Thanks guys. I'll definitely look into getting some of those for my boots. They'd served me well in ice and snow up until now, but they betrayed me.

As for the lens hood, I typically have it on, but I packed light this time around. I won't be doing that again.

Brant, I took a better picture of the crack and highlighted the hairline part of it, barely noticeable unless you have a bright light on it.