As mentioned again and again, keeping carried weight to a minimum is of prime importance. But if you are out there either alone, or with a group, it doesn’t take much to make life seem incredibly unpleasant and sometimes that could be made much less nasty by appropriate medical action.
Although I’ve done basic First-Aid training, I am not an expert, and what I carry is not necessarily what an expert would prescribe – so read on by all means, but please do tailor what you carry to where you’re going. If there’s more than just you, share the kit.
When I came to write this article my list it was quickly written but then I consulted Favourite Wife and Favourite Daughters who added some more. I’ve also done some browsing as to what others recommend. But at this point it’s my take, based on the Nordic Walking we’ve done and intend doing.
- Ibuprofen / Paracetamol: I carry both as they can be taken in combination, taking one dose then a couple of hours later a dose of the other. I’ve just asked a medical friend who suggests the Ibuprofen first, but also advises that if pain is severe they can be taken together. But of course long-term use is hazardous to various bits of you. There are various sources.
2. Compeeds: These little suckers are really good for prevention and cure where blisters are concerned. Researching this article I came across some comments which cast doubt on their use, so I got in touch with Compeed, here is their reply.
The COMPEED® Invisible Relief Blister Patch is made with Hydrocolloid technology.
The Hydrocolloid particles promote the skin’s own healing ability by acting as a discrete second skin and providing a germ protected environment.
Additionally, we wanted to take the opportunity to let you know that for the best adhesion, it is important that the skin is clean and dry before use and ensure the area of application is free of creams and oils. If a top paper is present, it should be removed first, followed by the bottom paper, avoiding touching the adhesive side. The plaster should then be applied firmly over the blister, ensuring the edges are well smoothed down.
Compeed plasters will stick better when warmed by hand before application. Please be advised that Compeed Blister Plaster can (also) be used at the wound stage when the blister is open.
3. Fabric Plasters: When I was a boy Elastoplast had to be rated as one of the world’s very best products, on account of it’s wonderful smell, placing it alongside roses, sweet-peas and Talisker Single Malt. They, like so many good things “are not the same as they were” as the smell has changed, but take a selection anyway. A length, or ready cut strips.
4. Lambswool: About as natural as it gets, an old fashioned remedy for boots that are rubbing, you don’t need much, but worth carrying a pure version rather than hoping to glean from barbed wire. I gather it can double up as an eye-pad
5. Kinesio tape: This tape was recommended to my wife by our amazing Chiropractor Dr Benny Matthews when she was having a few knee ‘issues’. She’s used the one inch and the two inch, her preference was the wide. If you have pre-existing issues get a professional to show you how to apply it, or at the very least look at a you-tube clip.
6. Arnica Gel: Now my darling wife and I are averse to chemicals of the ‘manufactured’ variety, so if there is a ‘natural’ option available we tend to give it a try. As with lots of ‘natural’ products, especially homeopathic, much of the ‘scientific’ community treat it as a load of bunkum, but there are many who have found it works. Including cynical old me. It’s available in various forms, but we favour the gel, and massage with it. (OK you cynical toad, “maybe it’s the massage’ I hear you say, our experience is that it makes a difference.)
7. Aspivenin Great piece of kit the Aspivenin. I’ve sworn by them ever since using it after treading on a weaver fish (no I wasn’t Nordic Walking at the time). Basically if you’ve been ‘spiked’ by bug or beastie, and it’s left it’s poison in you, this back to front syringe is worth a try. I have several, at home, in the car and my daughters took them on their travels. In the interests of bulk and weight I just take the ‘sucker’ unit and one of the cups when Nordic Walking
8. Duct tape Now I’ve never done this but intend to in future. The word on the street is that if, like me, you favour a water bottle, wrap duct-tape round it. It helps insulate it. And it’s great if you need some really sticky all weather tape for first aid, mending kit, or lighting a fire. Here is a link to a youtube clip showing how to use the stuff as a wound closure strip. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rREUeNsPq98
The following are a list of other bits that seem to be popular with others.
- Butterfly Closure Strips
- 3M Micropore tape
- Gauze.
- Antiseptic wipes.
- Anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, and laxatives.
- Eye drops.
If you fancy an ‘off the shelf’ first aid kit then the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight First Aid Kit .3 is good for one person, or the Lifesystems, Traveller First Aid Kit, with more kit, but more weight.