fonixmunkee wrote: I'm actually stumped as to what to get this year. I know I need new boots, but I'm completely unsure of what brand to buy. Any suggestions for me?

My current pair are La Sportiva FC ECO 4.0. I have to highly recommend them. Great ankle support, comfortable, and excellent waterproofing.

One that I'd love to visit but realistically most likely will never make it to is Aniakchak in Alaska. Takes wilderness and solitude to an entirely new level.

Tom, thanks for making the point about trail skills, that made me think of another question I should be asking: Is there anything I should do ahead of time to prepare in the skills/knowledge department, seeing as I'm a first time backpacker? Photographically, I had originally thought mostly landscap...

I'm planning my first trip to I.R. and would like some input from the group regarding my trip. I am looking to plan my trip to take in the solitude and beauty of the island, and I also do some freelance photography work and am hoping that I will be able to get some beautiful prints as well. As far a...