Cole, here are a few minor changes that I would suggest.
Not sure why you carry both the facial blocks and an alcohol pad. Soap and water should replace the "blocks".
You could use Purell or similar (from your toilet kit) in place of the alcohol pad.
The large gauze roll can be replaced by a bandana. In the past (I was an army medic long ago), I used gauze or triangular bandages to hold wound dressings in place; a bandanna works just as well since sterility is not an immediate issue. Actually, I carry a 2" Ace bandage since it can be used to support a strain as well as holding a dressing or splint in place.
Not sure how ear plugs relate to first aid, the same for the bobbin of thread and the toothbrush; you might want to carry these items somewhere else.
I would carry more than two band-aids and one gauze pad for any trip longer than just overnight; they need to be replaced fairly often to hold off potential infection.
I assume that "batch" book is a typo for match book.
I would take a more reliable whistle than a 22 shell and keep it somewhere on your person, not in the first aid kit. A fall that mooshes your lips could make a 22 shell hard to use.
I would drop the iodine: a lot of research has shown that it causes more problems than it solves.
I take along a few Benadryl tablets for allergies and I also take four 7.5/500 Vicodin tablets (prescription only) as super-strength pain killers.
Blocks gone,
My thoughts on the gauze roll were this. Bring large, I can always cut it down. And worst care I could use it as a compression "pad". Earplugs, toothbrush, thread. I carry most of my toiletries in my FAK too. Forgot to mention sorry! I do have a separate bag for my TP though. + Bandaids +Gauze pads
Did a little google searching on Iodine and you seem to be correct. Thanks for the update. Gone from FAK
Claritin works better for the allergies I get from the stuff we are exposed to.
I am working on getting a few Vicodin.
Thanks Pika for the help. You let me look at this in a different way! ~Cole
Registered: 02/23/07
Posts: 1735
Loc: California (southern)
I EDC more bandaids than that in my wallet. I agree with Pika about elastic (Ace) bandages. They are extremely effective for the kinds of problems backpackers encounter. I usually pack two. Something that ought to be mentioned is the degree of improvisation you will employ for splints and other items. How many triangular bandage precursors are in the rest of your gear? What is your procedure for producing a leg splint? I am a broken record on this, but an important element is the level of training and experience within the group; indeed, it is the most important element.
I should note I have added many more band aids not.
I do care trekking poles: backup splint.
I have always thought that in a scenario I needed a triangle bandage I could cut a chunk from my tyvek bivy. There would be plenty of material to do this. Do most hikers care some sort of triangle bandage?
Again I always have the bandanna, and a buff for the worst case scenario. Thanks again guys, really helps to get some input!
For me, the things I put in my FAk are those things I would have regardless of situation. I.e. they're the same items I'd have in any FAK. Bandages, FA creams, antibiotic creams, etc.
When I hit the trail, I include things like pain reliever (if it's just me, Bayer aspirin and Aleve. I carry Tylenol and Advil for those who can't take the other two. I consider things like moleskin and blister treament as part of my hiking kit regardless of what I've got in my FAK. After all, the most common things I've encountered on hikes/camps are blisters, lite burns, cuts/scrapes. twisted joints, splinters, and of course, soreness.
My first FAK was purchased not assembled and weighed in at over 1 pound.
It was in a zippered case and looked like something a military medic might carry into the field.
Now my FAK fits into a ziploc bag and is geared towards pain relief, allergic reactions and blister management. It is small and light and works for me and my needs.
It also houses a backup mini Bic lighter and the ever present duct tape.
Newton
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One day on the trail is 100 times better than one year on the couch!
I'd carry an irrigation syringe. You can just use a regular 5-25 cc syringe without the needle.
One of the needs for the kinds of cuts and scrapes we can get is to be able to thoroughly clean the wound. A jet of water from the syringe can be from gentle to forceful and can effectively get both seen and unseen junk out of a wound.
I wouldn't say don't carry some kind of antibiotic ointment, but this is more important and weighs litte.
_________________________
Human Resources Memo: Floggings will continue until morale improves.
I prefer a syringe (20 or 60CC), but a zip-lock bag with the very tip of the corner snipped off also makes a great irrigator. A freezer bag would probably be more durable than a sandwich bag.
MNS
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YMMV. Viewer discretion is advised.
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
I have a few sandwich bags in my first aid kit for just that reason. They are also in case I need rubber gloves (that would only be for someone else's bleeding wound, not a very likely scenario since I travel solo). Or, as has happened once or twice, my lunch snack bag breaks! I usually have an extra quart freezer bag on hand, too.
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
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