A first-aid kit is one of the Ten Essentials of outdoor exploration, and for good reason. The farther from the beaten path you venture, the more prepared you should be for a scenario which requires medical attention. A well thought out, and activity specific kit should always be available for your outdoor adventures.
On Design and Purpose…
Adventure Medical Kits presents the distinct advantage of having a kit best geared for your endeavor specific adventure. Why? Because you don’t need the same gear for kayaking as you will for a spring hike along the Pacific Coast Trail. Adventure Medical Kits offers pre-assembled packs based on the type of adventure (UltraLight, Marine, Mountain etc), the number of participants, and the duration of the trip.
You don’t have to be a minimalist to appreciate the fact that each pack offers an ultra light first aid kit without the burdensome weight factor. And because exposure to the elements is part and parcel to a life of adventure, every Adventure Medical Kit features inner DryFlex™ waterproof liners and seam-sealed outer silnylon bags to provide multiple layers of protection.
But there’s more to Adventure Medical Kits than just a convenient water-tight first aid kit. These pre-assembled kits can help avoid some of the potential pitfalls associated with the do-it-yourself approach, particularly for those just getting introduced to the world of backcountry adventure.
First, some novice adventurers may simply lack the necessary knowledge base to assemble a properly equipped first aid kit. On the other end of the spectrum, packing an abundance of obscure supplies in place of additional bandages, pain killers or other activity specific equipment can be no less egregious an error. And trust us, when it all hits the fan, you don’t want to be stuck with an improperly stocked kit.
Adventure Medical Kits eliminates the worry of being improperly prepared, and saves you from lugging the entire pharmacy into the wilderness. So all you need to do is pick the kit that fits your adventure, toss it in your pack and go.
Notes from the Field…
Even with the well equipped Adventure Medical Kits, in most instances you’ll want to supplement your first aid package with additional equipment. For example, of the three kits we’ve utilized, none contain a cutting tool or scissors. We also suggest putting your contact information in addition to emergency contacts, insurance numbers, list of illnesses etc on a 3×5 card. Laminate the card and keep it with you or in your medical kit at all times.
In addition to your first aid kit, the inclusion of a ‘bloodstopper’ “QuikClot” is a virtual necessity. QuikClot® is a chemically inert material that speeds coagulation of blood, resulting in a stable clot that stops bleeding. Consider it another vital tool that you should carry to supplement your first aid kit.
Bottom Line…
Fortune favors the prepared adventurer. Adventure Medical Kits offer a perfect choice for hikers and multi-sport athletes that refuses to be let down or weighed down by his or her gear.
*Gumption Gear Review received the product samples featured in this review from Adventure Medical Kits at no cost, and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The items featured were provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.