Finally…A Practical 1st Aid Kit for Backpacking

Paul, first off thank you for watching, and thank you for wading through the intro.  Sorry for the long delay to the good stuff; this is the first in a series so I wanted to give a bit of context for the rest of the videos…future videos will not have such a long delay before I get to the topic at hand.

You are 100% correct about the sprains, strains, broken bones, etc. being far more common.  However, imho those require more first aid knowledge/skills/techniques to address rather than something that I would carry in a first aid kit.  I forgot to mention in the video that the single most valuable item that is in my 1st Aid Kit should be my ability to problem-solve using my other backpacking gear (trekking poles for stabilizers, belts/straps for tourniquets/slings, handkerchiefs for wound dressing, etc.).  I’m not qualified to produce a video on first aid and/or medical techniques, but I could create one that shows how I would handle a medical situation with my limited skill level.  Good idea, thanks.

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Mark, thank you as well for watching the video and offering some solid suggestions.

I’ve never heard of the Pro Tick Remedy until now.  I just looked it up and it looks like a very effective system, especially the tick identification.  I pack superglue primarily for gear repair, but will use it for first aid if necessary; that is in the next video on my Emergency Kit.  As for the Compeed Blister Pads, I totally forgot about them…what a great suggestion!  I’m going to switch out my mole-skin for them as they are far superior.  Finally, solid advice on the front-loading of pain meds.  I carry a packet for each day I am on the trail (i.e. for a two night trip I’ll bring three packets because I’ll be out for three days), so I can always appropriate from one of the other packets.  All super valuable insights, thank you.

Just a clarification for all on the suture…as mentioned, I carry it primarily for gear repair.  The only reason I keep it in my 1st Aid Kit is because that is the most practical place to keep it.  Full disclosure, I’ve never used a suture in the backcountry to close a wound, but I have used them to repair gear.  Obviously, the most valuable type of gear to carry is the one with multi-use options and a suture can serve that well.

Dave, thank you for watching and commenting.  I always enjoy reading your feedback in various community discussions…you have a massive amount of valuable information.

Your points are all useful.  I had not considered single serve topical steroids vs. wipes…I’ll look into that.  As for the writing instrument, I’ve added the marker to my Emergency Kit, but I keep the pencil in my FAK because the note sheet is “Write in the Rain” paper and the golf pencil I use works well for that (plus I can sharpen the pencil with a knife and use the shavings as a blood-clotting agent – LOL – JK).  I’ve since dumped my moleskin and added the Compeed Blister Plasters, so much better.  I have also added the anti-diarrhetic and the blood thinner.  For raw/chafed skin, I will cut off a bit of my lip balm and use that…works great.  I carry two lighters (one in my cook kit, one in my fire kit) so I’m good there.

Thanks for the feedback on the video length.  This one was the first in my series about what makes up my backpacking gear system so the first five minutes were sort of a setup to the series and some disclaimers (welcome to our litigious society).  I’m trying to keep these videos  between 10-15 minutes with valuable information, but would appreciate any feedback to improve them for better watchability.  Keep in mind that they are meant to be informative videos so there is always going to be some setup required prior to getting into the meat of the topic.

Again, thanks for watching & commenting.