Keep Your Feet Happy & Healthy on the Trail | Preventing Foot Injuries Backpacking

Footcare is one of the most important things to keep in mind when doing an extended backpacking trip. Anytime you get on the trail you risk injury to your feet and it's the most common ailment on the trail. That being said, we want to minimize the chances of your injury and discomfort, so in this video we're looking at the best ways to keep your feet happy and healthy on the trail.
Got any footcare tips? Leave a comment below!
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[@MrButterpantz]

Leukotape on hot spots. Wrightsock dual layered...wool outer with poly inner. Salomon GTX 4D mid boots. Cheapo Aquasocks for water crossings. Enbrace these and your back will give out long before feet ever do.

[@BackpackingTV]

Great advice!

[@zacenns5744]

Keeping silica gel packets from dried foods like jerky and throwing them in your boots and socks at night, or when not being worn does a great job at drying things out in humid environments.

[@BackpackingTV]

great recommendation!

[@martink8080]

I find double socking, a thin liner and the medium outer is a great combination. The liner takes the moisture away and gives it to the outer to evaporate. Also, any friction will happen between the socks, saving the skin. If a hot spot still develops, hikers wool is my go to. Tear off a small bit and apply it to the skin. When the liner sock is pulled over it, it stays in place without the patch sticking to the skin

[@paddle_hike]

Good advices! Thanks for sharing :)

[@rodrigosilveira4360]

Excellent video! Tks

[@zakkmiller8242]

I feel like proper foot care is the bread and butter of anybody wanting to hike. You are relying on your feet for absolutely everything! I havent done too many hikes or camping trips but when I start, im going to go way out of my way to make sure my socks and shoes are the best I can get because if your feet are done, you arent hiking anywhere!

[@tonymartens2332]

I prefer the mid weight socks. Totally agree I use nothing but darn tough socks, the best.

[@BackpackingTV]

So comfy!

[@michaelputnam7223]

I like darn toughs, but I use injinji toe socks as well and have had awesome results

[@jimaikmanokc]

great video - useful info - thanks - i always use thin Coolmax liners with medium to heavy acrylic / wool socks - agree on Darn Tough and have had great success with Thorlos TKX Treking Socks as well. Your thoughts on the Darn Tough Coolmax socks?

[@BackpackingTV]

Darn Toughs are some of my favorite hiking socks, so yeah!

[@zakkmiller8242]

You and Dan Becker should open up an online school or a quick educational course for all the different types of camping or hiking. Like an official course that covers it all!

[@tom_walsham]

So helpful!!👌Thanks

[@BackpackingTV]

Glad to hear it!!

[@jimkovarik482]

What is your opinion on sock liners?

[@pruff5072]

I'm assuming if one decided to lance a blister, they could: prep the blister with an alcohol swab, prep a sewing needle by hitting it with a flame to kill bacteria, lance and drain the blister, apply a bandage to it until dry, then use a moleskin for protection?

[@BackpackingTV]

Exactly right!

[@samknox1]

Best to use an alcohol swab for the needle, as well. A flame can deposit small carbon particles that might find their way into the blister and cause irritation.

[@dotty7789]

I actually find that my feet hate being sweaty so much that they get unbearably itchy. So bad that when I lived in Florida as a child, my feet would be covered in scabs. I'm now in New England and my feet are much happier. I find that if I wear shoes/boots when it's over 70° I get that itchiness. Sandals only from June to August for me.

[@j.lizbardo]

In addition to your video I suggest the following: 1. The absolute best to keep your feet dry is to put a carefree protector as your inner sole. Change them at least daily. This translates into carrying less socks. And it is a better funtional solution, although it is waste. (You still have to hang dry at least a pair of socks on the back pack. 2. Boot sole hardness is also very important. On the one hand, the softer the sole (snicker soft) the more your feet will feel the ground. Thus, it is very tiredsome because this increases hotspots, not to mention feet fatigue. On the other hand, the harder the sole your joints and leg muscles get tired and boot weight becomes an issue. Finding the personal sweetspot for this is A expensive (number of boots you buy) and B a risk (you don't want get to thailand and find out your choice wasn't good). I my self buy a semi-stiff soles on "Asolo" (high cost) boots or low cost well broken in army boots (meaning jogging at least 6-12 miles before to identify preasure points or probable hotspots). Happy trails

[@TheWhitefucks]

Talcum powder

[@Floki1624]

Friends, I'm 39...was born with bilateral club foot...had surgeries and feet are straight but my left foot is completely flat with a slightly offset heel (to the left). I struggle finding hiking footwear/insoles. Does Anyone have any insight? I've tried Asolo Goretex boots with superfeet insoles and my left foot was gashed within a mere 20 miles of a 100 mile trek...wrapped in moleskin, I finished the hike but it took aprox 2.5 years and a podiatrist to heal the wound. Thanks to anyone, in advance.

[@somethinghere52]

I'm Early!😀 Edit:Oh nevermind..

[@yomarnunez2285]

We’re u serious about the body being good for drying ur socks while outdoors. Hope u get back to me before I try it😅

[@luciusgarvous]

Yes. Put them inside your clothes. Especially close to arteries so they get hot

[@mommy25bunnies]

Dry socks, feet in a bread bag...

[@etherealceleste]

wool, wool, wool, allergic to wool, what now?