Hiking boots
 

any advice on what to get?

I was really disappointed with L.L. Bean's boots, personallly.

You should be able to find Timberland and/or North Face clearanced this time of year.

I've got some that I absolutely love. I've put a couple hundred miles on them and they are still in great shape. But the brand name escapes me. I will try to remember to look at them tonight and see.

I had a pair of Merrell's for years but when I grew out of them in my late teens I picked up a lighter boot by Vasque that I love.

I have a pair of Vasque one-piece leather upper boots. They've been fantastic.

I'm partial to Columbia and Merrill. Salomon makes some really good low-top hiking shoes as well, although some of the lacing systems are less than stellar.