Should I Take A First Aid Kit When I Go Hiking?



Posted: Wednesday, April 08, 2009

by Jonathan Perez
http://www.FromSkinnyToMuscular.com

Since the beginning of human history there has always been a fascination with discovering nature, known to many as the great outdoors. Not only is it a love of hiking enthusiasts, but also for families in general. But in order be certain that you can fully enjoy your camping excursion, you need to plan ahead with outdoor emergency supplies and kits.

Supplies used for soothing burns, treating bites and even blocking the suns harmful rays have been around since the beginning of time. Outdoor emergency supplies didn't just pop onto the scene in recent decades, since very early cultures would make their own from items they found within nature itself.

It is a given that, while camping, someone in your group will experience a bump, scratch or cut while hiking through the forest or biking on an overgrown trail. Insects can be a pretty big irritant as well. Whether you would think so or not, something as small as an insect bite, such as that of a fly, can make was at first an awesome camping excursion turn into a nightmare if you aren't prepared to treat them.

Well stocked first aid kits should always include essential outdoor emergency supplies such as a flashlight with extra batteries, as it will be crucial if you are out hiking and night falls faster than you anticipated or if you become lost. A sharp knife should also be included because it will come in handy for a variety of things such as cutting string for the tent, cleaning fish, and for countless other situations you may not even realize.

If you were to somehow get lost from the group that you are traveling with, one of the greatest supplies to have on hand would be a whistle. Fire starters are useful, specifically if the area you are camping in has had rain recently and the kindling and small branches you would normally collect and use for starting a fire are damp.

When putting together an effective set of first aid kits you should make sure that you include a lot of different types of supplies. Band aids and gauze for wounds, punctures or cuts are a must have. If someone experiences this type of accident, then an antibiotic that you can manually apply on the skin and injured area would be great to have on hand. Aspirin, antacids and ibuprofen are good for headaches and muscle aches. Creams to relieve burns and itch relief from rash or bug bites are good to have, also.

Perhaps none of the things that you pack in your first aid or survival kit ever be used, and that's what you hope and pray for, but better to be safe than sorry. One of the most intelligent things you can do in your prep work is to be sure that all that are on the trip remain in optimal health and that any accident be taken care of immediately with the correct supplies.

Copyright (c) 2009 Jonathan Perez

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There are so many different kinds of outdoor emergency supplies that it can make your head spin. Another article you may want to read to help clarify some of this is located at http://www.thecampingoutfitter.com/wordpress.
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