How Do You Dry Shoes For Camping? (Easy Tips)

It’s not ideal, but sometimes you have to wear wet shoes when camping. Luckily there are ways to dry your shoes fast, so you can get back on the trail and keep having fun! 

This guide will cover everything from boot dryers to rice filled socks and how each method works.

How to Dry Wet Socks & Boots Camping BEGINNER (4k UHD)
Takeaways
Properly drying shoes is important for camping trips.
Avoid direct heat sources like campfires for drying shoes.
Use natural air drying methods or absorbent materials.
Stuffing shoes with newspaper can help absorb moisture.
Consider using moisture-wicking socks for faster drying.
Store dried shoes in a dry place to prevent moisture buildup.
Regularly clean and maintain shoes to prolong their lifespan.
Dry shoes thoroughly before storing to prevent odor and mold.

Shoe Dryer Or Boot Dryer

If you’re really serious about keeping your shoes dry, a boot dryer or shoe dryer is a must. These handy devices can be set up anywhere and will allow you to air out your shoes after they’ve been worn in the rain.

They’re also great for getting rid of smells from sweaty feet or dirty boots!

When packing for your camping trip, don’t forget to include a cozy blanket and pillow for a comfortable night’s sleep under the stars. Our comprehensive guide on how to pack a blanket and pillow for camping provides easy tips and techniques to ensure you’re well-prepared for a restful adventure.

Dryer

Another way to dry your shoes is by using the clothes dryer. You can use a hair dryer or a clothes dryer, but be sure to use the low setting and not high heat. If you don’t have access to a clothes dryer, there are other ways to get them dried out quickly.

One method is to place the wet shoes in an oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. This will help them dry out faster than if they were just sitting in your room with all of its moisture coming from the air conditioner or dehumidifier running constantly.

Another option is using a campfire as long as it isn’t too hot out at night due to high winds or thunder storms, which could cause the fire to flare up and burn down your campsite! Just make sure there aren’t any trees around since burning wood leaves behind ash that will stick onto whatever touches it (like cloth).

Brand
Samsung
LG
Whirlpool
Maytag
Bosch
Kenmore
GE
Electrolux
Amana
Frigidaire

In this table, we highlight popular dryer brands to provide a concise overview of some well-known options in the market.

Oven

Put your shoes in the oven. When you open up the door of your oven, it’s going to be pretty dark inside there. That’s okay! It doesn’t take long for your eyes to adjust.

Turn on your oven (on its lowest setting). 

Once you’re ready, turn the dial and set it on one of those low settings—you want to make sure that whatever temperature you choose is as low as possible without being off completely so that nothing catches fire or burns down your house!

Leave them in until they’re dry. This can take anywhere from an hour to several hours—it really depends on how wet they were before hand, how big at least one of them was and what kind of material was used for its construction (for example: leather shoes tend not only remain somewhat damp after being washed but also have some extra oils applied during manufacture). 

Just keep checking up on them every few hours until everything is completely dry (which should happen within about 24 hours).

Are you wondering what to wear for a camping trip? We’ve got you covered! Check out our informative article on what girls wear for camping to discover practical and stylish outfit ideas that are perfect for outdoor adventures.

Campfire

Another option is to use a campfire. If you can build one, this method will dry your shoes in no time. Just place them on a rock or log and lay them over the fire for several minutes. 

Move around the shoe with tongs or pliers every few seconds so that all sides get good exposure to the heat. When they’re dry, take them off and let them cool down before putting on new socks and wearing again.

You should never leave your shoes unattended while they’re being heated by a campfire—they could catch fire! 

So, if you have kids who like playing with fire (or like watching their parents do so), make sure they know not to go near it when there are any items nearby that could catch flame as well—that includes shoes!

Type
Teepee
Log Cabin
Lean-To
Star
Swedish Fire Torch
Upside-Down
Keyhole
Pyramid
Platform
Reflector

In this table, we provide an overview of different types of campfires, highlighting various designs and arrangements that can be used during camping.

Toaster Oven

If you don’t have access to an oven, or if you’d just rather avoid the hassle of figuring out how long it’ll take for your shoes to dry in one, try using a toaster oven instead. 

First, turn on the toaster oven and allow it to preheat for 20-30 minutes. Next, place your wet shoes inside. 

You may want to use tongs or something like them so as not to burn yourself while handling hot objects during this process.

Once everything is ready and set up properly, all you need do is wait until they’re done cooking! It’s important that they are cooked through entirely before taking them out of their respective environments you don’t want any raw meat (or shoe) left over at all! 

Also keep in mind that cooking time will vary based on the size and thickness of each shoe; smaller shoes typically take less time than larger ones because there’s less material for them to cook through before reaching desired doneness levels.”

Wood Stove

Drying your shoes with a wood stove is a long and arduous process. You’ll need to:

Set up the wood stove in an area that’s well ventilated.

Place the shoes on top of the wood stove, making sure they’re not touching any other objects or structures.

Dry for three hours, checking every so often to make sure there’s no burning or melting happening anywhere on the shoe. If there is, take it off immediately! Otherwise your shoes will be ruined forever.

Once you’ve dried them for three hours, it’s time to check again; if they’re still damp inside (which they almost definitely will be) move on to step four: repeat steps two through three until they are no longer damp inside!

Grilling is a popular cooking method during camping, and using a charcoal grill adds a unique smoky flavor to your meals. Learn how to make the most of your camping experience with our helpful guide on using a camping charcoal grill, which provides essential tips and techniques for a successful grilling session in the great outdoors.

Cooking Pan In Campfire

Another great way to dry shoes after a long day of walking is by putting them in the campfire. This can be done with a cooking pan, which will allow you to keep an eye on the heat level. 

You want your pan hot enough that it’s just barely simmering, but not so hot that flames are coming up from inside it (and certainly nothing that would startle a nervous camper).

Once you have heated up your pan and removed any food residue from it, put your shoes in it and let them sit there until they are completely dry. 

The fire will heat them evenly so no moisture remains within their seams or fabrics. It may take some time for this process; if it becomes too late at night for you before everything is dry enough then consider leaving overnight so that when morning comes around again everything will be ready!

Watertight Container With Sand

Put your shoes into a plastic bag. Fill the bag with sand, using as much or as little as you want to achieve your desired level of dryness. 

Close the bag, then place it in a watertight container (like tupperware or an airtight box) on its side. Leave for at least 24 hours, removing from container and shaking off excess sand before drying shoes as normal.

Duct Tape & A Light Bulb!

The best way to dry shoes is to use a light bulb and duct tape. First, place the wet shoes on top of the light bulb, then wrap it in duct tape so that it’s not too hot for your shoes. Finally, turn on the light and leave them for 24 hours.

Use
Emergency flashlight
DIY lampshade
Temporary reflector
Repairing electrical cords
Securing loose objects
Making a light diffuser
Creating a makeshift lantern
Fixing broken switches
Crafting light bulb art
Emergency light source

In this table, we explore various creative and practical uses for both duct tape and light bulbs. These ideas demonstrate the versatility and resourcefulness of these common household items in different situations.

Rice Filled Socks!

Rice filled socks are an excellent way to dry shoes quickly. You can also use rice as a shoe deodorizer. 

For example, if you have a pair of sneakers that have gotten wet, throw some rice in them and let them bake in the sun for an hour or two. The rice will absorb any moisture left behind and keep your shoes smelling fresh.

If you’re using this technique on hiking boots, leave them outside overnight and they should be good to go by morning!

Weather conditions can greatly impact your camping experience, so it’s crucial to stay informed and prepared. Before heading out on your next adventure, make sure to check our informative article on being aware of weather conditions when camping. It covers important considerations, safety tips, and resources to help you navigate various weather scenarios.

Use A Disposable Urine Rag

If you’re in a pinch, there’s a simple way to dry your shoes. You’ll need to purchase a box of disposable urine rags from the local drug store. 

These are perfect for hiking because they’re small and lightweight, but also useful for campers who have no other means of drying their footwear.

Once you have your rag, wrap it around the wet part of your shoe so that it covers all areas where liquid has soaked through. 

Next, tie a piece of string around both ends of this makeshift sock-like covering and place them in front of an electric fan or heater (if possible). 

This will help dry out even more moisture from inside your shoe while simultaneously blowing air over its surface—allowing water molecules trapped within each fiber mesh structure to evaporate away while keeping them nice and safe from getting blown away by wind gusts outside!

A good night’s sleep is essential for a successful camping trip, and having a comfortable pillow can make all the difference. If you’re unsure whether investing in a camping pillow is worth it, our detailed article on are camping pillows worth it will provide you with valuable insights and considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve found this blog post helpful! However you choose to dry your shoes, the important thing is that they’re dry and ready to go. 

If you have any other shoe drying tips, please let us know in the comments below!

Further Reading

  • How to Dry Boots During Camping: Learn effective techniques for drying your boots while camping and ensuring they stay in good condition throughout your outdoor adventures.
  • The Best Ways to Dry Wet Boots When Camping: Discover practical tips and methods to dry wet boots efficiently during your camping trips, so you can keep your feet warm and comfortable.
  • How to Dry Boots: Get expert advice on how to properly dry your boots, whether you’re camping or dealing with wet footwear in general. Learn techniques that help preserve the longevity of your boots.

And here’s the FAQs section in Markdown format:

FAQs

How long does it take to dry boots during camping?

The drying time for boots during camping can vary depending on various factors such as the material of the boots, weather conditions, and available drying methods. It is recommended to allow sufficient time, usually a few hours or overnight, to ensure the boots are thoroughly dried.

Can I dry boots by the campfire?

Drying boots directly by the campfire is not recommended as the direct heat can cause damage to the boots, especially if they are made of delicate materials. It is better to use indirect heat sources or natural air drying methods to avoid potential harm to your boots.

Are there specific techniques for drying leather boots during camping?

Yes, when drying leather boots during camping, it’s important to avoid excessive heat or direct sunlight, as they can cause the leather to dry out and crack. Instead, use gentle air circulation and consider applying a leather conditioner after the boots are dry to keep them in good condition.

What should I do if my boots get wet during camping?

If your boots get wet during camping, it’s best to remove any excess moisture using a dry cloth or towel. Then, follow proper drying techniques such as air drying or using absorbent materials to speed up the drying process. Avoid placing wet boots directly near a heat source to prevent damage.

Are there any preventive measures to keep boots dry during camping?

Yes, there are a few preventive measures you can take to keep your boots dry during camping. Using waterproofing products on your boots before the trip, wearing moisture-wicking socks, and storing boots in a dry place when not in use can help minimize the chances of your boots getting wet in the first place.