First Aid Kits

[NJHIKERADAM]

I was wondering what everyone drags along with them in the outdoors. I use to carry everything but the kitchen sink now I carry duct tape and tweezers and thats about it.

 

[bobpbx]

I always forget the first aid kit. Actually, I lost it.

But I never leave without water, the compass in case GPS fails, and matches or a lighter (in case I forget them, which is rare).

Truth is, I may think I am a big bad-ass survivor type, but not so. I know how to get out of the woods, my downfall will be heat exhaustion some day while walking out.

 

[grendel]

You don't need all that first aid junk...unless you are going to get sick or injured,but who ever plans to do that. My summer backpack with 4 days worth of food weighs 20 pounds and that includes a 10 ounce first aid kit. Have you ever walked 12 miles with a sever case of diarrhea? How about a sprained ankle? Or been kept up all night with congestion and a post nasal drip cough? I guess it depends on how comfortable you want to be. Would you want to cover a serious laceration with duct tape and then walk for hours?
I also include some survival items like water purification tabs , fire starter,a small led light,emergency blanket and a whistle with a compass on it. I keep this kit with me in a waist pack along with a knife and some cliff bars if I go for a walk around camp.Better woodsmen than me have gotten into trouble in unexpected circumstances. I also get headaches occasionally and indigestion so I carry some motrin and pepto tablets.

 

[Piney Boy]

You don't need all that first aid junk...unless you are going to get sick or injured,but who ever plans to do that. My summer backpack with 4 days worth of food weighs 20 pounds and that includes a 10 ounce first aid kit. Have you ever walked 12 miles with a sever case of diarrhea? How about a sprained ankle? Or been kept up all night with congestion and a post nasal drip cough? I guess it depends on how comfortable you want to be. Would you want to cover a serious laceration with duct tape and then walk for hours?

I agree 100%. The first time I decided to go without a well rounded first aid kit I needed a bandage, pain killer, and a cut cleaner. I didn't have any and really suffered for it, but I guess I learned a lesson of sorts. I count lbs., but dont skimp on necessaries. I always carry firestarts, an emergency blanket, advil, 2 sizes of bandaid/bandages, neosporin, and a whistle. I wouldn't undertake a trek without this stuff these days.

 

[NJHIKERADAM]

I know with me that over the counter pills do nothing when I feel ill....
Duct tape works better than moleskin and I have used it as a band aid several times....It also does a great job of holding my current trail runners together.......

 

[deesweet]

But I never leave without water, the compass in case GPS fails, and matches or a lighter (in case I forget them, which is rare).

same here + benodryl (for allergic reactions) and a small flash light.

 

[Sue Gremlin]

Duct tape. What a GREAT idea. That's going in the Jeep. This is why I read this forum. Such a big bunch of smarties.

We have a first aid kit with the standard first aid kit things, plus lots of OTC drugs and a long hemostat. We pick that thing up a lot, it's a handy tool, first aid or not.

 

[woodjin]

and a long hemostat. We pick that thing up a lot, it's a handy tool, first aid or not.

Great for when you drop your lighter between the seat and console, right?

Jeff