cabelas, and can fit my SRT rope (45 ft Canyon IV), hand ascender, safeguard, tether, linemans, and any other gear I need/want for the hunt, and I can strap my platform to the pack. Its an extremely small package and doesn't weigh too much. I went out hunting last season without a tree in mind, just checking out a new area that I'd never been to and figured if I found good sign I'd climb there. After walking all day with that pack, my shoulders killed!
This year, I invested in a Badlands Vario system. The 33 Bag, the day pack, and the meat hauler. I do have plans to go out west, I do plan to pack out my deer this year if I'm deep in the woods because dragging sucks, and I do want the ability to pack in my winter gear without tying it to outside of my pack. Does it all weigh more now because of the pack? Yes, it probably all weighs in the 20-30 lbs range now. Does it carry way better because of the waist belt and the load lifters? Yes!
I try and preset when I can, but if I want to scout around and find hot sign to hang above, I need that comfort. The Cabelas pack is now my scouting pack for the preseason, where I just have my throw ball, line, and paracord for preset loops. If when hunting I decide I don't want to climb, or I have to go to a new unfamiliar area and may not climb, I can remove the badlands day pack from the frame and just use that for a lighter option.
A proper pack makes all the difference! It might be heavier, but if it carries better and is more comfortable, then it's worth it for the few extra lbs.