What’s in my hiking first-aid kit?
Bear in mind where you are going and what dangers you may encounter along the way, as this is not a fully comprehensive first-aid kit and it will not assist with all emergencies:
- I have tweezers on my Swiss army knife, but may be worth looking into for those nasty splinters.
- Selection of Bandages. I include a sling, decide if you need one.
- Blister Plasters: KT Blister Plasters/ Compeed, are my preferred options.
- Vaseline as it assists with hot spots.
- Hikers wool, to reduce friction on the hotspots.
- Sterilized needles for blister popping (yes, I think this is the best option, but be aware to prevent infection at all costs)
- Only pop a blister on the trail when it is painful to walk on. Leuko Tape / KT Prevention tape – to assist you with hot spots before you even get a blister (Prevention is better than cure).
- I like keeping leuko tape tied around my trekking poles.
- Selection of Plasters.
- Scissors.
- Nail clipper for cutting toenails, and it is also handy for cutting off skin after you have popped a blister etc.
- Antiseptic wipes.Antiseptic cream / Wound healing cream.
- Voltaren Emulgel.
- Space Blanket.
- Tablets: Headache tablets
- Helio care sun exposure tablets,
- Cramp care, anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxers,
- gastro medication, Rehidrat, mineral salts to stop dehydration,
- Pain meds for muscle aches etc. Magnesium spray (helps with muscle cramps); I take oil that you can rub on your sore muscles too.
- Liquid wound cover.
- Lighter (to sterilise needles).
- Energy gel in case your blood sugar drops.
- Zambuk salve, to help with small cuts & scrapes.
- Duct tape: this works as a small roll on your trekking poles too.
- Tourniquet, splints etc.