What is 1 Item in your First-Aid or Hygiene Kit that you wouldn't hike without??? 👇Let Us Know Down Below!👇

I'm going to be "that guy" and tell you that you need more. I'm an EMT and I've treated a lot of hikers. Living up here in WA we get a lot of patients from hiking and other outdoor activities. While I could recommend a whole list of things to you, I think you really only need a few. The most important thing I would recommend to you is a tourniquet. Since you are concerned with weight, I would recommend the SWAT-T tourniquet. It is compact and lightweight and also can be used as a bandage if you put gauze under it. I would also recommend at least a couple of 4x4 gauze pads and a 1" roll of gauze. You could fit all of these in your existing repair kit and only add a few ounces. If you haven't done so, I would recommend you take a Wilderness EMT course. With as much as you hike, I think you will find it very valuable. I can tell you, even in urban areas, it can take us hours to reach you. I've been on calls where the patient perished because we couldn't get to them fast enough. I don't think any hiker should sacrifice on their safety supplies, it could mean the difference between life and death. Adventure Medical Kits makes some good, pre-made kits. I enjoy your videos, keep up the good work and stay safe.

I like to carry dental floss. Floss my teeth and can be used as thread to repair gear. The stuff is light, compact, and has several uses.

Regarding blisters. The advice not to drain them comes with the caveat "unless it is large, painful, or likely to be further irritated" (WebMD). A blister on your foot that isn't drained can get much worse and cause a ton of discomfort if you keep hiking on it. This can make you walk differently and create more blisters or even joint injuries. So for blisters on the trail, it's best to make yourself comfortable to prevent additional injury. If you get back from a day hike with a blister, sure, leave it alone and let it heal normally, but it's unrealistic to get off trail for every blister to let it heal.

Thanks for sharing! I'm also on the soap in stead of hand sanitizer bandwagon. A quick (LNT) tip about Dr.Bronner's soap -> even though it is bio degradable, it is not recommended to use it in natural streams/creeks/lakes, because it could be damaging to the plants, organisms, and animals, better to use it and dispose it on the ground away from the water sources, and best (which I only do after #2) to dispose it in a hole in the ground. Cheers!

I learned about Leukotape from one of your older videos, and my wife, who has Achilles’ tendons like cheese cutters and ruins boots and shoes, is forever in your debt. Thanks for being you - much love to you and Snuggles from North Texas!

In addition to vitamin I, I recommend carrying a few antihistamines, antacids, and anti-diarheal medicine. Those all address conditions that you don't want to be without if needed and don't need to end your hike early to take care of in town. I also carry gauze pads and a small tube of antibotics to make whatever size bandage I need with leukotape. I don't want to use tp for that (though I have). Finally, I recommend some super glue for gear or potentially short-term skin/wound repair.

Anti-diarrhea and antihistamine meds, I would add to the ibuprofen.

Two more pills I always carry: imodium (for obvious reasons) and diphenhydramine, aka benadryl. That second one does double duty as both an anti-histamine and a sleep aid. Lots of utility in so little weight.

DIY travel bidet: Smart water bottle cap (flat top, non flip open kind), lighter, sharpie marker, needle. Remove the water bottle cap, hold the cap upside down and heat the flat top part of the cap with the lighter to soften the plastic. Move the lighter around for even heating and no burning of the flat cap plastic. Once softened, push the small end of the sharpie marker inside the cap to stretch the flat area and create a raised nipple. The nipple should be about quarter inch tall from where the flat surface was. Cool the cap so the plastic is solid. You can dunk it in water to cool it if you like. Now straight in from the side, poke a small hole into the side of the nipple with the needle. Start with a small hole. Fill the bottle with water and screw on the finished bidet cap, turn the bottle upside down and squeeze. You should get a small stream of water out the side of the bidet cap nipple. Hold your palm into the stream to test the pressure of the stream. If not enough, make the hole a little larger, don't make it to large. You should not have any leaks around the cap, only the bidet water stream out the side when you squeeze. I marked with the sharpie a line on the side of the cap where the hole location is, so I could tell where the bidet water stream would come out for aiming.

I like naproxen, Aleve, as I'm allergic to ibuprofen. Naproxen lasts longer too. Braided fishing line with a few hooks. It's great for repairs and you can catch a bit of dinner if the opportunity presents. Dawn soap is also biodegradable, remember they use it to clean the ducks Vaseline is good for body lube, lip balm, and is an excellent fire starter.

Kula cloth for the ladies. Hand sanitizer is a must as well as allergy meds and Tylenol.

The Victorinox 580 has a tiny knife, scissors, tweezers, toothpick and NAIL CLIPPERS at 1.3 oz it's one of my favorite things in my pack.

I always carry a roll of gauze wrap. The most common injury I've found (aside from minor cuts and scrapes) is a rolled ankle. So, assuming it is minor enough to still walk on, I carry the gauze wrap to wrap that with to prevent swelling and give support. And in a pinch, the gauze can be unraveled for string, used as a fire starter, or even used as light weight cordage.

I have and use that portable bidet. I use it even at home. I find that with tp shortages lately it’s saved me from buying as much toilet paper. And I feel so much cleaner. I love that thing. And it’s super travel friendly.

I never head out on an adventure without snake-bite bandages in my kit... and a PLB. Australia has 7 of the top 10 deadliest snakes, so better to be safe than sorry, especially when I'm out solo.

The only addition item I carry is an antihistamine pill, just in case something bites you and you start swelling up, or you happen on someone who has, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). These antihistamine pills are not a substitute for an epinephrine shot, but it could save your life. In all my travels I have never used one for this, but I still carry them on every hike

Thanks for this video! Love the many forms of skin protection for lips, face, etc. & bug repellant. Even though I'm far short of 7,000 trail miles, I have a couple different preferences to share: small pack of toothy tabs (bicarb, flavoring) instead of toothpaste tube, physio K-tape instead of leukotape; small pencil (won't leak ink, can be sharpened) instead of pen; naproxen (longer acting) instead of ibuprofen. Being a 50-something guy, I also carry a couple chewable ASA in case I or someone with me gets chest pain or other signs of heart attack or stroke when far from help. (I'm a pharmacist, by the way) Happy Trails!

Great video. I'm one of the guys that wanted to know "for some reason". The reason I wanted to know is to not pack "too much". You may find it odd why people want to know but this info can help people from packing needles ounces of bandaid/splints/ medications. You have to respect a man's experience level that you have. Thank you for the video.

And sometimes a wag bag. I had to use one the other day as I was in a narrow canyon and couldn’t get far enough away from a water source to dig a cat hole. Not something I always take. But if the terrain warrants it...

For me something that has some antiseptic properties for those little cuts etc is pretty important. Small cuts and wounds often get neglected because they don't seem a big deal. I know that a lot of the time they aren't... but those times when they're not.. well they are not pretty! Sudocrem is a miracle cream, not sure if it's available out side of the UK but it does everything! Helps you heal super quick, fixes burns and soothes the skin, stops and heals chaffing and rashes, cleans up spots and blemishes, eliminates dry skin and is anti-septic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and even a weak anaesthetic so soothes any pain too. I find a little goes a very long way. The pot I have in my house I have had for several years and it's still three quarters full. If it's possible to refill them I'd say one of those little 5g toothpaste portions you get on planes and single use travel kits would be enough to use in a hot fix when on the trail. Would weigh nothing and would do a lot when needed.

Plastic bags like that can usually be found in the crafting jewelry section at stores like Walmart, Joann, etc!

My only additions are anti diarrhea pills and I use a curved needle with my thread. I find it easier to fix gear with. I also use a heavier weight thread which has come in handy repairing people’s packs back together. Thanks for another video. Gossamer gear’s tiny chapstick is pretty cute too.

I wrap gorilla tape around the handle of my trowel... that edge is sharp! And the gorilla tape can be used to repair kit and as a fire starter in case of an emergency

I always carry a compass and a general map of the area where I travel. Phones are great until it stops working or breaks. I also fashioned a small pocket to my pack to hold a folded piece of waterproof paper. It describes my personal info, brief med history allergies, meds, etc. Prior to trailhead I include a "tentative" route and itinerary. The little paper doesn't even register on a scale but could be highly valuable if your become incapacitated. When folded, I write on the back side "emergency contact" . Yes, this is redundant to the permit system but I have seen that fail when operating in rescue operations. I carry a lot more in my first aid kit but it is just my preference. SAM splint is handy if you are in an area where you don't have natural resources for splinting. Also still carry an emergency blanket; light weight and small. It's also good for signaling as needed. Good tips from your expertise. answered a lot of my previous questions.

Older hiker here; prescription drugs.

Nice to see, nice kit! For me the most essential is a small tick remover (similar to a 'tick key'). Don't need much else haha!

I never go without my Tums and Magnesium. Both are heavy, but I can almost consider them consumables since it's guaranteed I'm gonna need them.

The eraser needle storage idea is brilliant. Totally stealing that one. I keep mine wrapped up in a bit of sellotape, which is fine until you actually need to use it. As far as something that I bring and will not leave without, for me that is a roll of antacids. I sometimes get really bad indigestion. It's extremely painful, but a few rollaids do the trick. I also have a small pouch of corn starch, as it's good for drying out sweaty feet and crotch to help prevent or treat chafe. I only bring that if it's going to be above 23 degrees or so. Colder weather, I don't sweat as much.

It’s not a mystery you get tons of questions on this. You give great advice people value and you haven’t done a video on it for five years. 😊❤️🇺🇸⛺️🌄

Great video! I also swear by my mini Swiss Army knife - on the AT, the Camino & our upcoming CT hike! Definitely for the scissors more so than the knife. Funny how many times I need a scissors. - Chica

A roll of athletic tape is probably the most useful first aid item that I carry. I might replace it with some Leukotape as it sounds like it's a bit better. I carry a few smaller squares of Tegaderm. The stuff is really useful for covering cuts, scrapes, and even blisters.

One thing I always have in my kit is allergy meds. There is nothing worse than going out and then allergies start acting up and I can’t enjoy my time out in the wild because of itchy/watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing so loud I scare Sasquatch.

I do a lot of trail work, so always wearing long pants and sleeves. Rather than use insect repellent, I carry a bug net for my head.

I love everyone giving their input. He clearly said, his setup is not for everyone. There's no one size fits all.... follow everyone's "I'd also add" or "I recommend a few".....be 20lbs of First Aid

Got the bidet and I use it at home too! It's great to reduce the use of toilet paper on the trail but at home too! :)

Good call on the bidet. They work great on trail. They also helped DRASTICALLY reduce my use of toilet paper at home during this global pandemic of ours.

Hygiene wise, my kit is almost identical to yours but I have soap leaves instead of liquid soap. My first aid kit is far more comprehensive. I haven't needed it, but other people have and I feel more comfortable carrying it.

Thanks for promoting LNT; we need to hear it over and over. I don’t need LNT to convince me to bring that cool bidet thing! That’s a revolution right there

9:16 You can buy small ziploc bags from hobby and craft stores. They're like $3 for 100 of those really tiny ones like you have your stove gasket in. Larger bags cost a little more per bag, but are still relatively inexpensive. The Swiss Army knife you use is THE best one ever in my opinion. Weighs like 1.5oz and has everything needed for a typical hiking experience. Hardest part is not losing the toothpick. :D

A bidet recommended by Plug It In? Hmmm.

Vet Wrap. After a disastrous hike through Fish and Owl loop in Utah in horrible boots, I had ankle to toe blisters upon blisters and large areas of missing skin. Moleskin doesn't stick in that fine sand, nor did leukotape or duct tape. My daughter being a Vet Tech had vet wrap. I rolled out small batons of it, encircled the blisters, and gauzed the raw spots, then wrapped my foot in the vet wrap. It worked like a miracle on the raw areas & supported a torn ligament in my foot which enabled me to hike myself out. I ended up on antibiotics and off my feet for almost two weeks after that one. Hard lesson on $h!**y boots and desert environment, but now I absolutely will not hike without a roll of vet wrap. Works well in wet environments as well.

WHAT! No beard comb? 😉🤣 A first aid / repair kit can easily get out of hand with STUFF for every possible disaster. So it's nice to have it pared down to essentials. In addition, I always carry a few band-aids and a topical antibiotic -- because, I'm a klutz! Thanks Darwin!

Thank you for the tips! I’ve used Bronner’s soap for toothpaste. Not the best aftertaste but it left my mouth smelling like lavender fields. 😂

No joke, I was just thinking of this yesterday. I was thinking through my hygiene kit and wanted to check out your ideas. Thanks for sharing! Heard of the bidet idea. I like the idea of not worrying about how much tp to bring. And being more environmentally friendly.

I appreciate your "not the most exciting video" because I think folks worry about all the possibilities of injuries or aches or pains, so we have a running list of "what-ifs" we want to pack for, when in fact we only really need a few items to handle what we're most likely to encounter. So this video is reassuring to many, and I thank you for it. I do carry dental floss for this one maddening tooth gap that gets food stuck in it, and I can use it for thread. I also have a small tube of TAO because I always seem to poke or cut myself on something silly about once a week...on or off trail

Darwin, thanks for this. Tweaking my hygiene kit has been the toughest simple thing in my pack.

Thanks very much for making this video. This sort of reassures me that we're likely not to need much of the stuff I'd regularly would cary in the way of first aid gear. 7000 miles of experience trumps my fear of what if. Although I will still carry a bit more gear just because where we go there is no one else to help us and we don't have option of just getting off the trail for treatment.

Would love to see a video with tips on how to take care of your body while hiking long distances. Someone with over 7000 miles is doing something right

I have carry maxi pads. Even though those days are long gone, they are absorbent if you get a bad cut.

KRAZY GLUE! Amazing for patching up shoes and small tears, and can close up fairly serious cuts in conjunction with tape. Absolute must have, and it weighs basically nothing.

Excellent analysis. Amazing how you can stay clean with so few implements

I find it very important to carry Imodium and Benadryl, at the very least. Something to help with sleep can be nice if I'm struggling with that (as I often do).

I suggest upgrading your knife to the Victorinox Swiss Army Rambler; It's the exact knife you're currently carrying, but with the addition of a combination Magnetized phillips head screwdriver/bottle opener. Handy when you have to fend off a herd of wild beer bottles!

Solid list. Medic here, and I do like to carry a little more than that, but there is one big hole. Benadryl. It is one of the few over the counter drugs that can make huge life or death difference in a pinch. Also converted over to the travel bidet after a run in with the noravirus. One of those life changing, time to get cleaner on the trail, moments. Takes a little practice but I'm a fan.

A tip on where to find some good resealable plastic bags is bike shops. I tend to save those from packaging we get to put used parts or take off items in. Other shops likely do that as well, so hit up your LBS for some and I’m sure they’d be happy to get rid of extra packaging!

Can't wait to see what your plan is when they start opening everything back up. Was planning on going on a medical mission trip this summer, but that fell through, and I've been building/sewing/developing a new custom UL pack, so might just hike the AT until the fall when college starts back up

Aside from all those mentioned in the video & some of the comments, I bring my Arnica Balm. I have CBD too but the Arnica came in a plastic tube & I'm not worried about it breaking. Arnica Liniment if I can find it but straight Arnica is fine.

FYI: You can get those little Ziploc bags at The Container Store. They have multiple sizes. It seems silly to pay for them, but I love having everything in exactly the right sized bag.

That extra BRS o-ring is something I hadnt thought of.

Lol. I love the sound effect u make at 4:08.. When picking up the new heavier sun screen roll on.. Lol. Love your content, as always another great video. Thanks..

Ooooh I LOVE the Visine bottle hack. Thanks! And the one thing I can’t hike without is a close tie between Chapstick (original) and Excedrine Migraine. I honestly feel like something is missing when I don’t have either of those.

Put sunscreen on lips and the tops of one's ears, too. Am an older famer. Spent a lot of time in the sun.

I have been half way around the world and I can't remember ever leaving asphalt without Neosporin. I also carry a few bandaids, hand sanitizer and bronners soap. I don't just pack this for me, but if a fellow hiker is in need. This gives me the opportunity to clean and bandage a wound until the indivdual can move on, or make it off trail. As far as taking Tylenol for a sustained amount of time, I suggest (not tell) strongly suggest you consult your physician for any advice. Especially if you are on any medicene that effects or can effect liver function.

Great, straight forward advice. Also very watchable. No skipping from me, stopping to take notes yes. Paracetamol, in case of fever.

I like my bamboo toothbrush so much, I got bamboo knife, fork and spoon. They're lighter than a long-handle titanium spork.

1 small tube of superglue. Works for wounds and repairs. Also, instead of thread, I carry waxed dental floss. Works for teeth, repairs, and some other first aid needs. Benadryl, if you or somebody around you has an allergic reaction it buys time to get off trail. Without it, you or they might not make it.

Body glide, specifically the foot glide kind

To write things down, I noticed you didn't have paper. At hardware stores now they have waterproof paper - you can even write on it when it's wet. I've tried it and it works - amazing.

LOL, Dude you are trending on Amazon. I checked out Rawlogy Rustic Ultralight Cork Massage Ball and Amazon suggested a Portable Bidet. I've heard of the message ball and have been looking to add one to my gear. I've not used TP on trail for decades. I do what i can with sticks, rocks and leaves and follow up with handwipes that i launder and reuse.

Caffeine pills. I hate cold coffee but also hate heating water in the morning. I’d rather get going. But as a card carrying caffeine addict, if I skip coffee I get a headache. Solution: 1 caffeine pill = 1 cup coffee = no headache.

My first aid kit is a bottle of Jack !! Good for cuts and scrapes,, headaches,, sprains,, Can use as a weapon bear sticks his head in my tent and BAMM across the head !! And if he bites me disinfectant for the bite. Also can break it and use as knife.

You can always ask jewelry/ accessory/ gift stores and the like for extra baggies instead of buying. They get tons from product shipments that usually just end up in the trash. Free and earth friendly 👌🏽

10:35 Yes! Day made. Thank you Darwin. 👌🏼

Darwin! Thanks for the video buddy. Seeing my comment in your video was really cool! It was very helpful. Keep the great content coming!

That little black rubber ring that he had in the bag is called an o ring you can get them in any hardware or plumbers shop. When fitting make sure if you pinch it, it doesn't have a gap

Great kit! I'm pretty much the same, but also always carry a couple zipties, tiny packet of neosporin (sealed in a section of a straw), packet of zinc oxide (for chafing problems...), packet of hemostatic agent, and a dose of medical superglue. Those last two items are super important for the rare but potentially fatal laceration that may require stitches... Saved my finger last year after an injury in the backcountry. Also, if hiking with a large group, or on an extended expedition, or if very far from civilization - it is highly recommend that someone in your group carry a few "extra" medical items like a tourniquet, SAM splint, PLB, etc, and the training to use these items. Solo medkits vs group medkits is an important distinction to make in this context. Sometimes you might have to help out an injured hiking buddy, or you are days from medical care.

Very similar to what I carry... I do more bikepacking than hiking but some additional staples in my kit that was advice given to me by close avid outdoor enthusiasts are Thermotabs, Benadryl, super glue, and water purification tabs.

I recommend taking a Gua Sha over a tennis ball !-I think that’s how it’s spelt- its completely flat and easy to use on my sore muscles while laying down in my tent.

Great job as always. Thanks sharing! In my ul first aid kit, I always carry a couple of alcool prep pads (1gr) and 10 Aquatabs (1gr). I switch to bidet too. Tried it at home since two months and don't know why I did'nt do it before! Thanks again "Darwin sur le sentier" ;)

Last hike I starting using these dog poop bags, for the used toilet paper. As we hiked to a campsite each day I just threw it in the bin over there. I was just getting so annoyed/shamed about leaving toiletpaper behind in nature.

Hello Darwin, thank you for sharing your first aid and hygiene kits and tips. I always carry a few Lancets, for popping blisters, a few assorted band aids, alcohol pads and dental floss. All the best to you, stay healthy. 🤗

You guys can find "jewelry bags" and other size ziplocs at a local craft store

In general, it is ok to pop blisters that are larger than 5cm. These are far more likely to get popped and unroofed anyway. The best thing to do after popping is keep it clean and cover with a hydrocolloid bandage.

You may never use them, but having Imodium, Benadryl, and Neosporin could be game changers. Also I like having bandaids, a roll of gauze wrap and some adhesive tape.

Every year I am able to get me first aid a little more simple. I do always go out with my kids, so I think that adds to it being hard to go super simple- no matter how much people say to not " pack for your fears" I tend to allow myself to pack for my fears when it comes to my kids but as they get older it gets easier. We always take benydryl and a tick key ( we live in tick country and I am terrified of ticks. Bears, cougars- meh. Ticks?Absolutly not!)

ear plugs is a great idea. surprised so few people carry ace wraps. not the lightest thing in the world but multiple uses and potentially trip and life saving.

I don't mind the weight for what it is but a combination of military service and first responder experience has led me to always carry a RAT tourniquet and adventure medical kit makes a trauma pack. Several times this combination has made a significant impact on things I have come upon. I would highly suggest anyone checking them out if you really want to be covered it basically let's you be able to treat 1 huge medical event up to and including a single gunshot to the torso or extremities.

Love your videos! I personally keep a small ferro rod and striker. I backpack with two small kiddos (10 and 8). We are going to do our first 7 day trip this summer. Just in case something happens to us (and particularly me), I want them to be able to properly start a controlled fire (in a way that they can manage safely) for warmth and possible signaling for help.

Haha love how he said for "some reason" i was thinking why do people want to know this. (As im stuck watching lol)

The Swiss army scissors are just great.

I have been told by a few eye specialists not to use Visine. They recommend Refesh Tears as well as a couple of other brands whose names escape me at the moment. I have used dental floss to replace sewing thread. It is surprisingly strong and seems to seal up holes better for waterproofing such as on packs or rain gear. It is thick enough to use as string if needed, plus you can floss with it, Bonus!

Love that you bleeped that word out. Lol great video, thank you for your input here.

2:29 SHOTS FIRED

RE ear plugs ... you might enjoy some Radians moldables. You get a custom fit that way. And because you can flatten the part that sticks out, they are more comfortable to lay on. I have a pair that I use on the gun range & they work really well.

I really like the new thumbnail format you are using. It really gives your brand a great identity. Not sure things will be the same without hearing you say “sh** tickets” but I’m sure I’ll get over it. :)

I cannot go without pastic tweezers (you can find them in most first aid kits), a very fine tip sharpie, a small mirror, and alcohol cleaning pads. These items are my tick removal kit.

So love this video. I want to comment on needling blisters. I agree with you. That fluid in the blister has prostaglandins and thromboxane. Creates an inflammatory process. Get it out. If anyone wants to challenge me I'm a wound care nurse. Bring it. Great video. You're guiding me into ultralight. With regard to your bidet I love it but... Make sure you're using cleaner water. Only reason I say that is because of possible bacteria if you have denuded skin back there and you don't want added bacterial load. Just how I think. Hope to hear how it works for you.

I always carry a couple BC powders. Fast acting relief for dehydration or altitude headache.

Whoa a bidet would be a "push" for me, no pun intended. As an older guy I do carry extra meds. I also carry bandaids which I am going to stop due to the fact I do carry Leukotape.. Great video.