This is by no means an exhaustive or complete list of first aid items you may need. In fact it’s more what we call an “ouchy boo-boo” kit. With just 5 simple things you can manage most common issues you’ll face on the trail. It has however served me well for several years as a simple robust kit that packs away easily. I keep mine rolled up in a quart size freezer bag.
The first item may seem cliché but if I had to nominate an inanimate object for best supporting role, it would be duct tape… or is it duck tape? I think it used to be made from a cloth known as duck and was waterproof like a duck. Let’s call it duck tape!
SO, as I was saying, if you start with duck tape in your first aid kit you have a number of ways to use it.
It works well as blister tape for those days when your feet slid around a little too much in your boots, or as a preventative if expect blisters.
Lay a piece of duck tape over the inflamed area after a gentle wash and dry, before you put your sock on and it’ll work wonders at helping with the mileage. Not as good as moleskin, but better than nothing!
It also works in other locations as well. Duck tape can work well as a binder for a splint in the event that a joint or limb needs to be mobilized.
The second item I recommend is non stick gauze pads. The ones I keep are about 2” x 3”.
They can be cut to smaller sizes for smaller wounds. When you combine duck tape and a bit of non-stick pad, you can make almost any size bandage for cuts and scrapes. Simple and useful!
Item number 3 in my kit is triple antibiotic cream. It’s a simple and easy way to prevent infection should you need to make a “bandaid” in field conditions. Alternatives could be alcohol wipes or even hand sanitizer for disinfection.
Items number 4 is my “dailies” for supplements and pain relief. It’s a small container with a multi-day supply of naproxen (also known as Aleve). You could substitute another nsaid like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but for my money, I get the most bang for the buck out of naproxen. I also carry a solid antihistamine. I personally use certrizine when I need an anti-allergic pill, but you could use alternatives that you prefer. Just remember that some dehydrate and some cause drowsiness. In this pic, I also have a mineral supplement that keeps my old bones from feeling to brittle on the trail.
Item number 5 is something you may already carry. Most folks carry a knife or multi-tool with them they could use to cut the tape and gauze pads. However, a small pair of folding scissors will go a long way when helping with general wound care.
It’s not fancy or extensive. My number one rule when on the trail is “Don’t get hurt”, but it happens.
Burns, cuts, scrapes, blisters, twisted ankles, the occasional contact dermatitis and other things can all be attended to with this small, simple, affordable, lightweight kit.
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