Understanding risk and if things are a reasonable risk is a key component to being in the outdoors and staying safe. The risks we take in everyday life are always there, but we try to mitigate those risks. For example, driving is inherently dangerous and a mass majority of us drive every single day in our everyday lives. It’s a reasonable risk and we try to mitigate our risks of driving by driving the speed limit, driving sober, wearing a seatbelt, avoiding texting and driving, etc. The point I’m trying to make is that everyday life has risks and we can never make the risk be an absolute 0% chance. The same goes for being in the outdoors. We recreate to stay sane, to enjoy mother nature, a form of therapy, the list goes on and on. There are risks of being outside on our adventures and we want to stack the cards in our favor! Bringing a medical kit in my pack is stacking the cards in my favor!

While being outside on your adventures, it’s always a smart idea to bring a medical kit for those just in case moments or for those moments where things happen or accidents happen and you need your kit. Mine lives in my pack every single day I go for a climb, hike, adventure, etc. It never leaves my pack and I always have it! I’d rather carry the weight of a medical kit than to not have it at all and be sh#t out of luck when things get real. Being a ski patroller for 2 years and going through an outdoor education program, we were taught best practices, and this is one of them. Being prepared and being preventive is key! Lip Balm, sunscreen, electrolytes/ Borvo Broth, food, and water are all things I’ll bring for preventative care.

My medical kit consists of the following:

• Garmin Inreach

• SAM Splint

• Duct Tape

• Blister care and athletic tape

• Ski Straps

• Bleeding control: Band-aids various sizes, triple antibiotic packs, 2 in roller gauze, 2x2 sterile gauze pads, alcohol wipes, nitrile gloves, trauma sheers

• Various Medications: aspirin/tylenol (acetaminophin), benadryl (diphenhydramine), Imodium (loperamide hydrochloride)

• Small CPR mask

• Emergency Blanket for Mt. Washington winter ascents

• Small Guide Tarp for Mt. Washington winter ascents

This is what I bring for my day trips out. Depending on your objective and days you plan to spend in the backcountry, your med. kit will differ in size and quantity of things brought. I also bring a small repair kit that lives in my pack and is for emergencies too.

I highly recommend if you plan to spend extensive time in the backcountry, doing day trips or pursuing multi day trips climbing, hiking, etc. to take a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course at the bare minimum. Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is what I’d truly recommend spending your money on or a Wilderness EMT (WEMT) course. All which are offered across the country at various times of the year. Not only will these courses help you to be a better partner, but it will also help you to have a better understanding of what to do in case of emergencies. These courses will also help you to get hired if you desire to go into the outdoor field. Whatever endeavor you plan on doing, don’t forget your med. kit!

Thanks again for reading and stay safe out there!

-John