HIKING

Many hikers and campers carry a pair of lightweight shoes in their packs that they can get out of their boots at the end of the day. A pair of running shoes might be just right. If you must wade across a stream, you can keep socks and hiking boots dry by taking them oil and wearing your extra through the water.

CARING FOR YOUR BOOTS

Hiking boots will last a long time if you take care of them. When they get wet. let them dry in the sun. High heat can melt nylon and harm leather, so don't put your boots too close to a fire. Remove mud and din from your hoots with a pocketknife or a stiff brush. Fabric boots shouldn't Hiking boots will last a long time if you take care of them. When they get wet. let them dry in the sun. High heat can melt nylon and harm leather, so don't put your boots too close to a fire. Remove mud and dirt from your boots with a pocketknife or a stiff brush. Fabric boots shouldn't require any other care. Treat leather with a boot dressing meant for outdoor footwear. Oils and waxes in the dressing will keep the leaterh flexible and help the boots repel water.

SOCKS

Hiking socks made of wool or a wool/ nylon blend cushion your soles as you walk and draw sweat away from your feet. Wear a pair of thin wool or synthetic-blend socks underneath your hiking socks. The inner socks will slide against heavier outer socks and take moisture away from your skin, reducing friction and lessening your chances of getting a blister.

Carry spare socks on your hikes. If your feet begin to tire, change into fresh socks and hang the used ones on your pack to air out and dry.