Boots are one of the most important things that you’ll purchase for a backpack hunt. Unlike items that can be borrowed from your buddies like a jacket, optics, or a rifle, boots are a personalized item that’s going to fit everyone differently.

Here are 3 tips to finding the best boots for a backpack hunt:

1. Find Boots that Fit You

There’s no single best brand of boots. The very best boot is the one that fits your foot. A Kenetrek will fit your foot different than a Scarpa and a Lowa won’t feel the same as a Meindl. There are a lot of great boots out there to fit many different shapes and sizes of feet. We recommend trying on a number of different boots until you find one that fits your particular feet best.

2. Wear Your Boots Before the Hunt

A quality pair of boots shouldn’t require any break-in period. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear them before your hunt. Get into your boots and put some miles on them before your hunt to make sure there aren’t any issues. If there’s a problem with blisters or a bad fit, you don’t want to discover it when you’re on your hunt.

3. Don’t Forget Quality Socks

The best boots in the world won’t perform properly if you’re wearing your old cotton gym socks. Give your boots a sock they deserve and buy a few pairs of high quality merino wool socks. A merino sock will help keep your feet in good condition on a backpack hunt. They move moisture away from your skin to help avoid blisters and they resist odors even after days of use.

Before your hunt this season, be sure to settle any boot questions well before your hunt. A bad issue with your feet is something that can ruin an otherwise memorable hunt.