We are preparing for an upcoming trip. We are planning a week long trip with another couple. While watching videos on YouTube to review any new gear we need, find new tips on packing and kits, I realized I needed to update my First Aid Kit. My last real clean-out of this kit was a couple of years ago when I used it Trail Riding on horseback in Custer, South Dakota. Since I would be packing this kit, instead of my horse, I decided it needed revision.
I decided to first remove it from it's original bag. The bag was just a small toiletries bag that had a canvas shell. It was nice and durable and fit all my supplies perfectly. However, it is not the lightest weight so that was the first improvement. I actually shouldn't call it an improvement because while I now have my kit in a ziplock bag that is convenient for hiking it would be a disadvantage for trail riding. I would like something more durable in my saddle bag for trail riding.
First Aid Kits, I feel are personal. While there are generic items that must go in all first aid kits, they all need some personalization and "tweeking" to make them best for your situations. My first aid kit is altered some depending on where I'm going and what I'm doing. I carry a little first aid equipment for my horse in the saddle bags and I carry some first aid equipment for my dogs when they go along with us as well. I am a firm believer that a little pain reliever goes a long way for humans and animals. Please don't ignore your animals. They are covering just as many, if not more, miles than you are. Treat them the way you would treat yourself. There are great electrolytes for their water available for purchase at farm stores, vet supply stores and some pet stores. Also, take a pain reliever for your pet. Check with your vet regarding an anti-inflammatory, especially for older dogs/horses.
On to the contents of my hiking/backpacking first aid kit:
Medicines
Benadryl - 6-8 tablets (allergic reactions)
Ibuprofen - 10 tablets (pain/fever)
Aspirin - 10 tablets (pain)
Tylenol - 10 tablets (pain/fever)
Sudafed - 4 tablets (allergies non-drowsy -not emergency item but comfort item)
Imodium - 4 tablets (anti-diarrhea)
Meclizine - 5 tablets (dizziness, motion sickness, vertigo)
Bandages/Bleeding
10 - 4x4 gauze bandages
3-4 in different sizes - non-adhering pads
1 - ABD pad/thick absorbent pad
10 - different sizes of bandaids
1- 4" gauze wrap/roll
6 - cotton balls
2 - benzoin (to make things stick)
Steri-Strips/butterfly bandages different sizes
Quick Clot
Misc
3 pair - Gloves
Medical transpore tape wrapped around credit card to conserve space
1 - 4" ace wrap
1- scalpel
Orthodontics Wax - makes all the difference to cover an exposed nerve if a tooth gets chipped!
Tweezers
SAM Splint
Saline Eye drops
Wound Cleanser
Moleskin
The kit items listed above weigh in at 10 ounces. It is all contained in a quart size freezer ziploc bag. I have seen First Aid Kits that also include scissors, sterile saline for wound irrigation, sutures, needles, syringes, safety pins, and many other items. As I mentioned earlier, everyone wants their First Aid Kit set up differently. While many companies have created several types of first aid kits I encourage you to "tweek" your kit even if it is one that you purchased. See what items you use, what items are missing, and make sure you know what is in your kit and how to use it!
Other items that I carry in my pack can be used for first aid for example:
My Leatherman multi-tool - the knife can be used to remove a stinger, cut a shirt to make a dressing or sling and much more.
Clothes - can be used to make slings, splints with a few sticks or trekking poles,
Tape - I always carry duct tape as well as medical tape and zip ties and paracord. I can always keep a dressing on...even if it's not in the most conventional way.
I cannot get creative when it comes to medicines. I really feel an antihistamine like Benadryl is imperative if someone has a reaction to a bee sting or some other irritant. Ibuprofen because being in pain sucks. Ibuprofen because getting sick and having a fever on the trail sucks. Immodium because having diarrhea on the trail is not good for anyone! Orthodontics Wax isn't medicine but it works better than Ibuprofen for exposed tooth nerve pain. If you ever chip a tooth or have some weird issue on the trail and the cool, crisp mountain air hits your exposed nerve in your mouth and you will always find room in your pack for some dental wax!
This is my First Aid Kit and why I love the items in it....What's in your kit? Does it need updated?
If you have any ideas/feedback please leave a comment. I'd love to hear it!
