If you live where you can get to a real mountain shop, or even an REI you will find that boots/ shoes for the mountains have evolved a great deal in the last 5 years. Light, anatomically correct, waterproof and tough are all available in 1 boot but you have to try them on to insure proper fit. For me , if not in snow or very wet I really prefer trail running shoes specifically the Altra Lone Pines. I do not carry a pack of >25 lbs.
mike r
