i would go with the glacier. why get the makalu if your not planing on using crampons? the shank will kill your feet. i would take it down a notch for backpacking. check out the danner gtx, that would be a better call.

TC - The makalu is a great backpacking boot. I have owned mine for years. I doubt they will ever wear out and like BV stated they are crampon compatable. The only downside of this boot is that it is super stiff for a hiking boot, and it takes a lot of break in before really ready for use. Expect to put over 50 miles in before breaking in. Another boot that is worth looking into is the Trango. If I was buying a new pair of boots those are what I would buy. Plus they have a gore-tex liner (not that the makalu would ever let water in). The Trangos are also super light, something that I like whenever I backpack. www.backcountry.com/store/LSP0021/La-Sportiva-Trango-S-EVO-GTX-Mountaineering-Boot-Mens.html

This is a great boot and you can never go wrong with Sportiva, but the Scarpa SL M3 is probably one of the best boots i have ever worn. I have multiple friends that have worn it as well and praise the comfort and longevity of the boot. Either one is a great buy...hope this helped and didn't add to the dilemma. Also this La Sportiva is crampon compatible. Do you need that, that generally means a much stiffer boot. Just something to think about. Cheers.