3 Things:
Vitamin I (Ibuprofen) before you start the hike can prevent swelling/pain/tissue damage.
Athletic tape wrapped around footish hot spots before blisters form will prevent pain & damage.
Family Band Radios work in Line of Sight - this means that the Geezers can tell you where they will be waiting for you. Or otherwise. Select a channel, turn them on and STFU until you really need to communicate. An incredibly useful resource when used sparingly, an incredibly irritating, nasty intrusion into the wilderness experience when used for idle chatter.
