First aid kits are essential when hiking. There are too many incidents that happen not to have one. Cuts, scrapes, infections, bug bites, sunburn, the list is virtually endless. Anything that needs medical attention when not on the trail and more can happen on your hike. All reasonably well stocked kits should include; Bandages of different shapes and sizes including butterfly;

• Gauze pads-sterile
  

• Antiseptic such as *potassium permanganate-see below
  

• Diarrheal medication *glycerine-see below
  

• Pain relief i.e.– Aspirin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen
  

• Roll Bandages
  

• Moleskin for blisters
  

• Tweezers and scissors
  

• Bug repellent and sunscreen
  

• Splints
  

• Snakebite kit
  

• Latex gloves or equivalent
  

• Liquid skin
  

• Personal Medications
  

A manual should also be included in your kit. These are just some of the items you may need. Consider your own situation and decide what you may or may not need for your trip, there are many other options. Check your kit regularly before hiking and replace anything that is in low supply or outdated.
safety equipment besides your medical kit should include a bear deterrent which is usually a pepper spray. I have never needed to use one but the few times there was a bear in the area I always felt a little safer with it in my hand. Mylar or solar blankets can be used to hold in body heat or reflect heat from a fire. These can be large enough for two and will keep you warm even if you have no fire.
2 Person Emergency Heatsheet Survival Blanket

Adventure Medical Kits Weekender 1st Aid Kit Built with weekend adventurers in mind, the Adventure Medical Weekender Kit includes a variety of medical essentials in an affordable, organized package. It includes wound and blister care, medication and instruments, fracture / sprain care and bleeding or CPR components. Perfect for small groups going on short adventures, this kit is recommended for groups of up to 6 people on trips of up to 7 days. Features: Comprehensive first aid for weekend trips, or to keep in the car or RV Ibuprofen for aches and pains and antihistamine for allergies Laerdal face mask Wound irrigation system to clean and close wounds Hospital quality instruments Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness and Travel Medicine Nitrile gloves and infectious control bag Item Specifications: Weight: 1 lb., 10 oz. Dimensions: 8.5 x 7 x 4

*Survival tip- If you have potassium permanganate and glycerine they can be combined to start a fire if you have no other means. Build a small mound of dry grasses or fine tinder, put some of the potassium on it then add a few drops of glycerine. The resulting reaction is hot enough to combust. Be very careful not to get them on your skin this will “cause severe burns.”
If your injury or illness requires a doctor or hospital care you will definitely need insurance. So whether you are planning a vacation, studying abroad or living overseas get coverage now with FAST/FREE Online Quotes.

Insects can make you buggy on the trail, using bug netting can keep you mostly bug free.

Atwater Carey Sleep Screen Mosquito Net Protect yourself from mosquitoes, gnats and no-see-ums for a good nights sleep with the original model Sleep Screen from Atwater Carey. The mosquito net accommodates one person in a sleeping bag or on a bed, comes with easy-to-assemble friction-fit fiberglass poles, a nylon stuff sack and compacts to the size of a folding umbrella. Ideal for the campground or the trail; great for any outdoor or travel kit. Features: Personal-sized bug-proof enclosure Easy to assemble Compact; comes with stuff sack Item Specifications: Color: Grey netting with burgundy sleeves Size: 34" x 22" Folded size: 17" x 2.5" Weight: 10 oz.

Gaiters will help with the ground bugs. Hiking can be a lot more fun if you don’t need to worry about all these little annoyances so use these items as you need them along with your first aid kit.