Benzoin + duct tape = no blisters

There are about as many blister fixes and preventative measures out there as there are folks who get them, but a good one is easy and fast to apply in the field, uses readily available not-too-exotic materials, and stays put for a long time under the twists and sweat of hiking. Blister prevention can be done with just two items: tincture of benzoin and duct tape. It’s best to add the tape before a blister develops, but this can work on a developing hot spot, too.

Benzoin is a brown liquid that looks like iodine, which toughens skin and makes it very grippy for tape. I always have it in my first aid kit. Put a few drops of benzoin on a fingertip, rub it over the area to be taped, and wait about 2 minutes for it to dry. Rip off some duct tape, and smooth it over the benzoined area. The benzoin will make the tape grip on your sweaty feet, and the surface of the tape provides a low friction surface to stop blistering. How to best carry the benzoin? Excellent question. See the next tip!