Keeping your pack light is important when packing for a hike.A good first aid kit is needed.Whether you will be in the woods for a few hours or several days, a kit can make your hike more enjoyable and safer.To pack a kit, you need to choose the drugs that you want to take.You should include wound care and prevention materials.Pack the kit carefully after you have gathered everything.
Step 1: All prescription drugs need to be packed.
You should take your medications with you on your hike.It is better to be safe than sorry, since these items will not be available in the wilderness or in a general store.If you anticipate being back from your hike in time, this applies.It can be difficult to pack a prescription pill.You can save space and weight by taking out the dosage you need and putting it in a pill bag.The medication name, dosage, and expiration date should be written on the outside of the bag.If you have more than one medication, make sure to put them in separate bags.
Step 2: There are over-the-counter drugs in pill or powder form.
You may suffer from a variety of health complaints or injuries when hiking, so you want to pack medications that cover a wide spectrum of potential ills.Place the pills in separate, labeled pill bags if you buy travel sized versions.Take a pain relief and anti-Inflammatory medication with you.Advil and Motrin have worked well for you in the past.In the case of injury, these will help to dull the pain.The brand name of the anti-diarrheal medication is Immodium.When possible, choose the pill version of the medication.Life-threatening dehydration can be caused by diarrhea.Pack a couple antacid tablets.If you experience indigestion, these will help.If you will be eating mid-hike, this is important.Benadryl is an over-the-counter drug.The effects of allergies and other breathing conditions can be minimized by this.It can reduce the severity of a skin rash.
Step 3: You should include a small tube of sunscreen.
A high SPF sunscreen is water and sweat resistant.Even if you are hiking in a shady area, you should include this.A sunburn can cause serious health problems.Reducing the risk of bug-borne diseases is achieved by using bug repellant lotion or wipes.
Step 4: Pack a source of water.
There are different forms of these: tablets, gels, powders.You can include it in your pack if you prefer.When you hike, you will most likely sweat because of the hydration in your system.If you get sick and can't tolerate standard food, it's a good hydration option.
Step 5: It's a good idea to make a space for the medications.
Pack antibiotic cream in your kit.You can use it for wound care.If you need to apply it to areas that are chafed by backpack straps, it also doubles as a lubricant.It is possible to treat spots being rubbed raw with zinc oxide cream.If you start to feel a burning sensation in your feet, lightly applying antibiotic cream can help.When hiking in humid locations, this can be a problem.A small tube or packet of hydrocortisone cream is a good idea.It will help to treat skin irritations.
Step 6: A small amount of iodine should be included.
A small container.For a single hike, a bottle is sufficient.If you need to use water to treat wounds, read the instructions carefully.Iodine has antiseptic qualities.Iodine can be used to purify water.Ten drops per quart of cloudy water is the rule.It should be safe to drink if it sits for 30 minutes.Some people don't react well to iodine.You might want to test it on a small patch of skin before you leave.It is not recommended for use by pregnant women or people with compromised immune systems.
Step 7: There is a type of protective lubricant that you should pack.
A lip balm is great for hiking.If your lips crack open, they can get infections.It is also helpful.You can use it to heal wounds.You can apply it to your skin.
Step 8: Pick a type of tape.
There is a tape that can serve many purposes.It needs to be durable and stick to certain conditions.It is not very versatile and you can always use standard medical tape.Duct tape is a good choice.You can unfold the small tape packet by folding it over on itself.You can tear paper tape by hand if you don't want to mess with scissors.It does not stand up well to wet conditions.
Step 9: A liquid bandage should be included.
A bandage is simply a hassle when there are superficial wounds.Extra help is needed prior to receiving stitches for wounds that are so deep.You can buy liquid bandages at your local pharmacy or grocery store.
Step 10: Pack the bandages and Band-Aids.
It will take up less space if you roll it tight.Triangular, roll, and ace bandages should be included.You can respond to all medical situations with an assortment of sizes.The best pads are two- and four-inch.Pack a mix of bandage options.Pack butterfly closure strips for small wounds and cuts.A popular choice among hikers is moleskin.It's useful in shielding blisters.Synthetic skin sheets can be cut as needed.They provide a barrier to your skin.Pack a few whole sheets in your kit.
Step 11: Alcohol prep wipes can be added to your kit.
Individual sealed packages are used for quick and easy use.Rub one of the wipes on your hands.They can be used to clean a wound area.
Step 12: You should include scissors and tweezers.
The trauma scissors have a blunt end.It is possible to cut near a person's body.Some people prefer foldable scissors because they take up less space.The metal ones you choose for your tweezers should have a good tip.
Step 13: Adding an irrigation needle would be a good idea.
It can be very helpful when cleaning out a wound.It is small and can make a difference.
Step 14: A pair of gloves.
If you need assistance or care, barrier gloves are a must.The best option is surgical rubber or non-latex gloves.If you want to include the gloves in your kit, make sure they fit well.
Step 15: Take into account any previous medical conditions.
If your medical condition gets worse, bring medical items.If you have diabetes, it is a good idea to pack more blood thinners.If you have had ankle injuries in the past, you may want to pack an extra layer of protection.
Step 16: You should be prepared for allergic reactions.
Even if you don't have any allergies, an EpiPen is useful.You might be able to save someone else.You may be allergic to a bite or plant.
Step 17: You should bring medical items for your dog.
Pack a few animal-specific treatment items if you are hiking with a dog.Check with your vet for specific instructions.Some types of aspirin can be used by dogs.It's a good idea to pack activated charcoal.If your dog ingests toxic plants or materials, it will be helpful.Dogs are prone to eye injuries.If you need to flush out your dog's eyes, pack a small bottle of saline.
Step 18: A weather blanket should be included.
If there is an emergency, you may be stuck outdoors for a long time.An emergency blanket made of mylar can help you maintain a healthy body temperature.This is important if you are hiking in a cold area.
Step 19: There were location-specific medical warnings.
If you are hiking in a foreign country or a location that you're not familiar with, look online to see if there are any medical or wildlife warnings.Many warnings are posted on the World Health Organization website.It's a good idea to include an antibiotic in your first aid kit.
Step 20: There is a primary care instruction booklet.
Some people feel better knowing that they have a booklet to reference in case of an emergency.The best way to learn about field medicine is through an in-person or online class.
Step 21: You can choose a container for your kit.
Use a container that is large enough for your items, yet small enough to not burden you.It needs to be waterproof.A travel micro-organizer has zip pockets to make organizing easier.There is a generic plastic container with a sealable lid.Another option is a money deposit bag.It is sturdy and has a zip opening.At your local office supply store, you can purchase one.Some people prefer using a coffee can as a water boiler.A plastic bag is another option.You can use pill baggies for smaller items.This system can get disorganized quickly and the bags can puncture.
Step 22: Purchase travel or sample-sized drugs.
You can find the travel aisle in your drugstore or grocery store.There are small container versions of the medications that you need.Smaller pieces can be taken out of larger packages, like with Band-Aid boxes.When in doubt, go with the miniature version of the items.Don't worry if a small version of a medication is not available.If you want to put the pills in a baggy in your kit, you can get the standard size.
Step 23: Pack similar items together.
Group items are used.All the medication should go together.The creams should be close to each other.Bandages should be stored together.It will be easier to pull out what you need in an emergency.
Step 24: You can personalize your kit.
Pre-packaged kits are available online and in stores.Take an inventory after you receive your kit.You should discard items that aren't useful for you.You can add other items to fit your needs.If you react badly to Advil, you may want to consider another anti-Inflammatory medication.
Step 25: If necessary, add locks.
If you will be hiking with children, you want to make sure they don't have access to your kit and medications.You can buy a kit bag that will allow you to lock it through one of the access holes.