First Aid
The longer you are in the backcountry the more likely you are to need First Aid. Plan for both accidents around the camp and out on daily activities away from your campsite.
Here's the type of First Aid gear that we like for camping and why we like it:
- Small Wound First Aid Kit
- Multiple Person First Aid Kit
- First Aid Instructions
- Miscellaneous Medicine
- Sunscreen
- Deep Woods Bug Spray/Insect Repellent
- Anti-Itch/Poison Ivy Relief Spray or Cream
- Note: click on any photo to enlarge it
- Note: click on any photo to enlarge it
Small Wound First Aid Kit
Adventure Medical Kits Day Tripper
When we are out camping we normally take two First Aid kits; a small kit for daily activities away from the campsite and a larger kit that we keep at camp. The criteria that we use to evaluate First Aid kits are: 1) completeness of First Aid items, 2) layout of items, 3) size, 4) weight and 5) price. We really like the thoughtfulness of the Adventure Medical Kits. They come is a wide variety of sizes and have the appropriate level of items for the types of injuries that you might need to treat. The “Day Tripper” kit measures 7.5" x 5.5" x 2.5", only weighs 1 pound and comes with the following items:
When we are out camping we normally take two First Aid kits; a small kit for daily activities away from the campsite and a larger kit that we keep at camp. The criteria that we use to evaluate First Aid kits are: 1) completeness of First Aid items, 2) layout of items, 3) size, 4) weight and 5) price. We really like the thoughtfulness of the Adventure Medical Kits. They come is a wide variety of sizes and have the appropriate level of items for the types of injuries that you might need to treat. The “Day Tripper” kit measures 7.5" x 5.5" x 2.5", only weighs 1 pound and comes with the following items:
- (3) Knuckle Fabric Easy Access Bandages
- (5) 1” x 3” Fabric Easy Access Bandage
- (4) Butterfly Closure Bandage
- (2) 4” x 4” Sterile Gauze Dressing Pkg./2
- (2) 2” x 2” Sterile Gauze Dressing Pkg./2
- (2) 2” x 3” Sterile Non-Adherent Dressing
- (1) Irrigation Syringe, 10cc. with 18 Gauge Tip
- (1) Skin Tac Topical Adhesive Wipe
- (1) 1” x 10yds Adhesive Tape
- (3) Triple Antibiotic Ointment
- (6) Antiseptic Wipe
- (1) Moleskin Blister Relief, Pre-Cut and Shaped (14 pieces)
- (2) Alcohol Swab
- (1) Cotton Tipped Applicator Pkg./2 Severe Bleeding
- (1) 5” x 9” Trauma Pad
- (1) Pair Nitrile Gloves Sprain / Strain
- (1) 2” Elastic Bandage with Hook and Loop Closure
- (3) Safety Pin Medication / Instrument
- (3) After Bite Bite and Sting Wipes
- (1) Splinter Picker/Tick Remover Forceps
- (2) Aspirin, Pkg./2 (325 mg.)
- (2) Antihistamine (Diphenhydramine 25 mg.)
- (2) Ibuprofen, Pkg./2 (200 mg.)
- (2) Diamode, Pkg./1 (Loperamide HCI 2 mg.)
- (2) Acetaminophen, Pkg./2 (500 mg.)
- (1) Wilderness & Travel Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide by Eric Weiss, M.D.
Multiple Person First Aid Kit
Adventure Medical Kits Weekender Kit
For commonality’s sake, and because we like its content and layout too, for our larger First Aid Kit we also use one from Adventure Medical Kits; the “Weekender” kit. The “Weekender” kit measures 10" x 9.5" x 4" inches and only weighs 1.6 pound and comes with the following items:
For commonality’s sake, and because we like its content and layout too, for our larger First Aid Kit we also use one from Adventure Medical Kits; the “Weekender” kit. The “Weekender” kit measures 10" x 9.5" x 4" inches and only weighs 1.6 pound and comes with the following items:
- (1) Easy Care Wound Instructions
- (14) Pre-Cut and Shapes Moleksin
- (1) 1” x 2.5” Glacier Gel Dressing
- (2) Skin Tac Topical Adhesive Wipe
- (1) Alcohol Swab
- (1) 20 cc Irrigation Syringe with 18 Gauge Tip
- (6) Antiseptic Wipe (3) Single Use Triple Antibiotic Ointment
- (6) Knuckle Fabric Easy Access Bandages
- (5) 1” x 3” Fabric Easy Access Bandages
- (1) 1” x 10yds Tape (10) 1/4” x 4” Wound Closure Strips
- (2) 4” x 4” Sterile Gauze Dressing, Pkg./2
- (2) 2” x 2” Sterile Gauze Dressing, Pkg./2
- (2) 3” Non-Sterile Conforming Gauze Bandage
- (2) 3” x 4” Sterile Non-Adherent Dressing
- (1) ¾ oz Povidone Iodine Wipe Severe Bleeding
- (1) Easy Care Wound Instructions
- (1) 5” x 9” Trauma Pad
- (1) Pair Nitrile Gloves with Hand Wipe Sprain/Strain
- (1) Easy Care Fractures/Sprains Instructions
- (1) Triangular Bandage
- (1) 3” Elastic Bandage with Velcro Closure Medications
- (1) Easy Care Medications Instructions
- (2) Aspirin (325 mg), Pkg./2
- (2) Antihistamine (Diphenhydramine 25 mg)
- (2) Ibuprofen (200 mg), Pkg./2
- (2) Acetaminophen (500 mg), Pkg./2
- (2) After Bite Sting and Itch Relief Wipe
- (2) Diamode (Loperamid HCI 2 mg), Pkg./1 Instruments/Instruction
- (1) Splinter Picker/Tick Remover Forceps
- (1) 4” EMT Shears
- (1) CPR Face Shield
- (1) Duct Tape
- (3) Disposable Thermometer
- (3) Safety Pins
- (1) Cotton Tip Applicator, Pkg./2
- (1) Patient Asessment Form
- (1) Pencil
- (1) Wilderness & Travel Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide by Eric Weiss, M.D.
First Aid Instructions
Army First Aid - by Double Dog Studios
Although the First Aid kits that we carry come with the Wilderness & Travel Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide by Eric Weiss, M.D. book, we also like to carry a more comprehensive set of First Aid instructions with us. But in this case we carry it as an app on our iPhone and iPad rather than a book. The criteria that we use to evaluate First Aid apps are: 1) types of injuries covered, 2) level of detail of what to do to treat, 3) layout of information, and 4) clarity of instructions. We bought the Army First Aid by Double Dog Studios since it is well laid out and has step-by-step instructions on what to do when you can't call 911. If you look online you will find many recommendations for the Red Cross First Aid app - but in the backcountry this app would be virtually worthless since the third step in most of the treatment activities is "Dial 911" - which you obviously can not normally do when you are Camping. You can buy this app at the Apple App Store and similar apps at the Google Play store.
Although the First Aid kits that we carry come with the Wilderness & Travel Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide by Eric Weiss, M.D. book, we also like to carry a more comprehensive set of First Aid instructions with us. But in this case we carry it as an app on our iPhone and iPad rather than a book. The criteria that we use to evaluate First Aid apps are: 1) types of injuries covered, 2) level of detail of what to do to treat, 3) layout of information, and 4) clarity of instructions. We bought the Army First Aid by Double Dog Studios since it is well laid out and has step-by-step instructions on what to do when you can't call 911. If you look online you will find many recommendations for the Red Cross First Aid app - but in the backcountry this app would be virtually worthless since the third step in most of the treatment activities is "Dial 911" - which you obviously can not normally do when you are Camping. You can buy this app at the Apple App Store and similar apps at the Google Play store.
Miscellaneous Medicine
Motrin, Tylenol, Excedrin, Vaseline, Dramaine, DayQuil, WetNaps, etc.,
Although our First Aid kits have various medicines in them we don’t like to break into them for routine aches and pains. Consequently we also carry a variety of other common over-the-counter medicines with us when camping. Although what you might want to take will probably vary we normally take: Motrin for aches and pains, Tylenol for headaches, Excedrin for headaches, Vaseline for lips and minor rubs, Dramaine for motion sickness, DayQuil for colds and WetNaps for cleaning wounds. You can buy the over-the-counter medicine that you need at Amazon or your local drug stores.
Although our First Aid kits have various medicines in them we don’t like to break into them for routine aches and pains. Consequently we also carry a variety of other common over-the-counter medicines with us when camping. Although what you might want to take will probably vary we normally take: Motrin for aches and pains, Tylenol for headaches, Excedrin for headaches, Vaseline for lips and minor rubs, Dramaine for motion sickness, DayQuil for colds and WetNaps for cleaning wounds. You can buy the over-the-counter medicine that you need at Amazon or your local drug stores.
Sunscreen
Miscellaneous – SPF as Required for Your Skin Type – at Least SPF 15
As all of us know, the sun can sneak up on you while hiking and it’s only the day after that you realize that you have a sunburn. Because of this we always take sunscreen with us when camping. From experience we have found that it’s better to have it and not use it than need it and not have it. The criteria that we use to evaluate sunscreen are: 1) SPF rating, 2) skin reactions, 3) sliminess and 4) breathability.
For those not familiar with the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) scale it is not linear:
As all of us know, the sun can sneak up on you while hiking and it’s only the day after that you realize that you have a sunburn. Because of this we always take sunscreen with us when camping. From experience we have found that it’s better to have it and not use it than need it and not have it. The criteria that we use to evaluate sunscreen are: 1) SPF rating, 2) skin reactions, 3) sliminess and 4) breathability.
For those not familiar with the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) scale it is not linear:
- SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays
- SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays
- SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays
- SPF 15 (93% protection) allows 7 out of 100 photons through
- SPF 30 (97% protection) allows 3 out of 100 photons through.
Deep Woods Bug Spray/Insect Repellent
Cutter backwoods Dry - 25% DEET - 4 oz
Although most of us use insect repellent to keep away the annoying bugs, these days, with West Nile Virus, Zika and other pest-borne health hazards, it’s a good idea to wear and carry insect repellent with you on hikes. Especially if you are camping in a swampy or mosquito prone area. The criteria that we use to evaluate insect repellent are: 1) level of protection, 2) smell, and 3) feel on your skin. The most important criteria is the level of protection that the spray provides. For us that equates directly to the percentage of DEET in the spray. Over the years we have tried different active ingredients (to include homeopathic ingredients) but nothing seems to work as well as DEET. For camping we normally use Cutter Backwoods Dry with 25% DEET since it repels the insects without making your skin feel wet, slimy or clogged up. You can buy Cutter Backwoods Dry - 25% DEET at Amazon or your local stores.
Although most of us use insect repellent to keep away the annoying bugs, these days, with West Nile Virus, Zika and other pest-borne health hazards, it’s a good idea to wear and carry insect repellent with you on hikes. Especially if you are camping in a swampy or mosquito prone area. The criteria that we use to evaluate insect repellent are: 1) level of protection, 2) smell, and 3) feel on your skin. The most important criteria is the level of protection that the spray provides. For us that equates directly to the percentage of DEET in the spray. Over the years we have tried different active ingredients (to include homeopathic ingredients) but nothing seems to work as well as DEET. For camping we normally use Cutter Backwoods Dry with 25% DEET since it repels the insects without making your skin feel wet, slimy or clogged up. You can buy Cutter Backwoods Dry - 25% DEET at Amazon or your local stores.
Anti-Itch/Poison Ivy Relief Spray or Cream
Extra-strength Benadryl Spray and Cortizone-10 Cream
Like several other items on our gear list one of the items that we learned from experience that is better to have with you is some sort of anti-itch/poison ivy spray or cream. The criteria that we use to evaluate anti-itch spray/cream are: 1) the active ingredient and 2) how it feels on you skin. If we are really headed out into the woods we normally take two different types; each with a different active ingredient. For some reasons some of the sprays/creams that used to be on the market are no longer available. So these days we typically carry Extra-strength Benadryl spray and Cortizone-10 cream. You can buy anti-itch spray/creams at Amazon or at your local drug stores.
Like several other items on our gear list one of the items that we learned from experience that is better to have with you is some sort of anti-itch/poison ivy spray or cream. The criteria that we use to evaluate anti-itch spray/cream are: 1) the active ingredient and 2) how it feels on you skin. If we are really headed out into the woods we normally take two different types; each with a different active ingredient. For some reasons some of the sprays/creams that used to be on the market are no longer available. So these days we typically carry Extra-strength Benadryl spray and Cortizone-10 cream. You can buy anti-itch spray/creams at Amazon or at your local drug stores.