Backpacker – August 2019

f it the bi l l. A s for socks, the thick, cushioned
ones I usually hike in would absorb too
much water. I opted for thin, merino-and-
nylon socks.
My shoes felt heavy as I emerged from
the first crossing. Instinctively, I started
to unlace them to dump them out, but what
was the point? More crossings awaited.
I’d braved solo trips in bear country and
dodged rattlesnakes and ill-tempered feral
hogs—surely I could ha ndle a little water.
We splashed through creek after creek.
Plowing straight through them was fun
and let us cover the miles faster than if we’d
stopped to change footwear. I crossed my
fingers for the survival of my feet and ram-
bled up the trail.
After pitching our tents and building a
fire, we removed our shoes and held our
feet to the f lames. The skin was pruned and
cla mmy, but there were no blisters—yet. My
planning seemed to be paying off. But sores
were only the first of my concerns. I knew
that prolonged exposure to moisture could
lead to a funga l infection ca lled trench foot.
Before slipping on fresh socks for sleeping, I
rubbed Gold Bond on my feet. Dry and snug
under my sleeping quilt, I started to doze.
That night, a thunderstorm rolled in.
Harsh winds and heavy rain battered my

tent and drenched the landscape. In the

morning, the air hung thick with humidity.

I smeared more anti-chafing goo on my feet

and slid into a dry pair of socks. Then, I put

on my cold, sogg y shoes and started hiking.

“How are your feet?” Glenn asked. Our

pace was brisk as we headed down from

Clingmans Dome on a section of the AT.

“They don’t hurt at all,” I said. By now, my

inherent fear of blisters was subsiding. I

was more than halfway through the hike

a nd hadn’t felt so much a s a hot spot.

The next morning, we booked it the final

6 miles to the trailhead and emerged from

the Smokies blister-free. I can’t say if it was

the lightweight trail runners, the end-of-

day Gold Bond, or the a nti-cha f ing ointment

that made the difference. I like to think it

was all three—and remaining vigilant about

my feet throughout the day. Either way,

there a re more sogg y hikes in my future.

Skill

School

PREPARE

FOR THE

PLUNGE.

Choose quick-dry footwear.

Waterproof boots aren’t your friends

when you’re up to your knees in water.

Thin, breathable trail runners dry out

much faster.

Pack extra socks.

Always bring at least three pairs of

quick-drying socks. Hang wet socks on

the outside of your pack during the day.

Embrace skin care products.

Rub Body Glide or Chamois Butt ’r on

your feet each morning to minimize

friction. A coating of end-of-day Gold

Bond helps absorb any remaining

moisture, especially between your toes.

With a diligent foot care routine,

wet-feet hiking is sustainable, even for

long-distance treks.

Listen to your feet.

When your body gives you feedback,

take its advice. Tend to hot spots

immediately. Dry and clean your feet at

the first feelings of itching, pain, or

numbness, which can be indications of

trench foot.

We hiked with wet feet for nearly 30 miles

and our feet didn’t fall apar t. Sog g y shoes felt

uncomfortable at first, but splashing through

creeks like wild animals was liberating.

PASS

THE VERDICT

FUEL FOR EVERY ADVENTURE

BEFORE.

DURING.

AFTER.

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