Been there, done that; my low gear is around 12", so it gets me gradually up just about anything, even with file cabinets or logs on the back. Mostly you just need to be determined. I look right at the hill and tell it "I'm putting you under me." Also, walking is, in fact, a more stable lower gear. Depending on the size steps you take, you can take it down as low as you need to, and you know you won't be toppling over if you just stop for a quick breather. Not that I've done that (too often).