Gout is BAD! It's one of the more painful conditions one can experience. I get gout ocasionally and am also blessed with monthly migraine headaches (classic migraine; the migraine pain is worse then gout).
I didn't see mentioned, but one of the main precursors to gout, is dehydration!
If your body is susceptible to gout and you are dehydrated, you are that much more likely to have an attack. I avoid too much of the gout-causing foods, and when it's hot and sweaty out, make sure I'm drinking plenty of water. It's tough because you really have to drink a mess of water to stay hydrated when working outdoors. If your intake is good, you will be pissing often, and that is tiresome... you can't win.
Worst trigger foods I've found (high in purines, the compound that's metabolized into uric acid, causing an attack):
Anchovies
Venison
Turkey
Oysters
Shrimp
Beer
(...life isn't fair...)
My drill is to stay hydrated and if I'm having a meal with any of the above, have no more then 2 servings per week.
Drinking alcohol dehydrates you faster, so if you enjoy the ethanol, hydrate even more!
May you not have gout.
If you get it, may it pass quickly!