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Post by hikerjer on Jan 12, 2016 10:59:07 GMT -8
I know some who like duct tape on sensitive areas. Whatever works. Interesting you should mention that. I generally duct tape my heels when cross country skiing. I usually don't have trouble with blisters but there seems to be something about the action of lifting my heels off the skis when skiing that tends to give me blisters on my heels. Duct tape seems to go a long way in preventing that. On my last cross country ski, I forget to tape my heels and ended up with some pretty good blisters at the end of the day. Mind you it was a very long day and that could have well contributed to the problem
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Socks
Jan 12, 2016 11:03:32 GMT -8
Post by Coolkat on Jan 12, 2016 11:03:32 GMT -8
I know some who like duct tape on sensitive areas. Whatever works. This worked like a champ for me for years until one day I developed a reaction to duct tape. It was a sad day.
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toejam
Trail Wise!
Hiking to raise awareness
Posts: 1,795
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Socks
Jan 12, 2016 11:29:33 GMT -8
Post by toejam on Jan 12, 2016 11:29:33 GMT -8
I use medium-weight Darn Tough socks for most hiking. I think Smartwools are warmer than Darn Tough so I take those for colder conditions.
I use athletic tape for blister, splits, etc.
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Socks
Jan 12, 2016 11:46:13 GMT -8
Post by High Sierra Fan on Jan 12, 2016 11:46:13 GMT -8
Another using athletic tape, works well for small tarp repairs as well. Less so for sleeping bag shell rips, but pre-tenacious it served.
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Socks
Jan 12, 2016 14:19:02 GMT -8
Post by williamh4 on Jan 12, 2016 14:19:02 GMT -8
When you're talking about using tape, are you actually applying the tape directly to your toes, ankles, etc.? Obviously, I've never done it and want to be sure I do it correctly if I have to. I guess you would have to apply directly to those areas as I don't know how else you could use the tape.
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Socks
Jan 12, 2016 14:26:47 GMT -8
Post by High Sierra Fan on Jan 12, 2016 14:26:47 GMT -8
First aid manuals tend to have drawings.
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Socks
Jan 12, 2016 14:37:46 GMT -8
Post by williamh4 on Jan 12, 2016 14:37:46 GMT -8
First aid manuals tend to have drawings. Easy enough to Google. Lots of good pointers on how to apply and what kind of tape to use. As much of an outdoor person as I am, I never had to deal with blisters on my feet (plenty on hands). I'm sure my experience with Backpacking will be different though. Hope my boots and socks fit well enough that I won't have to use tape, but sounds like many of you, even with your experience choosing boots, still use tape.
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Socks
Jan 12, 2016 14:44:19 GMT -8
Post by High Sierra Fan on Jan 12, 2016 14:44:19 GMT -8
Actually the best treatment is when you feel a hotspot, IMMEDIATELY sit down and deal with it. Remove debris, straighten the sock, retie the laces etc. A blister is failure. For blisters I like to use the Secondskin range of products. I never use tape prophylactically, just occasionally to widen the area under some sort of protection to reduce the edges of the real treatment from lifting., adding more stuff to wrinkle inside my sock just seems wrong.... www.rei.com/c/skin-treatments?r=c&ir=category%3Askin-treatments&page=1and/or Moleskin www.walgreens.com/store/c/dr.-scholl's-moleskin-plus-padding-strips-4-5/8-inch-x-3-3/8-inch/ID=prod6067956-product The key being rounded corners and a very even application with no wrinkles, repeat, NO wrinkles.
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Socks
Jan 12, 2016 15:14:18 GMT -8
Post by Coolkat on Jan 12, 2016 15:14:18 GMT -8
When you're talking about using tape, are you actually applying the tape directly to your toes, ankles, etc.? When I was still using boots, from experience, I knew where I'd develop blisters. So I would apply the duct tape directly to those spots before I even started the hike. It would stay on for days with no issues. If this is true I have failed many many times. I have an odd shaped heal and could always count on getting blisters so I just took care of it before hand.
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Socks
Jan 12, 2016 15:27:36 GMT -8
Post by High Sierra Fan on Jan 12, 2016 15:27:36 GMT -8
Haven't we all.
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mk
Trail Wise!
North Texas
Posts: 1,217
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Socks
Jan 12, 2016 15:38:31 GMT -8
Post by mk on Jan 12, 2016 15:38:31 GMT -8
The key being rounded corners and a very even application with no wrinkles, repeat, NO wrinkles. That's why I use kinesio tape. It's stretchy and moldable. Goes directly on your skin -- but before the skin is compromised. It sticks really well to warm, dry skin and might not come off for a couple of days. I found duct tape to work, but it wasn't flexible enough and it gets really nasty after a bit.
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tigger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 2,547
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Socks
Jan 12, 2016 16:45:19 GMT -8
Post by tigger on Jan 12, 2016 16:45:19 GMT -8
There are certain times where no matter how good my boots, I would get blisters if I didn't put something on my feet to help protect them. Sidehilling off-trail is brutal on my feet and on warm days in rough terrain, it's just going to happen unless I protect my feet. Scree field can be harsh on feet.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Jan 12, 2016 16:51:45 GMT -8
Sure but being aware so you can stop immediately and deal with the issue before the blood soaked sock can be wrung out is what I was highlighting. Usually hotspots don't have to turn into blisters.... is my thought.
ETA: I mean I can't count the number of beginners I've helped hobble slowly out on bleeding feet after they'd tried to just "tough it out" until either a regular break or the end of the day. On occasion really messing with the trip enjoyment for everyone else.
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Socks
Jan 12, 2016 17:40:18 GMT -8
Post by hikerjer on Jan 12, 2016 17:40:18 GMT -8
When I was still using boots, from experience, I knew where I'd develop blisters. So I would apply the duct tape directly to those spots before I even started the hike. It would stay on for days with no issues. That's the way I do it. Seems to work pretty well most of the time.
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