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DeeHiker
03-13-2008, 13:48
Hi Ladies,
I'm trying to make a decision about new hiking boots. I want to order the Vasque Wasatch GTX women's boot at REI. It says they are midweight for light to moderate backpacking loads...short to moderate trips. I will probably have a 25-30 lb. pack weight and be out for a week at a time.
What is your opinion? Do I need to go to a boot made for a heavier load or would this one be good enough.

Also, I like the Merrell Phaser Peak boot, but it says not for pack weight over 20lbs.

Help!

quasarr
03-13-2008, 14:05
Does that 25-30 lbs include food and water? If so, then you probably don't need boots at all. I hike in sneakers and it works just fine! Hiking in shoes rather than boots is a delight for me. There's the old saying that a pound on your feet is like five on your back. Well it may be an urban legend, but after switching to shoes my legs tend to be less tired.

If you have foot or ankle issues you may need the boots. Otherwise, boots are a bunch of hype! Trail runners should be fine for loads less than 30 lbs or so. :D