First Aid Kits

[Deertick]

Paracord is lighter, and smaller, but still very strong ... and has the advantage of being broken down easily into small strings.

As for \"why don\'t you carry anything?\" ... I kind of count myself as a non-carrier. As above, I carry very little ... duct tape, super glue, a book, a zip-lock baggie ... those things can go in the bottom of your Camelback, like an extra Clif Bar that I always have there, and they are forgotten.

Like Bnsafe, I\'ve purchased first aid kits ... but I don\'t carry them much anymore (the exception is that I\'ll put a small one in some saddle bags -- that way it\'s not me carrying it ) ... they\'re just too much bulk/weight.

I think that your money is better spent on \"2nd Aid\" supplies back at your vehicle. Things that will keep you from having to go to town.

 

[Swede]

Bailing twine is a cheap option cord. All you need is to know a rancher that feeds bales of hay to stock. I bought a roll of twine about 4 years ago that I suspect will last a lifetime. It is not as nice and smooth as parachute cord, but for most purposes it is just as good. I use it for everything from drop string to clothes line. I suppose it would lash splints to a broken limb.

 

[Bullnuts]

So, pretty much paracord is being used instead of rope for most of you? I always have some rope in my pack, which can do most of what you all listed. Is para-cord lighter or easier to use than rope? What is the reason you all prefer it over rope?

Much lighter, easier to pack, very high tensile strength. I\'m not going to rappel with it, but it will hang a quarter and I wouldn\'t be too upset about having to cut it to build a shelter since it\'s so cheap.

 

[OldMan]

It\'s pretty cheap. Click on 100ft.

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[cohunter14]

Alright, you guys have sold me on it I\'ll have to go grab some.

 

[Bob Frapples]

Let us know how quick you use it. lol You will find it handy as a shirt pocket

 

[cnelk]

Para cord makes for great boot laces too

 

[cnelk]

I carry the minimal stuff too,
Im certified CPR/First aid and consider myself \'knowledgeable\'.
as I have beaten myself up enough over the years to know what hurts

If something would happen to a buddy, I feel confident that I would help him enough to receive 2nd Aid.
I would use my water bladder hose to irrigate and and game bags for compress for bandages/sling, or pillow/blanket in case of shock.

I wear a military style fabric belt that also has many uses

 

[bnsafe]

i dont use one but the para cord bracelets they have out are nice an could be used for alot of things. an they buckle onto you pack

 

[bowhunter]

Para cord makes for great boot laces too

I replaced my work boot laces just this weekend with some paracord. I like the way it slides through the loops easily and it ties nice also.

 

[WW]

Back to first aid kits. I always have carried one in my pack. Why? Well I suppose it all relates back to the days when I was guiding Dudes or Duds. We were required by the outfitter to have a kit on us at all times and have an up to date First aid/ CPR card.

In over 35 years of elk hunting, I never opened my kit for any kind of emergency!

 

[Bullnuts]

I remember a story, just a few years ago, where a guide accidentally stabbed himself in the leg while dressing an animal and bled out right there. I think the phrase, \"Hope for the best, prepare for the worst\" is applicable any time you\'re going off the grid and have to be self reliant.

 

[Lost Again]

Thanks Deertick for the thread. First aid vs. Second aid analogy is a great way of looking at it. My pack just got lighter.

 

[bowhunter]

Thanks Deertick for the thread. First aid vs. Second aid analogy is a great way of looking at it. My pack just got lighter.

I carry the minimal in my pack but have plenty in my truck for anything that doesn\'t require going to the hospital.