I have always though the first aid kit was a huge area of weight savings for the average tramper.
Most trampers over stock their kit and lose sight of it's intended purpose, first aid.
Chris from Green Belly foods has an interesting take on first aid kits. See his post at http://www.greenbelly.co/pages/backpacking-first-aid-kit
I agree with the first comment on this blog, but this is almost exactly my kit, except for some personal requirements (heart medication that would also benefit others).
BTW, Chris' bar are fabulous - but shipping to NZ kills the advantage of buying Em's bars.
I am interested in your comments.
This blog is designed to exchange ideas about how to dramatically cut your gear weight to make tramping (hiking) trips less strenuous, but still remain safe and sensible. Subscribe, make comments, ask for advice, or share your lightweight gear experiences with our community. The header photo features me on McKellar Saddle. The pack is the 45Lt Zpacks Arc Blast, hiking poles Helinox FL120, Dirty Girl gaiters, Spalms sunsleeves and Altra Lone Peak shoes
I've commented on GooglePlus but it does not show on your blog:
ReplyDeleteIt's a good base kit but I would want to add to this:
1. Antihistamine tablets
2. A small tube of antiseptic powder or cream (eg Crystaderm 15g, some wounds cannot be thoroughly cleaned with wipes).
3. Larger self-adhesive gauze pads (for big grazes)
4. Lubricating eyedrops (capsules)
5. Half a small crepe bandage
Nice light first aid kit. I'm not a fan of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs e.g. nurofen, ipubrofen or voltarin (diclofenac) as they cause leaky gut(intestinal permeability) and blistering of the gut lining. These things are not perceived by the person taking these drugs but they have their downstream effects. I carry panadeine instead. I also carry the antihistamines against wasp stings.
ReplyDeleteI found out recently that nurofen shouldn't be taken by pregnant women as it is associated with toxemia of pregnancy so it is by no means an innocuous drug.
I think your comments are valid if taking handfuls of anti flams. Or on a daily basis. One or two on a full stomach once in a blue moon would be OK.
DeleteOh, and I don't plan to get pregnant :-)
Antihistamine is a must. During my recent tramp to Nelson Lakes I gave 2 to a tramper who stung by wasp and showing severe sign of allergy. Do you know how safe is Celox use to stop bleeding ? Knee and ankle supports are in my first aids too.
ReplyDeleteI don't wish to show non-compassion, but I am not interested in carrying 'contingency' medicine to help others. I am not allergic to bee stings, so no antihistamine. And yes I have had a few stings bush bashing.
ReplyDeleteNot familiar with Celox - suggest compression to stop bleeding. I am the opposite. I take aspro, so tend to bleed like a stuck pig!
Finally, my physio reckons elastic knee brace is useless? But this maybe based on my situation? I do think a tennis or golf ball would be useful for tru-hiking - to roll IT bands and relief muscle 'knots' at days end to stop seizures (that I experienced last w/e).
Hi Rob
DeleteThanks for the feedback.
When I received my Dec Wilderness magazine, a 'Rob McKay' was mentioned. I said hey I think I know this guy. You are a true legend, Rob.
Te Araroa trail magic at its finest
https://www.wildernessmag.co.nz/te-araroa-trail-magic/
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