Body Glide vs. Hydropel

[Jolly Green Giant]

I have an upcoming trip which is going to be a little longer than I typically do. As a result, I’ve been thinking about how my feet will fare as they aren’t as durable as I’d like them to be.

I have both the Body Glide and Hydropel products and I was hoping to get opinions as to which is best, if I should bring both or just one, and how often I should apply it. I have used the Body Glide before and found it to be acceptable. I have no long term experience with Hydropel. Weight is a concern and I'd rather not bring a stick of Body Glide if I could just squirt a bit of the Hydropel into something lighter. I don’t plan on using it on other parts of my body…although that may change if something unexpected happens.

This will be for an April trip on the Appalachian Trail. I typically wear Darn Tough socks with Inov-8 GTX 318’s.

Thanks.

[John Whynot]

I did a week long late April trip on the AT in Massachusetts last year. The trail was very wet (think walking in a stream), and my feet were never really dry. I used Hydropel, and had no blisters. I believe the Hydropel helped.

I stored my Hydropel in a BPL balm jar, and used less than half of that for the week. I found it much easier to apply than the Bodyglide stick. I tried to apply it when my feet were as dry as possible.

[Mary D]

I haven't tried Hydropel so can't comment on that issue. With Body Glide, I cut a little piece from the stick and put it inside a small plastic bag. Worked just fine–in fact, the one bag lasted through 2 one-week trips, so I obviously cut off too big a piece!

[Devin Montgomery]

I also haven't tried Hydropel, but I use and like Body Glide. I package it by using an empty Chapstick tube and repacking it with the Body Glide. Very light – the tube, full weighs about .4 oz.

[Roger Caffin]

Never use either one.

Cheers

[Cayenne Redmonk]

I've used both and I find hydropel better for my feet, body glide better for underarms and undercarriage.

[Brad Fisher]

My favorite is SportSlick.In addition to protecting against blisters and chaffing, it also helps with the healing process.

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