11 Comments

Invariably, without deliberate consideration, we pack too much and some of the wrong stuff. Every backcountry hunter or angler should carry a well-planned first aid kit. Aside from obvious cuts and headaches, treatment for things like diarrhea, a burn, a fractured limb or a bullet wound should be considered.

In the minds of many trampers, survival kits are increasingly replaced by satellite communicators in practice, despite the possibility of not being rescued within 24 hours if weather is bad or satellite connectivity is limited. You need both. Your survival list is a good one.

Definitely take an EPIRB for emergencies and a Garmin Inreach Mini 2 or similar for messaging and weather reports.

I have an Iridium satphone to check in every second evening on my multi-day trips and as an extra emergency beacon (if I was able to reach for it, turn it on, find a satellite and activate the button).

Expand full comment

Well said, and you make a good point about the InReach (or the like) getting substituted for an emergency kit. Not only can it still take time to be rescued, but you may be jeopardizing the lives of rescuers unnecessarily.

Thank you for your comment.

Expand full comment

With a chance of lacerations in hunting situations, QuikClot and super glue could be valuable. Duck tape is light and can be rolled around a small stick or even on itself. 10-15 feet is light could provide useful for compression, slings, and splints.

Expand full comment

All those are super useful and hardly add any weight. More to add to the pack!

Expand full comment

An SOL emergency bivy is super light and a wonderful/warm way to stay alive if you happen to have to spend a night or even a few hours waiting for rescue.

Expand full comment

Great suggestion- it weighs little, but could make all the difference. Another addition to my kit!

Expand full comment

SOLO AND NOLS…MY WILDERNESS FIRST AID GO TO SOURCES

I would add a tweezer for tick removal, BC powder for quicker aspirin ingestion, an extra day or two of one’s pill regimen (if needed), a list of daily medications, for hot weather a small bottle( available at stores) of pickle juice for cramps), one burn bandage and identification. I recently added the small

band that the nurses use to draw blood as a tourniquet.

Expand full comment

Yes! Those are awesome suggestions that I'll be adding. Plus, they'll add only a negligible amount of weight! I hadn't heard of BC powder - looks useful.

Expand full comment

With our family’s history of heart disease it’s a good ol’ southern aspirin remedy in a sealed packet for a two pack.

Expand full comment

Why jello?

Expand full comment

It's an affordable source of real sugar that is sickly sweet; really good for reviving someone who's low on energy, needs a jolt, sugar, and/or is hypothermic. It dissolves easily as well.

Expand full comment