This Must-Have Camping Item Works Wonders for Waterproofing Shoes and Hiking Boots

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Keeping your feet dry could be the difference between having an amazing camping trip or a miserable one, especially when you’re in the woods with rain clouds overhead and muddy trails underfoot. To prepare for wet camping weather, you might consider packing an extra pair of waterproof boots, but that’s probably overkill. So, instead of that, you could just make use of one natural item to save the day: beeswax — a substance that can shield your regular shoes from water. But how does this work? When you apply beeswax on materials such as leather or canvas, it creates a thin, hydrophobic layer that prevents water from soaking in.

Beeswax is an old-school trick that can be really handy for modern campers, as it’s a great way to prepare for unexpected bad weather conditions. All you need is to heat it, rub it across your shoes, heat it again to help it set, and voilà — waterproofing achieved. While the use of beeswax might not exactly replace technical waterproof gear, it can sure keep those toes dry in an unexpected downpour or when crossing a shallow creek. Beeswax is easy to pack as it hardly takes up any space. You could simply tuck a small block in your camping kit, day pack, or glove compartment.

Researching the best hiking boots is not enough for a successful outdoor trip. Being a step ahead of watery situations by packing some emergency beeswax is equally useful — and it’s easier than you might think. Cleaning your shoes or hiking boots is the first step, as this is important to get rid of dirt that could prevent the beeswax from adhering to the fabric. Melt the beeswax over the fire or your camping stove and rub it all over the surface of the shoes. You can rub with a cloth or towel — although you may also apply the beeswax straight from the block. After coating the boots, apply mild heat to melt the wax into the material. You can do this by holding the boots close to a campfire (but be careful not to keep it too close).

The best materials to use beeswax on are leather and canvas, as the beeswax bonds well to these kinds of fabric. Note, however, that light-colored shoes tend to get darkened after application. But isn’t that a fair trade for dry feet? You should be cautious when it comes to high-tech synthetic materials or suede because beeswax can cause texture changes and other damage due to their sensitivity. If your boots come with waterproofing or Gore-Tex lining, it’s best to stick with manufacturer recommendations. To be sure that your waterproofing has worked, just splash some water on the treated surface. If the water beads and rolls away, then you’re good to go. But if it doesn’t, you may have to repeat the process and add a second layer.