12/09/2025
Because help may be hours away and preparation is everything.
My TOP 5
1️⃣ Tourniquet – If plan A doesn’t work, resort to plan B.
(Remove it from the plastic packaging and set it up for success. When things go bad, don’t waste time messing around.)
2️⃣ Pressure bandages (or Ace Wrap and Bandage)– stop the bleed fast
3️⃣ Tweezers – splinters, thorns, ticks.
4️⃣ Medical tape + moleskin – blisters end trips fast
5️⃣ Trauma shears (knife) + gloves – access and protection
Honorable mentions:
✅ Ibuprofen (aches and pains)
✅ Acetaminophen (aches and pains, fever reducer) ✅ Diphenhydramine (antihistamine - zzzquil)
✅ Signaling Mirror (flag people and air support)
✅ Trekking Poles (can be used as a splint + ace wrap)
✅ Satellite Communicator (my InReach doesn’t find itself in my first aid kit, but you get the point. I’ll also add, hunting plans. I don’t go far without WRITING(Texting) my plan down to my wife. Trailheads, Areas I’ll be in, my license plate number and make/model of truck. I’ll even screenshot my topo map and circle my areas)
✅ Emergency Blanket (this is in my kill kit. I use it to keep meat clean on the mountain, weighs hardly anything. Multi-use)
You don’t have to be a doctor to know first aid.
In the down time, look into a wilderness first aid or Stope The Bleed class!
Rather have the education and not need it vs need it and not have it.
There’s more to it. A lot more.
My kit is chocked full and constantly refined.
In fact, I used to carry around a decompression needle, a chest seal, and sterile water.
(I replaced those with a Monster Energy and Zyn because… priorities)
But…
Now is a good time of year to review and refine YOUR first aid kit. 🫵
What are your non-negotiables for your First Aid Kit?
Train with it. Pack it. Carry it.
Your life or your partner’s… may depend on it.