[pct-l] Re: First Aid Kit

[radney@ix.netcom.com]

Here's our 2 cents worth Bob:

>1.  Does anybody carry a Swiss Army Knife? 
 **Yes, it is invaluable and the smaller the better -- the scissors are one 
of the most important features --for cutting all those moleskins and opening 
packages.  Last year Walt got me my VERY OWN Classic Swiss Army Knife -- 
cuts down on having to borrow his all the time, this seems to be the most 
frequently used by the ultra-light hikers.  
 
>2.  Does anybody carry those miniature butane cigarette lighters?
  **Yes --get the clear ones so you can see the fuel level.  The child proof 
are annoying to get started, but Walt thinks they might help to keep them 
from accidentally discharging fuel in your pack.  Thanks for the idea about 
the velcro -- sounds great and we'll try it out!

>3.  Does anybody carry the "10 essentials" as recommended?
   **Yes -- our pack is essential the 10 essentials. We don't carry them in 
a kit, they are part of our pack -- really!

>4.  How extensive should the first aid kit be?
   **First aid kits tend to be personal -- we are "Geritol" hikers and carry 
antacids when you might not. Pat is into aromatherapy and we use peppermint 
oil for toothpaste and wouldn't be without our Tea Tree Oil (the British to 
use it in their triage during the Crimean War and afterwards) for most of 
our antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral needs.  Pat also used quinine 
for leg cramps.  Wouldn't be without Tylenol PM for those aches and pains at 
bedtime so we could get to sleep.  Exhaustian can either put you to sleep or 
keep you awake. Don't forget the Benadryl and Cortaid anti-itch stick! 
Dental floss -- also used for sewing (a needle helps)and tweezers/comb for 
those Cholla Catcti.  Moleskin, allergy meds, pain pills of choice, in other 
words, your own personal medicine cabinet, or whatever works for you.  

**Between the blister, bug bites, leg cramps, etc. we used our first aid kit 
everyday.  Just make sure you carry it on the outside of your pack where you 
can get at it quickly and don't burying it in the bottom of your pack.


PS--Bob -- your message came attached with a HTML duplicate message at the 
end.  Is there someway you can turn this off?  Hurricane Helen's does this 
too.

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