[pct-l] 2008 PCT thru hike Blisters

[jeff.singewald at comcast.net]

Another view re: thru-hike blisters...

In 2006, I was able to make it through my entire through hike without a single blister.  Some of my observations were;

Pre-hike training - I hiked nearly 400 miles in the 2 months prior to leaving Campo.  All mileage was completed in the same type/model shoe that I used for my entire hike.  This allowed me to fine-tune shoe-size, lacing techniques and the decision to use or not to use additional inserts.  I believe it also did toughen up the feet a bit and allowed my body to understand what it meant to hike 20+ mile days.

Socks - Find a type of sock in advance that you are comfortable with.  For me it was the double layer Wrightsox.  Very thin double layer.  I carried 3 pair on the trail and changed three times daily.  These 3 pair usually lasted about 500-600 miles before I replaced them.  Talk about how the trail changed my life; today, Wrightsox are the only sox I wear.  I even figured out that I can buy the dark grey and wear with my business suits!

Shoes - If you can afford it, replace your shoes when the shoe begins to deteriorate.  I used Brooks Trailrunners (still my favorite trail shoe) and I bought 5 pair in advance of the hike.  Rather than wait for the shoe to deteriorate badly which can definitely create abnormal wear and blisters, I decided to change out more frequently.  Well worth the cost.

Foot care - Take time to care for your feet on trail.  Soak them at every opportunity and wash the dust and debris off whenever possible.  With all the water caches along the trail, you should have no problems keeping your feet clean!  Just kidding folks, don't get fired up!  Seriously though, while Switchback may go overboard with pedicures and such, the idea of proper footcare is critical.

Just a few random thoughts.

Elevator




-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Bill & Cathy" <tahoe.cat at verizon.net> 

"How's Your Trail"?  I've learned over that last few years to wrap my feet before I start. I use Athletic tape from the 99C store.One strip across the ball of my foot, wrapping a half inch or so around on top. This takes care of any hot spot that I used to get. Now no problem. Remember "Be Prepared" Ground Pounder Bill "Semper Fi"
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Phil Baily 
To: chris probst ; pct-l at backcountry.net 
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:43 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] 2008 PCT thru hike Blisters


Some suggestions:
        --- Use two socks; a liner and a hiking sock. Buy your shoes/boots with these socks on when you try them on in the store.
        --- Stop and tightly tie your shoes before starting any downhill.
        --- Whenever you feel a wrinkle, stop immediately and straighten it out; don't push through the annoyance.
        --- Carry moleskin; use it on "hot spots" or reddening skin.
        --- Carry lambswool; use a small piece between your toes when there is any irritation.
        --- Run and walk a lot beforehand to toughen your feet, preferably in the same shoes.
I have found each of these useful in the past. When your feet toughen, you can get by with none of the above. However, you do want to avoid pain as they toughen.
Enjoy hiking,
Pieces



At 02:21 PM 2/25/08, chris probst wrote:

hi my name is chris probst and I am curious as the best way to go about not getting blisters. I am planning on thru hiking the pct this year starting in Campo on the first week of may. any tips would be greatly appreciated!


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