When it comes to packing light and packing smart, happy feet are the key to happy long-term travel. Backpacking is supposed to be carefree, but it can take a toll on the body. Whether you are exploring the capitals of Europe, eating your way through Southeast Asia or relaxing in tropical paradise, always make sure your feet are as happy as possible.
The best kind of travel is that which keeps going, and you’ll be needing happy feet for that. After all, the most sought-after paradise is the next one.
Most backpacking adventures involve a tremendous amount of walking. Even lazing on remote beaches takes a little bit of work to reach that elusive state of carefree bliss – cold beer in hand, of course – beneath an umbrella. Unless you are a hobbit, the best socks and shoes need to be in your backpack.
Foot care is an afterthought when packing and preparing for a trip, but blisters and sore feet will easily slow a traveler. With a little preparation, it‘s even easier to ensure you never have to worry about your feet.
Here’s how to prepare your feet for backpacking:
**No one has paid me to endorse any of the products below. (I wish someone would. That would make travel blogging a hell of a lot easier!) I only recommend what I personally use.
Contents
Happy Feet Means the Packing the Best Travel Socks
There is no single item of more importance in your bag when it comes to backpacking. Socks can make or break your day and determine whether you are a happy or grumpy backpacker.
The first rule when it comes to socks is simple: bring plenty. Socks are not heavy and should not take up much space. If you’re trekking in the Himalayas, your socks will take up more space; otherwise, think practically when packing for your feet.
The second rule of socks is to wear comfortable socks that will last. Seems like a no-brainer, but the top brands are not necessarily sock specialists. These companies put their logo on a crappy product that is comfortable for a short time. Put a little thought into keeping your feet happy. Backpackers find themselves in peculiar places, many of which won’t have adequate replacements for cheap mistakes. Not to mention, some of us wear larger sizes than are available in many parts of the world.
The third rule of socks is to choose something that is easily washed and dries quickly. I’m sorry to report that you may not have access to washing machines on a regular basis. And those goofy pineapple socks we all love so dearly need to stay home. A practical backpacker is a better backpacker.
As mentioned in part one, consider what sort of activities you’ll be doing on your trip. For me, it does not matter. Whether it’s hiking, biking or wandering a new city, I am an avid wearer of Balega socks.
I bought my first pair of Balega socks over ten years ago. That first pair is still in use, free of holes, foul odor and still comfortable.
Since purchasing this pair of socks, I have converted my family to Balegas. My family, like most Balega fans, love the socks for running. They are the best running socks, but for a backpacker, nothing compares.
There are several sets of Balegas in my backpack, sometimes as many as ten pairs. Even for socks, they are lightweight. These socks fold up so small into the corners of my backpack, the volume is not noticeable and the weight is insignificant.
Balega makes a variety of socks, each with research and development designed for happier feet. My everyday favorites are the Hidden Comfort socks, for the lasting softness around my feet. However, when backpacking or hiking, the Silver and Blister Resist versions are unbeatable. The latter is designed to prevent blisters by releasing moisture and limiting friction, while the Silver has a cool technology that keeps the socks from smelling bad. When it comes to backpacking, anything that keeps clothes fresher is a welcome addition to my bag.
Backpackers are often seen washing clothes in showers and sinks. Balegas are easily washed by hand, an added benefit. You can wash a pair, go out for the day, and return to clean, dry socks. After six months in Asia, primarily hand-washing my socks, they remained soft and comfortable. The only occasions in which blisters appeared on my feet were on the days wearing no socks at all.
Socks are extremely important to sustaining a positive outlook during travel. The smallest of discomforts, such as blisters or sweaty socks, can quickly put a damper on a pleasant day. Packing high quality socks is an easy way to make backpacking more carefree and enjoyable.
Packing Travel Shoes
Choosing shoes for travel is a personal matter. For large humans like myself, packing shoes is about much more than fashion. Having made the mistake of packing a more stylish, easily-packed pair of shoes in the past, months of back pain taught me to be practical when it comes to shoes, keeping my feet happy and travel.
When it comes to what you are doing while traveling, shoes are important. Regardless of plans, bring a pair of durable, comfortable shoes. Walking is a major part of backpacking. A good pair of shoes is worth the investment. Make sure the shoes are broken-in before the trip starts, unless you wish to start off a long trip with blisters and aching feet.
Personally, I pack a new, broken-in pair of hiking shoes. My preference is the popular Merrell Moab Ventilator 2. The reasoning behind choosing this shoe is simple. It is versatile, adaptable for hiking myriad terrains or strolling city streets.
The Moab Ventilator is not heavy, looks simple and the sole lasts. My first pair (Ventilator 1) lasted for four years, from wandering in Europe to searching for waterfalls on the trails of the Pacific Northwest. My current pair of Merrells withstood several months of exploring Southeast Asia, keeping my feet secure and happy. The support remains good and the traction is still great after more than a thousand miles protecting my feet through jungles, cities and islands.
Choose the shoe that works for you. Versatility, durability and comfort is the goal and can be found with a little patience and personal research.
Unlike my socks, the only drawback to my Merrells – and most shoes – is that after wearing these daily for months, walking through mud, stepping in God-only-knows-what and sweating in Southeast Asia, the stench is unbearable. An entire room would be engulfed in minutes.
Happy feet should not stink up your travel experience – or anyone else’s. Smelly shoes are common in hostels, with many backpackers packing the same filthy, sweaty shoes. Unfortunately, not all hostels require shoes to be left outside of the room. Even then, if the odor is so strong you cannot take off your shoe on a train, plane or bus without everyone knowing, you have a problem.
The solution is simple: sneaker balls! For a few bucks, you can get a pack of sneaker balls to save the hostel from your shoes and yourself from humiliation. These air fresheners are perfect for travel as they are small and round and can also be dropped in your backpack to keep it from getting too musty as well. Don’t expect to find sneaker balls at any supermarket, so find a pack prior to departure.
Part three of the Pack Light, Pack Right series covers the little things your backpack needs.
What about extra shoes? Yes, an extra pair of shoes should be in your bag. As mentioned above, I am a large human and have larger feet. For this reason, when traveling, I cannot depend on buying a new pair in the next city. If your feet are more particular, prepare accordingly before backpacking thousands of miles from home.
Forget about wasting space with a cute pair of heels or the latest Jordans. Save these for the club at home, and think more practically.
An extra pair of shoes depends on the destination. Cold weather is not conducive to sandals, and packing is tricky with bulky winter clothing. An extra pair of simple sneakers works best. If the weather is mild or warm, Chacos are in my backpack. Chacos are sandals with adjustable straps, designed for being outside and keeping your feet cool. They have good support, solid soles and have great traction for hiking.
Lastly, don’t forget about shower shoes. A pair of flip flops will really prove its worth in hostel showers. Hostel cleaning standards – backpacker cleanliness, for that matter – are not uniform, so you’re going to want that extra protection between your feet and the bathroom floor.
Happy Feet Means Happy Travel
Happy feet are fundamental to fruitful and enjoyable long-term travel, and your feet should not be a cause for concern when backpacking. Packing light and packing right is the first step to ensure stress-free adventures on the road. A backpacker with good socks and the right shoes will travel longer, have happy feet and a mind at ease for the journey of a lifetime.
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