How To Deal With Blisters On The Trail

When doing long distance or multi-day hiking it is important to make sure that you have the proper protection for your feet.  Not only can blisters become an annoyance they can also lead to infection or put you at higher risk of parasites depending on where you are hiking.  The obvious first step to avoid blisters is to make sure that your hiking shoes are comfortable, broken in, and not rubbing on your skin.  Also if at any time you feel warmth in one isolated section of your feet pay attention to it, because that is the first warning sign that you are getting a blister.  There are several ways to head blisters off at the pass before they become a factor for your trip.  First if you can make sure that you are not walking in any wet shoes or socks.  While keeping your feet dry all the time on the trail may be impossible because you might have to ford rivers, it is sometimes best to pack a water sock or pair of sandals to change into on the trail so you can keep your shoes dry in your pack.  Secondly there is a really good anti-blister product out there called mole skin.  It is this padded felt patch with adhesive on one side that you stick on the part of your foot that is getting a blister (experiencing isolated warming) also it works on areas that have already developed a blister and makes it more bearable to walk on and can help keep the skin together and from shredding on the trail.  Now because mole skin usually comes in a sheet you will need a knife or something to cut it to the right size (of course make sure the area is as clean and dry as you can make it before applying).  Also each type of mole skin has a different thickness and that means when walking it will feel different on your feet or in your shoe so you might want to try some of it on before you go to make sure your mole skin doesn't make you uncomfortable.  In general the Dr. Sholl's brand mole skin has some of the thickest padding,  which means more comfort but a larger bulkier mass to deal with in the shoe, and the generic store brand ones have the thinnest.  Try on a few and see what balance works best for you, trust me if you get a blister on the trail you will thank yourself for it.