Backpacker's Gear School: Prevent Blisters

[bristolbadger]

To Megalo, what happened to your toenail sounds like the result of the nail being too long and rubbing against the inside of the boot. This happens mostly on descents and can be unnoticeable. The motion gently but persistently pulls the nail up slightly. Eventually if this carries on then it goes like yours did. Good fitting boots, snuggly laced so as to firmly hold the foot without pinching, thick socks, but most of all, really trim your nails close. Be careful not to go to short, and leave th

[MegaloMegaMan]

Last time i went hiking, the toenail on my middle toe of my right foot went all black afterwards, later it fell off. my boots feel fine, and its never doen that, but it was my first time hiking in a increadibly hot area (middle east) im going hiking there soon, and any tips on how to stop that would be much appreciated.

[JimmyGunXD556]

Wow...Duct tape never thought of that! Thanks. I have moleskin in case. Is that ok?

[Jodonism]

Is there a technique on how to rap your feet on duck tape?

How many layers of socks?

thanks

[zerekx]

Duct Tape!! 

[justyoustupid]

thin socks under waterproof socks

[kewldudesweet]

i usually poke my bliters with a pocketknife, let em out and keep going haha

[stretto94]

@kewldudesweet a recommendation is to put adhesive tape on the affected area after you so it so the skin doesn't fall away prematurely and that was it wont cause as much grief and never put gauze on it because it will only cause more friction

[sgtish]

If I know I'm going to hike a long way I usually put sport tape on the spots where blisters usually form before I start. Never thought about duct tape but the idea is the same. The tape protects the foot from the boot. Workes like a charm everytime, for me anyway. Even after a blister forms, the sport tape works but you must do the bad thing and drain it before taping it.

[95civex]

couldn't you add a tad bit of baking soda?

[CreamPie9uy]

I heard a few ex army guys talk about how they used to use a solution of potassium permanganate to toughen up the skin on their feet. It works good for treating athletes foot too.

[kwstikas82]

if you remove your boots after hiking your feet may swell. Do never remove your boots immediately. First wait 5 to 10 minutes with your boots on. Even better if you elevate your feet

[Rinny1976]

can you put the tape on before you start the hike.

[shredthegnarbrah]

That's what you're supposed to do. But if you don't know where your "hotspots" are, then you might want to walk for a bit until you can figure out the best placement for the duct tape. Mine are right where his are, btw, the heel and the pinkie toe, common spots.

[LOUIS1371]

U SUCK

[ridler2012]

Apply BodyGlide on your foot before wearing it. It will work even an ordinary deodorant will work...

[Saradarwesh]

can anyway please tell me how can i cure my blisters on my legs?? i cant fine any reason for these blisters :S

[Sniperdude33]

use antibiotics or if it has liquid in it buy a syringe and get the liquid out of it

[trex250]

If you buy a good name brand like Meindl you will never need to break in your boots. I have not had blister for over 20 years. My nr. 1 rule is to NEVER wear COTTON socks. So good boots and good hiking socks you will not get blisters.........make sure the boot fits properly!

[CreamPie9uy]

My boots took about 2 months to wear in properly. I used some nikwax leather conditioner to help soften them up a bit and I think it worked a treat. They are molded to my feet perfectly now but I went through a lot of mole skin and blisters before they got to a point where I could use them for a long hike.

[tc25d]

I agree with the idea of wearing your boots for a long time - at least 3 weeks before declaring them suitable for back country hikes. If they cause a blister - dump them.

[superbooks7]

I wore my boots for two months before using them on the backpacking trip.

[songseeress]

This is a good video in combination with the "fit your boots right", though I found this one to be a bit more useful. I wonder if there is a non petroleum based product similar to Sportslick...'course it's better than duct tape! Desperate times call for desperate measures!

[setfree2day]

I found this to be interesting.. ty for posting this.