Planning a multiday hike? Entered an 6-day ultramarathon? Going remote? You're going to need some really good blister gear. And you're going to need enough of it without having too much and weighing you down. It's a balancing act isn't it - between preparing for the worst case scenario, and packing too light, only to run out of something at the most inconvenient moment.
That's where the ULTRA hiking blister kit comes in. It's a comprehensive blister kit that allows you to cover every blister scenario over a lot of days. Use it to:
- Stop hot-spots from turning into blisters
- Treat the three different types of blisters
- Make blisters less painful and heal quicker
- Prevent blisters from getting infected
- Contain blister gear that is more durable than most
Our Best Blister Gear Compilation Is Called The ULTRA Blister Kit
Watch the video to see what's inside the ULTRA Blister Kit and how to use each piece of blister gear.
I've had the Advanced Blister Kit in circulation for some time now. It's a great kit. It puts some advanced blister gear in the hands of anyone who needs real blister management capabilities. I put this together to help people augment their standard first aid kit. It's a great kit for day trips.
But anyone who is taking part in multiday events, hikes, treks, expeditions or ultramarathons, they need something more. The Advanced Blister Kit just doesn't have enough blister gear.
Created on the back of 6 day ultramarathons
After researching the best blister kits on the market, providing foot care at several 6-day ultras and speaking to hundreds of Camino pilgrims who have covered vast distances in Spain, Portugal and France, I understand the items, quantities and capabilities needed. Plus, we've got some extra blister goodies for general foot care issues that are commonly encountered.
It's called the ULTRA Blister Kit. Now in their own light-weight double-zip space-saving compressible bags, each pack is 20cm x 15cm x 5cm (max) and weighs 248g (8.8oz).
The ULTRA hiking blister kit features
The ULTRA Blister Kit Contents
- 6 x Cutiplast island dressings 7.2cm x 5cm (sterile)
- 6 x "Joint" island dressings (sterile)
- 12 x "Finger" island dressings (sterile)
- 2 x Hydrocolloid dressing 6.9cm x 4.4cm (sterile)
- 2 x Hydrocolloid dressings 6.5cm x 2.5cm (sterile) *new*
- 2 x Hydrocolloid dressings 6.5cm x 2cm (sterile) *new*
- 4 x Engo large oval patches (7cm x 4.4cm)
- 2 x Engo small oval patches (5.1cm x 3.8cm)
- 1m Fixomull Stretch 5cm width
- 6 x Povodine iodine antiseptic swabs
- 2 x Skin Prep wipes
- 2 x 5 Cotton tip applicators (sterile)
- 2 x 5 Cotton wool balls or gauze (sterile)
- 2 x Scalpel blades size 15 (sterile)
- 2 x Hypodermic needles (sterile)
- 2 x Gloves (medium)
- 1 x Emery board
- 1 x Orthopedic felt sheet 15cm x 11cm x 5mm thick
- 1 x Poron/PPT sheet 15cm x 13cm x 2mm thick
- 1 x Gel toe sleeve - wide
- 1 x Gel toe sleeve - narrow
- 1 x Gel toe cap - narrow
- 1 x 2Toms BlisterShield powder sachet *new*
ULTRA'S Blister Gear Specifics
Various Island Dressings (24pcs)
24 island dressings
- Function: Protect the intact or torn blister roof; soak up blister fluid; prevent infection, maintain a moist healing environment for optimal healing.
- How to use: Cover any blister and ensure the non-adherent "island" covers the entire blister.
- Quantity: 24 island dressings ie:6 Cutiplast (or Primapore), 6 "Joint" and 12 "Finger" dressings.
- Shelf life/MSDS: Indicated on packet; Material Safety Data Sheet for finger dressings, joint dressings, Cutiplast / Primapore dressings.
- Note: All dressings are sterile, hypoallergenic and water-resistant.
Hydrocolloid Dressings (6pcs)
6 hydrocolloid blister plasters
- Function: Hydrocolloid dressings are used for the treatment of deroofed blisters. Similar to Compeed, they provide an ideal moist environment that promotes healing in low to moderately weepy wounds.
- How to use: Rinse the wound with saline or antiseptic. Gently dry the skin around the wound. Apply the dressing, and anchor all edges with Fixomull taping. When the hydrocolloid absorbs wound fluid, a whitish gel is formed. When this gel reaches the upper film surface, the dressing surface becomes marbelled or transparent. This is normal. The dressing is designed to be left on for several days. Change the dressing immediately if there is leakage from any edge, or if there is a suspicion of infection (increased soreness / redness around the wound).
- Quantity: *Now contains 6 hydrocolloid dressings* - pictured above
- Shelf life/MSDS: Indicated on packet; Material Safety Data Sheet.
- Note: Hydrocolloid dressings are sterile and odour proof. An odour may develop under the dressing and is normal. This odour will disappear when the dressing is removed and the wound is rinsed.
Engo Blister Patches
Engo Blister Patches for friction management
- Function: To reduce friction levels
- How to use: Apply to dry shoes, insoles and orthotics.
- Quantity: 1 x 6-Pack (4 large ovals and 2 small ovals)
- Shelf life: Material Safety Data Sheet
- Note: Do not apply patches to the skin. Full application details on the packet.
Fixation Tape
Fixomull stretch tape 5cm width
- Function: Use to provide a protective layer to the skin, or anchor paddings and dressings.
- How to use: Cut to length, round edges and apply to skin.
- Quantity: 1 metre x 5cm width
- Shelf life/MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet
- Note: Fixomull is a hypoallergenic, water-resistant and flexible tape with very strong adhesive properties.
Povidone Iodine Antiseptic Swabs (6pcs)
Povidone iodine swabs (aka Betadine)
- Function: Antiseptic (the most widely-used antiseptic).
- How to use: Wipe over any blister to disinfect the skin or wound.
- Quantity: 6
- Shelf life/MSDS: Indicated on packet; Material Safety Data Sheet.
- Note: Do not use if you have a known allergy to iodine.
Skin-Prep Adhesive Enhancer (2pcs)
Skin Prep adhesive enhancer
- Function: Adhesive enhancer. Use in cases of excessive skin moisture to maximise adhesion of tapes and dressings.
- How to use: Wipe swab over skin and allow to dry before applying tape.
- Quantity: 2
- Shelf life/MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet.
- Note: Contains alcohol so it will sting on broken skin. Use on unbroken skin only. Instructions on packet.
Cotton Wool Balls (Or Gauze) / Cotton Buds
Cotton balls / buds
- Function: Use to wipe away dirt and debris and to soak up liquid such as blister fluid or excess antiseptic.
- How to use: Gently wipe over skin.
- Quantity: 2 x 5 cotton wool balls (or gauze); 2 x 5 cotton buds
- Shelf life/MSDS: Indicated on packet.
- Note: Sterile and latex-free.
Scalpel Blades (2pcs)
Scalpel blades
- Function: To lance blisters.
- How to use: Use the pointy end to pierce the intact blister roof to enable draining of blister fluid.
- Quantity: 2
- Shelf life/MSDS: Indicated on packet; more information here.
- Note: Scalpel blades are sterile single-use items and must be disposed of in a sharps container, not general waste.
Hypodermic Needles (2pcs)
Hypodermic needles
- Function: Use a hypodermic needle to bore through your toenail if there is bleeding or blister fluid underneath it, to release the pressure.
- How to use: I know it seems a bit extreme, but this is an easy and safe procedure to perform yourself. You don't need to press as hard as you think. Just gentle pressure as you rotate the needle on the nail is all you need.
- Quantity: 2
- Shelf life/MSDS: Will remain sterile unless packaging is breached.
- Note: Hypodermic needles are sterile single-use items and must be disposed of in a sharps container, not general waste.
Gloves
One pair of gloves
- Function: Used to promote infection control and to keep hands clean when applying povidone iodine (brown liquid).
- How to use: Apply to hands before handling torn, deroofed blisters or povidone iodine swabs.
- Quantity: 1 pair
- Shelf life/MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet.
- Note: Gloves are powder-free, non-sterile and contain latex.
Emery Board
Emery board for filing nails and callouses
- Function: For nail care and callous exfoliation.
- How to use: Rub over rough nail edges or thickened calloused skin
- Quantity: 1
- Shelf life/MSDS: Not available.
- Note: Use with caution on skin – excessive exfoliation can damage skin.
Orthopedic Felt (5mm Thickness)
Self-adhesive orthopedic felt (5mm thickness) for donut pads
- Function: A bulky self-adhesive material commonly used to make donut pads to deflect pressure from a blister.
- How to use: Cut to shape, peel paper from back and apply to skin or footwear.
- Quantity: 1 piece (15cm x 11cm)
- Shelf life/MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet.
- Note: Bevel edges to ensure maximum comfort. Anchor edges to skin with Fixomull to ensure longevity.
Poron / PPT (2mm Thickness)
Poron/PPT for cushioning and shear absorption. Can also be used to make donut pads.
- Function: A durable cushioning material used to reduce pressure and absorb shear. Can also be used to make donut pads.
- How to use: Cut to size and tape to skin or footwear. Consider if one or two layers is necessary to cushion adequately.
- Quantity: 1 piece (13cm x 15cm)
- Shelf life/MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet.
- Note: Can be used directly against the skin if intact. Apply dressing before using over torn or deroofed blister.
Gel Toe Protector (Sleeves & Caps)
Gel toe cap (left) and sleeves
- Function: Used on toes to reduce pressure and absorb shear. The sleeves (middle and right) are open at both ends. The cap (left) is closed in at the end to protect the tip of the toe.
- How to use: Cut to desired length (elastic will not unravel) and place over toe. The manufacturers recommend removing the product after 3-4 hours to allow the skin to breathe.
- Quantity: 1 x wide sleeve for big toe; 1 x narrow sleeve for lesser toe; 1 x narrow cap for lesser toe.
- Shelf life: Material Safety Data Sheet.
- Note: The silicone material is washable, reusable and able to be placed directly to intact skin. Do not place on an open wound. Hand wash product, air dry and lightly dust with talcum powder after drying for maximum longevity.
Toms BlisterShield Powder
- Function: To reduce friction levels
- How to use: Apply to skin
- Quantity: 1 x sachet
- Shelf life: Listed on packet
- Note: My advice is to apply to the blister-susceptible area of skin (don't tip it into your shoes as depicted in video)
Plus Instructions For Your Peace Of Mind!
The BlisterPod Ultra Blister Kit comes with instructions on how to use each item. And a copy of the Blister Treatment Flowchart, so you know exactly what to do and when. The Ultra Blister Kit gives you the products and process for preventing and treating your foot blisters and is available now!
