this post highlights the must-have items on every hikers first aid kit list
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Hiking can be the most amazing experience. From the stunning views, to the moments shared with loved ones. However, accidents DO happen. As an Emergency Room nurse in a Trauma Centre, I want to help you be as prepared as possible for when those unfortunate incidents happen. I am here to give you my top must-have items on every hikers first aid kit list.
Never be unprepared again for those nagging blisters, cuts, scrapes or other minor injuries while out in the wilderness. You will learn the best items to carry with you on all your adventures, in your hiking first aid kit.
There has been many times I’ve fallen hiking or been hit by an unexpected branch to the face – you can say it, I’m a klutz. You never know what can happen when you’re far from the city, and I want to make sure you’re ready for anything.
This post is all about the top items every nature addict should have on their hikers first aid kit list.
It may seem straight forward. Of course, bandages should be in any first aid kit. However, there are numerous types of bandages out there. So, it may feel overwhelming when choosing the best ones to carry with you. Below, I will show you my top picks for a variety of open wounds.
As an Emergency nurse, my first pick for most wounds has, and will always be, the Mepilex Border products. Although these may be on the pricier side, they provide cushion if used for any injuries such as blisters or pressure wounds, they have their own adhesive so no need for additional tape or securement, and they promote a moist wound environment to promote healing. Available in many sizes, for both acute and chronic wounds. It really is the best choice!
If you’re looking for something a little less costly, I would grab some Non-adherent Pads such as these and secure it with a cling-style wrap such as this. Make sure it is a non-adherent pad, as this ensures that you won’t disrupt the healing during dressing changes. I prefer this cling style wrap, over regular gauze rolls and tape, as it’s self-adherent and conforms well to all extremities. I also find that it tends to slide less during activity. So as you enjoy (hopefully…) the rest of your adventure, it won’t be moving all over on you.
On top of the above mentioned… I will always throw some regular Bandaids in my pack for those small scrapes & scratches.
2. Antiseptic wipes
As us hikers all know, we tend to get REAL dirty in the wilderness. It’s inevitable. SO, some type of antiseptic wipe is a requirement on any hikers first aid kit list. When we get injured, any open skin is introducing a ton of bacteria. Therefore, prior to dressing the wound, I want you to clean it the best that you can. Ideally, a saline based wound wash would be my first choice. BUT, no one wants to add extra weight to their pack. So the best way to get around this in the wilderness is these Antiseptic Wipes. Just throw some in your pack and you’re good to go! Until you’re home and can do proper wound care of course.
3. Gauze
Sometimes things happen and we end up with some deeper cuts. For those bigger wounds, you may need gauze to apply pressure and slow the bleeding. My only advice is to use this temporarily to slow the bleed and then put one of the non-adherent dressings on, as mentioned above. Take it from me, gauze sticks WELL! Won’t feel good coming off if left on too long. Stop the bleeding, then dress it up.
I really like the band-aid branded gauze pads as they are individually packaged. Meaning, you don’t have to get them all dirty in one go. Keeps things cleaner. Clean wound = better healing!
4. Skin Closure Strips
Again, for those deeper cuts, sometimes we need something to keep it closed. Think those wounds that need stitches. I know we’ve all either had a stitch or two, or know someone who has. Well, skin closure strips are good in a quick pinch to keep that wound together.
The product I typically lean towards is 3M Steri Strips. These are the wound closure strips I’ve used as a nurse in many Emergency Departments. They are easy to apply and keep most wounds closed. Just be sure the skin is as clean and dry as possible before application.
5. Hemostatic Dressing
Hemostatic dressings aren’t something that every person thinks about having on a hikers first aid kit list, but I personally think that it’s worth having. It is another costly item but it can save someone’s life. If you don’t know what a hemostatic dressing is, it’s a type of dressing that assists with blood clotting. Think of those wounds that you just can’t control the bleeding with pressure. These aren’t the most common wounds that occur in the wilderness, but when they happen, they can be life threatening.
The hemostatic dressing that I most commonly see is the SAM Medical Chitosam Hemostatic dressings. Now the company does say to have a medical professional supervise the use, however I believe that if you’re in a life or death situation, it’s something that’s better to have on hand. Also there’s numerous educational videos out there that you can watch before heading out on the trail. Such as this one.
6. Tourniquet
7. Triple Antibiotic Ointment
Most people have probably heard of Polysporin. This is a type of triple antibiotic ointment and is the one that I prefer to carry with me. A triple antibiotic ointment is used for minor cuts and scrapes to prevent infection. After cleansing the wound, I would apply a small amount of Polysporin prior to applying the dressing. No one wants bacteria growing in their wound.
8. Tensor bandage / ACE wrap
A tensor bandage or an ACE wrap can be used for numerous things in the field. If you’re anything like me, I have a tendency to trip or fall, often ending with rolled ankles. Tensor bandages are a good option to stabilize that ankle to get you off the trail and back to your car.
Another good use for a tensor bandage, is to wrap up those stubborn bleeding wounds. As we previously discussed with the cling style wraps, we can also use a tensor bandage to secure those non-adherent dressings and control the bleeding. Multi-use products is a win-win for me!
9. Medications
By this point, you’re probably aware that most of the things we’ve discussed are painful. In order to help with that pain, I would put in some ibuprofen (commonly known as Advil) and acetaminophen (commonly known as Tylenol) into my pack. Acetaminophen will help with the pain, where ibuprofen will help with both pain and to decrease the swelling and inflammation. These easily accessible medications do more than you think!
Another medication I like to have on hand is aspirin or ASA. Aspirin is most commonly used in those times that you’re concerned about a heart attack. This simple medication may save someone’s life. Just two baby aspirins or 160 milligrams chewed may give someone just enough time to get to the hospital. There are many times where people have a cardiac event, such as a heart attack while exerting themselves or doing physical activity. So, keeping this on hand while out on the trail could be super beneficial.
The final medication I’d keep handy is Benadryl or diphenhydramine. Benadryl is an antihistamine, which will help in the case of allergic reaction. Although epinephrine (an Epi-pen) is crucial for those with anaphylaxis, it’s a little harder to come by. Benadryl will hopefully buy you some time in the woods to seek the help required. That being said, if you or someone you’re hiking with is anaphylactic, BRING that Epi-pen.
**Brand does not matter in most cases! As you can see, I like to get my medications from Costco as you get the most bang for your buck
10. Scissors
I feel like I don’t need to go too in depth into scissors. Everyone knows what they do. However, my number one choice are these Trauma Shears. They have saved me on numerous occasions. Whether it be cutting dressing supplies or cutting clothing to assess an injury, these shears are honestly essential on every hikers first aid kit list. If purple’s not your colour, don’t worry there are lots to choose from!
11. Electrical Tape
12. Water Purification Tablets
13. Gloves
The last item I want to ensure you have in your kit is gloves. Nitrile gloves are so important when it comes to protecting yourself while helping others on the trail. Any disposable gloves will do. I want you to remember to ALWAYS protect yourself first. Like they say on every airplane, “help yourself before helping others”. You’re no use to anyone if you’re injured yourself. Nitrile gloves will ensure you stay clear of any blood or bacteria you could be exposed to.
So there you have it. This post highlighted the top 13 must-have items every hiker should have on their hikers first aid kit list.
As an Emergency nurse in a Trauma Centre, I have first-hand experience with the listed items and want you to be prepared for the wild and unexpected out there! Stay safe on the trails.
**PLEASE ensure to clean the wound first with an antiseptic wipe as I previously mentioned, and apply some triple antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin, to keep the wound bed clean and moist
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