While accidents in the wilderness are thankfully few but they certainly do happen from time to time and hikers need to be prepared. Here we look at some ideas for packing an essential hiking first aid kit.

First aid kits can only carry so much, but if we know what to carry and how to use it, we can help those materials make the greatest possible impact on the positive health and safety of ourselve and those we're hiking with. Here are some items to include in our first aid kit:

 

Antibiotic ointment

Betadine

Bandages  

Gauze pads

Cotton balls  

Medical adhesive tape


Scissors

Tweezers


Rubber (latex) gloves

Pain relievers like Paracetamol...

Burn ointment

Anti-itch, cuts and insect bites ointment 

Diarrhea medication