What to do with your nails?

[tecti]

Hello,
I am planning a thru-hike next Spring and am really wondering how people keep their nails clipped. Is the solution just to take a nail clipper? I have been going through many UL gear lists trying to make my own (going for a lightweight one) and don't see anywhere a nail clipper and they're heavy!
Couldn't find the answer in other threads either. Sorry if this is redundant.

[hikerboy57]

Hello,
I am planning a thru-hike next Spring and am really wondering how people keep their nails clipped. Is the solution just to take a nail clipper? I have been going through many UL gear lists trying to make my own (going for a lightweight one) and don't see anywhere a nail clipper and they're heavy!
Couldn't find the answer in other threads either. Sorry if this is redundant.

nail clipper is fine.even gram weenies need a nail clipper.

[Buzzy84]

I'd say just bite the bullet and pack some clippers

[LionDog]

Welcome and good luck with your thru. I would just bring the smallest nail clipper you can find. You can even find a child size clipper. Or just bite your nails and get some extra calories. But you may not want to do that with your toes.
In any event congrats on making the dive to join WB and let us know of your up and coming hike, wish you all the best.

[jimmyjam]

I just use the scissors on my mini swiss.

[max patch]

Howard Hughes didn't use nail clippers.

[Coffee]

The swiss army classic has small scissors and a nail file.

[ALLEGHENY]

It is possible to go to a nail salon every week or two.

[oldwetherman]

I pack 1/2 of a coarse emery board. I don't let my nail get too long before I file them back. It's especially useful on toenails....the last thing you'd want to do is trim one too far down and it separates
from the nail bed. They're cheap and easy to find in any trail town.....even Dollar Stores and Dollar Generals have em.

[theinfamousj]

I have long and lovely at-home nails. Because of that, I give with a pair of baby nail clippers. I also use rocks as files.

I have thick nails, so the scissors on Swiss Army knives break when used for my nail grooming.

Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk

[Dr. Professor]

Nail clippers. The weight is nominal. Keeping your nails in good condition when away from daily showers is invaluable.

Heck, I'm of the belief that nail maintenance is like personal fitness -- it's something you either do all the time, or it's something you don't do.

[rusty bumper]

I carried nail clippers. Every time I took a shower during my 5 months on the trail, I trimmed my toe nails to avoid any problems from cropping up. Taking good care of my feet in all ways was a top priority. I trimmed my finger nails whenever I remembered to!

[Don H]

I carried fingernail clippers, used them for fingers and toes. Long toenails causes bruised toenails.
And you haven't had fun hiking until you start loosing toenails!

[yellowsirocco]

Once you have a toenail get long and start being irritating you won't think clippers are heavy at all. Feet are your number one priority on the trail and you do what you got to do to take care of them.

[Goji]

I just used my leatherman Micra, 1.8oz, to cut my finger nails. It works great, after you soak & soften them with water


Goji

[RED-DOG]

I just use my pocket knife.

[Marta]

Once you have a toenail get long and start being irritating you won't think clippers are heavy at all. Feet are your number one priority on the trail and you do what you got to do to take care of them.

Ditto. I ran into several people who mentioned getting ingrown toenails, with pus and the whole works, while hiking the AT. Preventative foot care can save you a lot of pain, and medical bills.

[Spirit Walker]

If you're using a drift/bounce box, put the clippers in there.

[Astro]

It is possible to go to a nail salon every week or two.

Probably could. HYOH.

[Sarcasm the elf]

I just used my leatherman Micra, 1.8oz, to cut my finger nails. It works great, after you soak & soften them with water


Goji

+1 on the leatherman micra. 90% of the time it's the only knife i carry when backpacking. The scissiors are great, far better than the ones on Swiss army knives.