My Backpacking Medical Kit - A Backcountry Med Kit

A backpacking medical kit for the backcountry is a necessity. In this video I show you exactly what I bring on the majority of my ultralight and lightweight backpacking trips. This ultralight backpacking gear medical med kit is the Adventure Medical Kit 5. Backpack safely safety.
My How To Backpack And Be Safe Video • How To Backpack And Be...
The Gear:
MEDICAL KIT Adventure Medical Kit 5 amzn.to/2X5Nlh4
LEUKO TAPE amzn.to/2PfKajV
INSECT REPELLANT (PICARDIN) LOTION amzn.to/2UpAnsu
INSECT REPELLANT (PERMETHRIN) SPRAY amzn.to/2IqGk7g
My Other Go To Gear:
AWESOME Down Jacket - Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer: amzn.to/2DwUkIG
Cheaper but still GREAT down Jacket: amzn.to/2TbLmpJ
THE BEST Chair - Helinox Chair Zero: amzn.to/2RLFFCv
AMAZING Headlamp - Nitecore NU25: amzn.to/2CJ7DEh
EPIC Pot - Evernew Pasta Pot 1L: amzn.to/2MyTs9G
ULTRALIGHT Stove - BRS Stove: amzn.to/2RMV8SM
My HAT amzn.to/2VGKieB
My OTHER hat amzn.to/2GWuJvK
My Camera Gear:
MAIN CAMERA Canon EOS R amzn.to/2UJ6IQi
TRAIL CAMERA Canon G7X Mark ii amzn.to/2MizHCX
MAIN LENSE Sigma 24mm-70mm F2.8 Art Lens amzn.to/2sysGVC
TRAIL MIC Rode Video Micro Mic amzn.to/2FGD9Gj
TALKING HEAD MIC Boya Lavalier Mic amzn.to/2CrjsPt

[@jonsanford2515]

I carry a little bigger kit because I’ve gone through first aid training and know too much about bad things that can happen. A couple things you might add to your minimal kit... -Fine point tweezers, or a tick key -Benedryl -Immodium And... make sure your gauze is non-stick especially if you’re going to use it on a kid.

[@adamrutz6655]

Same

[@TysonHilton]

One thing I found is that the best first aid kit is the one you know how to use. I highly suggest everyone take a first aid class. I just took one from NOHLS/REI and it was fantastic. Thanks for sharing

[@bobreeder2441]

I've been doing this backpacking thing for almost 35 yrs. Most of the time by myself or with my wife. Being responsible for yourself is the most important thing to remember. When you are many days from anything or anyone you need to carry a med kit for all needs. One of the best things is to carry a bandana or two. These can be used for many things and keep them tied to the outside of your back so you can get them quickly. You'll be glad you did if you get a large gash/cut.

[@chadbrow]

That triangular bandage is not gauze, it's to make an arm sling or to make a splint.

[@DanBecker]

😮 thanks!!

[@JeremiahStringer]

Love the idea of first aid kit being a specific color. Easy to find in a pinch! Mines a ziplock back, but I guess I’ll change that soon. Great vid, Dan

[@darrylarsenault5005]

Jeremiah Stringer Hikes where have I been? I found Dan only a few months ago

[@JonathanRobsonPhoto]

Great video Dan. Informational, to the point. Always worth watching!

[@melissabillmire8641]

That is a very good starter first aid kit. For some smaller injuries like cuts and bruises. That people get while hiking through the trails. I was able to find a really nice first aid kit. When I went to one of those Pick-A-Part places. Where you can buy parts for vehicles and as I was looking around for the type of vehicle. That I needed a part for I happened to see a pretty much brand new Mercedes Benz that had been totaled in a front end accident. So I figured out how to open the trunk so I could look around in it. And I found a really nice first aid kit that came with just about anything and everything you would need. In case someone were to get hurt. And everything in it came in a nice vinyl case. So I took that and finally ended up finding the part I needed. And bought both of them and when I got back home. I opened up the first aid kit and was amazed by just how much stuff they were able to pack into it. The vinyl case is about 14" inches long by 8" inches wide by 4" inches thick. And though I probably won't need to use even half of the stuff. That came with this first aid kit, at least nothing had expired dates on them. It is a good reference point to start a smaller first aid kit. And the best thing is I can use a lot of the stuff that came with it. Oh yeah, almost forgot to say just how much I paid for it. The original part I was looking for cost me $65 dollars and they threw in the first aid kit for free.

[@ErichWelsch]

Great job Dan.. can't wait till the next one..

[@dylanagli1577]

Hey just wanted to say thanks for sharing! From gear head to gear head I know I can trust the gear you use because I know from watching your videos you are as passionate as I am. Many thanks!

[@Desertkns60]

You have great energy and share great information. THANK YOU!

[@DanBecker]

Thanks for the encouragement, Kathy! Thanks for watching!

[@TheWasatchGearReview]

Great info Dan, loving the content!

[@JMD1965]

A couple of things I would add... A pair of tweezers... a small mirror.. a heat-reflective blanket... Imodium & Acid reducer (happy stomach, happy hike)... Benadryl (not just for allergies, but sting/bug bite reaction reduction)... An insect bite ointment or stick (speaking of more instant sting relief).. some duct tape around a plastic card (blisters, waterproofing a bandage, gear repair, etc) and some super-glue for instant wound closure when suturing is not an option...

[@matthewgoins5603]

Great kit! Kudos to you for having a triangular bandage (your gauze) in your med kit. They are probably the most versatile tool in your kit. You can use it to splint broken bones, make a compression dressing over gauze, use as a sling, and even makeshift a tourniquet. Can also use it for cordage or a fire starter in emergencies!

[@outboundjesse2558]

Thanks for all you said at the beginning of this video. I think FAR too many youtubers understate the importance of a proper med lot for where you’re going. There needs to be education!

[@KevinFryAdventures]

I work in pediatric surgery: I would bring a hemostatic agent, forceps, suture, ATO, 4x4's, 22g hypo, 1 liter NACL, sutures, Scissors, lidocaine or marcaine with epinephrine, alcohol, kerlix, & tape. Just kidding..your kit is fine!

[@KevinFryAdventures]

Also bring along dermabond for closure without sutures!

[@DanBecker]

😂😂😂😂

[@CinkSVideo]

I have similar items in my kit. I camp in areas that are full of hunters...and bears, and tend to be fairly long distance from medical care. People are stupid and careless and I try to be prepared for the crazy crap that happens.

[@luker6351]

Finally a backpacker from Wisconsin!!!!

[@finloveday8860]

Your video's are always such good quality!

[@MrTacitGrunt]

Pro tip: the 4 x 7 loksak fits perfectly into the adventure medical kit .5. Makes it nice and waterproof

[@bkeithmontgomery]

The ear plugs are awesome, never thought of that!!! Great video!

[@april906outdoors3]

Great basic kit, Dan. I also consider my mini Swiss Army knife as part of my kit - scissors and tweezers. If you ever go to more remote areas, I highly recommend someone in the group take a wilderness first aid course.

[@DanBecker]

Great tip, April! I also take the Swiss Army classic SD

[@meganmcdonald5229]

How did I just find you? You’re nailing it. I just power watched a bunch of your stuff, and you are bang on- hiking poles are not for the old, so underrated! Buffs are THE BEST. Friends don’t get it until they have gone backcountry themselves. I often go backcountry in Algonquin Ontario, and you have this dialed right in. Leukotape is legit the best. Keep giving awesome advice. Any newbies watching... this man knows what is up.

[@DanBecker]

Thanks, Megan!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@EricFleming231]

they are a back saver

[@SectionHikingTheAT]

Dan, you’re the only guy I know who can make a backpacking first aid kit into a fun video!

[@DanBecker]

Ha!! Thanks!!!!

[@uptrail7169]

Great job with this video! 👍 I still haven't made a video for my first aid kit and I was on the rescue squad for 8 1/2 years! 😬

[@JJ-mf8ru]

Good of you to talk about the importance of first aid.

[@SkinnyGPanda]

Better with the kit then I am, I handmade mine with stuff that suits me but in reality you can go on and on and on with supplies for potentially every accident scenario. I use mine to get me by in non-complex situations. good video and details though. I keep eye drops in mine cause it helps clean out any cuts better.

[@nk6197]

You also could be suffering compression headaches from wearing tighter head gear in the winter. I also thought at first that my problem was hydration and then I noticed when my beanie came off the headache slowed.

[@darrylarsenault5005]

thanks Dan. f__ in love you and stringer! peace, be healthy

[@BackcountryExposure]

KT tape for blisters all day everyday!

[@VanJoplin]

The alcohol preps make great fire starters as well!

[@gwmtnbiker]

Thanks for helping my dial in my kit. Mine was already quite similar. I don't mean to be gross...but I've replaced gause with a 'feminine pad' because of its ability to abosorb blood. Secondarily, when my son comes along, I bring "sting kill" for times when a bee gets him (he doesn't love pain).

[@calvinbuckner3043]

Never thought of the Sawyer spray for my clothes, don't know why. I spray my clothes with scent eliminator for hunting!! Duh

[@DanBecker]

😂😂

[@rashawunjones3281]

I like the small medkits that fit in my backpack compartment

[@girliejourney8754]

I use the same insect repellent. It comes in 1/3 oz packets. I put anywhere from 2-7 in my kit depending on how buggy it is out.

[@roserose8928]

Hi i also add celox powder grate for any cuts and you dont have to worry about bandaids and gauzes

[@flyweight_adventures]

Thanks for the great vids! Speaking of being safe and emergencies, wondering what you carry for navigation. Looking for my first compass and no idea what I need :)

[@DanBecker]

I have a Casio G-Shock watch that has a built-in compass. I also take a paper map and use my cell phone GPS.

[@andrewwolfe8742]

So I'm a wound care nurse for 13 years. Your kit was great but I keep my stuff minimal and specific to what I may encounter. Just my experience and not by any means insulting. Like you said medical kit is personal. I keep a bunch of leukotape, a sewing kit, some alcohol pads, some iodine ampoules, Tylenol and Advil packs, and a couple bandaids. I include my personal meds and a nasal spray. Again great kit this is my kit and appreciate your kit. Keep it up!

[@DanBecker]

Great info! I’m no nurse or doctor. Just a regular KZbinr! 😂 So every bit of good advice helps! Thanks!!

[@KrokemOutdoors]

Spare contact lenses are a must! (For those who wear them). I also bring moleskin, but that tape sounds good because of its multipurpose usefulness 👍👍

[@jdmccartney1]

Crazy … I have exactly the same one.... added some Vitamin I , Benadry and aspirin to mine just incase. :D

[@Chriztina97]

Great video! Permethrin spray is not sold in Canada to the general public. It is available for military use and one store (Marks Work Warehouse) got approval from Health Canada to sell a brand of permethrin-treated clothing. Border officers have confiscated it from people trying to bring it back through cross-boarder shopping. I used the spray last summer when I section hiked the AT.

[@EricFleming231]

I think it's great that Jim from Dunder Mifflin found a hobby.

[@PacemakerandButtons]

Picked up two of these Love the bags just for the reason you said "YELLOW" means first aid. everyone knows now on me where it is. I have modified the contents slightly as well. Good Content in the video. I'm a big one for Fingernail clippers just a small one.

[@SewGood]

Wow! Nice 'n light!!! I also have the same brand medkit -JUST FOR THE AWESOME STUFF SACK!! 👍👍👍

[@DanBecker]

🙌🙌

[@murphreport]

Good stuff.

[@rudysal1429]

You should look into a NOLS first aid course.

[@jonahbryant1076]

Leukotape also serves as a good bandaid and can even help repair tents, dry bags and the like. I also keep an extra EmergenC or two for myself and another hiker in case we start to feel sick.

[@coachhannah2403]

Jonah Bryant - Vitamin C is a placebo.

[@jonahbryant1076]

Not sure what you mean by placebo, Vitamin C can give you a boost to your immune system.

[@counterfit5]

@@jonahbryant1076 nope en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_C_megadosage

[@EricFleming231]

@@jonahbryant1076 Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin. What that means is after a certain point, your body can't absorb any more and you pass the rest via urine. It's impossible to take a mega dose of this vitamin, your body can't absorb it. So, the vitamin isn't a placebo (a fake drug you take to see if just the suggestion of a cure makes you feel better), but it also doesn't work as a cold killer either.

[@justinfite96]

Check out Zipp-Fizz hydration tablets. Thank you for your videos you seem like you would be cool to go hiking with, keep up the good work.

[@TR-sk8hf]

I used to put Leukotape on drum sticks.that stuff is the best lol

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Great vid man. I loved the general advice at the beginning. Always good for people to hear. Also the vid looks great, 24-105mm?

[@DanBecker]

Thanks!! Sigma baby!!

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Dan Becker Wow. Very nice. Very nice indeed.

[@sairvinginthestacks]

Benadryl itch stick. It can be used on mosquito bites to poison ivy. With poison ivy, oak and sumac, it will at least control the itching long enough to make it to CVS or Walgreens. The poison ivy washes can be expensive but they work. I have Benadryl tablets too. They work for allergic reactions and help with vertigo.

[@robertd6387]

Coban makes for an excellent light weight dressing. It self adheres

[@brucefluth3930]

Loved seeing the triangle bandage. I personally think EVERY medical kit should have one! Multiple uses, and light weight. I’m also a huge fan of Lueko tape. You have the best presentation! Keep it up! He is Risen!!

[@DanBecker]

Jesus is KING!!!!

[@darrylarsenault5005]

just happy to support

[@darrylarsenault5005]

shows interaction. damn Dan didn't know you went back this far

[@darrylarsenault5005]

need leuco tape

[@alphabears6342]

The best kit is the one that you know how to use because you've taking courses in CPR and first aid. I would also add benadryl, loperamide hydrochloride and tylenols. If your into naturapathy and herbal medicine, then I would add oregano oil, artemisia annua, yarrow and willow. I also replace my antibiotics cream with my honey from my hives.

[@Docsporseen1]

Something I'd recommend for EVERYONE is to find a Stop The Bleed course, as well as a good old fashioned Red Cross First Aid/CPR course. Easy way to save a life!!!

[@paulfogarty7724]

Great advice. I'm putting a first aid kit together myself for day hikes, a bit tougher to reach a road but if anything goes really wrong - broken leg ect, there is the rescue helicopter with properly trained medics. Btw you remind me of actor Jeffery Dean Morgan.

[@trailfleamlangdon2260]

Nice job Dan, if you use the leuko tape on blisters how do you get it off and not rip off skin? Thanks,,,Trail Flea..

[@DanBecker]

If a blister is that bad I’ll usually pop it first.

[@nobison6185]

Small piece of TP to just cover the blister and then tape over it.

[@AmyRoutt]

You got cell reception on the trails out there?! The heck. I wouldn't have to pay $280/mo for a SPOT subscription and extra emergency insurance haha The west is best though..... :) Thanks for sharing your med kit. Most of mine consists of duct tape. (haha don't worry, that isn't all I carry. But it comes the most in handy)

[@DanBecker]

Cell service is spotty but it’s pretty much in every area around here! I live directly between Chicago and Milwaukee and Indianapolis is only three hours away! Duct tape is the best! LOL

[@sairvinginthestacks]

It depends on who you have. I live in Wisconsin and use T-Mobile. Yeah.....you get off the interstate or out of a urban/suburban area and reception is bad.

[@c3920]

Ear plugs are key!

[@felipecastellon4740]

I'm an LVN and have done some 1st responder. My kit is a little bigger. Not much. I put some nursie (is that a word) in there. On the ear plugs, now you don't hear the bears, hahahaha.

[@dennislove96]

Can I suggest a small tube of superglue. It can turn a nasty cut into an inconvenience, actually stop some savior bleeding. A medical facility can open it back up if necessary. Everyone should research wound cleaning etc.

[@onionhead5780]

If you’ve ever tried to cut a bandage with a pocket knife or tiny scissors on a Swiss knife then you’ll incorporate a quality small pair of scissors in the Med pack.

[@DanBecker]

That’s correct! I do also take a Swiss Army classic SD

[@normarinker3245]

Great video, as always. I am usually camping alone but for my thru hike next year, I will definitely take earplugs...to give the people near me so they won't hear me snore 😂 i hadn't thought about those, great idea. You always give a great presentation with solid info. Thank you so much for putting in the time!!

[@DanBecker]

Thanks Norma! Thanks again for the encouragement as always!

[@misscandy84]

LukI tape popular seems like for hikers

[@jefftitterington7600]

Prescription medications - enough for your trip and a few days more. I've dropped some, and any trip can have delays.

[@ZillaFitness]

Come up to Northern Wisconsin. I see more bears than people!

[@DanBecker]

😮😮

[@MichaelsPwner]

It’s been a few years, any updates to this?

[@ImGoingSupersonic]

Get on with it!

[@tjbleu635]

But what do you mean you dont carry a 6ft foldable stretcher .... pfftt.. amateur! :p

[@DanBecker]

🤣🤣🤣

[@dustoff499]

I know, right?

[@ronaldgollihur4304]

Not knowing How to use the stuff inside your 1st aid kit can be very bed I would recommend checking out your local library, community college for classes on 1st aid and CPR. So you know when to use that gauze instead of the large bandage or used a large bandage instead Of gauze, and what to do if Someone Burns them self and to it dentify the in level of burn. You need to prepare now for something to Happen on the trail because when you're out there on the trail you most likely don't have cell service so you don't have Uncle Google to look up your problems.

[@RAINSMAN79]

I use the med kit 7. Just a couple ounces and dollars more.

[@markwhitelaw6264]

Dan, I'd highly recommend not using ibuprofen for headaches: use paracetamol (acetaminophen in the US), as its an actual analgesic and can be taken on an empty stomach. Ibuprofen is what's called a "Non Steroidal Anti inflammatory". It's good, short term, to treat strains and sprains, but is helluva rough on the lining of the stomach and can cause ulcers. Another good item to carry, is effervescent electrolyte tablets, or sachets like "Propel". ex British Army Combat Medic, Offshore Medic. 25+ years experience in this field 😉

[@DanBecker]

😮😮😮😮. Wow!!!!! I’ll start bringing something else!!!!! Thanks a TON!!

[@VarangianOblast]

headaches while walking is because you're losing electrolytes. try hydration tablet mixed with water instead of Ibuprofen

[@skywalker6614]

Hold up you said you sleep with contacts on?

[@shyowl3453]

So I don’t think a triangle bandage is gonna soak up much blood, it’s better than nothing and you should keep triangle bandages in your kit but maybe get some compressed gauze

[@DanBecker]

What’s in your medical kit? Let us all know below! 👇🏻👇🏻

[@AhonuiOutdoors]

dyneema repair tape and thermarest patches........gear needs love too... ;)

[@heatherwenthiking]

All of the above (& you reminded me I need to put my insect repellent back in there which is currently in my car lol) + 3 snake bandages coz we have far too many dangerous snakes in 🇦🇺 especially where I go hiking it is highly recommended to carry them and know how to use them, 4 allergy tabs not just for my sinuses if they start bothering me but also in case I have a reaction to a plant etc, a small pair of tweezers, a tiny pair of toenail clippers in case I rip a nail or need to trim my toenails shorter if they’re digging into my shoes & an emergency thermal blanket which has multi uses. When my son is with me I have 4 kiddies Nurofen, Panadol & allergy tabs as well as he’s not quite old enough for adult tablets yet. And it all fits into a sandwich size ziplock bag.

[@AhonuiOutdoors]

Footprints and Tyre Tracks lol you make me look bad 😂

[@nobison6185]

I like to have some benadryl if I or someone has a severe alergic reaction to something, and can be used as a sleep aid in a pinch.

[@SectionHikingTheAT]

Moleskin, ibuprofen, duct tape, alcohol wipe, anti-bacterial ointment, diaper rash cream, gold bond powder. Chewable peptobismal and Imodium. It all fits in a ziplock snack bag.

[@ScanMan1967]

That wasnt gauze, it was a triangular bandage for a broken or sprained arm.

[@johnlord6222]

The music in the beginning sounded like PJ - mind your manners. Pearl jam fan?

[@DanBecker]

Yes I am

[@jasonsample9788]

Have you hiked Isle Royale?

[@DanBecker]

No I have not… But I know all about it and it’s definitely on my bucket list! Have you?

[@jasonsample9788]

@@DanBecker No I haven't yet, i'm making plans to hopefully go in early September. I am very excited, it seems like a underutilized gem! You're probably not to far from there? I'm in central Indiana so it's about a 5.5 hour drive to get to the boat.

[@DanBecker]

I’m in Kenosha and I figure it would take at least 10 to 12 hours from Kenosha to the shoreline of the island. I’ve heard it’s the least visited national park in the country. Likely because it’s difficult to get to and you’re locked in for a certain amount of time there.

[@jasonsample9788]

@@DanBecker I agree

[@nick-of-all-trades]

2:50

[@butlerdawgs78]

"I've not had any traumatic incidents on the trail" ... I wonder if your kit would change at all after everything that happened?

[@lotsoffish]

I keep a band-aid in my wallet, that should be good, right?

[@john-davidchambers2496]

🤓👍

[@jeremyrice9653]

All I need for a med kit is some duct tape 🤣🤣

[@AdrianSilva-cn4ty]

Toilet paper and Leukotape are the Holy Grail of my med kit. You can use them, alone or in conjunction, to make bandaids and larger bandages, cover hot spots, and wrap sprained joints. I also recommend that include some imodium in your med kit. I don't believe I heard you mention it. Diarrhea on the trail is awful.

[@DanBecker]

Trail diarrhea is the worst LOL! Thanks for the tip!

[@user-ec8vi8yr3o]

One bad fall onto a stick is all it takes to kill you

[@NaptownLarry]

#1 - Your med kit should be either velcro'ed or carabiner'ed to the OUTSIDE of your backpack. If you're bleeding profusely, the last thing you want to do is waste time rummaging around for your med kit in the bowels of your backpack (no matter what color your kit is). #2 - Band-aides shouldn't be a big part of your med kit. For minor cuts and abrasions, "Rub some dirt on it. It'll stop bleeding eventually." You should really pack for an emergency wound that isn't going to stop bleeding with just a bandaid. The items you really should pack would include: an Emergency Tourniquet, an Israeli Compression Bandage, a Blood Clotting Agent like "Celox", and instead of band aides consider New Skin Liquid Bandage, which comes in both a swab and spray applicator and is much more useful for things that are bigger than a paper cut, but less than when a tourniquet is required. #3 - Antibiotics aren't necessary, especially if you're just out for a day hike. You're much better off packing an antiseptic for sterilization since skin bacteria are the most common form of infection from wounds. Individually packaged Povidone-iodine swabs (the red stuff they swab on you before surgery) which doesn't burn or you can use plain old alcohol wipes (if you love the pain), which are both small and a much better option to clean your wound with before bandaging. #4 - If you're going to pack for bugs: Permethrin (your got this one right), for your clothes and tent, Deet for your skin. Anything less and you're just asking for Lyme Disease... #5 - Aspirin is good if you're prone to headaches, but more important is Benadryl. Topical is better than oral but either will do. It can treat pain and itching caused by insect bites, minor cuts, burns, poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac when applied topically. And in its oral form, it can treat hay fever, allergies, and cold symptoms. #6 - Leukotape (another one you got right) is the best thing going for blisters. Forget moleskin. PRO-TIP: If you have any hotspots where you know that you're likely to blister, put the Leukotape on those spots "in advance", (you'll thank me later). #7 - Lastly, don't buy pre-made "med kits"... You'll pay on average at least THREE to FIVE times the price of what it would cost you to assemble your own kit with what you can buy from your local CVS. For "first responder" type items like the tourniquet or the compression bandage, shop around on Amazon and Ebay for the lowest prices. STAY SAFE !

[@NaptownLarry]

@@will009ish (That was a joke) ;-)

[@js3217]

If you want avoid this guy's introductory blathering on about nothing then skip ahead to 2:51.

[@geolitz2665]

Goto 3:30 to skip all of the nonsense. Sorry, Dan.

[@aaron6841]

This was aweful