I would like to know if anyone is using a product that is similar to Hydropel for their feet? The cost of this stuff is truly amazing.

On a side note, does anyone have a "recipe" for making their own Hydropel?

On a side note, does anyone have a "recipe" for making their own Hydropel?Back engineering! Starting with a product then trying to find ways to duplicate it, as opposed to backasswards engineering which is... oh, never mind. Let's say I've done both.

According to Backpacking Lite (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/hydropel.html), always a good source for chemical composition information, the components of hydropel are 30% dimethicone with petrolatum and aluminum starch octenylwhatsisname.

Dimethicone, aka polydimethylsiloxane, I'm somewhat familiar with. It's a silicon oil approved by the FDA for skin contact. And, son of a gun, there's even somebody out there (http://www.snowdriftfarm.com/silicone_use.html) that will sell small quantities. "Small" being 8 ounces, which will make close to 30 ounces of 30% lotion.

Petrolatum is just petroleum jelly. Aluminum starch whatever is a modified starch. As a first try I'd substitute corn starch.

For quantities of petroleum jelly & corn starch you'll just have to play around. Throw it all in a blender for a few minutes then spend an hour cleaning the blender. Good luck.

Some net search reveals aluminum starch octenylsuccinate is derived from wheat.

How about a substitute?
http://tinyurl.com/c7vwaw

http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/images/fs/large/5042812896.jpg

http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=460177&productId=460177&navAction=jump&navCount=0&no_new_crumb=true

Hos,

Have you tried the CVS Intense Relief? Does it work as well as the Hydropel?

Are there any other products already on the shelves that work as well as Hydropel or that do the smae job at a reduced price?

Hydropel is expensive but one tube lasts a LONG time. I haven't even had one hot spot, let alone a blister, since I started using it. I would have to read multiple reviews of some other product before I would even consider switching.

Cost per use of Hydropel is pennies.

No I haven't tried the CVS brand cream. I searched for a product with similar ingredients and it came up. I'm not too sure about the "colloidal oatmeal" , but as long as it isn't gritty I would assume it's about the same.

Next time I'm in CVS I'll buy a tube.

In may opinion, the Hydropel stuff is entirely too expensive.

Heck, I've got a partial can of "Bag Balm" in the garage I'd try before shelling out almost 20 bucks for 2 oz of Hydropel.

In may opinion, the Hydropel stuff is entirely too expensive.
I agree.

But.

I've had blisters. I know what miserable feet feel like. To me Hydropel is worth WAY more than the price they charge. 25¢ per day (over estimation) for comfortable feet is a no-brainer.
YMMV

DWM, I will never drink a Margarita or Daiquiri at your house!
Oh, the wonders of modern chemistry.


Have you tried the CVS Intense Relief? Does it work as well as the Hydropel?

Are there any other products already on the shelves that work as well as Hydropel or that do the smae job at a reduced price?

Might want to consider Body Glide. It works for me to help prevent blisters. Preventing blisters should begin with finding the most suitable breathable proper fitting shoes and using high wicking socks and a possible sock liner to remove moisture away from the skin.

From what I've read, mostly on BackpackingLight.com, Hydropel is best suited for your feet and is especially effective at keeping your feet from debrading when your feet are wet for days at a time. Body Glide and Sport Slick work well to prevent chafing, and can be used on your feet in a pinch.

From what I've read, mostly on BackpackingLight.com, Hydropel is best suited for your feet and is especially effective at keeping your feet from debrading when your feet are wet for days at a time. Body Glide and Sport Slick work well to prevent chafing, and can be used on your feet in a pinch.
This is my personal experience as well. Body Glide just didn't cut it on the feet. Body Glide works great on the upper-inner thigh, and other "places", but since I discovered Under Armour long boxers I don't need it as much.

. . . . Heck, I've got a partial can of "Bag Balm" in the garage I'd try before shelling out almost 20 bucks for 2 oz of Hydropel.
Don't use Bag Balm to try preventing blisters! It will actually promote them, as it is used to soften skin---specifically to sooth irritated (not from friction) cow's udders. A lot of us learned this the hard way doing long-distance cycling. Softening your crotch and butt, then putting them on a bike seat and pedaling 50 or 100 miles is a recipe for serious pain and blistering! The same goes for your feet or anything else you're going to put to similar use.

In short: Decreasing friction, good; softening parts subject to friction, bad. . . .

Word.

Don't use Bag Balm to try preventing blisters! It will actually promote them, as it is used to soften skin---specifically to sooth irritated (not from friction) cow's udders. A lot of us learned this the hard way doing long-distance cycling. Softening your crotch and butt, then putting them on a bike seat and pedaling 50 or 100 miles is a recipe for serious pain and blistering! The same goes for your feet or anything else you're going to put to similar use.

In short: Decreasing friction, good; softening parts subject to friction, bad. . . .

Word.

Thx for the heads up. Nothing like the voice of experience, eh?