What can I use to prevent blisters?

Question

I've been using the "monkey bars" (when I take my kids to the playground) as a way of building strength. The bars that I Iike are textured instead of smooth and rip my skin off after only a few times across. They are really cool because they are stepped (varying heights) and it takes extra effort compared to the regular ones. Using different bars is not a preferred option.
How can I prevent this? Chalk doesn't work.

Answer 1

You can tape your hands in the most abrasive areas. Use a cloth athletic tape. Rock climbers use it all the time. Tape allows your hands to breath and not get as hot as gloves.

Answer 2

every half-hour is extreme. sometimes i'll take my shoes off at lunch, but that was it. i'm not the biggest proponent of wearing two layers of socks. it's not harmful by any means, so it's definitely not bad if you choose to. two socks can prevent a lot of friction from a shoe, but that can be prevented by getting a good-fitting shoe to begin with. i think two pair of socks end up trapping more heat, and it's heat that causes blisters. that said, if you have a new pair of shoes, two pair of socks, at least initially, is a good idea. get a good pair of wool socks. Smartwool is the most popular brand and they are lined already and don't require a liner (that info comes directly from a Smartwood representative). the second most important thing (after having a good-fitting pair of shoes) is to keep your feet relatively dry. if your feet sweat a lot, then change your socks mid-day. also wear a different pair of socks every one or two days to prevent salt from building up, then drying at night and causing you salt blisters. i've been thinking about trying out those toe socks while hiking to prevent some blisters from my toes rubbing together--that would be an excellent liner sock if you choose to do so. you're likely going to end up with some blisters building up here and there. stop and tape your foot up at the slightest twinge to try and prevent a blister from forming. the simplest way is to use duct tape (i always roll a bunch around a hiking pole). tape over the sore spot and just leave the tape on until it starts to wear off after a day or two, giving the sore time to heal. Neosporin doesn't hurt, either. it also doesn't hurt to pre-tape your feet before you even start hiking, like putting a piece of tape on the back of your heel.

Answer 3

Use DuctTap
Always take DuctTap with you when you are going on long walking adverntures.

Put DuctTap on the areas that you are prone to getting blisters and you'll never have blisters again while walking.

Always wear the correct sock. Pref a heavy woven sock. Typical to those worn by the Boy Scouts. Put the DuctTape straight on your bare skin and then put on the sock. After while you won't be able to tell the difference.

Answer 4

Mechanix makes sxome good gloves. They are expensive but would work in your sit. About $20 they have a neoprene lower and canvas top.