Adventuring with a first aid kit

Bringing a first aid kit every time you head to a trail is a safe and recommended habit to get into. A first aid kit is one of the 10 essentials! You may not use it, but it's incredibly helpful when you do need it. I always have one in my trail running vest or hiking pack regardless of what trail I have planned. I also always have a heavy duty first aid kit in my car for camping and off-road/remote adventures. To be honest, I've used my first aid kit to help others more than myself. Once I ran into a guy hiking the 14ers, Grays and Torreys, who was in need of band-aids or mole skin to help with his severe blisters. This person was not dressed for the occasion and had nothing but a water bottle. It's imperative when you go into nature that you are prepared for all conditions and potential obstacles. I'm very glad I had a first aid kit on hand to help him out (I'm sure he was glad, too!). You can purchase pre-filled first aid kits at most outdoor stores. The one I carry is from REI. Based on what you do in the mountains (day hike, multi-day trip, etc.), you can choose which first aid kit is best for you. They even have options for first aid kits for your doggo. If you don't think you need access to all the things in the purchased first aid kit, you can build your own based on what's provided and put it in a bag to carry with you. This could be beneficial if you want to carry one central first aid kit for both you and your dog vs having two separate first aid kits. What I recommend keeping in your day hike first aid kit: - Wound wipes - Band-aids - Moleskin - Aspirin and proprinal - Bivy - Gauze - Adhesive tape - Tweezers - Tribiotic ointment For trail adventures beyond a day, I would recommend looking at taking a larger first aid kit. If you are adventuring with other people, you could also split the first aid kit amongst yourselves so it's not so bulky in your pack. For camping or remote adventures, I recommend checking out My Medic for heavy duty first aid kits. I also recommend taking a wilderness first aid course to practice using the tools and feeling comfortable with them if you're in an emergency situation in the back country. Last year, I completed the Survival Med Wilderness First Aid course, although I plan to take the NOLS course in the future. NOLS, American Red Cross, and other local outdoor schools offer wilderness first aid classes that will teach you everything you need to know to be prepared and able to respond in case of an emergency.