This Underrated Gear Could Save You - Don’t Overlook It!

[@back40firstaidtraining53]

Honestly - bandaids and blisters are the most likely first aid needs. Next is cuts like your friend’s. But one tool I think so many backpackers do not pack would be an elastic tensor bandage. Sprains, support, simple fractures, and bleeding management can all done with one 3” elastic bandage roll. It’s worth it.

[@tanvach]

@@back40firstaidtraining53 do you mean the self adhesive ones? love to know if you have a recommended brand, I used some Amazon generic ones but they only work kind of ok.

[@aaalllen]

For those wanting to add to their kit, also consider a "Swat-T" style rubber? wrap... maybe 4 inches x 4ft.

[@briandoolittle3422]

So rare and refreshing to see a backpacking youtuber defend boots! I do a lot of off trail and scrambling terrain. I love mid-height approach shoes. They work SO well for trips that are a mix of long easy trail and more serious steep rock. They are heavier and stiffer than most youtubers are suggesting, but they are amazing on high routes and scrambles.

[@richarde1355]

And, with stiffer soles, on rocky trails your feet will be much happier.

[@juandavidmunoz2781]

Great video! Adding scissors and syringe to my kit!

[@davidcooper8390]

Watching you flush the wound with the irrigation syringe was a learning experience and something that I want to add my first aid kit going forward.

[@tanvach]

An ultralight alternative - i believe the smart water neck is of type PCO 1817 which fits 28/410 cap. On Amazon there are pointed tipped 28/410 caps that should work for wound irrigation.

[@peterfagley772]

Great advice, we all need to hear these things no matter how long we've been hiking/camping. Thank you.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thank you!

[@philsmith2444]

I’m not a UL type so the massive ≈12oz weight of my first aid kit isn’t a problem. It’s fairly comprehensive, with contents based on about 40 years of being in the outdoors in all seasons. EMT shears, steri-strips, ampules of benzoin tincture to keep moleskin or StrengthTape (my preference over Leukotape) adhered to your skin for 2+ days even when wet, etc. HYOH, to be sure, but I just can’t wrap my head around 3 bandaids and an ibuprofen being a first aid kit. Something strange that I carry is a tube of Ora-Jel - it’s a great topical anesthetic.

[@GlennRoberts-c6f]

If you hike solo, consider adding a small non-glass mirror (like Coghlan’s Camping Mirror) to your first aid kit. It’s hard to clean and dress a wound on your own forehead without one. (Don’t ask how I know that.)

[@memathews]

Good idea. A small mirror is also excellent for finding ticks behind the knees or other locations we cannot easily view, and that same mirror can be a signal device for alerting SAR to your exact location. You can get double duty using a mirror on a sighting compass that backs up your electronic direction system.

[@AndrewSmith-rp6ee]

I add a little baggie with 1 tsp of non-iodized salt so that if I need to make saline solution to flush a wound I can just add it to 2 cups of boiled water.

[@zhbaker2010]

Helpful hint, in medical settings there is no difference in rate of wound infection with using sterile water versus tap water. In the er I often walk people to the sink to wash out a wound if it’s on a hand. To make things easier on yourself, just use water filtered. The main thing is volume of water rinsed through a wound, which hurts, but you can save yourself that extra step of boiling and salting water.

[@BackcountryExposure]

From my training it’s always been standard to just use filtered clean water.

[@cameron7889]

Something you can do that’s a little extra. Is keep 15ml of 4% Chlorahexadine soap (what we use in the OR before surgery). add it to a liter of water that has a sport cap and use that to irrigate wounds. I do believe this is usually overkill but it comes in handy for those week long Treks in countries where they don’t have a lot of resources if you get sick or injured.

[@panhandlejake6200]

Definitely concur with all of these points ! Regarding first aid, accidents are always a possibility but still strive to minimize the occurrence. I know that you are a proponent of Wilderness First Ad training - GOOD knowledge is the lightest piece of gear to add to your pack. It is possible to take too much first aid gear so use this good knowledge to decide what works -- your kit is a great example. Hiking shoes: after 50 years, I made the switch from boots to Hokas. I love the weight but I have noticed more lingering ankle pain. I learned that I had to push off with my feet a little less aggressively. My feet also get MUCH dirtier.

[@mostlythistle]

Great video. I had not seriously considered carrying an irrigation syringe until I watched this, but it's making a lot of sense to me. Apple clearly states"not for emergency use" for their satellite function on the iPhone for some good reasons. It is a different satellite Network system from the Zoleo, which is Iridium. And yes, you did say that bag was good for a poop kit for putting your snacks in. 😂

[@azclaimjumper]

After watching your adventure with friend who fell & gashed above his eye, I've added Steri- Strips to my First Aid Kit. Excellent & informative video - TIMLEY.

[@rodoutdoors]

I've been thinking about this a lot too since your video. Also I'm really deep into the knife rabbit hole after 30 years lol. Added laceration closure strips and blood clotting powder to my saved cart. Great tip on the syringe. I like having a ziplock for my ready to go ditty bag for hygiene and first aid related stuff because I can see everything and grab what I need faster. Electronics and other gear I don't immediately need go in a more durable pouch.

[@LarryLyonRelyon]

I always carry a small bottle of brush on superglue to close skin gashes in an emergency. It's what they used in Vietnam, and what I used when I was days away from a doctor. It works and it didn't kill me and left less of a scar than if I'd carried a needle and sutures like my former Navy medic brother does.

[@millsmarkchris]

1. I'm sure a stand-alone pair of scissors works best, but if someone is disappointed with their cheap Swiss army knife, Victorinox makes great Swiss army knives, although at three times the cost. I personally like their 580 version that comes with nail clippers. 2. The Garmin definitely has advantages over an iPhone, but it's misleading to compare it to a $1,200 iPhone 16, when the 14 and the 15 also have satellite communication. 3. You need to retract your bamboo suggestion for socks. I don't own bamboo socks, but I have a few bamboo shirts, and they hold more water than cotton. In fact, they are advertised as "cooling" because the shirt will stay drenched. Thanks for the video.

[@tanvach]

Great suggestion on the syringe, I’ll definitely need to add that to my kit! One item I’d like to bring is spare chlorine dioxide tablet or liquid (aka aquamira). Good for backup water purification but also when used with less water, a disinfectant solution that is wound irrigation safe. It’s tough to have a ‘known good’ sterile items or liquid when you’re in the outdoors.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yeah that’s a smart addition to a kit. Love it!

[@PokerMuppet]

When it comes to first aid and scissors I wouldn't have anything else than a pair of Tuff Cut Medical Scissors. Smaller scissors are fine for the basics but if you have a significant wound that requires the removal of clothing, there is nothing better than being able to cut the material away if required. Coming from my Dad being a now retired, 30+ year Paramedic (UK and yes I know that it actually predates Paramedics) I took his advice and also backed it up with advice from the BMC (British Mountaineering Council).

[@wolfeadventures]

Great tips. If you hike in the desert I recommend a real pair of tweezers. The tiny Swiss Army knife tweezers won’t pull cactus spines out well at all. Uncle Bills Sliver Grippers work and only weigh 4g.

[@jakemostov1]

Small tip that helped me a few times, Make sure your organization bags can hold water. There are many cases where having the ability to collect that little bit more water can make your experience much more pleasant. For example, my fire kit is a ziploc bag. It keeps my tinder and lighter dry, and also allows the collection of water, and even if it gets damaged in daily use, its not a big deal.

[@BackcountryExposure]

@@jakemostov1 I like that. I hadn’t ever considered that being a use case for my bags but I like it.

[@anninwhack1998]

Now I don’t feel so ounce-shamed for having a rather stuffed ziplock of first aid supplies including an irrigation syringe in my pack. I even carry a SAM splint and Ace separately just in case I have a clumsy moment. It’s good you were able to be smart about helping your friend. Immediate care and decisions how to get out.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I didn’t speak to it, but first aid training is so important too. My WFR training was instantly switch on to handle Will’s injury.

[@stevewright2241]

A couple of pack buckles (2 different) is in my kit. I’ve had a pack buckle break in trail before. Not fun

[@terryweaver9770]

Can your back flush syringe that comes with your Sawyer squeeze work to help clean out a wound?

[@BackcountryExposure]

@@terryweaver9770 I would say yes it’s an option. But the style I show in the video is preferred for better direct flushing.

[@tanvach]

@@terryweaver9770 that’s a good idea

[@needtokeepwalking]

I always had that as my plan, I tried it out and it's not as focused a flow of water, more a gush of water but I assumed it would be effective enough.

[@jonsanford2515]

Medical syringes focus the stream to get a lot of pressure with a little water. The Sawyer syringe shoots a lot more water fast. They do the same thing, but kind of like using a fire hose when you really need a garden hose. You can improvise a better medical syringe than the Sawyer by filling a ziplock with water, and poking a hole in a corner with a safety pin. Then use it like a piping bag.

[@tanvach]

@ I cannot imagine the zip lock bag being a better tool to irrigate a deep cut but good to know if I don’t have a syringe around. Have you tried it in a real situation?

[@WilliamKapes]

I use that same adventure medical kit as the starting point but add some additional meds and assorted bandaids and kt tape. It’s worked great on a ton of trips. Oh. And I use bandaids that look like tacos, donuts, and dinosaurs. No reason we can’t turn a first aid opportunity into a fun time.

[@BackcountryExposure]

The welly brand bandaids from Target are my favorite! I currently have space theme bandaids in there.

[@aaalllen]

Would a sawyer backflush syringe work as double duty as an irrigation device? Or is the opening too big? I was convinced to carry some quick-clot powder in my kit. It doesn't weight very much. I'm not sure about using it near the eyes though. For my winter splitboarding kit, I was talked into adding a sam split ... a little bulky, but could be worth it. Also tiny picture wire w/ a multitool that can cut it and pliers to wind it. Could fix bindings or splits/sleds.

[@memathews]

SAM splints are great. Recognize that a panel or two from a closed cell foam seat or sleeping mat also works as a splint, add small branches for higher levels of immobilization. Closed cell foam also is great padding for field-based traction devices, if required.

[@countrygirl63baker64]

😊excellent and helpful info, thank u

[@BackcountryExposure]

😊

[@TheNewGreenIsBlue]

@5:00 Just maybe don't put your snacks in the same bag as your poop kit. 😆

[@BackcountryExposure]

@@TheNewGreenIsBlue ha ha ha! Definitely not together!

[@fournierluc2205]

I would add Steri-Strips to repair larger cuts until you can get to a clinic, they are very small and light.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yeah I’ve got steri strips and semipermeable transparent dressings in my kit.

[@pamelaweaver127]

I also carry a SAM splint and ACE bandage.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I used to carry a Sam. But stopped.

[@BrokenBackMountains]

Take a course so you know how to use your first aid equipment. If you don't take a course then take a basic kit with band aid etc. If you don't know how to use the gear it can make things worse, especially tourniquets. Whatever you do take, don't forget a triangular bandage. You can use that to immobilize, as a pad round a foreign object puncture, as a bandage or even a tourniquet. Again, know how to use it. Basically I carry a first aid kit that matches my knowledge. I've done first aid but that doesn't make me a medic. I have different bags for different gear, for my electronics, repair kit and first aid. I carry an etrex 20 but I also carry a paper map and compass. I learned how to use them almost 50 years ago. I don't rely on my phone or the etrex. The phones still don't work well in the cold. I don't use an inreach or similar...yet. I carry a whistle😂. My family are pressurising me to get a sat messenger so I will be in the future. Got too many medical issues these days. Footwear is personal. So true to match your footwear to your trip. On a decent trail in sunny France I'll wear hiking shoes. In boggy, rough Scotland, I wear boots I don't get blisters as I've found that Salomon fit me consistently. I use a liner sock and an outer sock as well which also prevents blisters.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yeah I agree. The training is super important. I am an active Wilderness First Responder and have been since 2017. It’s simply some of the best education I’ve ever had.

[@BillMoffitt1]

Agree that training is more important than equipment, although there are things like the infamous "Israeli bandage" that can be used with minimal training for a large number of problems. And go spring for the InReach. One of the things I have found in advanced age is that I'm slow and sometimes need an extra day to get out. Having the satcom can keep someone from calling SAR when you're just having a slow trip.

[@BrokenBackMountains]

​@@BillMoffitt1Totally agree. I'm well slow after the accident and have mefical issues. Being able to message that all is well saves the MRT from a call out.

[@rasizmandal1037]

No more Diddy bags 🙅‍♂️

[@CDL_Gaming]

One criticism, at 2:44 you have a picture of your friend's wound, but you blur it. If you're going to blur it to the point where you can't see it then why bother showing it at all? not saying I want to see it, but it just seems completely unnecessary to me. Could have done that segment without it.

[@tedcowperthwaite1957]

Yes due to your desire to go lighter rather than a real first aid kit and training on its use. Take first aid classes and learn to use everything you can. Your first aid kit doesn’t have a tourniquet in it. Your kit doesn’t have butterfly bandages.

[@Jswiss35]

Dude is a literally a Wilderness First Responder…. He has spent time building HIS kit. As a first responder myself, I carry a very different kit than Devin but that is MY kit and I’ve built it in a way that makes sense to me. Your reference to not having a tourniquet is a mot point if you have proper training, any wfr can improvise a tourniquet in seconds, and our training teaches us to only use said tool in risk of “life or limb”. If people with training come across someone who needs medical help we will rely heavily on all of the resources available, not just what we carry in our personal kit.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I’ve been an active Wilderness First Responder since 2017. A lot of wilderness first aid revolves around making use of what you have access to. I don’t find it necessary to carry a dedicated tourniquet. That would be different if I was a hunter and had potential for way higher trauma from that. You also didn’t see every single item in my kit. So there’s a little more than what you saw.

[@tedcowperthwaite1957]

@ thank you. I used to live in the country and worked Iin The ER. I have seen horrible injuries that could have been better treated in the field if folks carried more gear and knew how to use it. A tourniquet can be used for pressure bandaging just don’t conch it as tight. I carry a tourniquet, Israeli bandages and ladies pads and tampons. Tampons work phenomenally well on penetrating wounds like a stick puncture when a fall happens. Pads are outstanding for first layer of deep wounds. Clotting powder is also in my kit. I will try to get a weight on my kit and list of contents for you. Yes I am trained in all items I carry.