This item contains hazardous or flammable materials and is restricted to surface shipping only. Cannot be sent to Alaska, Hawaii, APO, FPO or international addresses.
trauma pads, gauze bandages and pads, strip/knuckle bandages, adhesive tape and eye pads
For sprains and fractures: moldable SAM® splint, elastic bandages with VELCRO® brand closure, triangular bandage and safety pins
For burns and blisters: Spenco 2nd® Skin, moleskin, adhesive knit bandage
For various skin irritations: cortisone cream, aloe vera gel, Tinactin® antifungal cream, sting-relief pads and Sawyer Extractor® venom remover. Medications: Extra Strength Tylenol®, Motrin®, Afrin® nasal spray, Diamode, glucose paste, re-hydration salts, Mylanta®, antihistamine, Dristan® and 7 pill-vials for additional storage. For handling infectious materials: 4 pair nitrile examination gloves, antimicrobial hand wipes, disposal bag. Includes comprehensive wilderness medicine and life-threatening emergency reference guides, accident report, pencil and waterproof matches. Nylon webbing handles allow kit to be hung up and out of the way. Waistbelt tucks into the back when not in use.
hether you're day hiking or undertaking an extended backcountry adventure, always equip yourself with a first-aid kit. Minor scrapes, cuts, a bee sting or a headache can happen anywhere, anytime. It pays to be prepared.
Pre-assembled kits are convenient for beginning backpackers.
Always carry basic supplies on trips of any length; adapt your kit for more demanding trips.
Understand basic first-aid principles; always carry a manual.
Pre-Assembled First-Aid Kits
Most beginning backpackers select pre-assembled first-aid kits as a matter of convenience rather than building their own. It's an easy way to make sure you have not forgotten any of the basics.
Most kits are packed compact, water-resistant pouches that can be refilled and reused.
First-Aid Basics
Whether you're choosing a pre-assembled kit or building your own, make sure you carry the supplies that match your trip plans. Think about:
the number of people participating
your trip’s duration
the strenuousness and potential dangers inherent in your route
the distance you must travel to reach medical assistance
The Essentials Every first-aid kit should include:
A manual:a comprehensive, easy-to-follow first-aid instruction booklet that clearly explains how to handle basic problems
Basic bandages:assorted adhesive bandages, athletic tape and moleskin
Basic drugs/lotions:aspirin, antiseptic, antacid tablets, sunscreen and any prescription medicines
Basic first-aid tools:tweezers, a small mirror, razor blade or knife
A fully stocked first-aid kit is useless unless you know how to use the supplies inside. Make sure you know basic wilderness first aid before you leave home. Check with your local community center or hospital and sign up for a first-aid class. REI offers books on the subject. Update your skills from time to time so you don't forget important procedures.
We wish you safe and enjoyable backpacking adventures.
Health Concerns for Travelers
t home, you don't have to worry about the quality or safety of your food and water. Besides the occasional virus, you usually don't have to worry about getting sick, either.
Travel, especially in developing countries, changes all that. The tips below can help you avoid catching a nasty bug on your next trip.
Research health concerns for your destination several months in advance. Some immunizations need to be administered months before you leave.
In developing countries, watch what you eat and drink. When it comes to food, boil it, peel it or don't eat it. Water should be boiled, filtered or treated.
Prevent bug bites by wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants. Use bug repellent on exposed skin, and sleep with a mosquito net.
Before You Go
If you're traveling to Western Europe or other developed countries, health issues are less of a concern. But if you're traveling to a developing country, you should start planning several months in advance.
Research Health Concerns—The websites for the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization have current health information for all countries, including recent outbreaks and immunizations needed.
Get Immunizations—Some immunizations need to be administered several months before you leave. Other medications, such as those for malaria, need to be taken before, during and after your trip. Make sure you get an international health certificate from your doctor documenting your immunizations.
Review First-Aid Skills—If you'll be traveling in remote areas, brush up on your first-aid skills by reading books or taking a class.
See Your Doctors—Get a checkup from your family doctor, and visit your dentist and optometrist. It's easier to address minor problems at home.
Choose Travel Insurance—The type of travel insurance you need depends on your personal insurance policies, your destination and your planned activities.
Pack Your First-Aid Kit—Make certain your first-aid kit has all the basic supplies. Include your prescription medications (in their original containers), copies of your prescriptions and immunization records plus an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses, if you need them. If you'll be traveling in areas with poor medical facilities and a high incidence of disease (HIV et al.), pack sterilized needles and syringes with a doctor's note explaining that they are for medical use only. If possible, get the note written in English and in your destination's dominant language to avoid problems with customs.
While You're Traveling
When traveling in Western Europe and other developed countries, enjoy whatever you eat and drink without undue concern. But to stay healthy in developing countries, it's important to pay close attention to what you eat, drink and even wear.
Learn about specific health concerns for the country or region you're visiting, and take precautions as necessary. Below are some of the most common health concerns you'll encounter.
Traveler's Diarrhea One of the most common travel ailments, traveler's diarrhea, is caused by ingesting contaminated food or water. Other diseases transmitted by contaminated food or water include cholera and dysentery. You can take precautions to avoid them:
Food Concerns
Boil It, Peel It or Don't Eat It—Avoid salads and fresh fruits. Fruits that cannot be peeled should be soaked in a mild iodine or bleach solution.
Eat Only Steaming Hot Foods—Pass up foods that have been sitting all day and are reheated.
Avoid Dairy Products—In tropical climates where pasteurization and refrigeration are questionable, avoid dishes made with dairy products.
Take Acidophilus Tablets—Available at health food stores, acidophilus is natural yogurt culture that can help your body deal with bacteria. Or simply eat yogurt while you're traveling.
Water Concerns
Boil, Filter or Disinfect—In developing countries, treat all water, unless you purchase bottled water. Do not consume drinks with ice. Brush your teeth and wash vegetables with treated water as well.
Check Bottled Water—When buying bottled water, check the seal to make sure it hasn't been opened and refilled with tap water. Bottles of carbonated water are the most tamper-resistant.
Stay Hydrated—Don't let your concerns about water safety keep you from drinking enough water. Staying hydrated will help keep you healthy. Use iodine tablets or a water filter or purifier.
Malaria Common in Central and South America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East, malaria is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and flies include yellow fever, sleeping sickness, leishmaniasis and Japanese encephalitis.
Take Medication—Preventive medication needs to be taken before, during and after your trip. See your doctor for more information.
Cover Up—Mosquitoes bite between dusk and dawn. Wear long-sleeve shirts and pants and use insect repellent on exposed skin.
Use Mosquito Nets—At night use a mosquito net treated with permethrin.
Parasites Parasites such as worms and flukes can be transmitted by ingesting contaminated food or water or via direct contact with skin.
Always Wear Shoes—To prevent infection, wear shoes or sandals at all times, even when at your accommodation.
Avoid Swimming in Fresh Water—In high-risk areas (including many parts of the Middle East, Africa, Asia and South America) swim only in saltwater or chlorinated pools.
Backcountry Health Topics
Some of the health risks associated with wilderness travel include sunburn, blisters, poison ivy, insects, ticks, snakebites and altitude sickness. There can also be additional health concerns related to temperature extremes—heat fatigue, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, as well as dehydration, hypothermia and frostbite.
If You Get Sick
Despite your best intentions, it's possible you could get sick on your trip, or when you get home.
While You're Traveling
See a Doctor—Seek medical attention as soon as possible. You could simply have a case of traveler's diarrhea, or you could have a potentially life-threatening disease. You just don't know until you see a doctor, which is why you have travel insurance.
For Traveler's Diarrhea—Drink a lot of fluids to prevent dehydration. Use the oral rehydration salts in your first-aid kit or sports drinks, if available. For severe cases, avoid taking medication to stop diarrhea. This will just keep the bacteria in your system longer and extend your illness.
At Home
See Your Doctor—If you come down with a fever or flu-like illness up to a year after returning from your trip, see your doctor immediately. Diseases such as malaria can take up to a year to appear. Make sure to tell your doctor all the countries you've visited within the year.
Backcountry Health Topics
This brief list of common outdoor health problems, preventative measures and possible remedies is intended to help you stay healthy while you explore the backcountry.
Sunburn
Sunburn, caused when our skin is exposed to too much of the sun's ultraviolet light, is the most common problem experienced by backpackers.
Prevention: All wilderness travelers, regardless of skin color, should wear sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. The American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation recommend an application of sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days. The groups also offer these tips:
Within the continental United States, minimize your exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Potential for skin damage is greatest at noon (or 1 p.m. during daylight savings time). At these peak-intensity hours, a fair-skinned person could suffer skin damage in less than 15 minutes.
Always shade your head, neck, ears and eyes, particularly at high elevations, where a thinner atmosphere allows more UV rays to reach your skin. Sand, brightly colored clothing and snow can all intensify the sun's impact. Some outdoor clothing comes with SPF ratings. Fabrics with tighter weaves help keep the sun off your skin.
Lenses of sunglasses should block both UVA and UVB rays. Examine product information tags or spec sheets to verify that the lenses offer this protection.
Check with your doctor to determine if any medications you are taking increase your susceptibility to sunburn.
Remedy—If you do get burned, soothe damaged areas with an aloe-based skin cream, and keep them covered for the remainder of your trip (either with clothing or with a strong sunscreen) to avoid further damage. If sunburn is serious and you experience persistent nausea, chills or fever, seek professional medical attention.
Blisters
One little blister, the product of friction that rubs skin back and forth in a concentrated area, can ruin an otherwise wonderful backpacking journey.
Prevention—Blisters are easier to avoid than they are to fix. Make sure you start every backpacking trip with footwear that is broken in and fits you well. Also wear clean, properly sized socks. Consider wearing two pairs of socks—a lightweight wicking liner and a thicker cushioning sock—to lessen the chance of abrasion.
Tip:On the trail, address foot discomfort as soon as it develops. A quick response can often stop a blister before it becomes serious. At the first sign of irritation, put a small patch of protective material—moleskin, 2nd Skin or even duct tape—over the affected area to minimize abrasion.
Remedy—If you're undertaking your first backpacking season and know you are prone to blisters, consider applying moleskin to your typical "blister zone" before you hit the trail.
If a blister develops and walking becomes too painful, you could drain the blister by lancing it along its base with a clean razor blade or knife. Once this is done, sooth the area with some antibacterial ointment, then cover it with a patch of 2nd Skin (or similar product) plus a small adhesive bandage to keep the blistered area clean.
If the area is still sensitive, cut a doughnut-shaped cushioning patch out of Molefoam or duct tape and encircle the injured area. You may need to bulk up your circular pad with a number of layers to hold your sock and boot out away from the damaged area. This cushion will protect the area from further damage.
General Aches and Pains
General aches and pains (sore muscles, headaches, joint pain) are a common factor of many beginning backpacking trips.
Prevention—After a modest warm-up (say, 10 minutes of walking), take time to stretch. Stretch after your hike, too. Your muscles and joints will thank you.
Tip:Don't attempt to exceed your physical limits early in your hiking season.
Remedy—Most muscle aches can be fixed with a little rest and gentle massage. For headaches, take a couple of pain reliever tablets—aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen—and a short rest. Joint pain is typically caused by overuse, though it can be the result of twists or unusual compressions. Again, rest is usually the best remedy. Elevating the sore joint might help alleviate pain. Taking glucosamine, a cartilage-repairing nutritional supplement, can also help joint pain and expand your range of motion. To learn more about glucosamine, read
How to Choose Nutritional Supplements.
Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac
Wherever you travel, you may run into troublesome plants.
Prevention—Learn how to recognize the dangerous plants that are common in the area you'll be exploring. Remember that poison oak and ivy leaves grow in clusters of three, so if you see "leaves of three, let it be." Be wary of touching anything foreign to you. Keep in mind that the oily rash-causing resin found in poison oak and ivy, urushiol, remains present in the plants even during dormant winter months. Contact with a leafless stem in January can still spawn an itchy rash. Pre-exposure lotion can be helpful. If traveling in unfamiliar territory, consider carrying a lightweight, compact field guide to help you recognize plants.
Remedy—Carry a small supply of hydrocortisone cream or another soothing, anti-inflammatory lotion to lessen the discomfort caused by skin irritations. Fluid from a rash-induced blister will not spread the rash. However, if the resin is not cleaned from clothing, boots, skin or tools, you can re-infect yourself or another person. It's the resin, not the rash, that spreads infection. A good first-aid manual will provide other useful tips on limiting the spread of the rash.
Biting Insects
Mosquitoes, flies and other biting insects are an unavoidable part of many backpacking trips. Happily, bug bites are usually more of a nuisance than a health hazard.
Prevention—The easiest way to deal with bug bites is to avoid them altogether. This means identifying and avoiding the worst locations and times of year for bugs. It also means packing the right kinds of clothing (light-colored long-sleeve shirts, long pants, bug shirts, bug-net hats and so on) and using some form of topical repellent if necessary.
DEET-based products are effective, though natural alternatives are available for individuals who prefer to avoid synthetic chemicals. DEET is not recommended for pregnant women or small children, especially those less than 1 year old. DEET will not hurt cotton, wool or nylon, but it can damage plastics, synthetic fabrics, furniture, walls, watch crystals, and eyeglass frames.
Remedy—First-aid products like After Bite help relieve the swelling and itching caused by bug bites.
Tip:Some people are allergic to certain insect stings. If you are, protect yourself by avoiding risky situations as much as possible and by carrying whatever medicines you need to counteract the reactions. Make sure everyone in your backpacking group knows about your allergy and what to do if you get stung/bit.
Stinging Insects
Bees, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets are additional winged threats a backpacker may encounter.
Prevention—If you come upon a beehive or wasps' nest, leave the area quickly and quietly. In campgrounds, avoid brightly colored clothing, shiny jewelry or belt buckles, and scented cosmetics. If you or someone in your group is allergic to bee or wasp stings, make sure to visit a health care professional for preventative injections.
Remedy—For a normal reaction to a sting (itching, redness and slight swelling) the following first-aid items may be useful: ice, baking soda, oral antihistamines (such as Chlortrimeton and Dimetane), epinephrine inhaler (such as Primatene), topical steroids (such as Cortaid or Lanacort), and local anesthetics (such as Benzocaine, Lanacaine or Solarcaine).
Ticks
Not all ticks transmit Lyme disease. Check with rangers about potential danger before you explore an area unfamiliar to you.
Prevention—Lyme disease is one of a number of potentially serious conditions that can be passed to humans through tick bites. The best way to avoid trouble is to avoid bites altogether by avoiding areas where ticks are prevalent and by checking your hair and skin for ticks frequently. Permethrin-based insect repellents can be applied to clothing to repel or kill some ticks.
Remedy—If a tick is discovered, remove it immediately by pinching the skin just below the head of the tick with tweezers and lifting the tick straight up and out. You may lose a small piece of skin in the process. Be careful not to squeeze the tick body or twist it during removal, since this may cause the tick to regurgitate more bacteria into the wound. For similar reasons, burning or covering a tick in cooking oil is not recommended as a method of removal.
Snakebites
While many snakes are harmless, some have potentially lethal bites.
Prevention—Avoid areas prone to snakes. Check your trail guide or ask a local forest ranger or guide. Stay in well-groomed, open areas. Watch where you're going and listen. If you see a snake, don't antagonize it.
Remedy—If bitten by a snake such as a rattlesnake (a pit viper), first back away from the snake. Calm yourself or the person bitten. Rinse the wound. Apply a mechanical extractor pump for three minutes following the bite. Make no additional incisions. Mark the time so you can check the progress of swelling. Remove jewelry. Get to the hospital as quickly as possible for an anti-venom serum. Try to identify the offending snake to help medical personnel.
Hantavirus
Hantavirus is spread by the droppings and saliva of contaminated rodents, particularly the deer mouse, cotton rat, rice rat and the white-footed mouse. Hantavirus, a relatively new backcountry malady, can cause severe sickness and even death. Early symptoms include fatigue, fever, muscle aches and headaches. Severe coughing and shortness of breath may follow in four to 10 days.
Prevention—Stay away from any areas with excessive rodent activity: barns, old cabins, or dusty, enclosed trail shelters. If you see any rodent droppings, cover your mouth and leave. Don't attempt to sweep an area where rodents have left droppings. The disease can be carried in the dust.
Remedy—If you suspect that you or someone in your party has been infected with hantavirus, seek professional health care immediately. Treatment usually includes antibiotics, oxygen and other treatments for respiratory problems.
Altitude Illness
Altitude illness is a state of unease a wilderness explorer feels when traveling at high elevations. Traditionally, 10,000 feet is regarded as the height where altitude symptoms—a sluggish sensation often accompanied by a headache—kick in for most people, but they can afflict others as low as 6,000 feet. Acute cases of this illness can be debilitating, even fatal.
Prevention—Avoid abruptly changing elevations from one day to the next. If you're spending your pre-hike day in a low-lying valley, you could be asking for trouble if you take aim at a 9,000-foot pass the next day. It is better to acclimatize, meaning you gain elevation gradually, or you camp at a high elevation for a day or two before undertaking your hike. A general rule: Ascend no more than 1,000 feet per day.
Remedy—Descend. If you sense the symptoms are overtaking you, seek out lower elevation quickly before your condition deteriorates and you are unable to walk unassisted. Aspirin can be beneficial for any head pain you experience.
Backpacking First-Aid Checklist
(Select Items that match your trip plans and your group size)
Basic Tools
Comprehensive first-aid manual
Scissors
Emergency blanket
Small knife or multi-use tool
Magnifying glass
Razor blade
Small mirror
Matches/lighter
Tweezers
Thermometer
Needle and thread
Adhesive tape
Safety pins
Duct tape
Bandages
Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
Elastic-wrap bandage
Butterfly bandages
Gauze pads
Triangular bandage
Gauze wraps
Large compress bandage
Safety gloves
Wire splint
Medical Tape
Medications/treatments
Antiseptic wipes
Lip Balm (with sun protection)
Anti-bacterial ointment
Vitamins
Aspirin
Salt tablets
Burn ointment
Antacid tablets
Prescription medicines
Insect repellent
Snake bite kit
Iodine
Cough drops
Calamine lotion
Eye drops
Moleskin/2nd Skin
Foot powder
Biodegradable soap
Antihistamine
Towelettes
Sunscreen
Overnight Backpacking Checklist
(Choose items that match your trip plans and the expected weather conditions)
The 10+ Essentials
Extra clothing layer(s)
Map of area (in waterproof case)
Drinking water
Compass
Food
Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries/ bulbs)
First-aid kit
Sunglasses (with retaining strap)
Pocket knife
Sunscreen
Matches (in waterproof container) and firestarter
Hiking Clothing
Quick-drying pants/shorts
Fleece jacket or wool sweater
Short-sleeved shirts
Wicking long underwear (top/bottoms)
Long-sleeved shirts
Regular underwear
Warm pants (fleece or wool)
Quick-drying swimsuit
Fleece or wool vest
Outerwear
Rainwear (top/bottoms)
Fleece or wool gloves/mittens
Wide-brimmed rain/sun hat
Waterproof gloves/overmitts
Warm hat (fleece or wool)
Bandanna
Footwear
Hiking socks
Extra laces
Wicking liner socks
Gaiters
Hiking boots/shoes that match the terrain
Camping Gear
Backpack
Funnel
Day/summit pack
Matches/lighter
Pack cover
Cook set, dishes
Tent, tarp or bivy sack
Cooking/eating utensils
Rainfly
Drinking cup
Tent stakes
Pot grabber
Footprints
Biodegradable soap
Tent broom
Pot scrubber/dish towel
Sleeping bag (in waterproof stuff sack)
Plastic garbage bags
Compression sack
Resealable plastic bags
Sleeping pad
Water filter/purifier
Sit pad or sleeping pad chair kit
Water-purification tablets
Extra nylon stuff sacks
Water bottle(s)
Food (adequate supply for your trip)
Collapsible water container
Stove and fuel
Lantern
Personal Items
Toilet paper
Lip balm (with sun protection)
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Insect repellent
Small bath towel
Head net
Brush/comb
Trowel
Other personal toiletry items
Other/Extras
Altimeter
Repair/sewing kit
Binoculars
100-foot accessory cord
Field guides
Axe/saw
Camera and film
Money
Notebook and pencil
Photo ID
Travel games
Camping/fire permits, if needed
Watch/alarm clock
Fishing license
Weather radio
Trip Plan (left with a responsible friend)
Hiking poles
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hether you're day hiking or undertaking an extended backcountry adventure, always equip yourself with a first-aid kit. Minor scrapes, cuts, a bee sting or a headache can happen anywhere, anytime. It pays to be prepared.
t home, you don't have to worry about the quality or safety of your food and water. Besides the occasional virus, you usually don't have to worry about getting sick, either.
