Backpacking First Aid Kit - What a Doctor Takes on the Trail

[@-----REDACTED-----]

The one massive advantage he has tho is that he brings a ton of medical knowledge and skills with him. Knowledge and skills are possibly the most important and highest impact things you can bring with you.

[@mrdark9916]

Knowledge and Skills are great, but they are not a replacement for a tourniquet and hemostatic agents. Anybody hiking in the backcountry needs to have a dedicated trauma kit I don't care if you are lightweight backpacking or not. That is a half pound well spent.

[@-----REDACTED-----]

@@mrdark9916 inarguably true. That’s why first aid and medications are essentials, not optional. But with that said all the best gear in the world is worth shit when you don’t know how to properly use it. Also knowledge may expand the range of use of some items.

[@timdowney6721]

@@-----REDACTED----- It’s also important to know when a particular treatment is not called for.

[@6foot8jesuspilledpureblood82]

@mrdark9916 if you have a belt or paracord and a stick you have a tourniquet.

[@Jor0716]

I'm pretty similar, but I bring some extra stuff. A tourniquet and materials for a pressure bandage.

[@cardiacbob]

I carry about what you carry on-trail. But, for us non-MDs or RNs, I cannot stress enough the need to take a CPR course and Wilderness First Aid course before spending any serious time hiking! If you took one years ago, take it again! And carry a tourniquet and pressure bandage and know how (and when) to use them. They do not weigh much... and hopefully you'll never have to use them... but if you need them, you need them NOW!

[@hikerdoc6771]

Agree absolutely with you. I'm a (retired) medical practitioner and long distance backpacker and like yourself, I don't take too much. If a situation can't be treated with the above kit, then it's more serious and needs to be escalated to requiring additional medical support. I take a mirror compass and tick hook, but otherwise my kit is very similar to yours. I like your vids, so I've subscribed. 👍

[@bluestag5744]

Not long ago my son went on his first backpacking trip. I was going to end up carrying more weight than typical with him coming with me so I asked my wife, a physician assistant, to review my medical kit and get rid of what I probably wouldn’t need. Keep in mind I’d been using this same kit for years, not really thinking about. She looked it over and reduced the weight well more than half, pushing 3/4, including throwing away medication- Benadryl, ibuprofen, that expired in 2004 lol. She did recommend adding aloe for sunburn and mumbled something about common sense in keeping it up-to-date :-)

[@jasminepina9058]

Awesome wife

[@wilcoxtactical3716]

One thing I always carry is a nose bleed kit. I had a few times in my life when I got insanely bad nose bleeds. So bad that I couldn't get it to stop for day. I keep a thing to pinch my nose, a couple tampons to shove up my nose if it bleeds, a few zinc cauterizing sticks (I've had to cauterize my nose a few times to get it to quit bleeding) and a rapid rhino kit. I also keep a few strong pain killers like hydrocodone or oxy and electrolyte replacement a mini medical stapler, antibiotic ointment, bandaids, tweezers and 1 compressed gauze and a rats tourniquet. My kit isn't much bigger than your and weighs just a bit more. I think it covers most of the little stuff and a few of the major things. Then I keep a more extensive kit in the vehicle.

[@redoak3809]

Whistle and sunscreen. I also keep a couple bandages and ointment and a needle in my wallet all of the time.

[@johnlhigh]

Like John said a mirror as well. Good for signaling too. I like the minimalist approach. I will always carry a Cat T and Gauze like NAR for mass bleeding...

[@jeanwatson189]

In Australia, add a snake bandage. Could save your life, but can also be used for sprains.

[@guzelmarmara]

For few years I worked in a job requires a full trauma kit like the ones in the military and loved the scenario based kit preparation. I would suggest a hiker to carry a burn gel and Bepanthene because a pot full of hot water is easy to find its way to your hand or feet when someone accidentally hits it or even just the wind. Also I keep tick remover, an Israeli bandage and a small piece for a broken hand or a finger. Not a small kit but not hefty either. Feels secure when I have jt with me.

[@jimkelly5457]

Hello Sir, Have you ever thought about putting a couple or three small trick Birthday candles in your fire kit. When lit they will not extinguish. Wind, rain no effect. Small and easy to lite. Can be purchased in Birthday stores and Publix grocery stores. Trick candles. Good to have on hand for living fires. No fuss, no mess. Keep your videos coming.

[@janetstarr9554]

Perfection. My kit is very similar! Hikers love the motrin and kt tape. I also add a single use vial of eye drops. I used to carry a super small single use tube of burn cream too. Can't tell you how many people have said that I saved their day with those two tiny extras. But otherwise my kit looks exactly like yours!

[@mrdark9916]

Then that's a problem, because some vital equipment has been completely neglected in this medical kit. 100% need a dedicated trauma kit, and maybe he has one now that I think about it and labels it differently than a medical kit because that's what I do. I have a boo-boo kit, and then a dedicated trauma kit

[@whitemexican3923]

Thanks. Hope to see you back on KZbin some day.

[@mrdark9916]

Alcohol prep pads are amazing fire starters that are extremely light weight and useful, bring a bunch of em. 1 strike with a ferro rod and your golden! The wrappers are obv flammable as well. As for bandaid, the only ones I use nowadays are fingertip&knuckle ones. But you should 100% bring a TQ and hemostatic agent, that SPOT doesnt do shit when you bleed out in 3 minutes. Dont rely on tech and let yourself get complacent, or you'll end up fucked up. A trauma kit is NOT "OVER PACKING" IT IS VITAL. ABSOLUTELY VITAL. Best overall imo

[@jchambers1191]

Great video! I'm surprised it took me so long to find it...When I was in an immediately out of high school I did volunteer SAR and Ski Patrol. I got my EMT certification and took a Wilderness First Aid Instructor class. Now, this was 40 years ago, and when I reviewed the (old!) information, it hasn't changed much (except snake bites). The only appreciable difference between First Aid and Wilderness First Aid is being able to be able to apply an effective splint. Having a 911 device negates it (hopefully!), but that's the only thing I'd add. Just tape (which I think most of us carry some duct tape) and a SAM splint, or similar. I still carry a tourniquet, but I've never had to use it. Everything you carry I have, plus a couple splints.

[@KyHarvey71]

I’m an RN. I have almost the same kit. I do keep a Clorox splint with my kit (throw back from ski patrol). I may or may not also have some Percocet. I may have a bit more moleskin, but for sure not a ton. I encourage people to think about what they think they are going to come across on a trip.

[@kaboomsihal1164]

For me one of the most important pieces of my kit is my storm shelter and an emergency blanket. Depends on where you're hiking but around here I use my storm shelter on pretty much every hike at some point. Most hikers here get into trouble because of hypothermia. Nothing better than quickly getting in my orange trash bag of a shelter and feeling warm in minutes.

[@timdowney6721]

I hike in the Rockies, with quickly changing weather. I do take a tarp, a bit of cord and a space blanket. Of course an overnight means a tent, so I ditch the tarp.

[@kaboomsihal1164]

@@timdowney6721 That works too yeah. The storm shelter is just nice because it takes up very little space and weight, the only tarp I have that would work would be much more annoying to take with me. And a tent takes time to set up, the storm shelter I just have to pull out of the bag, it's come in really useful so far.

[@happytrails5342]

Vet bond. A must

[@carypeaden4147]

I am a hunter, and have been told that it is a good idea to bring an Israeli bandage, a Combat Application Tourniquet, and a rolled splint. I was surprised you don't have any of those three things in your IFAK. I'd like your opinion on the value of those things and why you don't need them.

[@jamest5081]

If you are hunting, a CAT, Israeli bandage/ETD, and some chest seals are great ideas since guns are involved. In regular backpacking, you can probably live without chest seals. To be honest, you can probably get away with ditching the TQ altogether, as packing+ETD will be just as effective. Roller splints are great, but splints can be effectively improvised. And, splinting isn't a lifesaving intervention, so it is fine to skip that. I am actually surprised he doesn't keep an ace wrap in the kit: that has many uses, and a rolled ankle is common

[@HikingADifferentPath]

I'm a huge fan of steri-strips. People see them and think I'm a showoff but they've saved my bacon more than once. Nicely done on the FAK and the video, sir.

[@rsmith2658]

Can’t forget bug spray and anti itch lotion - mosquito bites and poison ivy can really put a damper on a trip!

[@andrewwolfe8742]

Pretty much all I carry. As a wound care nurse not much you can do out there without a huge kit. I just ensure prevention and safety and keep a small tube of Medihoney paste for severe burns and some betadine ampoules or swabs along with what you are carrying.

[@GrumpyGrunt]

Thanks, Ernie! I keep a small kit on my day pack similar to yours. I have a bigger trauma kit (with shears, tourniquet, tape, gauze, ointments, SAM splint, rolled bandage, sutures, forceps, etc.) in my vehicle. If I am working with knives and axes in camp that trip (not a lightweight setup), I will take the bigger kit too.

[@madiekirkland3764]

Why doesn't everyone have a whistle & a s.o.s pager in their kit? No brainer!. Agree with Dr though, less is more!!!

[@pionniere25]

Thank you so much for making this video, I feel so much more confident in my first aid kit now :)

[@JasonFerguson1283]

Thanks, Doctor! Love your channel!

[@alanwilliams5836]

Good minimalist kit there Ernie! I myself would add an ace wrap and a finger splint (for those sprains that are likely to happen). Other than that... I'd probably have similar stuff.

[@danielcluley870]

Thank you! This is very good advice. I would say carry a LOT of Leuko-tape. So useful for hiking medical needs, foot-care, and even gear repair if necessary.

[@danielcluley870]

This is very similar to my kit. Check out SAK Nail-Clip 580.

[@danielcluley870]

I do carry a standard sterile gauze-bandage roll, however, which may seem to be overkill since you can use clothing for a similar effect, however, I have needed to use this before in an emergency on the trail multiple times, so carrying it seems useful to me. They say, "we carry our fears" sometimes. I have needed it before, so carrying it is worth the weight for me at this time. May look at Steri-Strip instead. thank you for the advice!

[@ianbarry7990]

What's your thoughts on taking some Aspirin? I carry it for heart attacks/strokes. A bit pessimistic perhaps but I'm not as young as I used to be!

[@deandebroux]

What are you going to do if someone gets a really bad cut where they could bleed to death? I'd carry something like a lightweight tourniquet and Israeli bandage. They hardly weigh anything and could save a life. It takes a while for emergency services to arrive if you're in the backcountry.

[@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker]

You're missing: - Small roll of elastic bandage for sprains. When backcountry skiing I take a SAM Splint, but that's too much/heavy for lightweight backpaking. - Single-use vial of superglue to close cuts too small to stich or steri-strip. - A feminine pad is small and good enough to stop minor bleeding. - Gauze pads to protect wounds.

[@ThePreparedNorseman]

I usually go out to do bushcraft, fishing or hunting so I bring first aid items to deal with an axe/knife/fishook/bullet to the "knee". Also a sam splint with some self adherent wrap comes along. Tho I do not carry a beacon like you do. How do you deal with larger cuts? Don't even leave the house with that light a kit. Thanks for sharing!

[@jtr109]

That is a boo boo kit, not a first aid kit. If you encounter or suffer a serious injury, that stuff will do basically nothing. Add a swat tourniquet and some quick clot for those rare, but high stakes emergencies when help won’t get there in time.

[@6foot8jesuspilledpureblood82]

You'd be amazed what paracord, a stick and a rolld of duck tape can do in a pinch

[@OldPackMule]

Great minimalist kit. Mine is similar but added KT tape and a couple gauze pads. The amount of gear you carry is inversely proportionate to the skills you have.

[@IAmWhatevaUSayIAm]

Thank you sir! Will certainly share in Appalachian Trail Groups.

[@terrypadgett8973]

What about a Sam Splint and a ace bandage? For Sprains and what not.

[@andrewcain6518]

I carry basically the same. I add antihistamine eye drops, a trauma gauze and an ace bandage. I hate improvised bandages.

[@daleweller5193]

I like a roll of tape that sticks to itself.

[@Just_Enought_To_Be_Fun]

I have to build my own first aid kid (ifak) since I have often forgotten my main medical kit in the car. I have used a chocolate eggshell and it has gone pretty well. The experience makes me too confident for short walks to the point it can hurt :( I noticed I tend to intentionally forget my main medical kit in the car to save weight because "I can always jump back for it if needed". By "short walks" I mean mountain trips for 1-2 kilometers away from the car. I have used to consider this a small distance but suddenly realized that depending on the injury it could turn to a "far distance". Then I have started thinking of a solution. I have researched all mini medical kits. But then a problem occurs! As a difference to my mine medical kid where I have pills especially selected to my problems and often injuries all the kits that are sold out are with too basic equipment (bands, cotton, etc). I realized I already have these basics and could build my own kit. But in that kit, I'll add all the pills and tools I need. First I needed to find a stable and small enough box for it. Luckily my kids love chocolate eggs and I had a few plastic eggshells around. Get my main medical kit and start working. And tadaa! I believe I have prepared one of the smallest and full IFAK kits ever. (update: I have recently cut myself in the forest and this eggshell save me from bleeding) Here is what I've got in my pocket-size IFAK: Stomach help Active carbon Water purifying tablets Anty allergenic 2 x Safety Pins Hand sanitizer Straw Toothpaste Straw 3 x Bands Compressed Cotton Micro knife Do you have a mini IFAK with you? What can I add or remove from mine in your opinion?

[@stephengonzalez2997]

Simple is smart 😎👍

[@klausknudsen9646]

you forgot the diversity of a bandana! :D maby with youre profession, you could make some injury scenarios and how to react?

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Good video! "boo-boo" kit vs 1st aid kit vs trauma kit with TQ

[@amalielaursen1280]

Super helpfull video. Thanks🙂

[@John-fy7hx]

Always interesting videos, thanks

[@goutvols103]

Is the jury still out on whether to pop a blister before applying ointment and or a band aid? Thanks in advance.

[@PaleoHikerMD]

I believe popping the blister allows you to take control of the wound from the start, so that is my vote.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this very informative video. All the best to you, stay healthy. 🤗

[@Eightwin]

Very good. Thank you.

[@John-sq7uf]

Helpful video. I have 2 items in my kit I’m not sure if I should drop. I’m hoping you could help me out, 1. Is iodophors swab sticks, I use them instead of alcohol wipes. Should I switch to alcohol instead of iodophor? 2. A small vile of vet bond skin adhesive. I was thinking it can take the place of bandaids and steri-strips, Thoughts?

[@DaibheadSeamas]

I’m not a MD but I’ve had various First Aid certifications, including WFR, and FWIW I want to say that you’ve assembled a GREAT first aid kit. If I may pick your brain though, I have a few questions. First, would you say it’s worth it to carry a syringe dedicated to wound irrigation? I carry a large syringe anyway to back flush my water filter-if clean water (as opposed to sterile) is good enough, I’m assuming a clean syringe is also good enough? I noticed you don’t carry one and didn’t even mention it-am I over-thinking it? Second, is there a reason you chose Benadryl over an alternative like Reactine or Claratin? Just wondering about the drowsy (near-hallucinogenic at times) side effects of Diphenhydramine. But if you prefer Benadryl over the alternatives, I’d love to know why! Third, why don’t you carry burn or bite relief? I know some people consider those “comfort” items. What say you? Last, I have one suggestion for your consideration (and critique if you have any): carry a tampon or two (you can buy them without the plastic applicators and they take up almost no space). Originally invented for bullet wounds, tampons are the unsung heroes of the gauze world. You can plug a puncture wound with one, or spread it out and use as you would any gauze pad. Or you might be a woman’s hero on the trail. I hope you take the time to read and reply. At any rate, great video!

[@kylewilkinson6975]

Not a doc or any med training but I suggest triple antibacterial ointment. Granted alcohol swabs may do well but... just my thought. Otherwise spot on

[@silentbushcrafter3720]

Would you recommend super glue for big cuts..

[@mattydread6618]

I like to carry a Splinter Out or two. Works awesome and weighs nothing. Maybe some Coband too because it weighs nothing.

[@Outdoorsaustralia]

It's very easy to take more than is needed but the most important thing to bring is the first aid knowledge/training. A compression bandage for snake bite is also handy👍 Cheers Daryl

[@stevenm6301]

Along with my Garmin inreach mini I have the insurance plan so actually using the sos button won't bankrupt my family! 🤣

[@spider5001]

Really cool🙂👍🏻 maybe a tourniquet to help stop bleeding until the ems get their. We play with sharp things🕺🏻

[@christinao.3356]

You can make one of those with a bandana and a stick.

[@rlbranch65]

Great kit. Just curious though why you don't include a tourniquet?

[@PaleoHikerMD]

When I go backpacking I do not because I do not do any significant work with sharp objects. When I do heavy axe work or knife work I carry one. I also always wear a belt backpacking that can act as one in a pinch. Thanks for watching!

[@jerrybobteasdale]

I think every first aid kit needs a headlamp. Mine has a little plastic tab that blocks the terminal on the lithium batteries. I think those batteries will keep their charge, and won't leak. I just need to pull that plastic tab before use.

[@Y2J3469]

I think that at least one (1) gauze bandage/ pad would be prudent strategy to add. Only critique and good informative video.

[@YaYaLee]

Great kit Doc

[@guskoerner75]

Thanks Doc for the input. This kind of video means more coming from doctor, experienced in the field. You mentioned a needle. What kind of thread would you bring? My wife and I are embarking on a 250 trek across Florida, 10 miles at a time. This is an important topic to us. Thank you!

[@JamieEnglish]

I really like this kit! What size is the stuff sack? Amazon shows a few different sizes.

[@rickbartley9255]

Great insight into the essentials. Thanks.

[@AndreFavron]

I just learned a lot BUT I admit that I would be terrified to reduce my hiking kit this drastically - especially not having a puncture and deep laceration bandage like an Israeli wrap. SteriStrips can only do so much.

[@jtucker4201]

I also carry a mirror with my first aid kit. I've found it useful for tick checks, foreign objects in the eye, and, in case of emergency, signalling. What are your thoughts on carrying pedialyte for acute dehydration and uncoated aspirin for heart attack?

[@SlickCat]

I would add an eye cup. small but very useful if anything gets in someones eye. A friend of mine was going through a field of tall dry weeds when one sprung hitting him in the face; a puff of pollen went right into his eye, we tried water from our bottles but it just wasn't enough to clean it as an eye cup could. Pedialyte and aspirin is a great idea.

[@druface12345]

Couple of Q’s for you. 1. Is iodine a better disinfectant than alcohol? 2. Your thoughts on onetime use iodine or alcohol filled Qtips rather than wipes in a kit? 3. Looking for a medical super glue. I found Medique liquid bandages, and Riverband surgical adhesive on Amazon. (I believe it’s a veterinarian version of Derma-bond.)Is medical grade glue for cuts overboard for a small hiking first aid kit?

[@Capturingmoents]

thank you for sharing. helpful

[@brando5705]

I dropped my alcohol fuel and stove for a tourniquet. Just use a campfire to heat up meals. You won't need it 99.999 of the time but it is a life saver. Even if you push the sos button it can take hours at best for rescue to come. Same thing with those decompression needles. Maybe a little more daunting but can save you as well. Yes you should have a medic do it but hey if your in the middle of nowhere and have no choice its up to you. Watch videos on it. Be safe. My base weight is 6 pounds so it can be done bringing extra safety and still have a low baseweight. Just bring less stuff.

[@markluke8447]

Ernie, enjoy your videos and thank you for sharing all your data. As a fellow South Louisiana resident I’m wondering how would you handle a snake bite issue on the trail?

[@theamiazingworldofsebastia4962]

What's better on hiking or altitude, ibuprofeno Advil or acetaminophen tylenol? And why

[@trevorubique3331]

Great videos. Do you have any suggestions on how to prevent lip chapping when you don't have lip balm or petroleum jelly?

[@bkbland1626]

Chapped lips signify dehydration. Drink more.

[@chriskuthe4057]

I have a question if you are a diabetic what is a safe way to keep your insulin on a backpacking trip?

[@saff226]

No compression bandage? What do you do if your roll a ankle and do you not have snakes where you hike.

[@tannazafshar5107]

I would recommend writing the expiry date of your medication on the bag

[@nigeljones8202]

Good video, thanks. What do you think about carrying an Israeli (trauma) bandage? I had an experience where I was taking a photo in a field and didn't notice a bit of barbed wire on a fence, which cut my pants but fortunately missed my leg. Made me think.

[@megajig]

I like to do more bushcrafty type canoe trips so weight isn't top priority. I bring an axe (gransfors small forest axe) and a saw (silky bigboy). Since I use tools that can have dramatic consequences I usually bring a comprehensive first aid / trauma kit. I'm days away from help with no cell signal. Aside from a beacon, what type of kit / gear would you recommend. I may be on the "kitchen sink" side but I have the space and weight capacity so I err on the side of caution. Any advice? Current kit has everything from burn cream to a tourniquet. Thanks!

[@LGSkywalker82]

Not sure why I never thought to ask for a med kit vid from you lol. I'd just add some burn gel but otherwise great kit Ernie! Thanks for the perspective on it not needing to be a huge kit!

[@Storyideas81]

Didn’t you already do a first aid video? How often do you replace the various medications?

[@PaleoHikerMD]

I did a video on a more robust first aid kit designed for day use and not focused on backpacking (AKA weight conscious). Medications can last well past their expiration date. I use my kit often so the meds are used usually. If they have sat unused in the kit for 12-18 months, I would replace them. Thanks for watching!

[@markpanarese2452]

Great video. Good little backpacking couple night individual kit. I have really paired down the kit I hike and backpack with. On the other hand when I take scout troop camping, the trailer houses my big bag and tackle box. It never fails the after first full day of camp I have the first years lined up to triage the blisters from new boots. So I think you have a video on basic blister care if not how bout one! Keep up the good work! Cheers!

[@BingWatcher]

Ernie, nice video and kit! 😎 I have learned to scale back my kit , based upon years of experience, to a kit similar to yours. I am inherently an over packer. But learned that if your kit is too heavy, one is less inclined to bring it along at all times. What would you recommend for ankle sprains? They are my most common injury and I usually bring a compression wrap (Ace bandage). Thank You!

[@christinao.3356]

I saw a pic on a Homemade Wanderlust video where they made a splint using their trowel and some paracord. Could possibly also use sticks or just the leuko tape. You can learn how to tape your foot for an ankle sprain.

[@Generic12312]

Almost 25% of hiking-related deaths are the result of traumatic injuries, often involving significant blood loss. Carrying an Israeli bandage and having basic first aid training could save your life or someone else’s in such a situation. Chest trauma accounts for nearly a quarter of these fatalities. About 17% of these cases involve pneumothorax (a collapsed lung), which, with proper training, can sometimes be treated in the field using an occlusive dressing and a 10-14 gauge needle for emergency needle decompression. Hemopneumothorax (which involves both air and blood in the chest cavity) makes up another 27% of chest trauma cases and could also potentially be managed by someone trained to perform a needle thoracostomy. However, it’s essential to emphasize that this is an advanced skill and should only be attempted by those with adequate training. A little bit of trauma training can make a huge difference in an emergency. Hypothermia accounts for around 14% of hiking deaths. Knowing how to stay warm and dry, coupled with having essential gear such as a lightweight emergency blanket, a bivvy bag, and a GPS SOS device to signal for help, can save your life in most cases. Proper preparation for cold and wet conditions is key to survival. Drowning is the leading cause of hiking deaths, responsible for 30% of fatalities. Many drown while attempting to cross rivers, swimming in deep water, or during flash floods. Flash floods are particularly dangerous in canyons, where rain from storms many miles away can cause the area to flood in minutes. Knowing these risks and avoiding dangerous water crossings or canyon hikes during risky weather conditions is vital for your safety. Getting lost is a major contributor to hiking deaths. Learning basic navigation skills is as important as learning to drive before getting a driver’s license. These skills could save your life, as well as the lives of those who might be called in to rescue you. While it’s a good idea to carry bandages, painkillers, and other basic medical supplies, these alone won’t protect you from the most common causes of death in the wilderness. What truly matters is knowing how to respond to the most serious threats-trauma, hypothermia, drowning, and getting lost. Without the right training and preparedness, you or your loved ones could be in serious danger long before help arrives.

[@roastxbeefx7744]

Great video. Is there a monthly fee associated with the GPS tracker?

[@jwmmitch]

What are your thoughts on hydrocoloidal band aids?

[@cyaeveryday2134]

Great video! Does your kit change for the number of days you are backpacking (day hike vs weekend trips?) Thoughts on bring a tourniquet? I think adding the single use "super glue" for add wound coverage would be good. Do you carry a shemagh (or similar) you could use as a sling or compression wrap if needed?

[@JamesGMunn]

How about a first aid video? Minor to major scrapes and gouges happen. Splinting to help get back to the car would also help. What injuries should someone get professional help such as stitches level cuts etc.?

[@richardcranium5518]

Just found your channel, love it... strait forward common sense!!!

[@bigd2829]

What do you think about carrying aspirin for signs of a heart attack?

[@johnnybomb08]

I still carry the exact same type of IFAK gear the USMC issued us when I served 20+ years ago. Definitely a lot heavier, a lot more stuff. I know, I'm brainwashed.

[@MarisolsAdventures]

sorry for the question but what is the difference between steri strip vs leukotape. thank you!

[@eddycorn5528]

Instead of Band-Aids, I add a sterile pad to use with leukotape to make my own band aids. The tape holds better than Band-Aids & I can adjust the size and shape.

[@SlickCat]

Great idea....bandaids are almost useless anyway they are too small or too big, never stay sticky.

[@AlkQubit]

Any chance you can put a full kit like this together for sale? :)

[@6foot8jesuspilledpureblood82]

Have you updated this kit?

[@frankblangeard8865]

insect sting relief is missing

[@johnlhigh]

What is the size of the GG pouch you are using?

[@eqlzr2]

I've been hiking for the past 65 years. My own kit, based on all those years of experience, is a few bandaids, and a sewing needle. I also carry a few Extra Strength Tylenols in one of my cargo pants pockets (bilateral lung transplant 2 years ago) with a Surefire Sidekick flashlight. A couple times I needed the needle to remove a splinter, but I've never used the bandaids. So, I may ditch the bandaids. If I really get in a serious jam, I carry an ACR personal locator beacon.

[@michaelrflynn7478]

I also carry a few pair of nitrile gloves

[@TheRealJackOfTrades]

No lidocaine or dermal stapler?

[@richarddaugherty8583]

Thanks for this video! Clearly I'm carrying too much. One question: I get kidney stones about every 2 or 3 years. Last time I was prescribed Lortab in case one came on (they saw several stones still in the kidney last year). I've been carrying the whole bottle in my pack, but I'd rather carry only a couple tablets. You know what the problem is with that, right? Is there a small container I could get from my pharmacist and have him label it so it's legal? Do you think he could label a small baggie? BTW, where do you get those baggies you put your stuff in? Thanks!

[@bribaldwin3693]

Small baggies you can find in arts & crafts (bead/jewelry making) isle in a Walmart

[@richarddaugherty8583]

@@bribaldwin3693 Thanks!

[@EdwinDueck]

A Doctor should take careful steps. 😉😀😀

[@ShadoWalker71]

The only other thing i carry that you dont is a small tube of medical grade super glue (Durmabond)

[@TruckGuyHD92]

Sam splint??

[@markbajek2541]

I'd add some aspirin and some antacids tabs..

[@PaleoHikerMD]

Alas, I'm allergic to aspirin :)

[@offtime915]

Oh nice, I gave the 1,000th like 👍🏼