The Hiker's Guide to Blisters and Hotspots
Avoiding blisters is key to an enjoyable day of hiking. This guide will give you the tips to avoid blisters and deal with them on the rare occasion one develops.
Prepare before a hike to prevent blisters
Preparing before a big hike is one of the best ways to prevent blisters. Start with shorter prep hikes to toughen your feet and allow your body to adjust to the rigors of the trail. Then when you embark on an epic hike your body and feet will be ready.
Choose your hiking shoes or boots carefully
A good pair of hiking boots or trail running shoes is one of the most important pieces of hiking equipment. Figure out what style of footwear works for you, then wear them to work, school and around home for several days to break them in. Never wear a new pair of shoes on a big hike, as this is the quickest way to develop blisters.
Invest in a good pair of hiking socks
The wrong socks are one of the leading causes of blisters. Choose a sock that fits well, wicks moister, and doesn’t have irritating seams. Never wear cotton socks, but instead select a synthetic or merino wool blend. We choose merino wool for the CloudLine hiking sock because, it is a natural material, wicks moister, regulates temperature, and is ultrasoft to prevent blisters.
Treat hotspots to prevent blisters
Even the most prepared and well trained hikers sometimes get blisters. Pay attention to your feet, if you feel a hotspot take steps to treat it immediately and you can avoid a full blown blisters.
Fresh socks, bandages, and footwear
A fresh pair of socks not only feel great, but they will be give your feet a fresh layer of protection and reduce friction. Changing your socks is especially important if your feet are wet from crossing a stream or your shoes are not breathing well on a hot day. You can place a bandaid or specialized adhesive blister bandage over the hotspot to protect the area and prevent a full blister from forming. If you have a second pair of shoes or camp sandals, you can also wear them for a while to give your feet a break.
Treating a Blister
Hikers have always debated whether it is best to pop and drain a blister or leave it alone. We believe that if the pain is keeping you from hiking, you should pop, drain and dress the blister.
Follow these steps for treating a blister and you’ll be back on the trail in no time:
- Clean the blister and surrounding area with an antiseptic wipe or soap and water.
- Sterilize a sharp knife or needle by holding it to a flame until it is red hot or you can boil for several minutes.
- Let the knife or needle cool and then make a small incision at the bottom of the blister. This will allow gravity to help keep it drained.
- Use an antibiotic ointment and dress the blister with a bandage or specialized adhesive blister pad. (If you have problems with the bandage staying attached, a strip of duck tape usually holds well)
Congratulations, you are ready to treat even the worst blisters! Now prepare for the trail with, our tips from a first time backpacker.
