[pct-l] Socks

[wandering_bob@xxxxxxx (wandering_bob@xxxxxxx)]

--
[ Picked text/plain from multipart/alternative ]

Ah, d agony of d feet!  Note I wear boots, not running shoes.

Definition: 1 change of socks =3D 1 pair coolmax (or equivalent) boot socks=
 + 1 pair of polypropylene (or equivalent) liner socks.

Definition: Changing socks =3D remove both boot and liner socks, hang on pa=
ck to dry, massage feet, put on dry (not necessarily rinsed and dried) boot=
 and liner socks.

I carry 4 changes of socks; three for hiking and 1 for use only in my sleep=
ing bag at night (or for real emergencies).

I have found a way to avoid blisters that works for ME.  I stop and change =
socks every 2 hours if I'm going mostly level or up-hill. That reduces to e=
very 30 - 60 minutes if I'm going downhill. Why? Going downhill, my foot is=
 moving in my boot much more than in the other scenarios. Motion --> fricti=
on; friction + moisture =3D blisters. Another reason - it forces me to take=
 breaks, look around, eat, check my map, and generally not try to walk myse=
lf into the ground in a vain attempt to cover high mileage (I average 22 mp=
d). Where appropriate, I combine meals with sock changes.

Socks are rinsed whenever nature makes water available; washed once a day w=
ith soap and water. If the latter fails, the smell keeps the skeeters and b=
ears at bay.

Wandering Bob