Ice & Cold
Prevent trench foot and non-freezing cold injuries
Wet feet in above-freezing cold cause tissue damage as serious as frostbite — and it happens without you noticing.
Step-by-step
Change into dry socks at least twice a day whenever conditions are cold and wet.
Dry wet socks against your body inside your shirt or sleeping bag; never leave feet in wet socks overnight.
Wiggle toes and pump feet every time you sit down for more than a few minutes.
Air your feet completely at least once a day — off, dry, and warmed for 10 minutes before re-socking.
Watch for early signs: numb, pale, cold feet that don't rewarm quickly. Stop and warm them the moment you notice.
Warning: Once tissue is damaged, symptoms can last months and lead to permanent nerve injury. Prevention is the entire treatment.
Related outdoor skills
Educational reference only. Wilderness conditions change fast — practice in low-stakes settings, take a certified wilderness first-aid course, and confirm regional regulations before you rely on any of these skills in the field.