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Rather than lengthy travel overseas or costly vacation rentals along a popular beach, you have decided to try an outdoor vacation. From the many choices of outdoor vacations available, from kayaking to authentic dude ranches, you have opted for a simple hike through a beautiful forest or wilderness. Depending on the location, you may simple get in the car and drive to a nearby state park or forest after which you will find yourself amidst beautiful scenery away from the nearby urban environment.

So, after a few hours you have been on the trail and decide to make your way back. You have several miles to go, but realize you have blisters. This can turn an enjoyable hike into misery.

Blisters result from the friction between your sock and skin and, therefore, the inside wall of your boot. The best hiking boots and socks can even allow for slippage of the foot inside the boot, that which can lead to potential for blisters caused by the painful friction.

A good pair of socks can help minimize this problem. Though cotton, silk and wool are some of the more common materials, hikers today have a variety of choices. When combined with traditional materials, Lycra and some polyester materials can do a good job as well.

Other features of socks are important to help reduce this slippage and friction also, and the new construction methods in socks are contribution much. For instance, thicker sections and a lack of ridges can help socks reduce the friction. Their thermal properties and moisture-wicking capabilities also help improve the general environment around the foot inside the boot.

Your selection of a proper, quality hiking boot can also contribute to minimizing the possibility of friction and, ultimately, blisters. Yes, many stiff hiking boots will loosen somewhat as you wear them, but it really is important to find a boot that fits right and is comfortable right away.

If you decide to remove your boots during the hike and slip them into a cold creek, be sure to dry your feet off completely before re-booting. Also, make sure there are no ridges on your sock and gravel inside the boot.

However, if you still feel a blister forming, remove your boot and use some water to rinse off the area. Disinfect the area with anti-bacterial cream or alcohol if you have it. Then, puncture it horizontally by using a clean, disinfected needle and squeeze out the fluid inside. Do not tear off or remove the skin, but rather place a bandage over the area to serve as an 'artificial skin' until it heals.

Once at home, treat the area better with Benzoin or another anti-bacterial cream. Though not in ever case, you may need to cut away the flap of skin but only if a good portion of the skin has become loose. Otherwise, it will fall off or decay on its own.

As you see, selection of you hiking gear is important. Be prepared so you can enjoy the entire hike from beginning to end!