Can't say that I will be ready for the Rockies but the hills around here aren't an issue at the moment. I have been SLOWLY working to get in shape. Daily pushups and situps. Each day I have also, hiked, biked or kayaked...sometimes 2 of the 3. Nothing has been for extended periods, just taking my time. I don't want to peak before September. I will start to rev it up beginning in August.
I have a lot of my gear now. The Kuiu 4000 pack is nice and I put a 50# bag of corn on it for a hike up Mt Athens. Packing 50# is a learning curve!