Every time I've gone on a long weekend backpacking trip, I've used my above-the-ankle boots. My buddies and I normally pack for a bit of comfort, with 40 pound packs, each. My problem: with uneven terrain, the stresses and strains that protect my ankle seem to slightly transfer to my knees. I own a couple of pairs of low hiking shoes that are made of the same type of tread, lug, waterproof-breathable membrane and leather as my boots. Just posing the question to the backpacking community: Who uses hiker lows on short backpacking trips? What weight is your pack when you use lows?  ... View more