[pct-l] need some help

[elee at microsoft.com (Eric Lee (GAMES))]

JoAnn wrote:
>
I leave in two more days for a four day trip in Section O (where it is
hot as hell) and would like some feedback. Is a 30-35 pound pack too
heavy a load for 'running shoes'?  I have a very 'beefed up' pair that
feel the best of all my out door shoes/boots but I am afraid of leg/foot
pain due to too much weight.
>

I don't know how anyone could give you a definitive answer to that
question.  It totally depends on your personal body mechanics, how in
shape you are, and probably a lot of other things.  The only thing other
people can tell you is, "I tried that and it worked for me," or "I tried
that and it didn't work for me."  It's really hard to say what that
means for you.

One thing is for certain - the more weight you carry on your back, the
more support you need on your feet in order to keep your overall risk of
injury the same.  But how much more?  That depends on the person.

If it were me carrying that much weight, I'd probably wear boots, but I
don't have the strongest ankle joints to begin with so I tend to wear
(lightweight) boots even with my 13.5 pound pack.  Yes, I suck.  <grin>

Have you actually tried this combination of pack weight and footgear
before, even on a long dayhike?

Eric