Blister Kit Suggestions

For those of you how have followed my blogs over the past you know the importance of good foot care.  Proper preparations before the race are important and can not be discounted.  However, what you take to the field with you in support of your stage racing endeavors is also critical.  One needs to have sufficient supplies to get to the finish while not carrying extra weight (or relying on the event medical staff as long lines can be expected).  Through my experiences I have come up with a list of items for your "Blister Kit" that you may find useful and yet not to onerous.  Learn how to use them before you get to the field!

In a 6.75 x 6 in. LOKSAK bag I carry the following

0.5 oz hand sanitizer (I prefer this since it can also be used for hand sanitizing as well as foot sanitizing before blister surgery.  Empty out half of a one ounce bottle or bring 6-8 alcohol prep pads)
1 oz tube triple antibiotic (or bring 4 single use packets)
1 ea small disposable nail file (if you like, cut in half or into thirds)
6 packets  2Toms blister shield powder or your favorite lube
4 ea Band-aids
2 ea 18 gauge x 1 inch hypodermic needle
6-8 ea Tincture of benzoin  swabs or ampules (be sure to double bag these in case one breaks!)
4 ea Tape adhesive remover packets
3 ft 4" Rocktape brand Kinesiology tape (for back taping to prevent pack chafing)
6 ft 2" Rocktape or Strength Tape Kinesiology tape (for heals, foot bottom, etc)
3 ft 1" Strength Tape Kinesiology tape (for toe ends, note you can split 2" in a pinch, just bring more)
1 ea Leatherman "Style" multitool (great little scissors and nail file, also doubles as your knife)

Blister Kit Contents

This should be enough supplies to totally tape up at least two and most likely three times. You may want to down or up size various items based on your needs. The above numbers will most likely have some left over to help out your less informed tent mates - you will be an instant hero!

Blister kit 2013 MDS

 Total weight less the multitool is around 5 oz (140 grams) but well worth it!

The nightly Foot Party at Grand to Grand 2014

I should take a moment to comment on the my multitool of choice for stage racing - the Leatherman Style.  This little wonder has everything you need packed in an ultrasmall (no bigger than a key) package including:

1. 420HC Knife
2. Spring-action Scissors
3. Flat/Phillips Screwdriver
4. Tweezers
5. Nail File

I have mine tethered via its small ring to my front pack so it is readily available.  As you can see three of its capabilities directly support foot care including scissors, nail file and tweezers. Very inexpensive too.

Leatherman Style - the perfect stage racing tool

Leatherman Style and tether (top)