Backpacker's Gear School: Prevent Blisters

Backpacker editor-in-chief Jon Dorn explains 5 field-tested techniques for eliminating the three main causes of blisters: heat, moisture, and friction. Learn more from Backpacker's Gear School in the March 2007 Gear Guide, and at www.backpacker.com/video.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Backpacker
• magazine
• blisters
• boots
• feet
• health
• survival
• hiking
• adventure
• jon
• dorn
• wilderness

[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

[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

[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?