How to Dry Wet Hiking Shoes – Hiking Mount Rinjani is an unforgettable experience, but the mountain can also challenge you with unpredictable weather. Even if you plan your trek during the drier months, rain can still appear suddenly, especially as you gain altitude.
One of the problems many hikers may face is wet hiking shoes. Walking for hours in wet shoes is not only uncomfortable but can also make your feet feel cold, increase the risk of blisters, and make the next day of trekking much harder.
If your shoes get soaked before the summit climb, you should try to dry them as much as possible before getting back on the trail. Fortunately, you do not need complicated equipment to do this.
Here is a simple guide on how to dry wet shoes while trekking Mount Rinjani.
How to Dry Wet Hiking Shoes During a Rainy-Season Trek on Mount Rinjani
If you are planning to hike Mount Rinjani during the rainy season or around the transition into wetter weather, preparing for wet shoes is a good idea.
Rain can make the trail wet and muddy, while water can also enter your shoes when crossing puddles or walking through wet vegetation. When this happens before an overnight stay, use the time at camp to help your hiking shoes dry before your next trek.
1. Prepare Some Newspaper
One of the simplest ways to help dry wet hiking shoes is to use newspaper. Before starting your trek, consider bringing a few sheets of newspaper with you. Newspaper can absorb moisture from inside your shoes and is especially useful when you do not have access to proper drying equipment.
Can you use tissue or other types of paper instead? Yes, but the result may not be as effective. Tissue tends to tear easily when it becomes wet, while newspaper can hold its shape better and absorb moisture from the inside of the shoe.
However, there is one important thing to remember when trekking Mount Rinjani: do not leave the newspaper behind. Rinjani has strict environmental rules, and hikers are expected to manage their waste responsibly. Before bringing newspaper or other disposable materials, ask your guide about the rules for carrying and taking them back out as waste.
A responsible hiker should always make sure that everything brought onto the mountain is properly handled and does not become litter.
Also read: Is Mount Rinjani Cold? “It Gets Crazy Cold at Night!”
2. How to Dry Your Hiking Shoes
Once you arrive at your campsite and have a chance to rest, take off your wet hiking shoes and start drying them.
First, remove the insoles if they can be taken out. This allows air to reach more areas inside the shoes and helps both the shoes and insoles dry more effectively. Next, take several sheets of newspaper and gently place them inside the shoes.
Make sure the newspaper reaches all the way toward the toe area. Do not simply place a small piece near the opening. The toe box can hold a considerable amount of moisture, so filling the inside of the shoe with crumpled newspaper can help absorb water from different areas.
Do not pack the newspaper so tightly that there is no room for air. The goal is to let the paper absorb moisture while keeping the shoe reasonably open.
Leave the newspaper inside the shoes overnight.
If the newspaper becomes extremely wet, replace it with dry sheets after several hours. This gives the shoes another chance to release and absorb moisture.
Your hiking shoes may not become completely dry overnight, especially if they were heavily soaked. However, this method can make them significantly drier and more comfortable for the following day’s trek or summit climb.
It is also a good idea to place your shoes somewhere dry with good airflow. Keep them protected from rain and moisture, but avoid putting them directly against a strong heat source.
3. Don’t Have Any Newspaper?
What if you forgot to bring newspaper? Don’t worry. There are several other ways to help dry wet hiking shoes.
If you have a dry cloth, towel, or spare piece of clothing, use it to absorb as much water as possible from inside the shoes. Press the material against the wet areas instead of simply leaving it inside for a long time. You can also remove the insoles and shoelaces to open the shoes as much as possible. The more exposed the interior is to moving air, the easier it is for moisture to escape.
Another important step is to change into a dry pair of socks. Even if your shoes are still slightly damp, dry socks can make a significant difference in comfort during the next part of your journey.
Most importantly, avoid placing your hiking shoes directly next to a campfire or another intense heat source. While heat may seem like a quick solution, excessive heat can damage the glue, fabric, waterproof membrane, or other materials used in hiking shoes.
Instead, focus on removing excess water, improving airflow, and giving your shoes enough time to dry naturally. Remember, the goal is not necessarily to make your shoes perfectly dry overnight. The goal is to make them as dry, comfortable, and usable as possible before you continue hiking.
Also read: 3 Ways to Cook Rice While Camping Without Burning or Making It Mushy
Ready to Trek Mount Rinjani? Join Us This September!
Planning to hike Mount Rinjani this September? If you are looking for a trekking experience with an experienced local guide, you can join Irwan Trekker for your Mount Rinjani adventure.
Irwan Trekker offers several trekking programs, from a 2-day, 1-night Mount Rinjani trek to longer trips combining Rinjani with a Lombok exploration program of up to 8 days.
You do not need to organize a large group to join. The minimum number of participants is two people. However, if you are traveling alone, that is not a problem either. Solo travelers can join a group with other hikers who have registered for the same program.
Each group can have a maximum of 10 participants, so you can decide whether you want to trek with your own friends or join other travelers. For example, the 4-day, 3-night Mount Rinjani trekking package starts from $295 per person. The more people you have in your group, the more affordable the cost can become per person.
What Is Included in the Trekking Package?
The package is designed to cover the main things you need during your Mount Rinjani adventure. Depending on the selected program, the trekking package includes essentials such as:
- Accommodation
- Camping equipment and tents
- Meals during the trek
- Mount Rinjani entrance ticket
- Insurance
- Trekking support
- Other services required during the journey
You only need to prepare your personal expenses and personal items outside the package. This can make your trip easier because you do not have to arrange every trekking requirement separately.
If you are interested in joining Irwan Trekker, you do not need to pay the full amount upfront. You can secure your booking with a 20% deposit, while the remaining payment can be made when you meet the team at the pickup point in Lombok, Indonesia.
With more than 10 years of experience guiding international hikers, Irwan Trekker is ready to help travelers experience Mount Rinjani with a local trekking team.
For more information or to discuss your trekking plans, you can contact Irwan Trekker at +62 819-1160-0199. Your Rinjani adventure can start with a simple conversation.