Creams and Potions
I particularly like Vaseline for treating hot-spots on my feet. I used to buy those tiny tins but I had a problem opening some of them from time to time so now I buy a bigger tub and replenish one that DOES open. I'm not so keen on putting it on my lips as I think it tastes horrible. For that I really like Blistex cream that comes in a little tube. It lasts for ages and tastes good. Although it does escape alarmingly when you squeeze the tube too hard.
Nikwax
As a wearer of Paramo clothing it goes without saying that I buy and use Nikwax reproofing stuff. However to save a bit of cash I wash my walking clothes in ordinary soap-flakes. These are becoming quite hard to find so I've built up a stock of a few different boxes from various supermarkets. The best were some called Granny's Soapflakes but I can't remember now where I bought them. They have to be swished up with some warm water to dissolve them before they go in the washing machine.
Nikwax for Boots
As I still have leather boots I do reproof them now and again with Nikwax leather reproofer. It's specially formulated (so it says) for Goretex and Event lined boots. It's quite easy to use although I would like a better spongy bit on the end of the bottle as it wears away before the liquid is finished. It doesn't seem to soften the leather like some other treatments do.
Whittards Spicy Teabags
I'm not sure whether it's still possible to get these Whittards teabags (I'll find out when the box is empty) but as soon as I start carrying a flask for a hot drink I start packing one of these bags in my lunch box. I can drink this tea with no milk so it makes it easy for using on the hill. Delicious!
GORP
I walked the West Highland Way some years ago with a small group and one couple from Chicago made their own trail mix from a delicious but unexpected mixture of Smarties and Salted Peanuts. I now copy this and add a few other nuts and dried apricots. It provides that instant bit of sugar and something salty that I need at the summit of hill! Just a small handful.....
{On the WHW}
Ok - now my mind has gone blank.....(not unusual I hear you say!) ......so I'll stop here.....
4 comments:
I suspect that if you are desperate to save weight, the vaseline and the nikwax may both do the same job. You shouldn't need them for your boots as it doesn't usually rain very much, but they may work equally well to treat the inevitable chafing!
I always understood "gorp" to stand for "good old raisins & peanuts", But I much prefer your smarties and salted peanuts - Shirley used to make that up too - always delicious. I must remember to make some before I go next time...
I suspect that most walkers wouldn't let vaseline anywhere near their lips for reasons not really connected to the taste...
Smarties and peanuts! Brilliant, that's one for the list.
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