How to Build A Hiker's First Aid Kit

When venturing into the wilderness, it is crucial to ensure that you have a hiking first aid kit with you. This is considered one of the Ten Essentials, so it is essential never to go outdoors without all ten items. When it comes to selecting a backpacking first aid kit, you have several options. If you prefer a straightforward approach, you can visit a local outdoor store and purchase a pre-packaged personal first aid kit, such as Adventure Medical Kits, which is a popular choice. These ready-made kits contain all the necessary items and are a convenient starting point if you don’t have the time or inclination to assemble your own kit. However, you may need to add specific items that are important to you and your needs. For example, if you have allergies and require an Epi-pen, you would need to include it separately as it wouldn’t be included in a standard kit. As a result, some people prefer to create their own medical kit from scratch. This allows them to carefully select each item and be familiar with its purpose. In the event of an emergency, they would already understand the function of each personal care item they are carrying. So, how do you decide what to include in your wilderness first aid kit? Let’s begin with the essentials if you prefer a minimalistic approach to your kit.

SUPPLY CHECKLIST

While not exhaustive, a possible inventory for an overnight first aid kit may consist of the subsequent items.

Bandages: Assorted sizes for small cuts, blisters, etc.
4-inch closure strips or butterfly closures: For closing large wounds. 4-inch strips are more effective than butterfly.
4 inch by 4 inch sterile dressing pads (5 to 10): To apply pressure to a wound and stop bleeding
Non-adherent sterile dressing (2 inch by 2 inch): Use these or Second Skin to cover blisters, burns or lacerations.
Gauze roll: Holds dressing in place.
Small roll of 1-inch adhesive tape: Holds dressings in place.
Multi-use tool or knife: Should include knife, scissors. A scalpel and blade are also useful for first aid.
Forceps or tweezers: For removing splinters, ticks, and removing debris from wounds.
Scissors: Trauma scissors, which have a blunt end to protect the patient, can be used for cutting away clothing from injury, cutting medical tape, etc.
Thermometer: Digital is generally more accurate, but batteries do wear out.
Malleable splint: Lightweight foam-covered aluminum, such as a SAM splint.
Irrigation syringe (35 cc): Used to flush and clean wounds.
Suction syringe (65 cc): Used to clear mouth of fluids when giving CPR.
Safety pins: Can help remove splinters, fasten arm sling, or make a hole in a plastic bag for improvised wound irrigation.
Cotton-tip swabs: For removing foreign objects from eye, or applying antibiotic ointment.
Resealable plastic bags: Many uses, including icing a swollen joint or creating wound irrigation device.
ACE, Coban or other rubberized bandage: Can be used as outer wrap on splints, wound dressings or support for joint injuries. Be careful not to wrap too tightly.
Antiseptic towelettes: For cleaning small wounds.
Cleansing pads with lidocaine: For cleaning. Includes a topical anesthetic for abrasions, stings, etc.
Topical antibiotic ointment: For application to wounds. Simple Vaseline can also be used in dressing a wound.
Moleskin: Prevents blisters. Cut and apply a section to your foot as soon as you discover a “hot spot.” Duct tape also works for this purpose.
Povidone Iodine USP 10 percent, 1 oz.: For preventing infection. Bottled PVD iodine 10 percent solution should be diluted to a ratio of 1 percent or less for flushing wounds.
Aloe vera gel: Found in packets or small bottles for relief of minor burns.
Pain relievers, including aspirin and Ibuprofen: Provides relief for minor aches and pains, reduces fever, helps reduce inflammation of sprains and other injuries.
Antihistamines: For relief of pollen allergies, or to reduce reaction to bites and stings.
Immodium 2 mg capsules or tablets: For relief of diarrhea from intestinal infections.
Pepto Bismol or antiacid tablets: For relief from general diarrhea, abdominal upset.
After Bite or hydrocortisone cream USP 1 percent: Relieves skin irritation from bites, poison oak, stings, or allergic reactions.
Latex or nitrile gloves: Protects against blood-borne diseases and infection.
CPR microshield mask: A compact flexible barrier with a one-way valve for rescue breathing, which protects user from blood, vomit or saliva.
Oral rehydration salts: Packet of electrolyte salts and glucose for treatment of dehydration, heat exhaustion, or loss of fluids from vomiting or diarrhea.
Space bag/blanket: Lightweight emergency shelter. For treating hypothermia victims.
Paper and pencil: For recording medical data such as body temperature, pulse, time and date of symptoms, injuries, medicines administered, etc. Most repackaged kits include accident report forms.
Wilderness First Aid booklet: Many prepackaged first aid kits contain one. An excellent pocket guide is the Wilderness Medical Handbook by Paul Nicolazzo, available for $20 from Wilderness Medical Training Center, www.wildmedcenter.com or (509) 996-2502.

PERSONAL ITEMS

Sunscreen
Lip balm
Bug spray
Feminine hygiene products

Although it may appear to be a lengthy list of items to bring, it is important to consider the potential scenarios that could occur during a multi-night trip with a group of four individuals. Moreover, if you distribute the aforementioned items among all group members, the additional weight added to each person’s pack is not overly burdensome. Naturally, carefully assess each item and exclude it if it is not necessary for your specific trip. For instance, if you are backpacking in the high alpine of the Rockies, it is highly unlikely that you will encounter poison oak, meaning you can leave the pain relief treatment at home.

ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING

The topic of ultralight backpacking can be a subject of controversy as many traditional backpackers believe that carrying fewer items increases the risk of needing outside help. In the United States, ultralight backpacking is defined as having a base pack weight of 10 pounds or less, which includes a rain shelter/tent, sleeping system, and backpack. It is a personal choice whether an ultralight enthusiast carries a five-pound first aid kit or not. However, regardless of your preference, it is still advisable to have a first aid kit with you. To reduce weight, you can consider reducing the amount of ointment tubes you carry. Instead of a full tube, carrying a half tube may suffice. Similarly, instead of taking the entire bottle, pack enough ibuprofen tablets for your trip. These small adjustments in weight can have a significant impact. Below is a suggested packing list for an ultralight backpacking first aid kit: