Hi, just wondering if any of you have recommendations for a product to put on feet to reduce pruning/maceration from having wet feet during the day. Apparently Hydropel is no longer made. Bonnie's balms, climber's salve, anything else? Thanks!

I didn't know there was such a thing. I just take off my portage boots and wet wool socks and put on my Keens. My feet seem to return to normal pretty quickly....

Forget the salve. Who wants that greasy stuff all over your feet? Unshavenman nailed it. Do your wet foot portaging, then when you get to camp, get into dry shoes and socks. If you have some sandals or similar, let your feet dry that way. You’ll be fine.

Dale-

Some time ago, there was a post on Andrew Skurka's website about the Bonnie's Balm problem and there were a bunch of other options in the article and comments.

We have always used just foot powder before putting on our dry shoes/socks.

When on a safe spot I like to sun dry my feet at lunchtime.

Never used anything. I just rinse off any dirt, then dry them with a bandana, air dry as long as I have patience, and into dry socks and shoes. On super long 30+ day long trips I used to get a touch of athlete's foot so I carried ointment for that.

Gold Bond foot powder works great....just remember its not the same as baby powder....DOH!!

I keep my feet dry all day. Guess that's not much help answering your question, but an alternative.

+1
Running shoes with wools socks on the wet foot. Crocs in camp.

My foot problems were reduced significantly when I paid more attention to my socks. I make sure every pair I take on a trip are in top shape... no areas where they are starting to wear thin. I also wear sock liners ... similar to this sock liner

DaleLL: "Hi, just wondering if any of you have recommendations for a product to put on feet to reduce pruning/maceration from having wet feet during the day. Apparently Hydropel is no longer made. Bonnie's balms, climber's salve, anything else? Thanks!"

The active ingredient of Hydropel was Dimethicone 30% in petrolatum. Dimethicone is a silicone -based polymer so, it works as a lubricant to prevent chaffing. The petrolatum component served as both carrier and moisture barrier. If Hydropel worked for you, you should be able to find several products that include dimethicone though, you might not find 30%.

To reduce pruning/maceration look for "Moisutre Barrier" in the name or description. While anything including "Petrolatum" works, you might consider using a Diaper Rash product as they often include Zinc Oxide 5% up to 40%, or skin softening agents like Lanolin. While these product feel a bit like over-kill going on, you will appreciate that at the end of the day.

When it is cold I dry foot with chota hippies and boots, when warmer I go with merino wool socks and water draining boots from New Balance that will be mostly dry by the time the portage is over. Then dry socks and footwear when in camp. Good foot care is important and the occasional wrinkly condition usually comes out with a little drying off and some time in the sun or when colder up by the fire in a thick sock. Massaging the balm into my feet after a long day can feel pretty good to both feet and hands who also got a workout.
To keep the feet soft year round I use a balm made by Ideal and intended for dairy use. If feet are particularly dry or I've been on them a lot they will get a rub with Fruit of the Loom Vitamin E cream. I had been using it and when my partner was recommended to use it while getting radiation treatment I took that as endorsement. Cheap at wally's.

Everybody's feet are different, thus different shoe sizes. But like others have said changing into dry socks and shoes at the end of the day seems to do the trick.

PineKnot: "Gold Bond foot powder works great....just remember its not the same as baby powder....DOH!!"

Always try to take the medicated powder. Works well for me.