I use the insoles from Dr. Scholls for plantar. They work great for a season or so and helped with that exact pain you’re talking about. Cheap and easy to replace. I’ve run them in La Sportivas, Mammut and Schnees.
Second the LaSportiva boots. The older Trango's were an all time favorite of mine until they were discontinued.
Mammut is what I replace them with, I believe I have the Kentos...great boot. They have been a good all around. Usually leather boots don't fit my foot, but I got a pair of used...
You’ve answered everything. I’m just trying to make sure there is plenty of room for 2 with a stove. It gets pretty wet at times in Washington and I want to make sure there’s enough space to get dry ish/warm with an 8 year old and gear. Leaning this route because I have a mountain smith shelter...
I did the bivy thing for awhile. I guess it depends on the weather you are hunting in. I live and hunt in the PNW where it tends to rain a bit. I found that a long night in a bivy in the rain in Oct is not awesome. By the time you take a tarp in to add some additional weather protection for gear...
Before I got a hunting specific pack I used an Arcteryx Bora with pretty good luck. You won't get the longevity out of it because they are just not meant for heavy loads.