There's certain little things people don't think about when it comes to preparing for a shitty situation. One of those things is being able to travel long distances on foot, with pack and kit.
I usually recommend hiking with a week's worth of supplies and kit on your back in order to condition yourself to the real thing. Starting off small with shorter distances, and building up until you can go 12-15, or even 20 miles with it on. One of the things essential to accomplishing this task is good footwear. A lot of fudds out there will buy Walmart boots thinking they're "just as good", and a lot of tacticool hipster types think they can do it all in their Van's. The truth is, neither of those guys is going 12 miles with a heavy pack on.
Don't skimp on your boots, buy something comfortable, with good ankle support, and you'll be thanking yourself later.
I usually recommend hiking with a week's worth of supplies and kit on your back in order to condition yourself to the real thing. Starting off small with shorter distances, and building up until you can go 12-15, or even 20 miles with it on. One of the things essential to accomplishing this task is good footwear. A lot of fudds out there will buy Walmart boots thinking they're "just as good", and a lot of tacticool hipster types think they can do it all in their Van's. The truth is, neither of those guys is going 12 miles with a heavy pack on.
Don't skimp on your boots, buy something comfortable, with good ankle support, and you'll be thanking yourself later.