Blisters

I didn’t get blisters when I hiked the Appalachian Trail, so I wasn’t very concerned about them when I started the Pacific Crest Trail.  I soon found out, however, that one of the major differences between the two trails is the temperature of the trail tread.  Most of the AT is shaded, so even during heat waves the actual ground temperature remains relatively cool.  Most of the PCT, at least in Southern California, however, is exposed to the sun.  As the heat of the trail seeps into your feet, they become blister prone.  Also, the dusty conditions probably don’t help any.

Preventative measures for blisters include, airing out and washing your feet and socks regularly, and changing your socks if they get wet.  If you feel a hot spot, cover it with duct tape, unless you discover that a blister has formed.

A thru-hiker named Pockets taught me a very effective way to treat blisters if you wish to keep hiking on them instead of stopping for a few days to heal.  Simply thread and sterilize a needle, push the needle through the base of the blister, and tie the thread into a loop using an overhand knot (see pictures).  The thread will wick the fluid out of the blister, and the raw skin will be protected by the dead skin as you walk.  Work the thread back and forth at the end of each day to keep the punctures open.  The blister will begin to heal in about 30 hours.  Do not cover a punctured blister with duct tape or the anaerobic conditions will foster infection.

Puncture the base of blister.

Thread the blister.

Tie thread into loop.

Healed blister one week after treatment.  Cut and remove thread.