Probably the worst feeling in all of the hiking world (aside from giardia...another story for another day), is to hike miles in soaking wet socks and boots, especially in Gore-Tex waterproof treated boots.  See, the bad thing about waterproof boots is that your Merrells turn into Nalgenes very quickly if fully submerged in water.  The external water proofing keeps the water out, but also keeps the water IN extremely well once inside.

If this situation happens to you there are a few options.

• You can always change socks every 100 ft to a dry pair, but the average hiker runs out of extra socks after that first change.
• You can try and absorb some of the water in the shoe using a high absorbant microfiber towel (which a small 1’x1’ should be carried at all times).
• You can tough it out and push through the trenchfoot, hoping blisters don’t ruin your hike.
• OR you can go the grocery bag route.

If you’re hiking through creeks, streams, or heavy rains a good way to keep your feet dry is to change your socks and put a grocery bag over each foot before putting your boots back on. The plastic puts a barrier between your soaking boots and your dry socks.  No one in the history of history has ever looked cool while wearing grocery bags on their feet, but after a few hundred yards, you’ll forget the bags are there and your feet will be bone dry.

So the next time you’re going to head out on a potentially wet hike, throw a couple grocery bags in your pack to keep those feet dry.