I use both and determine which by weather, terrain and activity.  Admittedly I like donning my low cuts most of the time.  I would advise you get good “trekking or hiking” specific shoes.  Too often I see low cuts that are really around town walkers, and off trail they break down fast and loose support when wet. I switch to my full height boots when the snow and muck are at there best, When I scrambling over unknown terrain, where banging my ankles is common, and when stability is effected by blind placement. As noted by others weight of carry is a factor.   ... View more

I just weighed my CDT big three: just over 6 lbs; Osprey 48L pack at 2.625 lbs, Black Diamond Distance Tent at 1.98 lbs, Western Mountain Versalite Sleeping bag at 2.16 lbs, a mummy silk bag liner at 0.26 lbs and a Thermarest Prolite Apex air pad at 1.39 lbs for a total of 6.325 lbs. These are all well used and very comfortable!  ... View more

This is all very relateable and helpful! Thank you! We'll be looking at our vast treasure trove of underutlized equipment and then probably making some choices and maybe even going shopping. Great tip about the 28L backpacks! ... View more