NOTE: I mentioned baby aspirin but the aspirin I carry is actually regular strength (325mg). Baby aspirin is sometimes used as a preventative treatment for some people. I also highly recommend taking a first aid course.
Cardiology/ICU pharmacist opinion: if you think you need to carry ASA for heart attacks (the dose for that is 162-325 mg CHEWED for faster drug levels, given in the ambulance by EMS on the way to the cath lab) then I’d also add nitroglycerin tabs or spray. The vial is pretty small and they are available OTC in Canada technically, although carried behind the counter. But realistically if someone has a significant heart attack in the woods there is really no possibility that they will get medical attention fast enough for a dose of ASA to make much of a difference. You need to get to a cath lab within minutes to 1-2 hours. Heart muscle starts dying within minutes of compromised oxygen supply. If you have risk factors for having a heart attack like uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure or obesity, it’s probably a better idea to check with your doctor before putting yourself in a situation that could lead to permanent disability or death.
@@slkendall85 I'll look into that, thanks! SAR response can be as fast as 30min where I am, but then it's probably another 60+min to get into the heli and into a hospital.
@@slkendall85 so if you were backpacking in the woods and came across someone who was apparently having a heart attack, you would not wish that you had an aspirin to give him or her??
@@glenndorsey9068 Unless they have access to EMS transport to a center with a cath lab, ASA is unlikely to change their outcome. They will either have a near/completed infarct or die. EMS will have ASA, so if that transport is urgently available they would have access to ASA anyway, as well as diagnostics to check that it is appropriate to give.
When I took Wilderness First Aid, the instructor recommended not packing a commercial irrigation syringe. His advice was to pack a small ziplock. If you need to irrigate a wound, fill it with water, and use a safety pin or needle (which you should have in the kit anyway), to poke a hole in a corner. It works just as well, and takes up way less space. Steri-strip, or butterfly bandage is a must. Another hiker fell and broke his glasses. The frame snapped at the bridge and made a small cut between his eyes that bled like crazy. Nothing else would have worked to patch him up for the two mile hike back to his car. Fortunately, he had spare glasses in the car to drive home. If you carry a Sawyer filter, a spare O ring is a great addition to the repair kit.
A good syringe is very handy. Esp in case of 'bug in ear canal' situation. There you need a little pressure and a syringe can do that. Even for the eye it can give a directed stream of water.
Instead of carrying a syringe in your kit just carry a bottle cap with a small hole. It works great and takes up much less space. Just screw it on your water bottle (like a smart water bottle) and just flush your eye or irrigate a wound.
I rolled an ankle on a steep hike, about 2 miles from the trailhead on my way down the mountain. My ankle didn't roll inward like it had in the past; it rolled outward, causing me to instantly collapse right on top of it, making it worse. At least I got all my swearing done for the year that day. Now I consider my trekking poles a first aid device.
I have to say I really appreciate this. Most UA-cam backpacking channels really downplay the need for a proper first aid kit. But for the amount of times I have reached for mine it is totally worth the small weight.
I was a little hesitant to put it out because people have pretty strong opinions on first aid kits and the comment sections can get a little wild, but I rather get people thinking about what is in their first aid kit and how to be safe on trail. Everyone has been super constructive and informative so far, so that's good!
You're missing a Triangular Bandage for upper extremity injuries, Ace Bandage for ankle/wrist injuries, Q-tips and superglue for small deeper cuts. Replace Acquatabs for Betadine, which you can use both for wound desinfection AND water purification.
You look like you would be a summer camp councillor, like one with 10-15 year olds specifically. I don’t know if this sounds like a compliment or not, but It’s supposed to be
Last I checked, 4 baby asprin is the recommended dose for a heat attack and it's best to chew them to get them in your system fast. Feel free to double check me on that. I only saw two in your bag.
I’ve got most of this stuff in my kit, but I’m going to organize it better. You are without a doubt the most organized person I’ve ever known. Thanks for this content.
That is a pretty solid kit. I love the ferro rod idea, since I usually ditch the toothpick because it's utterly useless. For fire starters, I keep a couple of cotton balls soaked in vaseline. They work pretty well in a pinch.
Wow, the one guy that actually talks about useful FAKs. Everyone else is doing videos on tactical/combat FAKs, with stuff no one is ever going to need or use; as if treating bullet wounds was as common as blisters.
@@TheNewGreenIsBlue if you have to tailor-make your FAK to include bullet wound treatment, maybe that’s a place where you shouldn’t be hiking to begin with. Yes I get it, if you’re a hunter, or in the army, police, security guard, and the like it makes complete sense to do this. But regular hikers are just not going to come across bullet would situations. The other FAK videos have a very heavy emphasis on treating bullet wounds and barely talk about the actual injuries hikers are 100% more likely to suffer in real life.
@@kenjifox4264 Yah, I know... my comment was tongue-in-cheek. Justin's a Canadian, so the idea of protecting yourself with a personal firearm is kind of foreign... even in the inner city. Also, there IS a bit of confirmation bias as well. By far there are more English speaking UA-camrs in the US than in Canada... and I suspect that most of the ones that are IN to reviewing FAKs are into survival and bush craft more than backpacking. The weather has MUCH greater chance of killing you than a gun in most places in Canada. (That's true in the USA as well... but it's less of a sexy thing to talk about getting killed by hyperthermia in a rainstorm or getting lost) In fact, exposure kills way more people than wildlife for that matter.
Great content. Just one thing, keep your garmin in reach, within your reach (no pun intended) like a zip pant pocket. If you break your back in a fall it’s easier.
Ibuprofen is fine as it will actually help treat the inflammation which is causing the discomfort. Tylenol/Acetaminophen/Paracetamol is what your thinking of where it's telling your brain you're not hurting when you actually are. Also, no safety pins or mini tube of superglue?!?
Things I have in mine, which are important as I'm Australian. Snakebite kit (bandages and a pen to mark where the bite is) and Tick Removal Spray (using tweezers can squeeze ticks and release more toxins). I have a special freezing spray to remove them. Also good for warts.
Definitely! I carry the separate athletic tape because I know I'd use the leukotape down until it wouldn't have enough for taping an ankle. The leukotape gets used quite a bit and I need to replenish it a couple times a year. I may end up creating a labelled 2nd roll of leukotape but have the athletic tape around and am comfortable using it from so many ankle injuries playing soccer.
I might have missed it, but I noticed you were missing Tylenol. It's good for treating fever and pain of course. The ibuprofen you have is a great anti-inflammatory but I've generally been advised that it shouldn't be given to individuals with a head injury or suspected internal bleeding.
Yes, I recently had surgery and the doctor advised me not to take ibuprofen, because it can increase the risk of bleeding. Incidentally he also recommended that I didn’t take vitamin C before or after surgery as this can also increase bleeding. Asthmatics can also be sensitive to ibuprofen, worsening their asthma symptoms. However, not all asthmatics are sensitive...if they are sensitive to aspirin then they’re often also sensitive to ibuprofen, and vice versa.
People. KEEP A TOURNIQUET WITH YOU. Some of the most common ways people die in the woods are lack of warmth, lack of water, and blood loss. COVER THESE BASES AT ALL COSTS. If your first aid kit doesn’t include at least two tourniquets, it is incomplete.
Pretty similar to mine. Mini multi tool, bandages, leukotape, aspirin+ibuprofen (not taken together but used or given on preference), alcohol wipes, sanitary wipes, thread and needle, antibiotic ointment, tent/clothing patches, gauze, mylar sheet, compass/whistle combo, also a plain, small razorblade in it's paper sheath for precise and sterile cuts if needed. Oh also mini superglue tube and chapstick!
My dad when we were elk hunting broke his fibula and a couple tendons. I would really recommend having poles with you if you are hunting or hiking steep country.
Cool kit. You are missing some cream for Burns! Camping and Bushcrafting you will have a fire going, you will take stuff from the fire and it's a high risk to burn yourself!
I'm 58, live in Brazil, and have just started backpacking. Thank you so much for your talk! It inspired me to continue practicing and exploring new trails! I was afraid I was too old and actually a little bit discouraged.
We teach survival skills, and don't recommend that you put survival and first aid, together. An emergency survival kit needs to be separate and kept on your body. Secondly, include a small lighter - always have two ways to light fire; You also need a signal mirror, some kind of emergency shelter like a SOL XL blanket; water treatment tabs and a whislte; Try wrapping about 3 metres of that tape around an old store card - you don't need to carry an entire roll - it's heavy. You won't need any more than 3 metres in one trip :)
Up-vote just for having Immodium. Amazing how many "experts" don't have that critical resource. I would rate having an anti-diarrheal above fire-starters or shelter in many environments. (Haiti, Africa, Most of Asia, the Oregon Trail)
I try to separate My first aid, and the group first aid. My first aid is primaly for when I get hurt. If I guide a group, I carry an extended aid kit. To pack for everyone and anything is hard. Most of the time, my personal kit, can tend to about two persons anyway...
I cannot stress enough, buy the non-stick woven pads. Regular woven pads will heal into a wound quickly, causing a lot of pain and damage when properly addressing the wound.
The problem with those ultra lights is that they are great on trails with replenished post and close to towns and roads. As someone that does bushwhacking and long term living in the woods, those light kits would fail. I know because I tried ultralight before. It did not work for me and for my type of backpacking. But still, great video. Also, CPR - mouth to breathing is not recommended anymore. Chest compression until the emergency service arrives and takes over.
Awesome kit Justin! I'd just use my small roll of duct tape for an ankle splint. I honestly can't see that big a roll of athletic tape being very useful.
your first aid kit should deal with F.I.S.H.S.H.A.P.E.D my first aid teacher taught us this Fainting. infantile convulsions.Shock.Head injury.Stroke.Heart attack.Asphyxiation.Poisoning.Epilepsy.Diabetes. aspirin,is a great little tablet. one of those space blankets for shock. plenty of wound dressings for bleeding and maybe some sugar for diabetes.
One of the best 1st aid kits I've seen! I see a lot of people whose 1st aid kit is 2 plasters and 3 ibuprofen. Some things I would consider adding: vet wrap- basically a streachy, waterproof, reusable bandage that sticks to itself. Invisible plaster/invisible band-aid (essentially skin-safe glue) is great for wounds in awkward areas or hands because you can get it wet and it won't come off like traditional bandage. A syringe with normal size tip can be used to suction out tiny splinters (the ones that you can't get with tweezers)
I suggest using the edge of the nail file to scrape the ferro. If it isn't sharp enough, take a file to it to get an edge. It'll save the blade on the knife.
2 things I have to say and I’m FAR from an expert. Tourniquet! It’s foolish to not have one. Second is your recommendation for caffeine pills to help stay awake while driving is foolish also. It’s completely not worth risking your life or someone else’s to try and stay awake. Stop and take a nap instead.
I just stopped watching at 40 seconds when you mentioned medical gloves. When you come across a train wreck and there's blood everywhere you're not going to care.
I also bring Leuktotape. I precut various sizes and attach them to waxed paper. Not the kind you use for food, but the kind that return shipping labels come with from FedEx, UPS etc. I carry plenty to cover big ol' heel blisters, or little side of the toe blisters. That stuff is awesome.
My first aid kit has all that and more. I have Co-band, wound wash, Tagaderm adhesive, Epipen, saline solution, a suture kit, scalpels, an emergency blanket and more. It won’t all fit in the same size bag you are using but a bag about 3 times the size of yours. I have a couple of band aids for the kids in my life but use the Tagaderm and gauze to manufacture bandages. I am allergic to all adhesives except Tagaderm. The hand sanitizer doubles as a fire starter because it is flammable. I also keep a lighter, fat wood, storm matches and a flashlight in mine. I’m ready for almost anything.
Thanks Justin, some great ideas here. I get blisters right under my toes, just on the balls of my feet, and leukotape got pushed off my foot and ended up all bunched up under my toes, and I have lueko adhesive stuck in my socks to this day. It's good stuff, but maybe better on the heels/ankles or top of the foot. Compeed blister plasters, however, saved the day and didn't move at all, and also provided cushioning. I will never walk without Compeed again!
Great video. I personally vary my kit according to what I’m doing. I bring a splint, Israeli bandages, and a tourniquet if I’m out scrambling or in exposed areas. Also pet bandage wrap is an awesome substitute for athletic tape. It’s lightweight, can wrap sprains and wounds, and is reusable. I double up Leukotape for fixit + blisters (I wrap a bunch around my hiking pole).
Great info! I just recently completed a full trauma class and have since upgraded my IFAK to included trauma items too. A bit bigger but worth it if you can save a life!
I also can't leave home without a major bleed kit now that I've done some wilderness first responder training. A clotting bandage or compressed gauze, gloves, and an Israeli bandage. These aren't small items but I just can't leave them behind anymore.
I recommend honey straws, honey has been used for 1000s of years as a sterilizer for open wounds. Salt Tabs. Heavy duty curved Needles. Ace bandage & cordage for sprains & brakes. Ciao:)
Good stuff Justin, as always. As you said, gloves essential. I also keep gear fixing stuff with first aid stuff. Also important to think about local conditions where you'll be. For example, in Australia, most would swap that roll of athletic tape for at least two high quality compression bandages - enough for an entire limb- to treat snake bites (of course, they also have other uses).
Some great ideas! We don’t do a lot of hiking, so keep our first aid stuff in a metal ammo box, but I think we’ll supplement some of the things now. Great video.
I'm not trained to use a TQ at this point and am a little hesitant until myself and people around me are trained in proper use and the scenarios when it should be used.
Nifty addition of the ferro rod and fire starters! Always nice to have a backup to the lint and mini bic. I also pack after bite for bug bites. I also do some flossers because you never know what could get stuck in your teeth! Was also cool learning about the cpr mask! Great video!
Whenever I build a kit, I usually put more advanced equipment but I recommend Everybody to make there kit using the MARCHE algorithm they are as followed M-Massive Hemorrhage (A Tourniquet) (Any type of bleeding) (Buy it from NAR make sure it is real) A-Airway (Could be a airway that you can put into your patient (NPA/OPA)) R- Respirations (Pocket BVM) They are small and easy to use (Or a CPR shield) C-Circulation (Moving blood around the body) (Aspirin, CPR) H-Head Injuries (Concussions, small bleeding) E-Everything else This is the medical Side of your kit, then you can customize it for the needs you are doing, you could have you first aid kit, and your survival kit. Just a recommendation
Just wanted to comment a little on the ibuprofen philosophy. I agree that it's not good to mask pain. But ibuprofen also serves as an anti-inflammatory to keep swelling down. There's value in that aspect of it if you have an injury that is causing some swelling. You'll be better off if you control it until you get home. I think anyways? Somebody tell me if I'm full of crap here.
NOTE: I mentioned baby aspirin but the aspirin I carry is actually regular strength (325mg). Baby aspirin is sometimes used as a preventative treatment for some people.
I also highly recommend taking a first aid course.
This is a great idea!! I’ll add aspirin. Could save a life, maybe even mine.
Cardiology/ICU pharmacist opinion: if you think you need to carry ASA for heart attacks (the dose for that is 162-325 mg CHEWED for faster drug levels, given in the ambulance by EMS on the way to the cath lab) then I’d also add nitroglycerin tabs or spray. The vial is pretty small and they are available OTC in Canada technically, although carried behind the counter. But realistically if someone has a significant heart attack in the woods there is really no possibility that they will get medical attention fast enough for a dose of ASA to make much of a difference. You need to get to a cath lab within minutes to 1-2 hours. Heart muscle starts dying within minutes of compromised oxygen supply. If you have risk factors for having a heart attack like uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure or obesity, it’s probably a better idea to check with your doctor before putting yourself in a situation that could lead to permanent disability or death.
@@slkendall85 I'll look into that, thanks! SAR response can be as fast as 30min where I am, but then it's probably another 60+min to get into the heli and into a hospital.
@@slkendall85 so if you were backpacking in the woods and came across someone who was apparently having a heart attack, you would not wish that you had an aspirin to give him or her??
@@glenndorsey9068 Unless they have access to EMS transport to a center with a cath lab, ASA is unlikely to change their outcome. They will either have a near/completed infarct or die. EMS will have ASA, so if that transport is urgently available they would have access to ASA anyway, as well as diagnostics to check that it is appropriate to give.
“This is my drug bag”
And labeled too !
Lol, trying to cross the border with that in your pocket! 😅
"Here we have a half a gram of Molly. Just enough to get a light sweat all night and making friends with other trail goers"
😆
😂😂😂😂
Thanks Justin. A lot of people do not put first aid as a priority item. They are a must have for any hike long or short.
Meds have expiration date. I would write it onto package too.
One sterile pad is totally insufficient. Replacement pads are essential to protect damaged areas. I prefer the non-sticking to wound variety.
When I took Wilderness First Aid, the instructor recommended not packing a commercial irrigation syringe. His advice was to pack a small ziplock. If you need to irrigate a wound, fill it with water, and use a safety pin or needle (which you should have in the kit anyway), to poke a hole in a corner. It works just as well, and takes up way less space.
Steri-strip, or butterfly bandage is a must. Another hiker fell and broke his glasses. The frame snapped at the bridge and made a small cut between his eyes that bled like crazy. Nothing else would have worked to patch him up for the two mile hike back to his car. Fortunately, he had spare glasses in the car to drive home.
If you carry a Sawyer filter, a spare O ring is a great addition to the repair kit.
I bring a bottle of saline nose spray and it can be used to irrigate a wound or an eye and they are $1.00 at Dollar Tree.
A good syringe is very handy. Esp in case of 'bug in ear canal' situation. There you need a little pressure and a syringe can do that. Even for the eye it can give a directed stream of water.
Instead of carrying a syringe in your kit just carry a bottle cap with a small hole. It works great and takes up much less space. Just screw it on your water bottle (like a smart water bottle) and just flush your eye or irrigate a wound.
@@DennisMathias bug in ear canal is the stuff of my nightmares.
@@ek8652thanks I will definitely do this to save some space in the kit I am assembling
I rolled an ankle on a steep hike, about 2 miles from the trailhead on my way down the mountain. My ankle didn't roll inward like it had in the past; it rolled outward, causing me to instantly collapse right on top of it, making it worse. At least I got all my swearing done for the year that day. Now I consider my trekking poles a first aid device.
I have to say I really appreciate this. Most UA-cam backpacking channels really downplay the need for a proper first aid kit. But for the amount of times I have reached for mine it is totally worth the small weight.
I was a little hesitant to put it out because people have pretty strong opinions on first aid kits and the comment sections can get a little wild, but I rather get people thinking about what is in their first aid kit and how to be safe on trail. Everyone has been super constructive and informative so far, so that's good!
You're missing a Triangular Bandage for upper extremity injuries, Ace Bandage for ankle/wrist injuries, Q-tips and superglue for small deeper cuts. Replace Acquatabs for Betadine, which you can use both for wound desinfection AND water purification.
Triangular Bandage=Can be effected from a compression bandage tied in a loop.
I loved every single second of your content my friend! :)
You look like you would be a summer camp councillor, like one with 10-15 year olds specifically. I don’t know if this sounds like a compliment or not, but It’s supposed to be
Be careful when completing such set - it quickly escalates into EDC bag, then a backpack, then a bug-out bag and soon you’re carrying 30kg’s 😅
Last I checked, 4 baby asprin is the recommended dose for a heat attack and it's best to chew them to get them in your system fast. Feel free to double check me on that. I only saw two in your bag.
I’ve got most of this stuff in my kit, but I’m going to organize it better. You are without a doubt the most organized person I’ve ever known. Thanks for this content.
That is a pretty solid kit. I love the ferro rod idea, since I usually ditch the toothpick because it's utterly useless. For fire starters, I keep a couple of cotton balls soaked in vaseline. They work pretty well in a pinch.
So duct tape and vodka isn't enough?
Wow, the one guy that actually talks about useful FAKs.
Everyone else is doing videos on tactical/combat FAKs, with stuff no one is ever going to need or use; as if treating bullet wounds was as common as blisters.
THANK YOU! haha
Well, I mean it depends on the country that you're hiking in, doesn't it... lol. Japanese hikers probably don't need to treat gun wounds on the trail.
@@TheNewGreenIsBlue if you have to tailor-make your FAK to include bullet wound treatment, maybe that’s a place where you shouldn’t be hiking to begin with.
Yes I get it, if you’re a hunter, or in the army, police, security guard, and the like it makes complete sense to do this. But regular hikers are just not going to come across bullet would situations. The other FAK videos have a very heavy emphasis on treating bullet wounds and barely talk about the actual injuries hikers are 100% more likely to suffer in real life.
@@kenjifox4264 Yah, I know... my comment was tongue-in-cheek. Justin's a Canadian, so the idea of protecting yourself with a personal firearm is kind of foreign... even in the inner city.
Also, there IS a bit of confirmation bias as well. By far there are more English speaking UA-camrs in the US than in Canada... and I suspect that most of the ones that are IN to reviewing FAKs are into survival and bush craft more than backpacking.
The weather has MUCH greater chance of killing you than a gun in most places in Canada. (That's true in the USA as well... but it's less of a sexy thing to talk about getting killed by hyperthermia in a rainstorm or getting lost)
In fact, exposure kills way more people than wildlife for that matter.
You need to add a tampon. Excellent for nosebleeds and other bleeding wounds. Small and light and packs well
Great content. Just one thing, keep your garmin in reach, within your reach (no pun intended) like a zip pant pocket. If you break your back in a fall it’s easier.
That mini firesteel in the Victorinox is awesome! Would love to have one.
the firefly firesteel?
Links in video description! I think they are getting new stock soon!
@@JustinOutdoors found it. Unfortunately shipping is to expensive.
*Laughes in Native," jk, this is neat. But knowledge on traditional medicine and treatment should be a must too.
What are some recommendations that you have for a small kit like this?
For all the medicines, would suggest adding expiration date and dosage on label.
Ibuprofen is fine as it will actually help treat the inflammation which is causing the discomfort. Tylenol/Acetaminophen/Paracetamol is what your thinking of where it's telling your brain you're not hurting when you actually are. Also, no safety pins or mini tube of superglue?!?
Things I have in mine, which are important as I'm Australian. Snakebite kit (bandages and a pen to mark where the bite is) and Tick Removal Spray (using tweezers can squeeze ticks and release more toxins). I have a special freezing spray to remove them. Also good for warts.
Australia first aid kits seem like they need to be crazy, haha
@@JustinOutdoors At least we don't have to worry about bears!
@@snowyalice In Australia... nature wants you dead.
Alright quick question, could you replace the roll of athletic tape with leukotape that way it serves double purpose? Just curious :)
Definitely! I carry the separate athletic tape because I know I'd use the leukotape down until it wouldn't have enough for taping an ankle. The leukotape gets used quite a bit and I need to replenish it a couple times a year. I may end up creating a labelled 2nd roll of leukotape but have the athletic tape around and am comfortable using it from so many ankle injuries playing soccer.
@@JustinOutdoors awesome thanks! I love leukotape, it definitely gets used on almost every trip 😅
No point carry more than you can use. Key items are only key if you can use them.
I might have missed it, but I noticed you were missing Tylenol. It's good for treating fever and pain of course. The ibuprofen you have is a great anti-inflammatory but I've generally been advised that it shouldn't be given to individuals with a head injury or suspected internal bleeding.
Yes, I recently had surgery and the doctor advised me not to take ibuprofen, because it can increase the risk of bleeding. Incidentally he also recommended that I didn’t take vitamin C before or after surgery as this can also increase bleeding. Asthmatics can also be sensitive to ibuprofen, worsening their asthma symptoms. However, not all asthmatics are sensitive...if they are sensitive to aspirin then they’re often also sensitive to ibuprofen, and vice versa.
People. KEEP A TOURNIQUET WITH YOU. Some of the most common ways people die in the woods are lack of warmth, lack of water, and blood loss. COVER THESE BASES AT ALL COSTS. If your first aid kit doesn’t include at least two tourniquets, it is incomplete.
Love love love this video! And I am just about to upgrade my first aid kit, so thank you!
Something for bad sun burns could be also very helpful.
Dose for baby ASA is 4 81mg tablets. Must be chewable! I bring epinephrine too, for asthma or allergic reactions!
No your first aid kit sucks..
Pretty similar to mine. Mini multi tool, bandages, leukotape, aspirin+ibuprofen (not taken together but used or given on preference), alcohol wipes, sanitary wipes, thread and needle, antibiotic ointment, tent/clothing patches, gauze, mylar sheet, compass/whistle combo, also a plain, small razorblade in it's paper sheath for precise and sterile cuts if needed. Oh also mini superglue tube and chapstick!
My dad when we were elk hunting broke his fibula and a couple tendons. I would really recommend having poles with you if you are hunting or hiking steep country.
Cool kit. You are missing some cream for Burns! Camping and Bushcrafting you will have a fire going, you will take stuff from the fire and it's a high risk to burn yourself!
I'm 58, live in Brazil, and have just started backpacking. Thank you so much for your talk! It inspired me to continue practicing and exploring new trails! I was afraid I was too old and actually a little bit discouraged.
We teach survival skills, and don't recommend that you put survival and first aid, together. An emergency survival kit needs to be separate and kept on your body. Secondly, include a small lighter - always have two ways to light fire; You also need a signal mirror, some kind of emergency shelter like a SOL XL blanket; water treatment tabs and a whislte;
Try wrapping about 3 metres of that tape around an old store card - you don't need to carry an entire roll - it's heavy. You won't need any more than 3 metres in one trip :)
I would also suggest writing the expiration dates for the different medications on the outside of the mini baggies as well.
Up-vote just for having Immodium.
Amazing how many "experts" don't have that critical resource.
I would rate having an anti-diarrheal above fire-starters or shelter in many environments. (Haiti, Africa, Most of Asia, the Oregon Trail)
Revisiting this 3 years later, best first aid video I know. Do you still have all the same items in your FAK or have you changed anything?
I try to separate My first aid, and the group first aid. My first aid is primaly for when I get hurt. If I guide a group, I carry an extended aid kit. To pack for everyone and anything is hard. Most of the time, my personal kit, can tend to about two persons anyway...
Appreciate the thought that went into this video. Definitely not just a "look what's in my first aid kit" video. Nice job
I also recommend that you include a small container of Betadine as a highly effective and versatile antiseptic.
I cannot stress enough, buy the non-stick woven pads. Regular woven pads will heal into a wound quickly, causing a lot of pain and damage when properly addressing the wound.
The problem with those ultra lights is that they are great on trails with replenished post and close to towns and roads. As someone that does bushwhacking and long term living in the woods, those light kits would fail. I know because I tried ultralight before. It did not work for me and for my type of backpacking. But still, great video. Also, CPR - mouth to breathing is not recommended anymore. Chest compression until the emergency service arrives and takes over.
Even in a case where emergency would take long to arrive? I'm genuinely curious to know
Awesome kit Justin! I'd just use my small roll of duct tape for an ankle splint. I honestly can't see that big a roll of athletic tape being very useful.
How dare you insult my first aid kit, and why am I still watching this?
your first aid kit should deal with F.I.S.H.S.H.A.P.E.D my first aid teacher taught us this Fainting. infantile convulsions.Shock.Head injury.Stroke.Heart attack.Asphyxiation.Poisoning.Epilepsy.Diabetes.
aspirin,is a great little tablet. one of those space blankets for shock. plenty of wound dressings for bleeding and maybe some sugar for diabetes.
You shouldnt mix survival items with first aid items. You should have a seperate kit for survival items like fire starters.
One of the best 1st aid kits I've seen! I see a lot of people whose 1st aid kit is 2 plasters and 3 ibuprofen. Some things I would consider adding: vet wrap- basically a streachy, waterproof, reusable bandage that sticks to itself. Invisible plaster/invisible band-aid (essentially skin-safe glue) is great for wounds in awkward areas or hands because you can get it wet and it won't come off like traditional bandage. A syringe with normal size tip can be used to suction out tiny splinters (the ones that you can't get with tweezers)
Great tips!
I suggest using the edge of the nail file to scrape the ferro. If it isn't sharp enough, take a file to it to get an edge. It'll save the blade on the knife.
I was going to suggest the back of the knife... but that's not a locking blade.
As a Physician and former combat medic The materials for immobilizing a break cloth for a sling
2 things I have to say and I’m FAR from an expert. Tourniquet! It’s foolish to not have one. Second is your recommendation for caffeine pills to help stay awake while driving is foolish also. It’s completely not worth risking your life or someone else’s to try and stay awake. Stop and take a nap instead.
Bad advice
This is missing triangular bandage, triple antibiotic ointment, instant hand sanitizer, instant cold pack, and tweezers.
Can you please talk a little faster. I almost understood everything you said.
Ok the ferro rod swiss army thing is pretty neat
Electrolytes gaved my heart palpitation, soo I think I will skip that
Crazy glue is a must.
Sometimes I carry it, sometimes I don't. I wiffle waffle. haha
You need some hydrocortisone cream, antibiotic cream, & burn cream packets.
I just stopped watching at 40 seconds when you mentioned medical gloves. When you come across a train wreck and there's blood everywhere you're not going to care.
Splinter out AKA Stainless steel blood lancets are sterile and great for popping blisters or removing splinters.
Benadryl can stop diarrhea too. Anticholinergics have constipation as a side effect for this reason.
If you have to perform CPR on trail. They most likely are toast…
I think Justin may have had some of those caffeine pills. My God he talks fast :)
I also bring Leuktotape. I precut various sizes and attach them to waxed paper. Not the kind you use for food, but the kind that return shipping labels come with from FedEx, UPS etc. I carry plenty to cover big ol' heel blisters, or little side of the toe blisters. That stuff is awesome.
My drug bag smells like a skunk. I need to re-think my kit.
A caffeine pill and an aspirin is a great help for migraines.
Toothpick ferrorod is brilliant!!
My first aid kit has all that and more. I have Co-band, wound wash, Tagaderm adhesive, Epipen, saline solution, a suture kit, scalpels, an emergency blanket and more. It won’t all fit in the same size bag you are using but a bag about 3 times the size of yours. I have a couple of band aids for the kids in my life but use the Tagaderm and gauze to manufacture bandages. I am allergic to all adhesives except Tagaderm. The hand sanitizer doubles as a fire starter because it is flammable. I also keep a lighter, fat wood, storm matches and a flashlight in mine. I’m ready for almost anything.
You should make these and sell them. leave out The drugs obviously.
I carry a little different drug bag. 🤣
nope, mine doesnt suck and your one is not better hahaha. good video tho
Awesome video! I definitely agree with making your own first aid kit. I like the way you’ve organized and labeled yours! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Justin, some great ideas here.
I get blisters right under my toes, just on the balls of my feet, and leukotape got pushed off my foot and ended up all bunched up under my toes, and I have lueko adhesive stuck in my socks to this day. It's good stuff, but maybe better on the heels/ankles or top of the foot. Compeed blister plasters, however, saved the day and didn't move at all, and also provided cushioning. I will never walk without Compeed again!
Caution do not wash cuts with regular water use salien
Great video. I personally vary my kit according to what I’m doing. I bring a splint, Israeli bandages, and a tourniquet if I’m out scrambling or in exposed areas. Also pet bandage wrap is an awesome substitute for athletic tape. It’s lightweight, can wrap sprains and wounds, and is reusable. I double up Leukotape for fixit + blisters (I wrap a bunch around my hiking pole).
Definitely important to vary it depending on use! Hopefully the video gets people thinking though
i hate this video.
Great info! I just recently completed a full trauma class and have since upgraded my IFAK to included trauma items too. A bit bigger but worth it if you can save a life!
100%! I plan on doing that advanced training this winte or next spring!
I also can't leave home without a major bleed kit now that I've done some wilderness first responder training. A clotting bandage or compressed gauze, gloves, and an Israeli bandage. These aren't small items but I just can't leave them behind anymore.
what the heck
Imodium. Yes. Diarrhea on the trail is not fun.
I recommend honey straws, honey has been used for 1000s of years as a sterilizer for open wounds. Salt Tabs. Heavy duty curved Needles. Ace bandage & cordage for sprains & brakes. Ciao:)
Good stuff Justin, as always. As you said, gloves essential. I also keep gear fixing stuff with first aid stuff.
Also important to think about local conditions where you'll be. For example, in Australia, most would swap that roll of athletic tape for at least two high quality compression bandages - enough for an entire limb- to treat snake bites (of course, they also have other uses).
Hello Justin, thank you sharing this very informative video. I really enjoyed it. All the best to you in the outdoors. 🤗
Dude you look like an AI simulated person
I have the strangest idea that this man is Canadian...
You should reeeeeally try compeed for blisters! It's magic!
know camp pain
I carry both a basic first aid kit and a tramma kit
Some great ideas! We don’t do a lot of hiking, so keep our first aid stuff in a metal ammo box, but I think we’ll supplement some of the things now. Great video.
I have that same dyneema pouch!
my kit sucks but you dont have a tourniquet. look into getting a CAT style TQ and learn how to properly deploy it. great videos btw!
I'm not trained to use a TQ at this point and am a little hesitant until myself and people around me are trained in proper use and the scenarios when it should be used.
wouldn’t it be better to use a see-through bag?
That's a survival kit, not a first-aid kit. Change the title, friend.
What’s the diffrent? Somehow the function is almost the same, except no ration in this one
This video is full of mistakes !
Dane Isle
I like that it’s more robust than most
Nifty addition of the ferro rod and fire starters! Always nice to have a backup to the lint and mini bic. I also pack after bite for bug bites. I also do some flossers because you never know what could get stuck in your teeth! Was also cool learning about the cpr mask! Great video!
You can use floss to stitch up a wound in a pinch with your needle. Probably best not to use the minty stuff though.
That mini flint is something cool beyond words. Definitely going to run that setup.
Pretty sure that brand he mentioned also makes a fire starter that threads up into the corkscrew on some SAK’s. Then you got an all in one combo
Whenever I build a kit, I usually put more advanced equipment but I recommend Everybody to make there kit using the MARCHE algorithm they are as followed
M-Massive Hemorrhage (A Tourniquet) (Any type of bleeding) (Buy it from NAR make sure it is real)
A-Airway (Could be a airway that you can put into your patient (NPA/OPA))
R- Respirations (Pocket BVM) They are small and easy to use (Or a CPR shield)
C-Circulation (Moving blood around the body) (Aspirin, CPR)
H-Head Injuries (Concussions, small bleeding)
E-Everything else
This is the medical Side of your kit, then you can customize it for the needs you are doing, you could have you first aid kit, and your survival kit. Just a recommendation
Just wanted to comment a little on the ibuprofen philosophy. I agree that it's not good to mask pain. But ibuprofen also serves as an anti-inflammatory to keep swelling down. There's value in that aspect of it if you have an injury that is causing some swelling. You'll be better off if you control it until you get home. I think anyways? Somebody tell me if I'm full of crap here.