Backcountry First Aid Kit: Packing and Training Checklist
Plan an Idaho backcountry first aid kit around your trip, personal medical needs, and training, with Red Cross guidance and emergency communication preparation.
A backcountry kit should fit your group, trip length, medical needs, and training. The Red Cross kit checklist is a starting point. This article is a packing guide, not instructions for diagnosing or treating an injury. Choose gear that addresses the most likely and most dangerous scenarios.
The Real Risks in Idaho Backcountry
Before building a kit, consider what actually happens in the field:
- Bleeding: From knife slips, falls, or field dressing injuries
- Blisters and foot problems: The most common issue on any backcountry trip
- Sprains and strains: Rolled ankles, tweaked backs
- Allergic reactions: Bee stings, food allergies
- Hypothermia: Even in summer at elevation
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance: Especially during physical exertion
Supplies to Discuss in First Aid Training
Bleeding Control
- Tourniquet: CAT or SOFTT-Wide. Can be lifesaving for arterial bleeds.
- Hemostatic gauze: QuikClot or Celox for wound packing
- Israeli bandage: Pressure dressing for large wounds
- Gauze pads and rolls: Assorted sizes
- Medical tape: 1" cloth tape holds better than plastic
Wound Care
- Irrigation syringe: 20-60cc for cleaning wounds
- Antiseptic wipes: Povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine
- Antibiotic ointment: Small tubes of Neosporin or similar
- Butterfly closures/Steri-Strips: For closing small cuts
- Assorted bandages: Including knuckle and fingertip
Blister Prevention & Treatment
- Leukotape: The gold standard for hot spots and blisters
- Moleskin: Padding for developing blisters
- Hydrocolloid bandages: For popped blisters
Pro Tip: Tape Your Hot Spots
If you know where you blister (heels, toes), apply Leukotape before you start hiking. Prevention is always easier than treatment.
Medications
- Ibuprofen: Pain relief and anti-inflammatory
- Acetaminophen: Fever reducer and pain relief
- Personal medicines: Ask your clinician or pharmacist which medicines fit your health needs and trip; follow labels and prescribed instructions
- Prescribed epinephrine: Carry it as directed and make sure your companions know your emergency plan
- Electrolyte tablets: For rehydration after sweating
- Anti-diarrheal (Imodium): GI distress happens
For suspected anaphylaxis, seek emergency help and follow the person’s prescribed epinephrine plan. Antihistamines are not a substitute for epinephrine. Review the Red Cross anaphylaxis guidance before your trip.
Tools
- Nitrile gloves: 2-3 pairs
- Shears: Trauma shears can cut through clothing
- Tweezers: Fine point for splinters and ticks
- Safety pins: Multiple uses including sling construction
- Emergency blanket: Mylar for hypothermia treatment
Know-How Matters More Than Gear
Equipment does not replace hands-on training. Consider taking a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course. These certifications teach you:
- Patient assessment in remote environments
- When to evacuate vs. treat in the field
- Improvised splinting and carries
- Wound cleaning and infection prevention
Emergency Communication
The best first aid kit in the world won't help if you can't call for help. Carry:
- Satellite messenger: Garmin InReach, Zoleo, or SPOT for SOS capability
- Whistle: Three blasts = distress signal
- Signal mirror: For visual location by search teams
Customize for Your Activity
Hunters field-dressing game should add extra trauma supplies. Anglers might add a hook removal tool. Adjust your kit to your specific risks.