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.

The Gear:

My Other Go To Gear:

My Camera Gear:

[jonsanford]

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.

[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

[bobreeder]

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.

[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

[chadbrow]

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

[melissabillmire]

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.

[luker]

Finally a backpacker from Wisconsin!!!!

[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!

[JMD]

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...

[apriloutdoors]

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.

[matthewgoins]

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!

[BackcountryExposure]

KT tape for blisters all day everyday!

[nk]

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.

[rashawunjones]

I like the small medkits that fit in my backpack compartment

[bkeithmontgomery]

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

[EricFleming]

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

[outboundjesse]

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!

[girliejourney]

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.

[JJ-mfru]

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.