[David]

I've settled on Saloman X Ultra 4 low height shoe in non-gore-tex. My feet get hot easy so I want the breathability of non-gore-tex. I'm planning to take waterproof socks in case I'm caught in a heavy rain storm.

I'll carry an Osprey Kestrel 38 backpack. It seems pretty comfortable and rides well on my hips and not on my shoulders.

I did buy poles but I'm not finding them useful yet. My wife uses hers but I think it just slows her down.

One concern I have is my hips and knees. I've ridden pretty aggressively my whole life and never had hip or knee pain but I'm starting to get some on my training hikes. Any suggestions? I was planning to find a good fitting knee sleeve to carry just in case but I've also heard of support bands for under the knees. Suggestions?