My Backpacking First-Aid Kit Was Behind The Times, Here's What I'll Be Carrying Now, by Homemade Wanderlust on YouTube. 7 min 26 s.
- Video length
- 7 min 26 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Lay out a small waterproof pouch and decide how much space you can spare. Keep the kit light, since you carry it every day on the trail.
Add a roll of KT Tape. Cut strips to size for hot spots and joint support, and wrap the roll around a lighter or card to save space.
Pack blister wool or moleskin. Use it at the first sign of rubbing, before a blister forms, and replace it each day.
Bag small amounts of pain reliever, antihistamine and anti-diarrhea tablets. Label each bag with the name and dose so you do not mix them up.
Add your personal prescriptions in their original labeled containers. Carry enough for the full trip plus two extra days.
Include a few antiseptic wipes, adhesive bandages and a small roll of medical tape for cuts and scrapes.
Pack a satellite communicator such as an InReach if you hike remote routes. Keep it charged and test the SOS function before you leave.
Seal the pouch, mark it with a bright tag, and store it in the same spot in your pack every trip so you can find it fast.
Tips and common mistakes
Check expiry dates before each season and swap out anything that has expired.
Do not rely on tape alone for deep cuts or infections. Know when to turn back or call for help.
Tell someone at home your route and expected check-in times, especially if you carry a satellite device.
Keep the kit small enough that you actually carry it on every hike, not just long trips.
Questions
How much should a backpacking first-aid kit weigh?
Aim for under 200 grams for a solo hiker. Tape, blister wool and a few pills cover most common trail problems.
Do I need a satellite communicator for every hike?
No. It matters most on remote routes with no phone signal. On short popular trails a charged phone and a plan are often enough.
Can I take medication out of its original packaging?
For short trips, small labeled bags work. Keep prescriptions in their original containers with the pharmacy label.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
