Backpacking First Aid Kit | From A Wilderness First Responder

[@andrewwolfe8742]

Ok so I'm usually pretty hard on first aid kits in these videos. I'm a wound care nurse. My friend this is, in a single word, PERFECT!!!! You got it all with a minimal package. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!! Seriously, great job!

[@mwinvictus9672]

Great video. KT tape has definitely been a game changer for my knee problems on backpacking trips. The 3 things I would recommend in addition to your kit are: a tourniquet (and training), zipstitch wound closures, and some type of electrolyte powder for if you are treating someone with dehydration. Again, great video. Thanks for taking the time to inform others, and more importantly, thank you for taking the initiative to get training to be a help to others on the trail. We need more people like you.

[@clintlively5484]

The thing I always hear from people trying to lose weight in their pack is to get rid of that unnecessarily big first aid kit because, “what good is all that stuff if you don’t know how to use it?” However your approach of making a sensible and efficient kit AND learning how to use it sounds so much better to me.

[@electrontube]

the more you know the less you have to carry. you're already carrying your head around, fill it with useful stuff

[@mortennissov7891]

I am a woofer too. Like your list. I am thinking about also adding a swat-t tourniquet as well as some compressed gauze. Would also add aspirin for heart attacks and maybe narcan. What to be able to deal with the primary assessment issues in addition to quality of life. Like the field guide and soap note. Do the same.

[@april906outdoors3]

Excellent video! As a long-time Scouter I am wilderness first aid certified, and am shocked at the lack of preparedness I see in many backpackers. Hopefully your video will prompt more backpackers to follow suit. Worth a little extra weight!

[@BackcountryExposure]

april willbur it’s priceless education and always better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Doesn’t weigh that much anyway. Thanks!

[@kennethstarr5545]

I use leukotape and I put it on preventatively if I’m backpacking more than 4 days. Don’t allow a hotspot to develop. But ever since I’ve started using Darn Tough I haven’t needed it.

[@skylarcasey9713]

I love the soap note idea!! Just took the WUMP course through Nols!

[@PatrickC139]

That KT tape looks incredibly useful. I need to try that on my next hike.

[@br5339]

Great vid! Couple thoughts...to reduce weight, load the manual on your phone and leave the manual at home. For a simpler, less weight (a little anyway) solution to the syringe, take a water bottle cap, put a small hole it in, then throw it in your kit...when you need it, screw it to your water bottle and squeeze...simpler then filling the syringe, more water to flush with, and probably weighs a bit less. (or if you're a backcountry bidet user...then that can double as a syringe...as long as it's clean!🥴)

[@spikeeus]

I was excited to see this video . . . smaller than I expected lol. Great video.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Spikeeus thanks!

[@Haphagurd]

Nice vid man. I'm bookmarking this one cause I need to build my kit better and you know the deal with all that woofer training. Thanks man!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Haggard Wilderness glad it could be helpful man!

[@john_kelley]

Great video! Tons of great ideas for when I get out. Thanks for posting this!!!

[@BackcountryExposure]

JK is Hiking thanks dude!

[@madcat1007]

Nice video. Thanks. What is the benefit of alcohol wipes over non-alcohol wipes?

[@smelcer0001]

Please make a blister management video! If you could go a to z with it that would be awesome. I would love to know how to keep a hot spot from turning into blister and how to keep blister from continuing to grow. Thanks for all the videos.

[@thebackpackblazer3973]

Great timing on this one. I really need to beef of my med kit a bit and this will help. Thanks Dev,.

[@BackcountryExposure]

The Backpack Blazer glad it could help Dustin! Thanks!

[@ethan7596]

KT tape looks good. I’ve been happy with Leukotape that I cut and stuck on printer label backing. For irrigation, I’d just use a hydration bladder or flexible water bottle instead of carrying a one use syringe that breaks easily.

[@lazylearner967]

Will have to try the KT tape! I blister far too easy.

[@onthefly4711]

Thanks for this video and your service as a wilderness first responder! Some thoughts: For blisters in my opinion the best solution is compeed. If you open the blister first and clean it you might be able to continue for days. Therefore I also carry some needles. I like to have a face mask (the flat filter not these big plastic things) for CPR. Maybe a thermometer. And for hiking in areas with bears (or gun owners) I would suggest a TQ and maybe Quikclot. What do you think (and sorry for my English)?

[@BackcountryForward]

I’m actually surprised there’s no Leuko Tape, how do you find the KT compares to Leuko? I’ve had zero luck with moleskin and blisters. Also, any suggestions for a handy wilderness med first aid pamphlet or printout for the average hiker? That would be very helpful for beginner hikers!

[@BackcountryExposure]

The field guide I have would still be awesome info for anyone regardless of training.

[@electrontube]

same here. Leukotape-P tape is bueno for blister care. it's made moleskin obsolete in my opinion. KT is nice if you just want a small piece with adorable rounded corners. but it's so stinking expensive for what it does

[@philsmith2444]

I find StrengthTape (brand) is better than Leukotape-P because it stretches 2X lengthwise like KT tape, can be applied around curves without bunching, and has a smoother finish so socks slide right over it. Paint the area with benzoin tincture first and the StrengthTape will stick for 2 or 3 days even if your feet are wet the whole time. Pad the blister with a gauze pad (or however many are needed for comfort) and completely seal the edges with the tape, there’ll be minor pain at first but it goes away soon. Antibacterial ointment will keep the gauze from sticking to the blister or torn skin.

[@xsfanning]

Great kit. I love it. I would also include a tourniquet and benadryl for allergic reactions. Awesome kit though. You got it all covered.

[@johnschmalbach8243]

Question. I'm a first responder in my full-time job. So I'm curious as to why you don't use leukotape? I use that because I replace my athletic / first aid tape and blister management with one roll. Also I don't necessarily need the tincture to improve adhesiveness because that's already adhesive is heck so I can just put some of that on top of a bandage to make it hold better. I've also used it successfully to stabilize strains and sprains and the like. Just curious is to your reasoning. Great video by the way most everything else you have in your kit is what I have in mine. I'll just add a trauma pad and a tourniquet if I'm going on a bushcraft trip with multiple people because well acts accidents can be ugly

[@nuthn2do]

No saline for the syringe, what do you use?

[@Z0MB13Redfield]

Nice kit. Good to see metal tweezers. I bought a nice kit one time and it came with plastic ones. When needed them pull thorns they just didn't work. Lesson learned

[@BackcountryExposure]

Z0MB13Redfield hard to get plastic to a strong enough point to be effective. 👊🏻

[@DennisMathias]

I would add one thing that is cheap, easy to use, and light weight. A blood ox meter. If you come across someone just not doing well but no obvious trauma..and especially older..this could be an important parameter. They're in the $10 range. Calibrate on you first then eval the patient. But this video helped me to decide some adjustments. I've always carried a syringe since I got that bug in my ear. I always pack some gloves in an old pill bottle. CPR is a sticking point with me..don't know if I could do that. I probably carry more ibuprofen than you do as a first responder. Being 75 I pretty much eat that stuff. I have a couple of trauma scissors and debate whether to carry them or not. I have scissors on my knife but cutting clothing that could not hack it. So that's probably a good idea. KT tape. Hmmm. Yea.

[@sairvinginthestacks]

Super helpful video. I'll use it later to go through my first aid kit. When I was researching first aid kits, I saw too many posts and videos of people not really taking enough to be prepared in an emergency. What is more useful? Athletic tape or an elastic wrap? I have tape, but it's not stretchy at all.

[@BackcountryExposure]

sairvinginthestacks I occasionally carry a 2”-3” ace wrap as well. But I feel like people either carry too much they don’t know how to use or not enough and are just playing it safe and manage to not ever get injured. Prevention right?

[@electrontube]

think of the applications of each. athletic tape is great for isolation, but it's hard to adjust if you need to allow for increased circulation. it's also easy to over-tighten an ace wrap because they're so elastic, especially when you're amped. but you can just re-wrap if it's too tight. do a NOLS WFR course, it's good stuff and knowledge take up zero room in your pack.

[@creamysbrianna]

@Backcountry exposure are the steri strips adhesive backed or non adhesive backed?

[@geolitz2665]

What do soapnuts have to do with GPS?

[@antistaticandi]

I'm sure this is way too old for you to still get back to, but I'd love to know where you got that syringe. It's got a really nice narrow tip for appropriate water velocity, and I can't find anything like that right now.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Check the NOLS website. That’s where I got it initially.

[@JustinOutdoors]

What are your thoughts on a pocket CPR mask?

[@markpanarese2452]

Justin Outdoors, when I am the adult responsible for a group camp like in Scouts I have a mask with a CPR valve mouth piece. Think stationary long term camp. It’s in our big group kit. When individually back packing no I don’t.

[@BackcountryExposure]

For the backcountry I don’t carry one. In the car and front country, yes I carry one in a kit.

[@JustinOutdoors]

@@BackcountryExposure Is that due to the low potential for needing to do CPR in the backcountry?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Justin Outdoors correct. As my instructor for my last Recert said, who’s a paramedic, the nature of who spends time on the trails are typically pretty fit people. As horrible as it sounds, performing CPR in the backcountry doesn’t happen all that often, and if it does, performing chest compressions only is typically what you’ll be doing. That’s not to say that you wouldn’t also provide rescue breathing. But you’re in a pretty sticky/sucky situation if you’ve got someone in cardiac arrest and you’re no where near definitive care.

[@JustinOutdoors]

@@BackcountryExposure Thanks! A 40 or 80 hr wilderness first aid course is on my list for the next year or so. A lot to learn and know but I think it's important if you're in the backcountry often. Really appreciate the video and responses.

[@philsmith2444]

Those small vials of benzoin tincture are awesome, where did you get them? I carry a 2oz bottle which is way overkill, but looked better than individually-wrapped swabs.

[@electrontube]

wonderful video with a comprehensive kit. I don't buy KT tape. Leukotape-P tape is the same thing, comes in a roll, and is a lot cheaper. it holds, for days, flexes, and remains waterproof. I don't carry moleskin anymore. I just wrap some around a sharpie. makeup tweezers replace the ones i get in kits, they have much finer edges for grabbing slivers or other small objects. i try to get ones that are a bright color so i can find them if they're dropped. love your content.

[@trinhl6072]

Thanks for your tips

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

You need to carry benadryl and potassium citrate or glutamate, basically some form of potassium. Also some form of glucose. This is from a EMT, ACLS, PALS etc.... instructor. Just from lessons learned. I use to carry 4 L of IV fluids but then again I played with people that need it. Don't get me started on blisters, lol.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Adventures with Frodo I have an antihistamine in there, but no sugar. That needs to be added.

[@onthefly4711]

How does an amateur (like me) know when to use potassium citrate?

[@electrontube]

@@BackcountryExposure yeah, glucose gel yo.

[@ethan7596]

For glucose, I carry a small frosting tube for writing on cakes. Available in any supermarket, cheap, and nearly pure sugar.

[@AmyRoutt]

I have to admit, I don't carry a syringe backpacking. But it is definitely useful! I've used the one in my car camping first aid kit a good amount of times!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Amy Routt right on! Nice to have when you need it.

[@jackson_moses0]

Where did you go to get certified for wilderness first aid?

[@BackcountryExposure]

I have done all of my certifications and recertifications through NOLS. They have classes available all over the country!

[@titanpreparedness]

1. Glad you carry a med kit, i see a lot of gram weenies who say they're not worth the weight. Better to have it and no need it then the other way. 2. Also glad to see you have training. Never know when you might be the first responder. 3. Good video, good information.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Titan inc Survival sc I’ve had a few experiences where I am really glad I had the training. Useful in my home with my family a lot.

[@titanpreparedness]

@@BackcountryExposure as a emt, ive told my wife countless times that shes got to learn trauma to save me. It doesnt matter how much i know if i become the pt

[@rockclimbinghacks9222]

Do you have antihistamine? Btw, i really like the booklet idea, I'm gonna do that.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Eric Moss yes I do!

[@marshalloram1999]

Diphenhydramine dude.

[@electrontube]

@@marshalloram1999 it's a fun word to say. it makes me sound smarter when i say it aloud. the pocket booklet is best if you actually make it yourself or find one that aligns well with what you learn at a NOLS WFR course. it's like having a re-cert class in your pocket. repetitions help bring that stuff to the front of your mind when it counts.

[@Mountain_Maxx]

Nice video Devin, great things to carry, there is no excuse to not carry a good first aid kit.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Wasatch Back Explorer so true! Thanks man!

[@richardwood4305]

Very informative video. As a newbie I have to get my own kit together. One question, what do you use in the syringe? Thanks.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Richard Wood just clean drinking water. Thanks!

[@wisperingbeard]

Great video thank you.

[@MrMandodrummer66]

Great kit, my thoughts are to add a mask, thermometer, small magnifying glass and get the book digitally on your phone.

[@flashmanv3260]

Great video, thanks for sharing your knowledge. I'm always trying to figure the best things to add to my first aid kit. What do you think about blood clot solution? I added that to my kit an EMT friend of mine said I should have it, but I never see anyone else has it in their kit, I'm not sure how useful it is.

[@BackcountryExposure]

flashman V thanks! I’m a believer in good old pressure and elevation to stop bleeding. However, I see no hurt in carrying it with you if it’s what you want to carry and gives you added piece of mind.

[@flashmanv3260]

@@BackcountryExposure Thanks. Not sure if it gives me any added piece of mind, I was just following a recommendation. Thanks again, your kit gave me some ideas of a few things I should add.

[@tundrafunk7402]

Is your EMT friend referring to a hemostatic dressing or gauze? Those can be very helpful with both direct pressure and wound packing. Direct pressure’s great, but a life threatening hemorrhage may need more help. Combat Gauze or similar hemostatic dressing, a pressure bandage, and a commercial CoTCCC approved tourniquet are a great addition to a kit.

[@sferris5316]

No tourniquet?!?!

[@johnparker7945]

WFR is on my todo list. Luekotape is better than KT tape for blisters. Just start with it on and go. keep extra strips stuck to some label backing that you didn't throw out yet.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I personally prefer the multi use of KT Tape, but Luekotape is some rad stuff. I don't like to toss anything on my feet unless I start to have issues. I do pretty good though, I am not blister prone like a lot of people. So for some that's a good prevention method. Thanks, John!

[@electrontube]

yeah! another vote for leukotape-p! so good to see the gospel of the magic blister tape being spread

[@Capturingmoents]

very helpful. thank you

[@HuckOutdoors]

That is one complete kit!

[@BackcountryExposure]

👊🏻

[@shyowl3453]

Uh pretty sure diphenhydramine isn’t anti diarrheal lol, the rest of the kit is decent for basics but please know what is in your own kit, I don’t mean that in a negative way it’s just super important to know what you have and how it works / is used

[@flity_manic1022]

Nice

[@rockclimbinghacks9222]

What's the danger in getting a person's blood on you?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Eric Moss not necessarily dangerous, but it’s just smart to prevent potential for infection and to keep you and a patient clean when it’s difficult to keep hands clean in the backcountry.

[@twocross]

Ever hear of hepatitis?

[@electrontube]

google: bloodborne pathogens. they range from terrible to potentially fatal.

[@mvarnzo5709]

No splint, clotting agent/ compressed gauze, wound seal, airway, or tourniquet? And you might evacuate over something that can be "treated" with a band aid? That's more like a discomfort kit tbh.