Never Go Backpacking Without THIS

[@69ductape]

Great video! Some thoughts... 1) Space blanket. Takes up almost no space, has made several unplanned bivvies much more pleasant! 2) Instead of regular thread, you might pack a leather needle and dental floss. Insanely strong thread, needle is easier to thread with cold fingers, and you can push it through heavier fabrics, like reinforced parts of your shoe, or your backpack. You can wrap several metres of thread around a business card and keep it in place with electrical tape 3) You can make single-serving containers of ointments (e.g. Polysporin) by filling a plastic drinking straw with the ointment, pinching shut with needle-nose pliers, and sealing with a lighter 4) I use electrical tape instead of a balloon to seal my spare batteries. A little slower to get out, but less likely to tear.

[@cgnicolis]

Immodium. Of all the OTC meds you can bring with you, Immodium can actually save your life. Great kit BTW!

[@thetaysonwhittaker]

I should add some of that for sure!

[@danielkutcher5704]

I'm tempted to say, "No sh!+", but I decided not to 😊

[@aarrttj77]

The sewing kit can be easily gotten from any hotel front desk, already travel ready and free! Great kit. The balloon thing is genius.

[@martinerhard8447]

but the thread of those kits is usually very poor quality Alternative: dental floss. Multi use as a very strong thread or for dental hygiene needles can be stored in a tiny piece of eva foam

[@dawn.lovisa]

Thanks Tayson. Always interesting to see what folks include in their emergency kit. I'm a nurse practitioner and here are a few thoughts from my perspective. I don’t use ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is 200 mg per tablet and most backpackers will take 1 or 2 tablets every 6 hours, or just before bed if needed for pain. I prefer naproxen 220 mg tablets (also known as Aleve). Take one tablet every 12 hrs if needed. Since naproxen is taken as only one tablet every 12 hours, you don’t need to bring as many tablets with you as you would with ibuprofen. Four tablets are all I take for a trip of up to one week in length and I would only take them if I’m so uncomfortable that it’s hard to sleep. Any pain medication should be used as infrequently as possible. Avoid daily use for sure! Overuse of NSAIDs (ibuprofen and naproxen) can cause kidney damage! Seriously. If you’re having a lot of pain, look into what you need to do to not have so much pain on the trail. Immodium. I don’t use immodium, at all, ever. Instead, I take activated charcoal capsules. 1-2 charcoal capsules will usually help with diarrhea. On a bad day, I might have to take up to 6 capsules in a 24-hour period but I’ve never had to take more than that. The reason I don’t like immodium is that if we are having diarrhea that probably means our body is trying to get rid of something, trying to cleanse itself. Immodium stops diarrhea by slowing down the motility of the digestive tract. So whatever our body is trying to get rid of is still hanging out in there. But the charcoal capsules help to soak up the offending whatever and we poop it out and diarrhea improves. An alternative to activated charcoal capsules is Pepto Bismol tablets. They work in a way that is similar to charcoal. The last thing I do differently than most backpackers is that I do include Benadryl (diphenhydramine) tablets in my kit, but only 4 tablets, and only to be used in case of a serious allergic reaction to something. I know a lot of backpackers take Benadryl at night (or Tylenol PM which has diphenhydramine in it) to help them sleep, but you may want to reconsider. Benadryl is an anticholinergic drug and this class of medications has been linked to an increased risk of dementia. I kind of like my brain and would only use Benadryl if I’m having an allergic reaction.

[@cgnicolis]

As a physician I would politely disagree with your comments regarding immodium. Out on a trail, away from abundant fluids and electrolytes, diarrhea can dehydrate you faster than you can drink. The ensuing hypovolemia and electrolyte disturbances can result in way more than mere inconvenience. Cholera has killed millions in exactly this manner.

[@craigevanswastaken]

For meds, I store use a 1 in by 1 in zip lock style bags. I purchased them at an art craft store, 100 bags for $5 years ago. I can separate meds and easily inventory how much of each med before the trip. With a fine tip marker, you can write what is in each baggie if needed. I store my needle and some thread inside my repair tube. Great video.

[@runforcandy1]

Tayson, Can I recommend that you swap out the sewing thread for embroidery thread and a regular sewing needle for an embroidery needle instead in that kit? Embroidery thread is made up of 6 threads and if you don't need to use all 6 you can separate them and use less unlike sewing thread which is very thin and not very strong and will take forever to sew enough thread to fix anything. The embroidery needle has a bigger eye and therefore much easier to thread than a tiny sewing needle. I'm sure you mentioned a gear aid patch kit, but if not that is a must have where thread won't do the job. Especially, when repairing a large hole in a tent, pack, or puffy.

[@dddhhh2612]

Love your channel. Nice bag. I've got a similar one, but I split it into 2 bags: (1) things I always/commonly use, like toothbrush/aleve/cordage, and (2) things I rarely use, like first aid/flagging tape/compass/batteries. Also, for a firestarter: It's more than just for emergencies. Good to have for when your tired or get delayed and don't want to expend time or energy starting a fire with tinder/kindling. I switched to cottonballs with vasaline and its the best.

[@thetaysonwhittaker]

Agreed!

[@username-mc7jw]

Great video! Lots of the same stuff I carry, and a few things I WILL be carrying. ;-) I have one suggestion on the batteries; Energizer Lithium!!! These batteries don't leak, they have a 8-10 year storage life, and they do much better in cold weather. Alkaline batteries suffer huge voltage declines in lower temps.

[@anthonyng8800]

Agree! alkaline batteries just not worth the risk. Lithium packs more power, have a 10 yr plus shelf life and never leak!

[@mikeswinyard5838]

I also remember in Boy Scouts we used to use a 35 mm film roll with fishing line and a couple of hooks for fishing if it was an emergency situation. But it was also the time when a quarter would make a phone call if you really needed to but those times are long gone.

[@richschwartz8004]

I've never herd of Luco tape before and have always used some form of mole skin plus carried duct tape. Thank you very much for the heads up. It will help to shave off a few ounces. God bless and stay safe.

[@thetaysonwhittaker]

No problem Rich! Thanks for watching!

[@markheming3507]

I am all about caring emergency items but I’m also not a medical professional so I keep it very limited (to each their own). As far as multiuse/multipurpose items I carry dental floss and use it also as part of my sewing kit which I have used on a few occasions for repairs

[@danielkutcher5704]

I sewed the bottom seam of my last backpack with mint floss after an unfortunate slide down a wet rock slab.

[@jumpship5378]

Couple packs of instant coffee or tea bags are one thing I won't be without in my first aid kit.if I get wet in a stream or dump the canoe during winter in the cold that can be a life saver.couple cough drops are nice too incase of a throat allergy or onset of a cold .

[@simonjohnson7025]

As a smoker of green clippers are the best they come with a little tool as the Flint so if you were to run out of gas and you could use it as a makeshift flint and steel.

[@journeyman7189]

Great kit Tayson. That ballon trick is slick. Nate

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks for watching!

[@thetaysonwhittaker]

Thanks Nate!

[@matvicqueneau]

Maybe a silly question but what size balloon are you using for the batteries? Is it those tiny water balloons?

[@glazierd55]

Really enjoyed the super deep dive into fabrics with Brigham. I don’t know of another outdoor products company that takes the time to let the consumer learn so much about their products. Thanks.

[@reneamiller8662]

Tayson... I suggest adding jewelry bead Zip-Locs to the product line. They are super cheap, light, and a GREAT way to separate your aspirin & ibuprofen (my algae tabs, ginger & turmeric) from the home supply without having to by the dinky med packs. Two to six could be added with your thank you stickers & product brochure. Also I think you meant safety pins vs clothe pins... While taking notes, I actually wrote clothes pins down before looking up at what you were holding on screen 😄 I've wondered for quite awhile what was in that bag. I still love my original OV regular-rectangle-pad/pump and pillow better than a domestic bed because of the vertical baffles that my spine rests between, quick deflate valves, bladder in the valve, and the spouse snaps. 3R is fine. I need to remember to get another sleeping bag... I'm still using the Mummy Pod Stormlight 30 degree blue (hammock ability) with what I refer to as "wings" that block the drafts. It was fine overnighting January 2021 snow backpacking near Mt St Helens striking camp on Chocolate Falls. I had been organizing my Shadowlight 45 just minutes before starting dinner Friday March 12, 2021. Dinner prep was interrupted by house fire via BBQ on that early Spring day in WA. Realizing I had 30 seconds to leave our house that became topless in 20 minutes, I paused... then grabbed my full Shadowlight 45, cash under the credit cards (left cards???), and a box of what I thought was my daughters 1st year of photos. Thankfully there were more photos in that box. A neighbor greeted me at the front door saying my roof was on fire, as I was exiting and took my dog with leash. Thankfully the only loss of life was house plants. About 10 minutes later, I realized I had passed my shoes, jacket, purse on the way out the door. We Learned and Recommend: 1) Tonight, take a quick photo of every closet and drawer before bed. Hopefully you will never need it for insurance evidence. They won't pay for tax or shipping on your replaced items. ($200k personal property would be about $20k taxes plus shipping) 2) After the fire is out, take every remaining precious item out. It could be months before the professionals come to remove items that do not have to be left to be stolen by looters or mold. In hours, everything metal (furniture/appliances/fixtures) will be orange corrosion from water & chemicals. 3) Fire hose pressure destroys glass shelving and every precious item on them. 4) Don't walk away from your BBQ even if its been in the same spot for years without incident. I kinda thought we were ready for an emergency. We were not. Practice tonight exiting the fire windows and just go through a what if emergency, playfully. It has been comforting to have something normal in hand from before the fire, which is my Shadowlight. We lost basically everything else but the clothes on our back and some heirlooms. Thank you again for following your heart to create what has become Outdoor Vitals. God made you awesome! 🍃Renea Miller

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks

[@THESHAODOWCAMPER]

My hikes are short but I use a old pill bottle with advil and tums on the bottom then some bandages on top to keep it all tight . Works great for me. Then in my bag is a roll of black tape. You can do lots with a roll of black tape. Nice bread by the way.

[@laggmonkei]

It's a good idea too check if your allergic to the leukotape adhesive beforehand. My brother learned that he was allergic in the army after taping both feet with it. Allergic reaction plus tape that sticks very well didn't leave much skin so he had a fun couple of weeks with open wounds.

[@elisaadams2292]

I am on some prescription meds so on a piece of paper inside my medkit I list the meds and dosage, my blood type and emergency contact name and number in case rescue finds me unconscious.

[@mikeswinyard5838]

I used to be a avid user and advocate of moleskin but now I may try the leukotape now that you have used it and have had success in using it, so thank you for that.

[@thetaysonwhittaker]

I think you'll be pleased! Not as padded, but sticks super good!

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Great video Tayson, I take a few medications so I use 2 x 2 ziplock bags and put the contents on the outside of the bag, Leukptape is a staple and I put strips, of various lengths, on packing slip I pick up at the post office, instead of thread I carry floss, very interest tip on the batteries I am surprised you don't use a rechargeable headlamp. On a separate note, with some trepidation, I order a pair of Satu Pants today thanks to the great reviews and current price. My trepidation comes from the sizing good new if they don't fit I reorder. Thanks again Tayson

[@rumblechick73]

A pen/pencil and paper. Never know when you might need to leave a note for someone, or keep track of what you did the day before, memory fades, but making notes is more accurate.

[@brianm9282]

I bring a compact space pen and a Rite in the Rain notepad for notes, funny stuff and general notes that are usually forgotten.

[@danielkutcher5704]

Everclear makes a great stove fuel for alcohol stoves, sterilizes wounds and hands and is a reliable fire starter. It takes a spark like nothing else that's as versatile. You can also use it for other things, of course 😉

[@glendabaghian1145]

I like carrying a 7-day pill case (actually I cut it down to 5 compartments) for: Ibuprofen, toothpaste tablets, Imodium, Advil PM, water purification tablets, balloons, etc.

[@thetaysonwhittaker]

I like it!

[@russelljackman1413]

Great ideas! Thank you!

[@JohnHenryEllis]

How about using your alcohol fuel for a firestarter instead of the putty? And, how about reintroducing the Chouinard sewing kit?

[@jadenm]

Love the kit. Your sewing kit has a compelling reason to be in the kit. I have tried using bic lighters for backpacking and for some reason I do not have any success using it in high elevations (10k and up). Im assuming it is something to do with the pressure and bic lighter fuel. Have you had any issues with that? I stopped using bic lighters in high elevations because of this.

[@lisasdayoff503]

I only bring a couple actual bandaids. I bring the luco tape and some gauze

[@TaysonWhittaker]

good idea

[@tomesdut]

Concerning AA cells - recommend switching to Eveready Lithium Ultra cells (Lithium Iron Sulfide primary - non rechargeable) in your kit. These have a 20 year shelf life (I've tested that, they only guarantee 10), will NOT leak (also tested), have a greater energy density (last longer in use), and withstand very low and high temp storage and use. The use of a small balloon to insulate is a clever idea, but a small Zip Lock, which might come with some small items from an on-line order would be a more useful choice to store cells. Same is true for the ubiquitous CR123A and CR2032 Lithium primary cells. Surprised your kit doesn't include: A Photon Freedom Microlight (CR2032 powered) and a Swiss Army Classic Finally, Tylenol (Acetaminophen) is better for you than Ibuprofen (or Naproxen Sodium, i.e., Aleve), which can be harmful taken regularly. Some with medical conditions are warned against anything other than Tylenol.

[@kennethwilson8633]

Yes you need a way better patch kit for your mattress. Have fun stay safe.

[@mattmiller1179]

Emergency kit. First item is toothpaste. Wow. Brilliant.

[@lougrzybek2816]

No judgement on the “clear” pill sandwich bag. It looks an awful like the one I have. Sewing kit is a great idea. Great video!

[@thetaysonwhittaker]

🤣

[@phillipp1399]

That thread isn’t very strong for gear/clothing repair. Use your floss or get some thicker nylon thread. Repairing once is always nicer 😊

[@thetaysonwhittaker]

Yea thankfully haven't had to use it to test it's strength yet, but you may be on to something!

[@hawkins5560]

Quik clot has no proven advantage in preventing morbidity, and direct pressure with regular gauze is as effective as quik clot in stopping bleeding. The only benefit is that it clots faster than regular gauze, which only means you don't have to hold direct pressure as long (as direct pressure will almost certainly stop active bleeding in cases where quik clot is warranted). What I recommend instead is packing a SWAT-T TQ. It's lightweight as it is just a piece of elastic. It's also the only dual purpose TQ in that it can also be used as a pressure bandage. Also, I would pack one more gauze. If you can, take a look at a Stop The Bleed course. It's incredibly condensed and has such great info. All it takes is one unlucky slip on rocks to have a major bleed.

[@annarborthenorris5455]

If I am alone I can not apply my own pressure, but I can dump some powder on it. Also may take a while for my hiking buddies to get to me to apply that pressure, so I want both in my kit. Thanks Tyson. Love OV videos n products

[@hawkins5560]

@@annarborthenorris5455 You certainly can apply pressure to yourself. Even if you use quikclot you have to use pressure.

[@shawnr6117]

Noticed an emergency blanket was decidedly missing from your emergency kit 🤔. Add a silica pack to your batteries.

[@thetaysonwhittaker]

I may need to do a little more research on the true effectivness here...Right now I would really only consider carrying one when I'm loaded up for a day hike, rather than have gear for an overnight hike...but that's just where I'm at personally...

[@bermo61]

Some good tips here

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Glad you like them!

[@chelseaanne804]

"Nut butter"😂😂 for a second i thought he had peanut butter in his first aid kit lol🫣

[@annarborthenorris5455]

Do you usually get trolls like in this comment roll? Hope you can ignore them. They raise my hackles, and I didn't even know I have hackles. I Appreciate the comments that add helpful info, but really people, leave your negative vibes in your socks. OV you do a great job. Thank you

[@syindrome]

I would add mini scissors and tweezers

[@johnchastain4351]

I hate the helium filled balloons also. I have found three happy birthday balloons in the woods.

[@thetaysonwhittaker]

I cringe every time I see someone let one go...they think it's so innocent!

[@greywolfonthetrailgreywolf1769]

There are better lighters that are pocket torch refillable better flame other gear you had multiple meds mixed DO you truly need that much meds ? I could go on but listed what I spotted Peace GreyWolf

[@annarborthenorris5455]

Don't judge. You do you, let him do him. Thanks OV for sharing your personal choices with us. I got some great ideas from this video. Love your content.

[@greywolfonthetrailgreywolf1769]

@@annarborthenorris5455 who said I judged I simply commented BUT I guess you found that offensive that I gave my personal opinion yea im guessing the few thousand miles I walk per year give me no experience and no right to have a personal opinion Im guessing the fact I have carried to much that was truly unnecessary so I carried weight that was non essential so I could have dropped that but gained in lighter pack on my back making my trail time just a tad bit easier BUT HEY YOUR RIGHT I SHOULD NEVER OF HAD A PERSONAL OPINION BASED ON KNOWLEDGE AND TIME ON THE TRAIL

[@evanhammond7305]

Where is the Dan Becker pic you uselly have in that bag????😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄

[@wpwhittle]

First post!

[@sk-wx1cf]

🙄

[@jenyates3033]

2002 called. They said don't bother coming back.

[@wpwhittle]

@@jenyates3033 cool story

[@MrEdgy81]

Most don't but you should take medical more seriously, knowing how to pack a wound or use a tourniquet properly is not something you want to be reading off a sheet of paper while under stress. I would also recommend better products than what you carry, while those might make you feel good its really only part of what is really needed to treat trauma. Don't get kilt in the woods because you didn't know better.

[@jameswilliams1636]

👍🏻

[@Backpacksandtrails]

Your kit is almost exactly like ours except we don't carry aqua tabs, probably should...good info!

[@FaceSmushEvil]

Non related! You should do a video on taking care of your beard. My giant beard just makes me look homeless 🥴

[@warrengoldstone400]

This is beyond helium-filled external frame backpacks! All we have to do is hire some Sherpas or enlist our wives! What does all this stuff weigh? What do you do when you have a week of clouds?

[@andrewcain6518]

Benadryl and Imodium because. Eye drops just like 15 ml in case I use that pepper spray. Oh and should you need a fire most hand sanitizer will burn like a champ.

[@martinmadsen4162]

swap out the pyro putty it is TRASH and toxic if you do not belive me watch the outdoor gear review on it and you will replace it

[@michaelharris6371]

Compared to Glen Van Peski’s emergency/repair kit (see Gossamer Gear), this is a pretty thin resource. More quality, less content please.

[@korybrown943]

You can ditch the thread 🧵 because you can use dental floss I know thread isn’t much weight but everything counts and dental floss would be multi purpose

[@thetaysonwhittaker]

This is valid...might have to attempt it some day!