I always carry a lightweight first aid kit when hiking, even on short hikes near Denver. I’ve probably used my kit to help others as much as I’ve used it to remove a splinter from my own hand or prevent a blister on my own foot. If you’re wondering what to pack in your first aid kit, I’ll break down the basics. If you prefer to just buy a pre-packaged one, I recommend the “>First aid kit for a difficult weekend
“>First aid kit for a difficult weekend- Adhesive dressings and sterile dressings:
- Antiseptic wipes and ointments:
- Ace Wrap Compression Bandage:
- Painkillers:
- Bulb Care Supplies:
- Tweezers and tools for removing splinters:
- Emergency medications:
- Medications and personal items:
Adhesive bandages are versatile and useful for covering small cuts, blisters or abrasions. Be sure to include a variety of sizes to accommodate different wounds. Sterile dressings, such as gauze pads and tape, are essential for larger wounds that require more extensive care.
Keeping wounds clean is essential to preventing infections. Carry antiseptic wipes or solutions like alcohol swabs or hydrogen peroxide to clean wounds thoroughly. Additionally, include antibiotic ointments like bacitracin or polysporin to apply to minor cuts and scrapes.
This is perhaps the most used item in my kit. If you or someone in your party twists their ankle, this is essential to help support them so they don’t injure themselves further. It’s also incredibly versatile; you can use it to make a sling or, in case of heavy smoking, to stop bleeding.
Hiking can be physically demanding and muscle pain or headaches may occur. Include over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Remember to follow the recommended dosage guidelines.
Blisters are common on long hikes. To avoid discomfort and further damage, carry moleskin, blister pads, or specialized blister bandages. These items provide cushioning and protection to promote healing and reduce pain. Check out our full article on preventing and caring for blisters while hiking.
Ticks, splinters, and thorns can penetrate your skin while hiking. Carry a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to safely remove these foreign objects. Additionally, include small sterilized needles or splinter extraction tools to facilitate precise extraction.
If you have known allergies or health conditions, it is essential to carry your emergency medications. This includes epinephrine auto-injectors for severe allergic reactions, asthma inhalers, or any other prescribed medications you may need in an emergency.
If you have prescribed medications, make sure you have enough. Additionally, consider including personal items like sunscreen, insect repellent, and lip balm to protect you from the elements.
You can pack all of this in a slide-out ziploc bag so you can easily see and retrieve all items.