Backpacking Fanatic

A week and a half ago, I bashed my knee and scraped both of my hands. I wish I had a more sexy story, but the truth is my dog, Jack, had thought he might like to turn his morning walk into a self-guided tour. The result for me was a swollen knee, gruesome road rash on that same knee, and some skin removed from both hands. (Never fear, though – Jack emerged unscathed!)  I was near home, so I was able to wash my injuries, and apply Neosporin and nice, fresh bandages. But, what if I had been in the woods, miles from the trailhead?

Of course, we all carry first-aid kits in our backpacks, even if we’re only out for a day-hike. Right? But, do we have the right things in those kits? When was the last time we checked them?

I got to wondering about my own kit, and, after consulting several sources, I’ve gleaned the following basic list of items for a personal first-aid kit:

• adhesive bandages for small wounds, various shapes and sizes
• butterfly bandages
• triangle bandage (to make a sling or for securing a splint, etc.)
• sterile gauze pads/non-stick pads
• athletic tape
• moleskin
• elastic bandage
• thermometer
• basic medications (a few of each will do):
• anti-inflammatory medication (aspirin or ibuprofen)
• antihistamine
• antibiotic ointment
• wound sanitizer
• hand sanitizer
• sterile gloves
• safety pins
• tweezers
• scissors, unless you have a multi-tool
• plastic bag (for contaminated materials)

These items should be packed in a waterproof container – even a simple plastic bag will do – with everything clearly labeled. You should add whatever special medications you need for diabetes, asthma, bee sting allergy, or any other condition that could flare up while you’re out in the woods. And, for critical medications, bring a little extra in case you’re out longer than planned.

Of course, there are many optional items you could add, balancing probable need and utility against weight. For a sprain or other swelling, it would be good to have a chemical cold pack. Depending on the weather, it is often a good idea to carry a “space blanket.” In the past, when I had a knee that gave me trouble occasionally, I carried a knee brace. I always carry a small stick of Body Glide to prevent chafing and blisters.

If you’re near-sighted, you might consider adding a pair of plastic magnifying glasses that clip onto your hat brim, such as those sold for fly-fishing. It’s a lot easier to pull a splinter you can see.

The longer you plan to be out, or the farther you will be from help, the more well-equipped you will want to be. Your kit should reflect the state of your own health, and the hazards you expect to encounter.

Every hiker should carry a basic first-aid kit. If only one of you carries a kit, you might be in trouble if you become separated and you’re the guy without a kit. Caveat: If you are leading a group, you may want to carry a larger kit. But, you and every member of your group should still have a personal kit.

And, it’s important to check your kit regularly. You should know what’s in your kit, and why. Each time you check your kit, replace items you’ve used, or that have expired. Add anything you wished you’d had last time you were out. Bill suggests you keep a list of the contents of your kit and refer back to it to be sure everything you might need is there.

You can put your kit together yourself, or buy one of the many good kits you can find online or at outdoor retailers. (The small kit shown at right and at the top of this post came from REI. It was $9.) If you buy your kit, make sure to go through it so you know what you have. And, all the guidelines about inspecting and refreshing your kit on a regular basis still apply.

In all my years of hiking, I don’t think I’ve ever used more than a small bandage or an antihistamine from my personal first-aid kit. But, I’ll sure be glad I have all that stuff if I ever need it!

As the snow melts in the high country, we’re feeling the pull of the Continental Divide and the high peaks. If you’re thinking about destinations, and especially if you’d like to hike a 14,000 peak, you might think about Mt. Shavano, near Salida, Colorado. There’s a destination article on BackpackingFanatic.com, written by Bill after our ascent last summer. Here’s the link. We had a blast doing that peak, and it’s a good place to start for almost anyone who’s fit enough to think about doing a 14-er.

Happy Trails!

Doris