View Full Version : Hydropel
ChinMusic
11-12-2008, 16:08
I've been using this stuff for a couple months with GREAT results. I was waiting until after my recent trip to post about it.
I have had problems with blisters/hotspots for years and years. I've experimented with all kinds of stuff. Some shoes/boots make a difference. Some socks (combinations) make a difference. But still, I have had to battle blisters with tape on a common basis.
Then I tried Hydropel and the blisters/hotspots were gone, as if magic.
I just did a trip from Amicalola to Neels Gap. I wore trail runners (New Balance 806s) and one pair of wool socks (Icebreaker but I think Smartwool would have been the same). We had rain most of the day on Friday so my shoes/socks/feet were pretty soaked.....still nothing....not a blister, not a hotspot, never had to apply any tape. When I took off my socks my feet felt dry. Any moisture was beading up. The Hydropel was working as planned. I reapplied the Hydropel every morning and after the 40 miles my feet were still in perfect condition.....not even a tender spot. I was shocked.
This hiker is sold on Hydropel......
Isn't that what Speedgoat Karl was using?
ChinMusic
11-12-2008, 16:49
I had heard of it prior to Karl, but after reading about it on his thread I started to look into it closer.
I had used Hydropel on a few dayhikes and one weekend hike prior to Amicalola-Neels. I have been blister-free even with wet socks, it is amazing stuff.
Does it keep your feet from "pruning up" in wet conditions?
Kerosene
11-12-2008, 17:26
Does it keep your feet from "pruning up" in wet conditions?Hydropel (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/hydropel.html) is supposed to avoid "maceration (http://www.yourdictionary.com/maceration)" of the feet, although I'm not sure it will keep them from from pruning at altogether.
ChinMusic
11-12-2008, 17:29
Does it keep your feet from "pruning up" in wet conditions?
I only encountered real wet conditions for about 5 hours on Friday. My shoes were still damp for most of the next day too. For that amount of time my feet had no pruning and actually felt dry. I would think it would be similar for longer periods of wet as long as you kept reapplying every day.
Thanks. It cured your blisters.
Maceration is a fine word. But not involving feet.
No Belay
11-12-2008, 17:54
Did you notice a sliding around feeling in your socks? I tried another product called "Miracle Feet" and I felt like I was walking on silicone. It kept my feet dry but when I stepped into the shower I slid around like a freshman at a Wesson oil party.
Seems a little high dollar but I guess you get what you pay for.
Kerosene
11-12-2008, 18:18
Maceration is a fine word. But not involving feet.Not my word, blame Ryan Jordan in his product review! :D
Thanks for the tip - I just placed an order and will advise results.
Hydropel is a really great product which I've been using for 18 months. I find that for the very best results apply it the day before a hike begins, then reapply every morning on the hike. I've hiked in the rain for days on end with wet feet and never had a blister in those or any other conditions. One time I did a test by going on a three day hike without it and had the beginning of blisters by the end of the second day. One tube should last close to two months.
How about the "pruning" factor?
How about the "pruning" factor?
At my age, how can I tell the difference?:-?
Is Hydropel only available through BPL($20 seems steep for a 2 oz. tube)? Is it similar to Bodyglide, which I have effectively used to prevent blistering and cracking of my feet in hot conditions?
Is Hydropel only available through BPL($20 seems steep for a 2 oz. tube)? Is it similar to Bodyglide, which I have effectively used to prevent blistering and cracking of my feet in hot conditions?
Hydropel is available at other sources, but at close to the same price. ZombieRunner has it for $2.00 less per tube.
See review
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/reviews/display_reviews.html?forum_thread_id=4587
http://www.mandatorygear.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=326&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1&vmcchk=1
$16.95
Hydropel is available at other sources, but at close to the same price. ZombieRunner has it for $2.00 less per tube.
See review
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/reviews/display_reviews.html?forum_thread_id=4587
Thanx!
http://www.mandatorygear.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=326&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1&vmcchk=1
$16.95
Thanx, again!