Ultralight Luxury First Aid Kit (149g / 87g )

After looking at what I actually took on short and long trips I decided to create this kit.

I've split the kit into two parts - one that I can grab for some overnight or weekender style trips and another that contains the extra items suitable for longer or more remote trips.

The smaller kit is more of a 'get you home' kit and the larger one can cope with bigger first aid issues. Neither of these kits are any use unless you know how and when to use the contents and more critically, when NOT to use the contents.

Many years ago I did basic first aid and more recently I've studied basic anatomy. My medical kit contents are based on what I know I can do in the field. It also assumes that I'm travelling solo. If something needs another person to help me there is no point in carrying it.

'Luxury' Ultralight First Aid Kit Contents

First Aid Mini-Kit - 'everyday' essentials

The mini-kit just deals with things that are inconvenient.

Ibuprofen (8x 200mg)

Ibuprofen is used as an anti-inflammatory. It helps sore muscles, bruising and with joint problems. It's probably most famous under the brand-name of Nurofen but that is also the most expensive way to buy it. Any chemist will also sell it under the generic name.

Paracetamol (8x200mg)

For the odd headache - typically caused by caffeine withdrawal or insufficient food/water if I've missed a resupply point or just haven't eaten/drunk enough.

Antihistamine (4x Zirtec)

It is very rare that I suffer from Hayfever but I usually carry 4x 1 day tablets of an Antihistamine that I know works for me. If I get badly bitten with bugs or have an allergic reaction to something then this will knock it on the head. Since each tablet will work for 24 hours four is ample. Most things will clear in a few days unless you need medical help.

Steri-Strips (1 pk of 4)

These are also known as Butterfly sutres and are used for closing larger wounds. They have to be applied when the wound has stopped bleeding!!!!

Antiseptic Wipe (1/2)

Just for cleaning up any wound where water will not do it or for use around a tick bite.

Tick Removal Tool

This is a special type of tweezer which grips from the side and has a small notch cut into the tip.

I do tend to sleep in areas that are tick-friendly and so it makes sense to have this item in my kit.

Dental Floss

Obviously for dental hygiene but also as a super-strong thread for emergency repairs. I've rolled some onto a sewing machine bobbin.

Sewing Thread (Polyester)

Just for kit repairs - not for wounds!!!

Needle

I carry a sewing needle that's been sunk into a piece of foam. This is for repairing kit.

Small Knife/Scissors

I currently carry a mini Swiss Army Knife that has a pair of scissors, a knife, tweezers and toothpick.

Paracord

Approximately 2m of paracord suitable for lashing broken poles, kit repairs, and if I really have to for doing a basic split. I'd assume that I could chop up cordage from the tarp that I was carrying.

First Aid 'Extension' Kit

In this section of the kit I've placed items that will deal with more serious problems and things that will be a problem on a longer trip.

Compeed - Wound 'glue'

This stuff is used for stopping bleeding and helping scab formation. I'm not a fan of plasters and this is a sensible alternative.

After-bite Towel wipes

A luxury thing but if you get badly bitten it can be a pain...

Safety Pins (4)

I don't expect to use them for medical stuff unless I have serious problems and need to do something like construct slings and bandages. Instead they are in there for zip repairs and for locking of nylon straps if they start to slip.

Surgical Sponges (4)

They came in an Ultralight Medical Kit that was part of a special offer. It's useful for having something for mopping up large wonds.

Moleskin

An alternative to plasters and can be used over a large blister.

Surgical Tape

You can do lots of things with surgical tape including running repairs to bits of kit, temporary wound coverings, blister protection and of course using it as intended - to hold 'bandages' over wounds.

Dioralyte

This is a rehdydration salt mix designed to counter diarrhoea. If you get caught short on a trip this stuff will make a massive difference.

On a trip diarrhoea is a more serious condition simply because it trashes your hydration levels, makes you tired and of course is very inconvenient.

A Pen

Useful sometimes...

Notes

This sort of kit is about coping with things you can reasonably expect on any long trip AND will not be show-stoppers. It's more about comfort and management than it is about first aid.

There are plenty of things that can go wrong that would require extensive first aid but are rare.

If you twist an ankle then some sort of support is probably going to be required.

If you break fingers or toes they can be 'fixed' by strapping the broken ones to non-broken ones using surgical tape. This will get you to safety for many things IF there is no skin penetration of the bone AND you know what you are doing.

Finally, if you break major bones then you are in serious trouble anyway. Slings can be made from clothing and things can be improvised but you are going to have to be pretty mentally tough to do any of these things and think through what needs to be done.