A simple scrape aint so simple when youre miles from nowhere. Having the right stuff to patch yourself up can mean the difference between a good story and a bad situation… or worse. Lets get your kits sorted.
The absolute basics for any kit
Think of this as your starting point, the non-negotiables. Even for a day hike, these are smart to have. You can usually find small, pre-made kits containing many of these items. Then, just add a few personal touches.
- Wound Cleaning & Covering:
- Antiseptic wipes (at least 6)
- Alcohol prep pads (several)
- Assorted adhesive bandages (various sizes, fabric ones are tougher)
- Gauze pads (sterile, 2×2 and 4×4 inch)
- Medical tape (cloth or waterproof)
- Butterfly closures or wound closure strips
- Pain & Blister Relief:
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen – single dose packs are handy)
- Antihistamine (for allergic reactions, bug bites)
- Blister treatment (moleskin or specific blister pads)
- Tools & Other:
- Small scissors (for cutting tape or clothing)
- Tweezers (for splinters, ticks)
- Disposable gloves (2 pairs)
- Emergency blanket (the shiny kind)
Its a good idea to pop all this into a waterproof bag or container. Even a ziplock is better than nothing.
What to pack for a 3 day trip
For a weekend jaunt, youll build on that basic list. Think about more of everything, plus a few extras for common outdoor issues. Youre out longer, so small problems can become bigger ones if not handled.
| Item | Quantity (3-Day) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adhesive Bandages | 20-30 assorted | Include knuckle & fingertip types |
| Gauze Pads (4×4) | 6-8 | |
| Antiseptic Wipes | 10-15 | |
| Pain Relievers | 6-8 doses | |
| Antihistamine | 4-6 doses | |
| Triple Antibiotic Ointment | Small tube | Prevent infection |
| Blister Treatment | Full sheet/pack | Moleskin or gel pads |
| Elastic Bandage (ACE wrap) | 1 (3-inch) | Sprains, pressure dressing |
| Tick Key/Remover | 1 | Essential in many areas |
| Hand Sanitizer | Small bottle |
Also consider:
- Insect repellent (small, non-aerosol)
- Sunscreen (travel size)
- Any personal medications you need… obviously.
This kit should still be pretty compact. No need to carry a whole pharmacy, just enough to handle likely problems.
Gearing up for a 7 day journey
A full week out means youre more self-reliant. Your kit needs to handle more significant issues and have greater quantities. You cant just “tough it out” for seven days if something goes sideways.
Building on the 3-day kit, youll want to increase quantities substantially.
- More Bandages & Dressings: Double or triple your adhesive bandages. Add larger gauze pads (5×9 inch trauma pads), rolled gauze, and a triangular bandage (for slings or large wounds).
- Wound Care Plus:
- Irrigation syringe (for flushing wounds)
- More antibiotic ointment
- Burn gel or cream (aloe vera based is good)
- Meds:
- Increased pain relievers and antihistamines
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Laxative (sometimes things go the other way…)
- Prescription meds (at least a 10-day supply, just in case)
- Tools & Support:
- Trauma shears (better than small scissors for cutting gear/clothing)
- SAM splint (versatile for sprains/breaks)
- Duct tape (small roll – fixes everything, right?)
- Water purification tablets (backup)
Think about the specific environment too. Hot and humid? More blister care, anti-fungal powder. Cold? Extra emergency blankets, hand warmers.
Medical supplies for your bug out bag
This kit is different. Its not just for boo-boos on a fun trip. This is for when help aint coming, or at least not for a while. Focus on trauma, serious infections, and maintaining health in a crisis. This list assumes you have some basic knowledge or a good first aid manual.
| Category | Item Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trauma | Tourniquet (CAT or SOFTT-W), Israeli bandage, chest seals, QuikClot/Celox | Learn to use these properly! |
| Wound Care | Suture kit/stapler (advanced), lots of gauze, irrigation, strong antiseptics | Sterility is paramount. |
| Medications | Broad-spectrum antibiotics (prescription, consult doctor), extensive pain meds | Research shelf life. Prescription items require planning. |
| Bone/Joint | Multiple SAM splints, more elastic bandages, Coban self-adherent wrap | |
| Dental | Temporary filling material, dental mirror, toothache relief (clove oil) | Dental emergencies are awful. |
| General Health | Multivitamins, electrolyte powder, water purification system (not just tabs) | Long-term wellbeing. |
| Reference | Comprehensive first aid manual, waterproof notebook & pen | You wont remember everything. |
Other considerations:
- Scalpel blades
- N95 masks
- More gloves, lots more
- Specific meds for your family (epi-pens, inhalers)
This bug out bag kit is serious business. It needs regular checking, refreshing, and you absolutely need training for some of these items. Without training, some advanced gear can do more harm than good. Stay safe out there.