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	Foot Repair Kit

See the Film Canister Chapter for more instructions, hints, tips, and ideas.

While hiking or backpacking it is very important to take care of your feet. After all, that is your only form of transportation. Keep your feet dry. Put on clean, dry socks every day. Use two socks to minimize blisters and keep your feet dry. The inner sock should be a thin polypropylene, the outer sock a thicker sock made of wool or a synthetic material. Cotton holds moisture so it is best to avoid it.

You should stop for a few minutes every hour for a rest. On you first rest break, take off your shoes and socks. Examine your feet. Are there any red spots? Any spots that are tender? If so, put on a piece of moleskin. Put your socks on carefully, smooth out any wrinkles, and then put on your shoes.

Listen to your feet. Whenever they tell you they are uncomfortable, do something about it. Stop and take off your boots. It may take nothing more than readjusting your socks or taking care of a rough spot in your boot. If it is more serious, take off your socks. If you have a hot or tender spot, put on a piece of moleskin. If you have a blister, you need to put a piece of moleskin on it, but you don't want the moleskin to stick to the blister. There are two ways to do this. 1) Cut a hole in the moleskin to fit over the blister or 2) put some salve on the blister then cover with moleskin. You may need to use several layers of moleskin to build up the area so the blister doesn't rub anymore.

Powder is a nice touch for feet. It helps keep them dry. If you have problems with athlete's feet, use an anti-fungal powder. Otherwise, many recommend Gold Bond™.

You might want to make a small shaker out of a film canister. This will take up less room than the original container.

You might also want to take an emergency kit on your hike, just in case.