Hints and tips
Hints and tips
Thanks to all who have contributed. Authors unknown, but recognised.
Expeditions
- Wear two pairs of socks
The best method is a thin cotton/polyester pair next the skin and thick woollen on the outside. The thin socks will stick to your feet and the thick ones to your boots; any friction will be between the two pairs of socks and not on your feet so the heat can't build up and blisters won't form.
Make sure that boots are not too tight or it will restrict blood circulation and you could get frost bite in cold weather.
- Put talc on your feet
This will absorb some of the sweat and stop your feet from softening up or getting too hot, reducing the chances of a blister.
- Rub meths on your feet
Some people swear that rubbing a little meths or surgical spirit into your feet for several days before a hike will harden the skin, making it more difficult for blisters to form.
- Rub Vaseline on your feet
Sounds revolting but it works, it reduces the friction between your feet and socks so blisters won't form. However this is will wear off over a long hike and is only really useful in an emergency.
- Learn to treat blisters
If you do get one, know how to treat it. Check your first aid manual for this as it changes from year to year.
- Clean and proof your boots every time you use them
Just walking down the road will wear off the proofing. If they are leather then polish them, or for man-made fibres check the manufacturer’s instructions or use Scotchguard.
- Do not EVER dry leather boots near a fire or hot stove
If you do, the leather will harden, warp and maybe crack, which will make them uncomfortable and leak.
- Stuff wet boots/shoes with newspaper overnight to dry them out
In a emergency you can use toilet roll or dirty clothes.
- Don't wear Jeans or Denim
Denim holds water and takes ages to dry. If the weather is bad you will stay wet, get colder and colder and eventually you could suffer from hypothermia.
- Put your waterproofs on as soon as it starts to rain
Putting waterproofs over damp clothes will keep the damp in long after it stops raining.
- Get a good fleece
It will allow your sweat to pass out but will keep you dry and warm. As you get more experienced find out about how they work and how to get the best out of them.
- Co-ordinate compasses
Sounds silly, but make sure they all point in the same direction.
- Don't take a big bar of soap
Cut it down, or raid the bathroom for one of the little bars you get free in hotels. Similarly, take an almost empty tube of toothpaste.
- Artificial chamois 'leathers' make a good lightweight towel for hiking
Purpose-made green ones can be bought from 'outdoor' shops but cost a lot more.
- Pre mix coffee/dried milk/sugar in plastic bags before the hike
Cuts down container weight. Use zip lock baggies and put them in a bin when used up.
- Don't rely on mobile phones for emergencies
Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. You won't know where they do work until you go there.
- Recognise Hypothermia and learn to treat it
Check the current fist aid manual.
- Let someone know where you are and when you get there
Always leave a route plan with someone and tell them when you arrive.
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