Things You'll Need:
- Container
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Lip balm
- Antibiotic ointment
- Moleskin
- Band-aids, multiple sizes
- Tweezers
- Hand sanitizer
- Latex gloves
- 4X4 inch sterile bandage
- Iodine prep pads
- Medical tape
- Scissors
- Large dressing pads
- Butterfly closures
- Bandanna
- Pain reliever
- Antihistamine
- Optional:
- Iodine water tablets
- Lighter
- Emergency blanket
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Step 1
Choose a container for the contents of your first-aid kit. This could be as simple as a plastic bag. A small drawstring bag that you can put a D-ring on the end of the loops and hook it to the outside of your backpack is ideal. Make sure that your bag is weather resistant in case you get rained on during your hike.
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Step 2
Think about the environment of where you will be hiking. Be preventative care. It's important to bring sunscreen, bug spray, antibiotic ointment and/or lip balm depending on where you choose to hike.
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Step 3
Think about places on your body where you may get small cuts and blisters. Buy a multi-pack of band-aids and remove a few of each for your kits. One of the most common injuries while hiking is blisters. Moleskin is a great product that you can put on your feet to keep the blister from getting worse. Always sanitize your hands before treating yourself or anyone else. Tweezers can also be helpful to remove splinters or ticks.
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Step 4
If your hike will be strenuous or in a remote setting, consider items for broken bones and large cuts. This is where you use your sterile bandages. If you are treating someone else that is bleeding, use latex gloves. Sanitize the area with iodine pads before applying bandages and add pressure to stop bleeding. You can use scissors to cut the dressing pads down to the size you need. Finally, wrap the area with a sterile bandage. Cuts that require stitches can be temporarily closed using butterfly closures. Also, keep a bandanna in your kit--it is a very versatile, lightweight object. In a pinch, it can be used as a sling for a broken arm.
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Step 5
Plan out your pain and allergy relief needs. It's important to bring pain relievers and antihistamines such as Benadryl. Benadryl can slow a moderate to severe allergic reaction, giving you more time to get someone to medical care. Put a couple of each in their own sealed and labeled plastic bags.
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Step 6
Create a survival kit. Depending on where you are hiking, this may not be necessary, but you can never be too prepared. Bring iodine tablets for purifying water. Also, bring a lighter, which is a little more reliable than matches. An emergency blanket is essential. These come in packages that are often smaller than 3 inches square.
