Do you carry nail clippers on a long hike?

[LIhikers]

This is a question for those of you who have been out for thru hikes or loooong sections of any trail. Due most people carry nail clippers to keep there nails trimmed or is there another way to handle this problem I haven't thought of. I ask because the nails on my big toes are so thick that they can't be cut with a knife or scissors. At home I sometimes soak my feet just to make the nails easier to cut with nail clippers.

[oops56]

I use a small pair of wire cutters for my toe nails

[wrongway_08]

I carry nail clippers - small ones, easier then scissors.

[Pedaling Fool]

Yes nail clippers

[lunchbx]

I can relate to your problem and have yet to come up with a solution for long distance. I have exremley thick (healthy?) toenails that no ordinary little nail clipper can handle and trying to cut with a knife could spell disaster because of all the resistance my nail gives to being cut. I am reluctant to take a pair of those heavy duty clippers with me cause i cant justify the weight. Borrowing is also something that most people might find kind of gross. So here i am still stuck with the problem for a long hike. sorry i couldnt offer a solution but at least we can relate, hopefuly someone else can give us some insight.

[Marta]

Yeah, I carry nail clippers, although the little ones work just fine for me.

[warraghiyagey]

Definitely carry nail clippers.

[Jim Adams]

bounce box em.

geek

[The Solemates]

i carried a small swiss army-type knife...the one with one single 1.5" blade, scissors, toothpick, small file, etc. i used the scissors on it for nail clippers.

[4eyedbuzzard]

I haven't done enough long distance hikes in the past fifteen years to carry them, but when I did I took a pair of the big heavy duty ones - I have thick tough nails and they grow pretty fast, I need to clip them once a week while hiking. The little fingernail clippers just wont cut them.Two ounces or so of extra weight is nothing compared to the pain from jamming your toenails into the fronts of your boots going downhill.

[ChinMusic]

I carry small nail clippers for sure. I have found them invaluable in managing the skin next to the fingernails. If I don't keep those "hangnails" under control I tend to tear and those get sore.

[hammock engineer]

I carry them. They weigh in at less than .5oz. Start with them and figure it out from there.

[Nean]

I don't carry them but thanks for reminding me its time for a good clip.:eek:
I bounce mine BTW.;)

[Terry7]

I always carry clipers. You can use them when your in town and taking a shower.

[scavenger]

In the past ive bit my fiingernails and filed my toenails with a river rock works okay but its still its a good idea to carry clippers since they dont weigh much or take up any space. Though on the AT with every other hiker carrying some you can probably borrow them at a shelter.

[Heater]

I have thin nails but still carry clippers. Gotta have it.

[Rainbow_Brite]

I tried bounce-boxing them for awhile, but got really fed up with it. I never had them when I wanted them the most. So I just started carrying them, and I found that I was MUCH happier!

Sarah

[Bearpaw]

Absolutely carry them.

[brotheral]

YES !! Always, always have a small pair of nail clippers !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[take-a-knee]

The scissors on a Leatherman Micra do fine for fingernails (nail file also). Your toenails don't grow as fast so bounce boxing toenail clippers should work.

[AT-HITMAN2005]

i carry the little ones. but you can always bounce them. nothing worse than trying to hike with an ingrown toenail.

[jamarshall]

First time out, nail clippers were the one thing I didn't have and really missed. I kept beating up my fingernails scrambling around on the rocks. I always carry a little pair now.

[Pedaling Fool]

For really thick nail, can be obtained from any farm supply center.

[Blissful]

I did bounce nail clippers on the first part of the hike and made sure I cut every nail down while in town. But found out I also needed to cut nails falling off on the hike. So the scissor part on my knife was a godsend and worked pretty good.

[Spirit Walker]

Bounce box for toenail clippers. They're heavy!

[saimyoji]

Yes, carry a small pair. Most important thing to take care of: YOUR FEET. ;)

[Montego]

Yep, carry a heavy duty pair of toenail clippers now. Didn't use to and paid for my foolishness :D. I also use the attached file and the handle on them as a flat tip screwdriver for the tightning the adjustments on my external frame pack.

[YardSale07]

I carried the big toenail clippers on my thru-hike; I've actually broke a pair of the small ones on my toenails. :eek:

[nitewalker]

i carry the standard size swiss army knife. it has the scissor on it that works really well and if you want to get real fancy it has a small file you can incorporate into the pedicure:)... there is nothing worse than long toenails on a steep decent:(. i have seen people lose toe nails over improper care of the dogs:eek:.. i haven't experienced the toe nail lose yet but i have had sore toes at the top where the nail goes under the skin, tender toes:(.............peace out, nitewalker

[NorthCountryWoods]

Absolutely, carry em.
Never know when you need them, but it most likely won't be when your near the b-box.

Weird, my toenails grow faster on the trail, but my fingernails slow down. :-?

[Johnny Swank]

Loves me some nailclippers for long trips.

[unl1988]

Run a three or four marathons with bad socks an shoes that are slightly too small, make sure you don't clip your big toenails, and they will just fall off. No worries then.

[HIKER7s]

bounce box em.

geek


This is the way to go. You wont loose them this way also.

[ofthearth]

Has anybody used the nail clipper on this?
Swiss Clipper Red
16930

http://www.wengerna.com/browse/product.jsp?prod_id=10040&cat_id=1&cat_name=Knives&sub_cat_id=81

Price: $32.95
7 Implements / 8 Functions
Ergonomic handles
1.75" Pen Blade
Exclusive nail clipper
1.8" Springless scissors with serrated, self-sharpening design
Nail file
Nail cleaner
Toothpick
Tweezers
Key ring
Actual Size: 2.5"
Weight: 1.3 oz