I have used the backcountries for what they where made for walking anywhere and doing anything from the hospital floors of UCSF to the rugged terrain of the trails and backcountry there is nothing these boots can't do.
The break in process has been a breeze for the super the leather is oily and supple I had next to no hot spots. They are as breathable as any other SB foot leather that's unlined. They are very rugged in terms of durability. Russel recommendation is to use Obenufes for conditioning the boots that what I have done I have cleaned them after muddy or wet hikes with saddle soap then I use the Heavy conditioner and weather shield to water proof the boots.
I would say the vamp is perfect in fit I have half a thumbs width of room and I have room for my toes to splay. For me adding the provided insole is good for long hikes comfort wise as well for me my fee shrink in the winter. So summer time I have camel city mill light weight wool socks on with and without the insert and during the winter I have red wing arch support med weight Wool socks. I will say the shaft is a bit roomy I dont have lady ancles by any means but I do tighten the laces able 1 1/2 finger width every other boot I've owned is about 2 fingers for comparison. I bought the ready ship ones so if you get the custom ones they will have you measure to “get a better fit” but I love the fit of them as is and would buy the same size again if I had to.
I love the way the eyelet and hooks are designed I normally have to box lace so I dont get a bit on my instep but with these I didn't have that issue same goes for the flexibility. They lock in my heel just right. I love the double vamp construction as it has provided me great waterproofness while going in shallow creeks and rivers. I love the hand lasted aspects of them with the toe stitch. You can tell these were made by craftsmen, not some mechanical device. I can say these are built to last generation.
So far after hiking about 100 miles in these boot as well as many more miles walking/traveling they are holding up well. They have great traction. I have only slipped once which was on a wet mossy rock that every boot I've worn as slipped but these boot where less slippery then others.
For $700 I would say they are worth more than money can buy. From the hand-crafted parts. To the ruggedness nothing beats these boots my hiking buddy is jelly of me because of the traction, look, and I wear these thing everywhere they feel like my moc I made with my grandfather. Those are pretty worn so then those go I'll be buying a pair of Oneida Mocs from Russel. When my son is old enough and if he can fit into this pair I will give him these and buy a build pair of back countries with a triple vamp construction like the south 40 birdshooters as well as get them in chocolate bison to match the false tounges. When you buy a pair of back countries you're not buying them for a lifetime. You’re buying them for generations.