You guys that don't use a Safari sling are missing out. It is the best of both worlds. It is much more comfortable because it goes across your back. The rifle is in your hand, as if it weren't on the sling, but you don't have to hold all of the weight. If you need to make a quick shot (rare for me) you just lift the rifle into position and shoot.
A few years ago, I carried a 10 lb rifle in CO while hiking over the continental divide each day. It was o.k., but would have been nicer with a lighter rifle. I finally bought a Browning Mountain Titanium, that weighs 5-1/2 lbs. With Leupold 3x9 and homemade Safari sling, it weighs 6-1/2. It is a joy to carry. My hunting buddy fondled it at the range and bought himself one just like it.
I've fallen and banged my rifle and scope many times, and amazingly it has always stayed on target. Last time, it was on black ice on a rock after an ice storm. The rock looked normal to me. Hit hard enough to crack the pistol grip on my rifle. Still made the shot.
Last month I went on two aoudad hunts with with a 26 year old kid and a 46 year old. At 69, I could almost still keep up, but it was tough. Ibuprofen is a God send. It isn't my muscles that fail me, it is the joints. Not a lot to be done about that.