This is the hiking gear that makes the cut!

[@zachlandry3368]

You should get LL Bean Crestas, they are a super rugged leather boot that definitely meets your needs in terms of Danner and also has a modern design while still using old school materials on the upper. I hiked with them for years, very durable upper and long lasting sole with very aggressive tread the perfect vibram rubber. EDIT: Also the Sawyer Mini filter is highly unreliable, most seasoned thru hikers use the full size filter. It already gets clogged very easily, the mini just makes it happen sooner

[@AbouttheJourney]

Those Crestas do look nice. I'll have to give them a closer look. Good to know about the filter. I just have it as a "just in-case" while I'm out on day hikes and haven't had to use it yet, but I do plan on doing a few backpacking trips this summer, so I'll have to look at their regular sized filter. Right now, I have a Katadyne, the 90's version with the ceramic filter (heavy) and I'm looking to shed some weight. Thanks for the advise, and thanks for watching! ~ Mike