---
title: "3 Ways to Avoid Blisters While Hunting"
description: "Hike far enough and hard enough, and eventually, you'll like feel hotspots form on the bottom of your feet, which can turn into painful blisters. Once those small bubbles begin to form, they're tough to stop, and putting one foot in front of the other can become excruciating. Thankfully, there are ways to stop blisters before they happen. Materials like medical tape and moleskin can create a buffer between your skin and socks and boots that reduces the likelihood of hotspots even forming in the first place. Here are a few thoughts on what type of materials might work for you, and small selection of some proven products."
date: "2019-09-27"
modified: "2021-04-20"
authors:
  - name: "The Editors"
    link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/the-editors/"
url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/3-ways-to-avoid-blisters-while-hunting/"
categories:
  - "Gear"
tags:
  - "Evergreen"
  - "Gear Reviews"
---

# 3 Ways to Avoid Blisters While Hunting

![](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/27/NZEO6DYH4QQ37KI3YCYMNZYOOU.jpg>)

Blisters can stop a hunt in its tracks. Whether on your own feet or those of a partner, a simple hot spot can quickly turn into a debilitating injury that takes days to heal. No medical kit should be without some sort of blister treatment, and there are at least a couple of things you can do to minimize the possibility of being derailed by unexpected abrasions.

### Tape Blister-Prone Areas

The pads of toes, back of heels, and balls of your feet are all high-friction points prone to blisters. If you know you are susceptible, don’t wait for the dreaded hot spots and saggy, baggy skin to emerge. Cover vulnerable areas with standard [medical tape](<https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003MWUKI0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=camdenxodl-20&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&linkId=d05882a4d82205195e26e56d874e5302&language=en_US%2F%2F>) before hitting the trail. It works wonders to prevent blisters from developing in the first place.

### Wear a Liner sock

A simple liner sock wicks moisture away from your skin while also providing [a barrier](<https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TMABSC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=camdenxodl-20&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&linkId=d4304ee3a5aff7c57d1aba602027b654&language=en_US%2F%2F>) between your feet and the coarse fabric of thermal socks. If you have a problem with blisters, try a pair of silk or synthetic liners on a weekend hike first before committing to wearing them on a multi-day hunt.

### Moleskin for Mileage

If you do suffer a blister, it’s time to break out the [moleskin](<https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079ZLC22D/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=camdenxodl-20&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&linkId=e2ae2d8a6a8f7e0ba9c0c81a7b7caa46&language=en_US%2F%2F>). A mere hot spot can be covered with a single layer of moleskin to keep it from getting any worse. But if the blister has already erupted or even burst, try a disc of moleskin with a donut hole cut in it to provide separation between skin and socks. That prevents further irritation while allowing the wound to breathe and dry. If that is not enough, add a second layer of moleskin.