Do not underestimate the importance of clean, warm and dry feet. Foot injuries or problems vary in severity and would be addressed in a Wilderness first Aid course.  Your feet are the only things you have to get you where you want to be.  Not taking care of your feet can actually lead to life threatening situations like reaching a water source or shelter. 

   Proper footwear and watching where you step can eliminate a myriad of incidents. Taking care of your feet is actually being considerate of others with you.  Yours won't be the only trip ruined if you have to hobble back or be carried.

   Blisters, however, are the most common problem for folks trying to enjoy nature.

   Treat blisters before they are blisters. Check your feet regularly and air them out (perhaps when you take a water break or meal).  Rotate your socks with dry pairs. Tricks, like using sock liners, mole skin and talcum powder, can save the day. Don't forget our trusty friend, duct tape, as a backup for moleskins.
 
  

   Nature and her water sources are falsely accused of most illnesses that occur in the outdoors.  Sources of illness in the wilderness can usually be contributed to poor hygiene.  We have a misconception that nature is filthy. In most cases, it is we who have all the germs.  Most illnesses arrive by our own hands.  Having clean hands is the best way from getting sick or making others ill.  Always have a way to purify water for washing and consumption.

 

       Regularly bathing and washing clothes will keep body oils from building up in our clothing.  Dirty bodies and clothes can actually promote skin chaffing, rashes and blisters.  Body oils reduce loft in clothing, making you colder.  Dirt and oils can also affect the performance of insect repellents and water resistance.  Plus, it's not cool to be stinky if you share a tent.

Nothing can ruin a good trip worse than bleeding blisters, diarrhea or a bad case of monkey butt.  "Roughing it" never means staying filthy.