FOUNDATIONS

To me there are two foundational pieces of equipment  that I won't skimp on. It is an immutable fact for me. 
Packs. I won't buy light weight junk packs. All ultralight  packs are a joke. The only way they work is if you are carrying under 20 lbs. All the people on the trail have had these on. Most of them are beat to hell and will be tossed at the end. More stuff that ends up in the waste stream that won't decompose. The little gear that people can put in them is minimal. All thir clothes they have are being worn except for a warm layer and maybe a rain coat. If things go bad weather wise they are in big trouble. 
People need to realize that their poor choices which put them in danger endanger other people. I have enough gear with me to deal with an emergency. I have enough medical training to help myself as much as I can for minor to major issues as long as I am conscious.  Most people on the trail have limited experience in dealing with a personal emergency. And they are even less equipped to deal with one. Relying on emergency services in rural and wilderness areas involves a lot of time. Putting yourself in a dire situation also puts first responders in a dangerous situation also. People  don't need to get injured  or die because of others poor planning.
I use a McHale Alpineer pack. It is 30 years old and like new. Its custom made for me. That's all Mchale does. There are a couple pack makers out there. 
Boots. Most people are using only running shoes for the trail. They constantly have wet feet, and some end up with trench foot. Average is 3 pairs of shoes on the trail. More stuff in the waste  stream. They also complain about sore feet. 
I use La Sportiva hiking boots for my hike and so did Tarren. Ive had great luck right out of the box with fit and comfort. I'm using Ultra Raptors. They are nylon upper with gore tex. Ankle high for support and help with wet conditions. 
I also am using custom insoles I made in a clinic at a Masterfit clinic. My feet NEVER are sore at the end of the day. This is one of my best pieces of equipment I have. I also use them in my ski boots and street shoes. Definitely a game changer. 
These two things are what gets me through the day.

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