Driftwood Outdoors: All in the boots

Protecting your feet is important when hiking

Backpacking is more complex than throwing a tent, a sleeping bag and some Ramen Noodles in a pack and hitting a trail.

If you're going to cover a number of miles and stay out for a night or more, you must consider the essentials - food and shelter - but you should also consider the quality of the rest of your gear. For an enjoyable backpacking experience, comfort is king.

When I first started backpacking, I had no idea how to properly prepare for an extended hike with extra weight on my back. After many blisters, lacerated shoulders, and enough chigger bites for one lifetime, I've learned a few lessons.

In my opinion, a backpacker's most critical piece of equipment is their boots.