Tips for keeping your feet dry

There is wet and then there is WET.

There isn't much worse in winter than getting your boots soaked through, your socks clammy cold and no feeling in your toes. So what can you do to prevent it?

When fall starts make it a point to sit down and clean your boots up. Get out a brush for boots, work all the dust and dried up mud out of the leather. Use a cleaner designed for the type of boots you have (be it leather or suede). Then use a Nix Wax treatement to restore the waterproof seal.

Now that your boots are back to looking new think about the situations you will be in. Will you be facing minor fords of rain swollen creeks? Wear knee high gaiters that seal over your boots, such as OR Crocs for women. The gaiters are not fully waterproof but they buy you time in water. Move fast and your feet will stay dry - the water will not go over your boot tops unlike without gaiters on. In snow and rainy conditions in off season gaiters are almost a neccesity. They protect your boots and also your lower legs. You will be warmer and a whole lot dryer.

What to do if you get a good dunking, your boots are soaking wet from the inside? Well.....while it isn't fashionable, carry 2 bread or produce bags with you, in your pack. Take off your boots, change your socks into a dry pair (yes, in winter you should have always have an extra pair of socks, even in your daypack!) then put your feet in the bags. Put your wet boots back on. It won't be the greatest thing you have ever done, the bags will act as a vapor barrier though and keep you dry and warm.

If you do a lot of winter backpacking or hiking you might also consider picking up a pair of neoprene socks, they cost about the same as a high end pair of wool socks but will keep much of the water away from your feet.

~Sarah