Trail Tales: Equip Yourself for Safe Hiking Adventures!

Hiking, even on a seemingly simple day trip, demands preparedness. Nature’s unpredictability underscores the importance of being equipped and knowledgeable, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.

Packing the essentials is paramount. Start with navigation tools like a map and compass or a GPS device, coupled with the skills to use them effectively. Sun protection such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat shield against harmful UV rays, while appropriate clothing and footwear provide comfort and protection against changing weather and rough terrain. Hydration is key; carry an adequate water supply and a means to purify more if needed. Nourishment in the form of energy-rich snacks helps sustain energy levels during the hike. And last, but certainly not least, pack a first aid kit for EACH trip. The longer the trip and the more people you are responsible for, the larger the First Aid Kit should be.

• For Blisters:
  • Moleskin
    • Great for fabricating custom finger cuffs, and reducing skin friction against blisters.
  • 2nd Skin® dressings
    • Second skin works as an invisible gel bandage that forms a cover that protects wounds and is antiseptic, flexible, and waterproof.
  • Piercing Needles
    • You can also use sterilized safety pins as noted below.
• For Small Wounds:
  • Gloves — make sure they are well-fitted!
    • Three words: Body Substance Isolation. Keep cross-contamination to a minimum with a pair of nitrile gloves.
  • 12cc irrigation syringe
    • Use for cleaning wounds, removing dirt and debris without touching a wound.
  • Povidone-iodine solution
    • Treat minor wounds and infections and kill bacteria.
  • Tweezers
    • A must-have for splinter removal and/or small cuts and scrapes that need a little extra attention in the field.
  • Antiseptic towelettes
    • Keep your hands clean and prevent the spread of germs with these easy to use wipes!
  • Antibiotic ointment packets
    • Prevent infections, fight infections in cuts, scrapes, and burns, and help promote the healing of wounds.
  • 1 x 3 fabric bandages
    • Adhesive bandage with a gauze pad in the center, used to cover minor wounds.
  • Knuckle and fingertip fabric bandages
    • Specially shaped knuckle and fingertip bandages are made of a flexible fabric designed to stretch when you stretch, while adhesive holds the bandage in place.
  • 3 x 4 non-stick gauze pads
    • Pieces of gauze fabric used to guard and cushion a wound or to absorb blood or fluids. Especially useful for dressing wounds where other fabrics might stick to a burn or laceration.
  • 3-inch conforming roll gauze
    • Dress wounds and hold dressings securely in place without slipping.
  • Wound closure strips
    • Use to secure, close and support small cuts and wounds.
  • Transparent dressings
    • Provide a moist, healing environment and protect the wound from mechanical trauma and bacterial invasion. These dressings can also act as a blister roof or “second skin.”
• Medications:
  • Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen and Aspirin
    • To relieve pain.
  • Antihistamine
    • To help with allergic reactions.
• Other Useful Items:
  • Medical/Surgical Masks
  • Trauma Sheers
    • With a wide, blunt tip, these shears reduce the risk of cutting the patient while working on an injury.
  • Safety pins
    • Great for securing bandage materials or the base layer you’ve incorporated into an improvised splint. Also, when sterilized, these are great to puncture blisters (if necessary)
  • Oral Thermometer
    • Changes in body temperature can be symptomatic of multiple different conditions. Keep an oral thermometer handy to monitor temp changes in your patient.
  • Disposable CPR Mask with Pouch
    • My choice for a barrier when performing CPR. I received one after taking my CPR class. This mask helps create a barrier between the user and the patient.
  • SOAP forms
    • Used to document critical information when calling for help. (Subject/Summary/Story; Objective/Observations/Findings: Assessment; Plan)
  • Coban® wrap (7.6cm by 4.6m)
    • A self-adhering bandage or cohesive bandage is a type of bandage or wrap that coheres to itself but does not adhere well to other surfaces.
  • Athletic/medical tape
  • Duct Tape
  • 4-6 inch elastic wrap (10.2-15.2 cm)
    • Provides firm support and compression for minor strains and sprains, as well as splint compression.
  • Wire or SAM® splint
    • A SAM Splint is a waterproof, reusable splint for immobilizing injured bones.
  • Triangular bandages
    • Creating a sling, swathe, or tourniquet—these are only a few useful options for these handy bandages.
  • Water disinfection device/chemicals
  • NOLS Wilderness Medicine Pocket Guide
    • Take the class to get this!
  • Pencil and Small Note Pad
    • To document vital signs and other pertinent information. Pencils are best as they don’t freeze or break like pens.
  • Watch
    • Consider carrying a small inexpensive watch face. These are useful for documenting times, checking Heart Rate and Respiration Rate.
  • Sharpie®
    • To write on skin.

Here are some items I’ve purchased that might be helpful for your adventures. Just a heads-up—if you use the links to make a purchase, I earn a small commission. That said, I only recommend products I’ve personally used and trust enough to share with my friends and family. You’ll also find links above for the specific products mentioned on my list—unless they’re already included in the First Aid Kit I’m recommending.

• First Aid Kit

However, beyond physical provisions, investing in education enhances safety. CPR/AED training from organizations like the American Red Cross equips hikers to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies, a skill invaluable in remote areas where emergency medical services may be hours away. Additionally, undertaking a Wilderness First Aid course, such as those offered by NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School), empowers individuals to handle injuries and illnesses in outdoor settings, where conventional medical assistance is limited. I have taken both these courses and can tell you first hand, the information you learn is invaluable!

These courses not only teach life-saving techniques but also instill confidence and a proactive mindset. Recognizing potential risks and knowing how to mitigate them significantly reduces the likelihood of accidents turning into emergencies. Whether it’s treating minor wounds or stabilizing a more severe condition until help arrives, the knowledge gained from these courses can make all the difference.

Moreover, preparation extends beyond personal readiness. Informing someone of your hiking plans, including your route and estimated return time, ensures that help can be summoned if you encounter unexpected challenges.

Ultimately, hiking embodies the harmony between humans and nature. Being prepared respects both the wilderness and oneself, fostering a fulfilling and safe exploration of the great outdoors. So, before embarking on your next adventure – no matter how short or long – pack not just your gear but also the skills and knowledge that could potentially save a life.

Happy AND safe hiking!

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