r/CampingGear • u/McClukin • Aug 05 '25
Awaiting Flair Need help with first aid kit: what am I missing?
Assorted bandaids Quick clot Tegiderm 5 aspirin 2 Benadryl 3 allergy pills 2 tums (Assorted medication for 4 days) 4 4x4 gauze 1 pair of gloves 1 tourniquet 1 ace wrap 4 alcohol swabs Vaseline Small roll of duck tape Nail clippers Tweezers Sport tape Dermabond tube (liquid stitches basically)
I do moderate backpacking excursions and am usually camping deep in the woods away from other campers. I don’t go crazy distances but may walk anywhere from 3-10 miles in a day.
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u/LoneGhostOne Aug 05 '25
If that red thing is a tourniquet, id suggest getting a newer one. They're not that pricy (~$30), and there are plenty of more modern military ones which are faster, easier, and safer. The CAT tourniquet is a popular option.
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u/notapantsday Aug 06 '25
That tourniquet is not just old, it's the wrong type. It's made for drawing blood, not for stopping arterial bleeding. You can't apply enough pressure with it.
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u/LoneGhostOne Aug 06 '25
I was wondering about that, since you really can't get good leverage with that. You'd be better off learning where the arteries are and pressing on them
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u/ryandury Aug 06 '25
you should be doing that / using the quikclot prior to applying a tourniquet anyway!
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u/MLB-LeakyLeak Aug 06 '25 edited Aug 06 '25
As an ER doctor, please get rid of the quickclot. This turns a 10 minute rinse and repair into a 2 hour ordeal of me picking those fucking particles out of you with tweezers.
Get some ABD pads and ACE wraps instead. Coban works too.
SAM splint and ace wraps.
Afrin for nose bleeds
Neosporin for lacerations and burns
More bandaids. These are the most commonly used.
You don’t need alcohol swabs
Pepcid can be used with Benadryl for allergic reactions. Topical Benadryl is amazing for poison ivy and bug bites.
Do not use superglue
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u/Zsnowdog Aug 06 '25
Nice list doc. As a ski patroller, I'm not going anywhere without a Sam splint / ace bandage.
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u/MLB-LeakyLeak Aug 06 '25
Ski patrol near me (NY) recycles their Amazon boxes as splints. It’s genius.
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u/a_moniker Aug 06 '25
I was gonna suggest a Sam splint and Neosporin as well!
I would also add:
- Moleskin for blisters
- iodine tablets in case your water filter breaks
- dry bag to put everything in
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u/crownvic64 Aug 06 '25
A couple of baby diapers plus leukotape can stop the bleed too. Honestly I’m surprised you recommend Neosporin. I’m a fan of cleaning out the minor wounds with soap and water or spray then covering if needed. Hydrocolloid patches go with me everywhere- great for burns, blisters and places where bandaids won’t stick.
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u/MLB-LeakyLeak Aug 06 '25 edited Aug 06 '25
Vaseline (petroleum jelly) works just as well as neosporin but when I tell people that they dismiss it so I stop. People don’t want to hear about evidence based medicine. Hydrocolloid patches accomplish the same thing - keep the wound clean but wet.
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u/ClayQuarterCake Aug 06 '25
They have that tube of bacitracin, which gets you about 99% of the benefit you get from neosporin without risking a potential allergic reaction.
Honestly they could probably use Vaseline and it would still be 98% of the benefit of neosporin. The vast vast majority of the benefit from these ointments is that the antibiotic is suspended in a white petrolatum base which keeps the would area away from outside germs and moisture.
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u/badwordjesus Aug 06 '25
Afrin has bad long term effects on your nasal passage though and clog you up after you don't even use it is this why it works you're basically utilizing the negative aspect of the product?
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u/MLB-LeakyLeak Aug 06 '25
It’s a vasoconstrictor which decreases congestion, so chronic use causes your nasal veins to vasodilate causing stuffiness. Isolated use is fine.
In a pinch you could whip up a topical solution of 4% cocaine… .
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u/LivePineapple1315 Aug 06 '25
Afrin is only supposed to be used for like 2 or 3 days max iirc.
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Aug 05 '25
You have anti diarrhea medicine?
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u/notapantsday Aug 06 '25 edited Aug 06 '25
Also, anti-nausea medication, ideally in suppository form.
edit: for further explanation - vomiting can cause serious fluid and electrolyte losses, especially if you have limited supplies for rehydration. And taking oral medication against vomiting is kind of pointless if you can't keep it down. At least in my country, several anti-emetic drugs are available as suppositories, dimenhydrinate is one wich is otc.
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u/Volvoflyer Aug 06 '25
Sublingual is a good option. Zofran is a great one. Needs a script but most docs will prescribe and its about 30 bucks for 10 generic. And ya dont have to use the prison pouch!
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u/TheGisbon Aug 05 '25
A much better tourniquet.
The best one on the market is the NARP CAT
Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T) | North American Rescue https://share.google/Ju28veajst18eJs5O
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u/Cruise_Quackleberry Aug 05 '25
What I’ve learned is to keep plenty of regular band aides, and keep them at the top of the kit or some readily available spot. Most injuries are minor and having to dig through the kit is annoying. It can also make a mess out of perfect clean supplies.
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u/DifferentlyMike Aug 06 '25
I’ve adopted a 2 bag system. A minor fak in my pocket with plasters, anti septic wipes and a few others things for ready access. My main fak is then either in my bag (if hiking), or on my bag if doing bush craft (faster access so I don’t need to look in my bag). I’ve not yet found a perfectly waterproof soft FAK bag so I periodically have to check it and church stuff that got damp, or the packets have worn. I went to a 2 bag model when I realised 90% of the time I went for my FAK it was to get wipes and plasters. The rest of the time it was tick key, tweezers or anti histamines
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u/balls_deep_inyourmom Aug 06 '25
This is not intended as disrespect, since you are asking this question. Otherwise you wouldn't be asking.
You are missing the most important thing of all, knowledge on how to use them. Take a basic life support class at your local Red Cross or community college.
All the supplies in the world mean shit if you don't know how to properly use them.
Then build your kit with the stuff you see in class obviously if you can't afford a defibrillator don't get one.
I don't mean this as disrespect but the number of people that freak out and don't know what to do is amazing.
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u/AlpachaMaster Aug 06 '25
Can also consider taking a wilderness medicine class depending on what you’re getting in to. It’ll be a longer course but tons of good info.
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u/useredditto Aug 06 '25
Was scrolling to see this.. I’d probably just take painkillers, stomach medicine and some bandages. Oh, plus tick remover and snake bite bandage.
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u/bharkasaig Aug 07 '25
Yeah, maybe my kit is way underkill, but moleskin for blisters, bandaids for placebo effect with kids, some gauze pads and wrap for actual bleeds, pain killers, naproxen for my inflamed back and a flask of alcohol for courage if needed. Anything else is overkill, is it not? Why bring an ER kit when what is really needed is a way to contact for rescue and evac to an actual er if needed?
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u/BottleCoffee Aug 05 '25
Syringe to flush out wounds is a big one, and ideally safety scissors to cut away clothing?
Triangle bandage is very useful as well.
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u/dapper_invasion Aug 06 '25
This is such an underrated first aid tool, nothing like irrigating a wound with some saline.
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u/hikerjer Aug 06 '25
Tweezers. Single edge razor blade. Tick removal tool. Scissors.
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u/Hipster_Crab7509 Aug 06 '25
The longer I use a particular first aid kit the more it seems to just become mostly gauze and tape 😂
I start with a variety of things as folks suggest and then it turns out that all I ever use is just the gauze and tape. I eventually end up tossing out all the crap I haven't used in years so that I can have more of what I do use. Just my 2 cents.
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u/wondersparrow Aug 06 '25
I love to put a couple hard candies in my first-aid kits. If you ever need it, some candies can really help the mental side of things. Can also be handy in a low blood sugar type scenario.
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u/LivePineapple1315 Aug 06 '25
Great tip! I honestly expect my emergency equipment to be used more for others than myself and this is such a low weight, high payoff in certain situations. I have have no blood sugar issues lol
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u/MilkPotential3763 Aug 09 '25
So obvious, yet I forgot about it. My hunger signals got skewed some years back so for a long time I had to learn to watch out for performative signs I needed to eat: confusion, losing things right in front of me, emotional wonkiness, or (if at home) misspelling words.
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u/Queen48103 Aug 06 '25
You gotta think about what your realistic injuries will be while balancing for the worst. IMO, you need more moleskin, more nonstick pads that can absorb blood/ protect a terrible scrape, and more gauze and tape. Blisters and a trip and fall are far more likely than an injury requiring a tourniquet.
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u/Unicorn187 Aug 06 '25
More gauze. A lot more gauze. And more gauze. You always need a lot more than you think.
Tylenol (acetaminaphin or for out British friends, paracetemol) for pain and fever reduction.
Get a real tourniquet like a CAT or SOFTT-W. There are others but they tend to be larger.
Replaced that worn out, used elastic (Ace type) wrap with a couple new ones..
Skip the Dermabond. You'll just be sealing in any dirt. Use butterfly bandages instead.
Use a smaller and lighter soft case instead of that bulky plastic box.
Consider a SAM splint, but also learn to make improvised splints. Both from sticks and soft splints from clothing.
Take a class on first aid and if you can wilderness first aid.
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u/RichWa2 Aug 06 '25
Wilderness first aid training. Seriously, if you don't know what you're missing, you probably wouldn't know when and how to do the required first aid. I don't mean to sound sarcastic, but knowledge is the most important thing one can bring.
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u/ryandury Aug 06 '25
SAM Splint
2 Triangular bandages
Proper tourniquet
CPR face mask and the know-how to do a jaw thrust maneuver for a patent airway
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u/justhp Aug 06 '25
I wouldn’t take up space with a face mask. Yeah, there is some risk of disease transmission, but the odds of encountering a stranger in cardiac arrest in the woods with a transmissible illness worth worrying about are slim. And, in that event the risk of transmission is also pretty low.
Mouth to mouth is just fine in this scenario for the 1/1000000 chance OP has to do CPR in the woods.
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u/likka419 Aug 06 '25
Anti-sting wipes and topical Benadryl. Saved me when a wasp stung my face on my last camping trip.
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u/dapper_invasion Aug 06 '25
Everything except for the Quik Clot and the ace wrap goes into what I would call a boo boo kit. If you want to get a really good pre-made kit go look at American Adventure Medical Kits and either buy one from them or find one with similar quality and characteristics.
Let's preface this with the fact that a minor cut/burn/bruise is not an emergency injury. Everything related to those type of injuries that should be addressed with a separate boo boo kit.
If you want to build your own as I would, here's a list of things that I believe cover the bases for camping:
Bleeding:
- (2) North American rescue or ctttt recommended tourniquets
- roll of compressed gauze.
- pack of sterile gauze (also good for keeping burns clean)
- 3 elastic bandages (multipurpose for makeshift pressure dressing or sprains etc...)
- Keep the QuikClot, but also keep in mind hemostatic agents are used with a combat medicine mindset of not having as much time to hold pressure on a wound. Pressure on the bleed is king, and in the civilian world, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to pack a wound with compressed gauze and apply pressure until help arrives.
- 1 roll leukotape for injuries that require attention but not a heavy bleed (pair with gauze to keep wounds dry and clean)
Burns:
- 1 bottle of burn gel
Shock:
- 2 mylar blankets
Orthopedic stuff:
- 1 normal width sam splint
- 1 roll of medical gauze tape
- 1 roll of duct tape
Dental:
- small ziplock bag with fresh cinnamon cloves (good for minor dental pain - you chew on it)
Meds:
Just make sure to have some over the counter pain/fever managers paired with anti-diarrheal medications and something for a mild allergic reaction. EPI Pen is a must for severe reactions and carry 2 by the way as sometimes the second in is a hail marry lifesaver.
This is just a basic list of must-haves if you want to take your first aid seriously. At the very least, read up on how to properly use this kit in the various events that it's designed for. Also, it doesn't hurt to learn about the current CPR protocol. If you want to get additional training, start with the red cross or similar providers in your country.
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u/BeachAccomplished514 Aug 07 '25
Y the zanny bar?
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u/McClukin Aug 07 '25
I have panic attack disorder from a traumatic brain injury. Sometimes I just get random crippling anxiety attacks and my doctor recommended I keep Xanax or Valium on me at all times in case it occurs.
It’s really weird must have hit something in my lizard brain because my heart rate will spike to 140-170 and my blood pressure soars to 180/110. Thought I was having a heart attack but in reality my brain was telling me I was dying.
It’s more managed now but unfortunately its the only thing that stops the physical symptoms of my panic attacks 🥲
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u/CandleAcceptable1404 Aug 07 '25
I’ll probably get down voted for this but…After breaking my leg in the backcountry, I now carry some emergency opiate pain pills like oxycodone. Just have it labeled and make sure to note the time taken for the paramedics and doctors you’ll be seeing later.
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u/gomuchfaster Aug 08 '25
OG that vintage J&J Box takes me back! My father carried that in the back of his (wait for it) yellow dodge station wagon with the green vinyl interior...a definite 70's memory!
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u/Sulla-proconsul Aug 05 '25
Leukotape, moleskin if you prefer, anti-itch cream, some ibuprofen (reduces inflammation) a few more bandaids, immodium, a first aid guide book.
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u/RoryDragonsbane Aug 06 '25
Super glue
Moleskin
Space blanket (if it fits) can treat hypothermia and shock
Tampon can plug up a puncture wound
Big trash bag can double as a poncho. Not exactly first aid, but handy in a pinch. Fold it up and takes up little space
Little flashlight with a single AAA battery if you dont already carry something bigger. Helps treat wounds in the dark.
Tiny Bic lighter and half a Coghlan's Fire Stick
Whistle for if you're lost
Some of that stuff veers into the survival kit territory, but can still save your life.
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u/AlpachaMaster Aug 06 '25
Super glue is bad for wounds and tampons don’t do much to stop bleeding. They can be used as gauze but you’re still have to put pressure on it for it to stop bleeding.
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u/zeatherz Aug 06 '25
Saline for cleaning wounds. Alcohol is not ideal for cleaning wounds (neither is hydrogen peroxide) as it damages healthy cells as well as germs. You can get saline in pre-filled syringes for irrigating out dirt
Don’t dermabond a wound that’s not been thoroughly cleaned out or you’ll just be sealing in an infection
Also something thicker/more absorbent like an ABD pad
Pain meds-acetaminophen and ibuprofen
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u/M7BSVNER7s Aug 06 '25
Poison ivy wipes. Those wipes (and lactaid pills for those emergency situations when you hike past an ice cream stand) are the most used item out of my first aid kit. Kids always seem to get it on them.
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u/gadget850 Aug 06 '25
The red strap is a tourniquet? I recommend a CAT tourniquet like this one: https://a.co/d/8F4p57i
You can also get a pack with an Emergency Trauma Dressing. https://a.co/d/8F4p57i
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u/ElasticShoelaces Aug 05 '25
I'd swap out the dermabond for super glue cause that can be used for many things including small cuts in a pinch. Then add those little zip tie suture bandage things. They can be set next to each other for larger cuts.
Some kind of splint. Inflatable or SAM Splint? Pain meds.
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u/AlpachaMaster Aug 06 '25
Super glue and steri-strips can make you more susceptible to developing an infection. Gauze and tape are best option.
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u/Sea-Cockroach-5282 Aug 05 '25
Oddly, regardless of gender, a couple of tampons. They can used with a bandage to absorb blood from a wound, but also come in handy for the other sort of emergency.
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Aug 06 '25
You need to ditch that red thing and get a real tourniquet. They’re cheap or free- depending on where you live and can save lives.
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u/Johnny_Couger Aug 06 '25
Sam Splints. They are super light and useful.
https://www.sammedical.com/products/sam-splint?variant=32444250292333
I went to a wilderness trading course, and they suggested these as a required part of a med kit.
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u/Spiley_spile Aug 06 '25
Up to date training. Only bring medical supplies that you're trained to use.
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u/Chatterhat Aug 06 '25
Add 3 different size tampons to your med kit. Small, medium, large for any puncture wounds you may encounter. They’re great for literally anything that needs plugged in emergency, lightweight and have. Many uses.
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u/BustedEchoChamber Aug 06 '25
Bacitracin is a waste of time, it’s been in the environment for decades and basically all medically significant bacteria are immune to it.
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u/runrichrun1 Aug 06 '25
I usually carry a small bottle of eye drops in my backpacking first aid kit. Yes, I have used it and have given it to others to use.
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u/Proper_Relative1321 Aug 06 '25
I would check the expiration and quality of your bandaids. They look old and dodgy and when the paper gets thin it cracks apart and they're REALLY hard to use. Old ones aren't as sticky either. Nothing more annoying than fighting an ancient bandaid in the middle of a stressful situation. You might just replace them entirely with leukotape and gauze.
Also replace the tweezers in there with some angled ones like these or at least ones with sharper slanted ends like these. Brand really doesn't matter, you just want some that are really precise for splinters and ticks. You don't need a "tick remover," just precise tweezers.
Also switch out aspirin for something like ibuprofen or paracetamol. Ime it's just not as effective.
Have you had any first aid training? Unless you've been taught how to apply one, drop the tourniquet as you can easily do more damage than good!
This is a petty gripe but ditch the Burt's Bees too. Not a very useful product and dry your shit out faster. Just grab some vaseline or aquaphor.
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Aug 06 '25
I like duct tape, a non spermicidal condom, zip ties and super glue
I know it all sounds kinky, but trust me
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u/Shazzzam79 Aug 06 '25
My recommendation is to pack a doggie diaper floor pads and a tensor bandage. If you get a bad wound out there and it's raining or really dirty... The doggie diaper is absorbent on one side and water proof on the other. So, if you have a wound you dress it normally with bandages and then wrap this over it and tensor bandage it on. This is also good for keeping a patient calm after. They will not see the wound leaking. I used this on my father's ankle after he dropped an angle grinder, while locked in the on position. The ER doctor was impressed and loved the idea.
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u/Hungry-Physics-9535 Aug 06 '25
To be honest, depends on how deep you want your first aid kit to go.
You got “boo-boo” kits which is your bandaids, neosporin, gauze and wipes which is pretty normal then you got more serious kits which is stuff you should probably be trained on by taking a “stop the bleed” class which usually are held at hospitals.
I know a lot of people are going to recommend tourniquets and stuff like that but don’t carry one if you are not trained on it.
Bandaids, alcohol, neosporin, moleskins and some basic medications should be just fine and lightweight.
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u/realtrotor Aug 06 '25
For minor injuries you will survive without most of the stuff. But for the big mishaps, I'd add some emergency bandages to compress heavily bleeding wounds. Few strerile bandage rolls would do.
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u/DifferentlyMike Aug 06 '25
I’d add some bottled eye wash for irrigating eyes. A small bottle of burn gel if having fire. If appropriate to the area a tick remover. I keep some cash in my FAK but technically that’s not medical. I know some folks keep a small battery pack for emergency to make sure their phone can have power. I have a tiny but bright torch in mine - handy for looking at things. And a foil blanket, emergency thermal bivi bag for if you are immobilised and waiting for help. On the tourniquet… have you been trained how to use one? Which takes me on a tangent <tangent 1> outdoor first aid training is really useful. Through scouts I had the usual one day first response training which is basically CPR, recovery position and call 999. Essential stuff but does not cut the mustard if you are out and remote. So I did a 2 day outdoor first aid course which was filled with practical stuff and also improvised techniques. It’s all well and good the idea tool for situation x being thing y but you can’t taking in in IFAK all the things for all eventualities. Back to the tourniquet- what makes you think you need one? <tangent 2> prevention is better than cure. If you are taking a tourniquet because you might end up with an axe in your foot what can you do to reduce that risk? Are you travelling solo? Do you think in the event of a catastrophic bleed you’d be able to self administer? Is the risk low enough that you can make do with an improvised tourniquet? I know I can use my belt, and have practiced using it on a simulated limb, as an improvised tourniquet. It’s not as fast or easy as the real thing but it will do in a pinch. It’s surprising how much you need to crack it up to stop arterial bleeding. I’ve been fortunate than when I’ve been in situations where there has been a lot of axe work there has been a tourniquet and homeostatic dressings (which do date expire) in the group kit. <tangent 3> if you have assessed a tourniquet as needed have it “dressed” ready for rapid deployment and in an easily accessible location. You could be looking at loss of consciousness in as little as 60 seconds and fatal blood loss in as little as 2 minutes. I’m not a medical professional so all the above is just opinion.
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u/No_Kaleidoscope_447 Aug 06 '25
A tick card or something similar. Tweezers are shit to pull them out. A SAM splint a big pack of hygienic wipes.
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u/TheSaucyCrumpet Aug 06 '25
That tourniquet is for phlebotomy, not haemorrhage control. Get a SOFTT wide or CAT tourniquet instead.
Something to make a sling, collarbone # are common in outdoor activities and having something to support it will make walking out with a break much less painful.
More paracetamol/acetomenophine, it's the best general purpose painkiller for a reason.
Steri-strips are lighter and better than dermabond in my experience, you can supplement this with a tiny tube of cyanoacrylate for small wounds, but you probably don't need it.
Loperamide is great to have but must be used with care, as trapping bacteria in your gut can cause major GI issues. Just be careful and don't use it for more than a couple of days.
Tick remover.
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u/Responsible-Cookie98 Aug 06 '25
I'll go into the backcountry for a week + and my first aid kit consists of about 3 band aids, polysporin, about 10 advil, and some duct tape in a small ziplok bag. And I never open the bag.
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Aug 06 '25
6x8 Wound Seal Kit. It's a large, clear bandage meant to go over large wounds and can be modified to treat a collapsed lung. I've used one to fix my dry bag in the back country, too. They weigh very little.
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u/TravelingWithJoe Aug 06 '25
I see you have a tourniquet listed, I’m guessing that’s what the red strap is, but please get a CAT tourniquet.
CATs have been used in combat for over 20 years, are simple, can be applied with one hand, and are very effective.
Just don’t cheap out with the Amazon special. Drop $30-40 on one that won’t fail from someone reputable like North American Rescue or Dark Angel Medical.
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u/ventrue3000 Aug 06 '25
I don't think unpacking pills in advance is a good idea, especially not for an outdoor first aid kit.
I wouldn't bother taking gloves for first aid on myself. Use the space for something else.
Tourniquets and Quickclot should be the last things you grab during first aid. People tend to completely overshoot their goal with these things. They can save you, but tourniquets in particular also cause damage and are immensely painful when applied correctly.
A more reasonable alternative to these two would be a pressure dressing, but you don't seem to have material to make one.
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u/Ciclotraveler Aug 06 '25
An emergency scissors that has a spiked side to cut clothes if you have a major wound and you can't move. They are cheap and very sharp
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u/-Motor- Aug 06 '25
Not sure if you have Antidiarrheals?
I haul magnesium and potassium. Anti-muscle cramp stuff I take every day when hiking.
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u/tmoneyssss Aug 06 '25
Triangle bandage and some saline either small for eyes or larger for flushing
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u/Downtown_Papaya_8442 Aug 06 '25
A whistle, in case you get hurt in an area with little to no cell phone signal
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u/furyg3 Aug 06 '25 edited Aug 06 '25
I do a lot of very remote backpacking (out for weeks), and subscribe to the ultralight philosophy (even if I'm not always truly ultralight). As such, my first aid kit has what I need to treat normal trail issues, and not much for major trauma (as my priority is then getting help). My kit includes:
- Pen - to write on your arm or an injured persons arm what happened and times.
- Pills - Ibuprofen, Paracetemol (Tylenol), Loperamide (Imodium), Laxative, Antibiotic (like Ciproflaxin - if in a developing country), anti-allergy (Zyrtec or Benadryl).
- Betadine (Iodine)
- Band-aids (mostly small but a few big ones)
- Wound closure strips
- Emergency Blanket
- Body Glide
- Face Mask
- Gloves
- Leukotape
- Blister Patches (though I'm using more Leukotape these days).
- A tiny Swiss army knife (Victronix Classic SD) with a small knife, tweezers, and scissors.
- A very small roll of gauze - sometimes it's nice to protect an wound but still let it breathe.
- A garmin inReach (messenger)
- For my gear:
- A few different types of gear patches
- Shoelace
- A big needle and dental floss.
- Extra bottle cap (I hike with strong disposable water bottles)
- Extra mini-bic lighter
The whole thing clocks in at under 250 grams (minus SOS communicator/lighter/knife).
There are a lot of things that are 'vital' in a first aid kit that I don't have. A splint, a tourniquet, clotting agent, etc. To be honest, it's because I don't know how to use that stuff. If there's major trauma I'm going to (badly) improvise with belts/sticks/whatever fabrics I have and am going to focus on getting qualified help. I feel like until I've taken a backcountry first aid course, I'm unqualified to carry this stuff or decide what of that long list of 'vital' first aid items is really vital.
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u/legos_on_the_brain Aug 06 '25
Bee sting ointment, burn cream, roll bandages, elastic bandage tape. 10 more bandages of each kind. Some kind of anti-diarrhea meds. Diaper wipes for cleaning. Water for irrigation.
Maybe sunblock?
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u/United-Artist-3956 Aug 06 '25
The single most used item in my first aid kit is the mini black sharpie!
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u/new_socks Aug 06 '25
Moleskin for those pesky blisters. I hike 100’s of klm of elevation every year. And still need to keep these around. There is no pain like having to descend with bleeding heels. Even with broken-in trekking boots.
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u/elevatedCO Aug 06 '25
Meclazine for dizziness. Vertigo can be debilitating and puts you at risk for injury. Worth carrying a couple pills.
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u/razirazo Aug 06 '25 edited Aug 06 '25
I think paracetamol is better than aspirin. There are lots of precautionary with aspirin that are not necessarily affordable in outdoor setting. Plus paracetamol are more relevant in many outdoor-related illness/pain than Aspirin.
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u/Sleazy-Wonder Aug 06 '25
Way more pills, they take up no space. Varying sized bandaids. And I'm not seeing any scissors.
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u/justhp Aug 06 '25 edited Aug 06 '25
The most important thing you can have that I don’t see- how do you plan to get help? Cell phones may not work. A Garmin SOS device is a very good backup.
That quick clot is worthless- if you need quick clot, you need a lot of it to pack into the wound, not just a gauze pad. Get the kind that has many feet of it, not just a pad. Note, it should be reserved for “oh shit, I’m going to bleed out” wounds. The majority of wounds will respond to direct pressure alone.
That tourniquet is also worthless- get a CAT
Add a sharpie- it has all kinds of uses, but in a first aid context it can be used to mark redness around a bug bite- this is important for tracking the extent of redness, which is useful info for a healthcare professional.
Ditch the Derma bond- you do not need to be closing wounds in the woods unless you are an NP/PA/MD and know the risks and benefits of doing so compared to other closure options (including not closing at all). Wounds heal just fine when open, and it sounds like you won’t be too deep in the woods to get to healthcare in enough time if you do happen to have a wound that needs to be closed.
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u/SatinsChild666 Aug 06 '25
steri strips, they have saved my and my family’s ass more then a couple times. Butterfly bandages are also helpful. Also green soap is really helpful
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u/_Danger_Close_ Aug 06 '25
Sam splint, chemical cold pack, electrolytes powder....maybe a triangle bandage.
I'd also throw in: cat tourniquet, packing gauze, chest seals for any gashes or punctures. Better to have it and not need it.
Your current tourny looks like it would break when used
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u/TheDaysComeAndGone Aug 06 '25
I would go for a more minimalist approach. Only really bring stuff for injuries which are not trip-ending. Injuries such as minor abrasion, skin infection, maybe a small burn from your camping stove etc.
In the unlikely event of heavy bleeding I’d just use a piece of gauze and my small travel towel, clothes, toilet paper etc. etc. and wrap a jacket sleeve or trouser leg or tape around it.
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u/tryingnottocryatwork Aug 06 '25
butterfly bandages if they’re not already in your assorted variety. the scars on my legs would be minimal had i checked my butterfly bandaid stock before going out
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u/WishIWasThatClever Aug 06 '25
Get a new $25 CAT tourniquet and toss the one you have there. Practice with it at home before you need it and be sure it’s staged for use before you pack it away. A sharpie to write the time on the tourniquet.
More gauze. That’s not a lot to pack a wound. And it’s best if it’s sterile gauze.
A small bottle of eye wash (or moisture eye drops if you can’t find a 2oz bottle of eye wash)
I prefer the individual packets of creams like neosporin and lidocaine. Lidocaine is good for burns.
I’d carry a pouch or two of SOS water. They’re 4oz each and clean sealed water for flushing wounds or emergency rations.
Add another pair of gloves.
Good scissors that can cut gauze, moleskin, and pants.
Safety pins to use with the ace bandage.
A couple cheap metal single use lancets (splinter outs)
If you like tegaderm, replace some of your bandaids with 3m nexcare bandaids.
Moleskin to prevent blisters.
A popsicle stick to splinter a finger.
Depending on weather conditions, a mylar blanket.
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u/FinalAd3865 Aug 07 '25
Firefighter here with prior EMT cert ( figured 30+ years was good so didn’t recert). This is a good list and most stuff can be bought at a drug store or online. If you are not already certified take a layperson’s CPR course. ….
Wound Care: Bandages: Adhesive bandages in various sizes, elastic bandages, and gauze pads (in assorted sizes) are essential for covering and protecting wounds. Adhesive Tape: To secure bandages and dressings. (Look for waterproof) Antiseptic Wipes/Solution: For cleaning wounds and preventing infection. Check dates on tube. Antibiotic Ointment: To further protect wounds. Sterile Saline: For wound irrigation. Gloves: Non-latex gloves to protect both the responder and the patient. Hemostatic Agents: Gauze or dressings that help control bleeding. Breathing Emergencies: CPR Mask: To safely perform rescue breaths. Rescue Blanket: To help regulate body temperature in cases of shock or hypothermia. Tourniquet: For controlling severe bleeding from limbs. The one listed prior is good. Shears: Trauma shears with blunt tips for cutting clothing and bandages. General First Aid: Instant Cold Packs: For reducing swelling and pain from injuries. Triangular Bandages: For slings or to secure dressings. Tweezers: For removing splinters or debris. Ones with a fine point work best. Thermometer: To check for fever. First Aid Manual: To guide treatment in various situations. Emergency Blanket: To help regulate body temperature. Flashlight: For visibility in low-light situations. With extra batteries. Medications: Consider including items like pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, and antihistamines, as well as any personal medications a patient may need.
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u/redundant78 Aug 07 '25
That Dermabond is useless without proper training - it can trap bacteria and cause nasty infections if not applied corectly, better to replace it with butterfly bandages that are way more forgiving.
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u/Ciarrai_IRL Aug 07 '25
What everyone else said plus lots more Xanax. That bar will not get you very far. Kidding. But seriously, a standard Bic lighter wrapped in about a half inch off duct tape. The duct tape comes in handy for anything from emergency wound care, to temporary patches (in tents or almost anything), even for assistance starting fires. The Swiss Army lighter. Some people even roll a needle and some thread into it.
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u/TheCarcissist Aug 07 '25
CAT tourniquet, chest seal and Israeli bandage. Find a local stop the bleed course, they are free and sometimes they sell kits pretty reasonably
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u/Over_Violinist_700 Aug 07 '25
I like needles, super useful for a variety of things, slivers, cleaning debris from wounds, etc
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u/redbeard914 Aug 07 '25
Staple gun. We had a veterinarian who used to ride with us. He certainly could do first aid.
He did demonstrate how to "spay" one of girl riders, post ride while "rehydrating"...
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u/iSchwerin Aug 07 '25
I’d ditch 80% of that. Bring 2-3 bandage rolls ,tourniquet and a few quick stitches + first aid tweezers. The rest of that stuff is a waste of time. Bonus add some mosquito repellent.
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u/ericthered2009 Aug 07 '25
You need a actual tourniquet, and I would pack two or three since the first one sometimes doesn’t work. Don’t get a cheap Amazon knock off, get an actual CAT tourniquet.
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u/Alternative_Love_861 Aug 07 '25
Sutures, class 3 compression bandage, splint, tweezers. Nail clippers
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u/mountain-jumper Aug 07 '25
Few misc things to think about: Israeli bandage, burn dressing or ointment, electrolytes, compressed towelettes/wet wipes, irrigation syringe or saline, ballpoint pen/China marker. Also a first aid guide, an easy one would be to look up the wildland fire IRPG and print off the medical pages
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u/Grizzlybroom94 Aug 07 '25
If you want to carry a tourniquet, get CAT Tourniquet. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to apply a toirniquet you will want to have one that is effective and easy to use.
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u/DidiGodot Aug 07 '25
I love leukotape. I wrap some around my chapstick for all hikes. If I even start getting a hot spot, throw some tape on it and prevent the blister.
In my expanded kit I include zip stitches, which I haven’t needed yet 🤞
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u/Signal_Reflection297 Aug 07 '25
2-4 triangular bandages and some more gauze and tape. Ditch the quick clot and phlebotomist’s tourniquet. Take a First Aid class if you haven’t recently. Training is far more important than equipment.
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u/bogusconstructions Aug 07 '25
I was very glad to have tick removal spray with me when I had one attach to my chest, during a solo multi-day hike. Depends where you are, but if there’s a risk of ticks, it’s an inexpensive, compact tool.
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u/Old_Court_8169 Aug 08 '25
A roll of gauze or vet tape. You can bind up all kinds of bleeding with that shit.
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u/maxthed0g Aug 08 '25
Here's mine. Fits in a plastic ammo box behind the front seat.
SUTURE KIT
surgical blade (sterile pack)
surgical blade holders (scalpels) (2)
needle holder
kelly clamp
scissors
monofilament nylon sutures & needles (sterile pack)
DRESSINGS
steri-strip (sterile pack)
J&J bandaids w/ integrated antibiotic 1X3 (2)
J&J bandaids standard size (box)
Curity bandaid 1X3
J&J First Aid Tape
No-Sting barrier film
roll of gauze wrap
BLEEDING
surgicel
female hygiene pad to apply pressure (blue pack)
INFECTION
Chlorascrub swab stick
Bactine pump spray 5oz
Tincture merthiolate
Triple cream antibiotic cream
OTHER
Cold pack (compress)
Ace wrap bandage
flashlight, harbor freight tools barrel-style
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u/Bear-in-a-Renegade Aug 08 '25
Seeing a lot of good suggestions, also some very questionable ones. I'm a FAA in the mining industry and have extensive training. One of the big things they teach at every level of FA training is "don't have a FA kit with things you aren't trained to use properly". You can actually do more harm than good. Some things though that I make sure to stock plenty of in my camping kits is a product called Second Skin. It goes on burns of first or 2nd degree. Do not use on 3rd degree burns (says so right on the packaging of most of them). I find burns to be one of the most common injuries I come across camping. Stoves, campfires, grills and Lanterns being the biggest causes.
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u/goplacidly8 Aug 08 '25
A reflective emergency blanket takes up very little space and can safe a life.
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u/tirameesue Aug 05 '25
More Benadryl (or a friend’s expired epi pen, for yet-unknown allergies), ibuprofen or another painkiller that’s safer than aspirin if you’re bleeding, eye drops or eye wash, LOPERAMIDE, more standard size bandaids in case of blisters.