It's pretty ironic you make a thread about 'getting back to basics' then tell us you've got tens of thousands of dollars wrapped up into gear.. I don't even have close to that amount tied up, including the boat! LOL!
Salomon 4D GTX.. These will be my next hiking boots. My current pair of Salomons have lasted me 4 years of humping through the bush with 100lb packs. Great ankle support, waterproof, etc.. Well worth the $$$..