First Aid Kit for Camping or Hiking in Colorado

It’s important to be prepared for any eventuality. The things listed here are the basics that should be included in every camping party’s first aid kit. There are first aid kits available from many sources, but I recommend putting together your own. If you do choose to purchase one, don’t make the mistake of buying a first aid kit designed for home or auto, thinking it will work for a Colorado camping trip. Purchase your first aid kit from a specialty outdoors or camping store – even then, you may need to supplement it further.

*gauze

*gauze tape

*tweezers

*adhesive bandages
Get a variety of sizes. Makes sure at least one or two oversized bandages are included.

*antiseptic
While you can choose to carry a tube of ointment or a bottle of liquid antiseptic, it is not difficult to find individually wrapped antiseptic swabs. These are idea for first aid kits and, because of their light weight, ideal for camping.

*pain medication
I recommend ibuprofen, but choose whatever medication works best for you and those with whom you’re camping.

*antacid
Nothing will spoil a beautiful Colorado evening like heartburn or a stomach ache. Either one can make it nearly impossible to hike. Make sure you include a chewable antacid in our first aid kit.

*large and medium safety pins

*moleskin
This is a soft, cushiony material that can be cut into whatever size pieces are needed. It is generally used to cover blisters, and should be easily found in the pharmacy sections of most grocery stores.

*calamine lotion
There are all sorts of biting bugs in Colorado, so it’s important to carry calamine lotion or insect bit swabs.

*sewing kit
Make sure to bring a needle, thread, and a sewing pin. The pin can be used to help dig out splinters (make sure it’s sterilized in flame, first). The needle and thread can be used to repair clothing or your backpack, or, if necessary, to stitch up a gaping wound. Stitches for wounds should be a last resort. Use bandages, bandanas, etc. first. And get help.

*scissors
A pair of scissors the size of nail scissors, or a pair of folding scissors, should be included in every first aid kit. Scissors can be used to cut gauze, moleskin, thread, and to cut clothing away from wounds.

*ace bandage
In general, I’m not a fan of the self-stick ace bandages, but they can be very useful when camping since the standard fasteners are so easily lost. If the stickiness of these bandages bothers you, include a standard ace bandage and extra fasteners or safety pins.

*super glue
Although the oft circulated rumors that super glue was invented for medical purposes is false, it can be used for many of the purposes in the rumors. A bit of super glue spread over a cut will seal it faster and better than any bandage. It can be used for small emergency sutures, as well. It should not be used for gaping wounds. Be sure to keep the tube in a separate container within the first aid kit, or risk having all of the first aid equipment glued together.

*medication required by the individuals participating in the camping trip (inhalers, prescription pills, etc.)

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