When I hiked the PCT(Pacific Crest Trail), a big callus developed on the ball of my foot. A lot of people had this happen and most were afraid to do anything about it because they thought, “If it hurts this much with the callus, it might hurt even worse without it.” When I finished my hike I read a lot about feet and went to a foot doctor. The doctor said that you shouldn’t let calluses develop there and that the callus it self can cause a lot of problems.
This year I’m bringing a callus file and a small scrub brush to take better care of my feet. I bought the smallest scrub brush I could find and, using a hacksaw, cut it in two. I also used the hacksaw to remove the handle from the file. They weigh 1/2 ounce(14 grams) each. The scrub brush is also good for cleaning up my gear.
For lotion for my feet I think I will bring anti-fungal cream, It’s unscented so it won’t attract bears and it will protect me from fungal infections. Update: I mostly used small tubes of Carmex.
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I just use a piece of pumice stone for filing down my foot calluses. That’s probably what your file is made of. The stone by itself is pretty easy to come by at a supermarket. The stone by itself is also both cheaper and lighter than a commercial file.
Instead of a scrub brush I find a toothbrush works great for clearing the filed-away skin off my feet and the stone. I cut off the handle of course.
Ever since I started filing my calluses down my feet feel much, much better. It’s a much better and safer alternative to cutting them off as well.