FIRST AID
It’s tough to predict what kinds of injuries you could accrue, but having a first aid kit can make a life-or-death difference—so it’s stupid to hit a trail without one. Coyne says your kit should have these basics, which you can pick up at your local drug store. Or sift through a backpacker's kit like Mountain Fundamentals ($100, rei.com) and make additions and subtractions according to your needs.
—Neosporin or antiseptic cream to clean dirty cuts
—Quick-clot sponges to control severe bleeding
—Elastic bandage to treat sprains
—Ibuprofen for anti-inflammation, pain relief, and fever reducing
—Non-drowsy allergy tabs to relieve cold/flu symptoms and ease allergic reactions from poison ivy or bee stings
—Tweezers (to remove splinters and ticks) and scissors (to cut bandages)
—A SAM splint for immobilizing skeletal or soft tissue injuries
