Any and all lists are subject to change based on the needs of the list maker. You are the master of your domain, so to speak. Items I find useful may be replaced according to your needs. My ideas serve my family and are combined with years of adding and subtracting until I found the combination that worked the best for me.
Here we go...
I'm going to start with a general list and then we will work from there. A general list will include everything and a modified kitchen sink. :)
Clothes: (numbers and items are subjective)
Short sleeve shirt(s)
Long sleeve shirt(s)
Jacket(s)
Coat(s)
Long pants
Short pants
Underwear
Socks
Ball cap or hat with a sun protection for neck and face
Beanie cap (winter cap)
Bandana
Vest
Sweat shirt or Sweater
Shoes
Boots
Snow pants or snow gear
Gloves
Snow hat that covers the face
Thermal underwear
Tent
Tarp
Sleeping bag(s)
Sleeping mat(s)
Cot
Sheet
Blanket
Pillow(s)
Extra tent stakes
Hatchet
Rope
Nylon line
Fiberglass pole repair kit
Screened in gazebo
Chairs
Table
Saw foldable
Stove
Fuel
Pot
Frying pan
Dutch oven
Dutch oven lid hook or pliers
Gloves to work with the Dutch ovens
Charcoal Briquettes
Spatula
Large spoon or Ladle
Large fork
Large knife
Cutting board
Bowl for mixing
Measuring cup
Plate(s)
Fork(s)
Spoon(s)
Knife(s)
Cup(s)
Dish soap
Towel(s)
Sponge or wash rag
Tubs for washing and rinsing
Water
Ziploc bags
Aluminum
Paper towels
Hand or baby wipes
Hand sanitizer
Tongs
Matches
Lighter
Toothpicks
Tea kettle
Net bag for hanging and drying rinsed dishes
Garbage bags
Cooler(s)
Water bottles/ canteen
Large water container 15 gallons or more
Toilet paper
Tooth brush
Tooth paste
Razor
Floss
Towel
Washcloth
Hand soap
Porta potty or sanitation kit
Shovel
Portable shower
Plastic wash basin
Mirror
Privacy cover for porta potty
Diapers or pull-ups for youngsters
Contact lens cleaning solution
Cloths for cleaning eye glasses
Baby or hand wipes
Brush/Comb
Hair bands
Lip balm or chapstick
Band aides various sizes
Gauze pads
Triangle bandages
Medical tape
Alcohol wipes
Iodine
Triple antibiotic
Cotton balls
Q-tips
Tweezers
Fingernail clippers
Finger nail file
Scissors
Knife
Multi tool
Lip balm/ chap stick
Sewing kit w/fishing line
Pain relievers and other necessary medications including epipens
Steri strips
Batteries
Matches
Lighter
Candle
Fish hooks
Ace wrap
Self adhesive bandage wraps
Cold compress
Sting relief
Absorbent compress
Rubber gloves
Ammonia inhalant
Flashlight
Whistle
Compass
Hard candy
Hand and body warmer
Poncho/ rain gear
Solar emergency blanket
Wind up light/ radio
Sun block
Bug dope or spray
Safety pins
Disposable razor
Womens sanitary products
Pencil/paper
Mirror w/hole in the center
Eye dropper
Super glue
Small broom
Hammer
umbrella
Fishing pole
Tackle box
Small first aid kit
Large knife
Large rope
Sunglasses
Binoculars
Camera
Tripod
Food:
Food, let’s start out with this... Food is completely up to you. There are many great tips and ideas for a successful meal plan. Let’s ask some questions first. Later on I will do an example menu. I think that will be the best way to proceed.
The list above is very large and includes a lot of un necessary items. Unnecessary, if you are intending a little less driving and camping, and a little more, being one with nature.
As we progress we will narrow the lists down to essentials rather than all inclusive.
The main two goals for a tidier list are 1) less to carry, consolidation and multi purposing being the key. And 2) Less to carry means more comfort, and less to worry about. The old adage, “less is more couldn’t be truer.
Start with a back pack. It doesn’t need to be a specific back pack. I recommend a good sturdy hiking pack. Interior or exterior framing is up to you. There are good points for both kinds. However, if you can’t run out and buy a brand spanking new pack, use what you have available. If you don’t have anything available see if you could at least put $30.00 to $50.00 together and get a sturdy school back pack. Remember to look for a starting, or jumping off point. As time progresses, upgrades are always possible. You could also go to your local Army Navy surplus and pick up a large duffle. There may not be pockets, but for a small amount of money, you will have a bag that has a large compartment, and strap for over shoulder carrying. At my local surplus the bags run about $40.00 for the very large bags down to about 19.99 for the smaller of the large bags. They come in both square and round duffels, and have double straps. The round ones also come with a shoulder strap that can be slung over one shoulder and around the body for more support.
We’re going to start detailing the first aid kit. As future posts come, we will delve into their particular needs and details according to each category.
First Aid:
The best bags I have found for a first aid kit are bags that measure approximately 8 in” x 5” x 2 ½”. Similar bags might carry things like shaving kits or make up. One of the plastic zipper bags that come as packaging when you buy new pillow cases, make for a visible and sturdy container. Hard cases are nice, but add weight and are not very forgiving when trying to pack the last nooks and crannies of your pack. If you are looking to protect certain items in your first aid kit there are ways to do that without using a full hard box. I will give you some ideas in a bit.
Because you never know what kind of environment you will be in, Ziploc bags are going to need to become your best friend. They are multi taskers. Their strong suit, is of course, holding things in while keeping others out. Never under estimate the power of the zip lock. Use them to compartmentalize your first aid kit. Organization is your benefit.
Band aids I recommend at least 4 of every size you can find. If you are wise, you can cut down bandages to suit needs when smaller ones have been used and are no longer accessible. I also recommend fabric bandages versus plastic. They are a little more forgiving and can take a little heavier beating.
Gauze pads 4 x 4, 2 x 3, and rolls, all make great additives for various uses in every first aid kit. Remember when you have larger pads, you can cut them down to fit what you need to accomplish.
Triangle bandages Triangle bandages can be purchased or made. Bandanas may be a bit small but can still be utilized, cotton cloth diapers work great for this purpose. A triangle bandage can be used for a few different situations. They can be used for tying off wounds, pressure bandages, slings, and head covers in intense heat and cold. They are the multi tool of the large bandage world.
Medical tape Medical tape comes in various lengths, types, and containers. For the purposes of camping, 72 hour kits, home emergencies of a more serious nature, I recommend the wide cloth medical tape, also referred to as sports tape. It was designed for things like taping ankles and wrists before sporting events. It holds together well against the abuse, and makes a strong yet flexible support when used in multiple layers. It is easy to tear, very affordable, and can be used across the board for securing bandages.
Alcohol wipes There are many places that sell alcohol wipes. They may be referred to as first aid kit replacements. I found some on Amazon.com for about $2.11/ every 50. There are also many other places that carry them as well. I would recommend these for rather than bottles of alcohol, for again, space and weight.
Iodine Iodine or mercurochrome come in smaller bottles and therefore will not add a lot of weight, or mass. You can find iodine pads online, but they are a little expensive. Approximately $1.00 a pad.
Triple antibiotic This comes in packets or tubes. Either way is up to you. The packets are approximately .15 cents a packet, and come in a variety of quantities. The tubes are generally 1 oz and range in price from name brand at about $3.00 a tube to the generics or store brands that usually range around half of that amount. Of course, we all should be looking for the sales J.
Cotton balls
Q-tips
Tweezers
Fingernail clippers
Finger nail file besides the obvious a fingernail file can be used to strike matches on. Keep short one with your matches.
Scissors If you can get ahold of them I recommend medical scissors, otherwise find a pair that takes up relatively small space. You might want to consider a round tipped pair and a pointy ended pair. I have had great success finding scissors of all kinds at booths and fairs. You can find several different types, and sizes online as well. It depends on what you think you will need, but the prices at a quick glance range from just under $10 dollars clear up into the hundreds of dollars. In place of scissors, a knife is always available. Kept sharp it can be your best friend.
Knife So you’ve thought about a knife. There are so many knives on the market that the choices can be overwhelming. There are folding knives, folding knives with locks, knives with guards and sheaths. Many are large enough to need to be tied at the tip to keep them from bouncing around. Then there are knives that are small enough to sit quietly in the pocket for weeks on end, at least until that crucial moment when your 2 year old needs their straw shortened at the local fast food joint. Some think the best way to decide on a knife comes down first, to looks, and then to safety. When actually it should be how the knife is designed. Is the blade and handle all one piece? Are you going to need a machete or will something a tad smaller suffice. What is going to be the main function of your knife? Are you going to hunt with it, are you using it for fishing? To me, several sizes for different functions make more sense. Besides, if I have a problem with one, or I lose it, (heaven forbid) I will be sure to have a backup. Talk to your local dealers, shop for comparison’s online, and maybe visit your local gun shop or show. I have yet to find someone unwilling to help when it comes to answering, and of course possibly selling a knife.
Multi tool Most known multi tools contain several different tools in the same pair of pliers. Many include a knife, flat and Phillips head screw drivers, and pliers. A good pair has a grip that is designed to be as comfortable as possible on the hands. Less expensive pairs, tend to be harder on the hands. They are useable but a little more brutal.
Lip balm or Chap stick Choose the type you like. Make sure you have an original and a backup. I can’t tell you how many times, I knew I had one only to find out it had been left home. A second tucked away is going to make your life much easier. I also recommend a lip aid that has a sunscreen or sun block in it. When you are camping or out of doors for extended periods of time, you’d be amazed at how quickly your lips succumb to the elements.
Sewing kit w/fishing line This is mostly for quick fixes in the field. A lost button, or a quick whip stitch to fix a tear. And yes in the most serious of circumstances, skin. I was taught, when I was young, to pick a light color and a dark color of yarn. You take a 3 x 5 card and cut parallel notches out of two sides of the card. Folding the card in half, first makes it stiffer and stronger. I will use a total of 3 pairs of notches. Now pick one of your threads and start winding between one of the pair of notches. Wrap the thread until it is quite thick on the card. (Approximately 1/8 to ¼ inch thick) Then repeat this with the next color. And finally for the third pair wrap fishing line. The very last step is poking a couple sewing needles under the thread and through the card. They will be perpendicular to the thread.
Pain Relievers or other medicines There are many pain relievers that come in their own small convenient containers. However, if you are like me and buy a lot of items in larger containers or bulk, there are some alternatives available. Empty 35 mm film canisters, old prescription bottles, or there are many stores which now carry empty containers of varying size for sale. All bottles should be water proof when sealed and clearly marked with the contents.
Sutures w/needles These can be purchased at several stores now. Emergency essentials is one of many that carry them. They come prepackaged which keeps them sterile. If you can get them I would recommend it. Remember you’ll still have your sewing kit.
Steri strips Are thin adhesive strips used to close small cuts or wounds. In a pinch these are a good alternative to in-field stitches. They can be purchased in several locations that carry medical aids.
Batteries How many things do you have packed that require batteries? How many different sizes will you need? Always check your battery powered equipment before you leave on your trip. Even if you just came back yesterday. After that I recommend 1 extra pair of batteries per item, per week. Keep them in a water proof container or zip lock bag. This will prevent water from contacting the batteries, but also, just in case, corrosion from the batteries, getting on any other equipment.
Matches There are many types of camping matches. Waterproof, strike anywhere, safety. All have their value, and their usefulness. I recommend strike anywhere, or water proof. You can make matches water proof, all you’ll need is paraffin wax or turpentine and a little time. (I will talk about that process a little later on.) There are many products now that will help maintain waterproof matches. Containers and boxes that have a waterproof seal when closed.
Lighter This makes a good backup or primary fire starter. There are many options for starting fires in the most emergent and least prepared situations. Flint and steel, battery and steel mesh, magnifying glass or glasses and dry kindling, and then tried and true, even if it does take a lot of patience, rubbing two sticks together.
Candle Candles, of course, come in many different shapes and sizes. I recommend candles around 6 inches in length with a straight shaft. The width of the shaft should be 1 inch across.
Fish hooks Nearly every sporting goods or outdoor store, you’ll be able to find fish hooks. They come in many different configurations and sizes. There are even hooks that come with a pre-tied leader. Whatever you decide to buy, keep them in their original containers. The pre-tied hooks come on a cardboard backer that is similar to a book mark, in a zip lock pouch. For safety, you can fold this in half and place a rubber band around it. Some hooks will come in a little plastic box, or pouch. If the box doesn’t take up very much room just add the whole thing to your kit. If it does take up to much space consider making a 3 x 5 card envelope. Simply fold the 3 x 5 card in a little less than half. Tape the two short sides together and fold over the remaining “lip” of the card. Now you can close the “envelope” and secure it with a rubber band. This “envelope will work for both un-tied and pre-tied hooks. While your at it, add a few fishing weights to your newly made envelope. You can also add them to the little baggy that contains the pre-tied hooks.
Ace wraps There are many ways you can make a splint or secure a limb or joint without the use of an already made wrap. However there are obvious advantages to having one on hand. I recommend a medium sized wrap. It can be folded in half, length wise for smaller problems, and be used to secure both medium and larger problems.
Self-adhesive bandage wraps There is a product on the market that has been around for the last 20 years or so. It is a wrap that clings to itself. No need for tape or clips to hold it on. It comes in a variety of colors, and can be found in nearly every store that sells medical products, like Band-Aids and injury support items. They generally are the same approximate size as ace wraps, and look a little like a wrinkled tape. Because it sticks to itself it can be easily un-wrapped and then re-wrapped to suit the needs of the injury. This allows a quick change or adjustment without having to use up valuable supplies.
Cold compress Cold compress’s come in handy for the inevitable goose egg, bump, bruise, or sprain. The quick cold relief helps to shrink the blood vessels in the affected area, bring swelling to slow down, and even a halt. Cold compresses can bring relief to back pain, headaches, and burns as well. I recommend, if you have the space, these are a great consideration. They are relatively low in price, and can be found in a variety of places including online. Here is one sight I found that had a wide variety, with minimal cost. http://www.firstaidstore.com/ . Type in the key word, "cold compress".
Sting relief There are many sting remedies available commercially. If you have used them, and or like them, go ahead and add the one you like to your first Aid kit. Personally I have two alternatives that I have used, and found to be extremely effective. 1) Aspirin. Adding water to a little crushed aspirin, immediately gives relief to the affected area. This is true for insect stings and stinging plants alike. It works similarly to calamine lotion. 2) Mud. Whether or not you are in an area of mud you can accomplish a sting relief with just a little added water. I have found that the best “mud” ingredient is powdered dirt. This can be clay or silt, or fine sand. Adding just a bit of water allows for a “paste” which can be applied directly to the affected area, providing immediate relief.
Absorbent compress Absorbent compresses can be easily purchased at any stores that carry medical aids. They can also be made. The definition of an absorbent compress, is something that provides support for a wound or injury while absorbing body fluids, such as blood. Absorbent compresses allow the wound to ooze, while containing the loss of blood, and at the same time keeping the injury sight as clean as possible. By applying pressure to the bandage, you also have the advantage of slowing or stopping the bleeding without needing to apply bare hands to the wound.
Rubber gloves These come in handy for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes the only reason to have a pair of gloves is because they provide a barrier between your hands and whatever might affect your hands. Most often and most necessary, gloves are wanted and needed to provide a barrier to prevent infection between both the victim and the helper. In the simplest terms, gloves help to prevent germs from getting into the wound of the victim, while at the same time preventing potential hazards from the victim, from accessing the helper.
Ammonia Inhalant This are used in cases of fainting. There are many reasons for fainting. Many of the reasons are benign, many are serious. The inhalant provides a noxious odor that elicits and immediate response from the lungs of the victim. This induces the waking response. Generally in benign circumstances the victim can awaken before the inhalant is located. In more serious occurrences, medical assistance should be sought as soon as possible. Some more serious causes can be, injury, diabetes, heart problems, or neurological disorders. It is recommended that all first aid kits carry inhalants.
Flashlight I like to have several different flashlights with me. None of them need to be huge, but several small ones provide light and comfort when out and about. Some advantages to several smaller flashlights? They take up less room. One can be included in the first aid kit while others or another are in a general location in your pack. If one becomes broken or lost, there is a replacement. Smaller flashlights take smaller batteries, therefore the smaller batteries also take up less space.
Whistle If you’ve ever been in a situation where yelling is necessary, you will easily understand the whistle. This is used to get attention. It is used to keep in contact. It is also used as a noise maker just to make the kids happy. You can whistle on a plastic whistle a lot longer and with a lot less pain than you can yell. The sound of a whistle also carries further than a human voice. A mechanical or manmade whistle also sounds different than everything else natural in the outdoors, making It easy to distinguish from other sounds.
Compass Have you ever tried to divine a direction while land marks and sun direction were not possible indicators. Or, have you ever tried to walk a straight line without the aid of a defined direction? This is why a compass is a must. Even on the most overcast, deep in the woods days, a compass will work in your favor. There are many very expensive “bells and whistles” compasses, and many inexpensive alternatives. When you purchase a compass, the most important thing to know is that the compass does not get stuck in its mechanism trying to show you North. If it does, put it back and get a different one. The second most important thing to know about a compass is, does it really know where North is? If you know that the sun travels from East to West, and that East at your right shoulder means North is ahead of you. It shouldn’t be too difficult to discern North. If this is brand new territory for you, I recommend talking to someone who knows the ropes. They can guide you through the basics of direction and compass reading. Over time you can seek out new information on compasses and map reading.
Hard candy Hard candy seems like a weird additive right? But it comes in handy in the weirdest times. Hard candy can help overcome thirst when out in the field and in trouble by making your mouth water. It can be a way to take you mind off of a troubling situation, and quick fix for low blood sugar. Still it is a temporary solution. But temporary can mean the difference in survival.
Hand/Body warmer There are two types of warmers. One time use, and re-usable. The Hot spot re-usable hand warmer is good for up to two hours. That time will be shortened if left out in the cold. The one time use warmers last for about 8 hours. Both are great alternatives when a fire isn’t possible. The one time use warmers also come in several sizes. I’ve used them fishing, and camping, standing in line for book signings in the middle of a cold snap, and sporting events. They both work really well. And reactivating the reusable warmer is just a matter of following the directions.
Poncho/ Raingear there are several sizes of poncho available commercially. It is very important to stay dry whenever possible. If you cannot find, or access a poncho, the next best thing is a large garbage sack. By ripping or cutting a hole in the bottom of the bag you can easily slop it over your head providing shelter against the elements. Holes in the sides of the bag will provide spots for arms. This is a great last resort especially with large groups of unprepared campers stuck in the rain.
Solar emergency blanket These are large silver or mylar blankets that are used to hold body heat close to the user. They work by radiating up to 80% of the body heat back.
Epipen The epipen is available by prescription only. If you require the use of an epipen due to severe allergies, it is up to you to maintain you epipen. It is also up to you to give this information to another responsible person in your camping or emergency party. If you have an allergic reaction you may not be in a position to administer the drug yourself. If you are concerned about severe allergies, or have had previous problems, it is a great idea to discuss the possibilities of needing an epipen with your doctor.
Wind up light/ radio Advancements in technology certainly have come a long way since I was a kid. Having a flashlight that only required shaking or a winding handle was almost unheard of, and certainly not in the price range of the average user. Now there are all sorts of configurations for both flashlights and radios alike. There are tons of different types of these windup radio/flashlights on the market. Do your homework and get the one you feel most comfortable with.
Sun block No first aid kit should ever be without this item. Whether in winter, or in summer, or anywhere in between. Most of spend enough time in doors, that 1 good day of radiated sunlight can really do us in. I recommend water proof. Even if you never take a swim, you will sweat. I also recommend sun block, not sunscreen. There is nothing worse than starting a great camping trip only to get sunburned on the first day and spend the rest of the time fighting the after effects of the burn.
Bug dope or Bug spray This item is only needed during certain seasons of the year, depending on the location of your trip. Even if the offending bugs never infect you with anything, just a few well placed bites can make for a miserable night’s sleep. Also, because we all react differently to bug bites in general, it is a safe bet that someone in the group will have bigger problems with the bites than expected. It just makes sense to prevent the bites in the first place.
Safety pins These come in handy for a variety of reasons. Rips in cloths, repairing cloth equipment, wound lancet, modified slings, and although I have yet to try it, fishing hook. Now this last one I am going to take into consideration and try the next time I go fishing which incidentally should be this weekend. Then I can report back on this one. I recommend several safety pins.
Disposable razor This comes in handy for a good clean up or in case of a wound inside a hairline or perhaps a hairy arm or leg, the area can be cleaned up for proper first aid. Remember Band-Aids have a hard time sticking to hair.
Women’s sanitary products Now I know the first images that your seeing. However these have a double use. Besides the obvious, there are also circumstances that warrant the extra absorbency attributed to sanitary products. For example, tampons work for severe bloody noses, but also puncture wounds. They stop the bleeding and expand as they absorb, blocking further bleeding. Pads that are thicker can be used as an absorbent compress or the lining of a pressure bandage.
Pencil/paper As corny as it may sound, while you’re sitting home safe and sound, these two items can be very useful in the outdoors. When lost they can be used in a couple of different ways. Make a note and place it in a zip lock bag, then pin it or place it in an obvious place that may be seen by rescuers. Or, make note of landmarks while making your way out of a bad situation. Sometimes while in a rush we can lose valuable visual information. Sometimes this is due to panic, sometimes it is due to not understanding that we are in a bad situation. Having a written memory can serve us or even save us.
Mirror w/ hole in the center There are many premade mirrors with a peep hole on the market. However, if you’re a do it yourselfer, you can make one. Any craft store will carry small mirrors, the dollar store, cosmetic counter, or grandmas old make up bag, are all good places to look for small mirrors. Now all you need to do is scrape a hole in the center of the paint on the back of the mirror. This can be done with a razor blade, or nail, something sharp enough to go through the paint, not the glass. If you were lost and trying to get to help, you could use the mirror to reflect sunlight toward a possible rescue, including helicopters, planes, and other campers or hikers. The hole in the center is meant for you to aim your reflector toward the rescuers and be more accurate. Like a peep hole.
Eye dropper Also a dual use item. There are the obvious reasons to have an eye dropper and then maybe not so obvious. Eye droppers can also be used to deliver other medicines to a victim. Of course you’re going to need to clean out the dropper part, but this can make giving even common medicines easier. Have you ever tried to give liquid Tylenol to a screaming infant with out the cool little dropper that normally comes with the bottle? Not any fun. The dropper is also a way to deliver iodine, or alcohol, or peroxide to a localized injury. Especially, when resources may be scarce.
Super glue Last but not least. Super glue can be used to close small wounds and fix certain items.
Ideas to protect certain items in hard cases without a full hard box. There are a few different things that can help to protect certain items of a first aid kit while at the same time keeping the main kit a little more pliable for packing and squishing into the deep dark corners of the pack, also, in some cases, for the sake of water proofing. Some of these containers include 35 mm film canisters, old Tylenol or Ibuprofen bottles with the child proof caps, tic tac boxes, tin Band-Aid cans, old prescription bottles, old plastic spice bottles. There things you can repurpose just for this necessity. Use your imagination. If you choose something that you find doesn’t quite work, try something new. There is no rule that says once you’ve done it your stuck with it.
Water proofing matches. This site explains very well the different methods available for water proofing matches. Each method does have its own risks and rewards. I recommend if your not comfortable water proofing your own matches, buy them. However, if you think you can accomplish this task, do! You have nothing to lose by learning a new skill. Paraffin can be found in many different stores. Sometimes it is located with canning supplies, sometimes it is in the preparedness section. Ask the store personale and they will be glad to help you. Turpentine is generally found in art supply stores, or the art supply section of the local craft or chain store. Both are relatively inexpensive when it comes to a project like this because you won’t be using vast quantities. Here’s that website, http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Waterproof-Matches .
Safety pin fishing. This one is going to have to be tried out. I will be writing a report on the trial as soon as I can give it a go. Wish me luck. :)
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