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One of the "ten essentials" for any hike, the first-aid kit is often neglected because, thankfully, it's little used. Hikers need to make sure they have a kit that is suitable for their pursuit both in terms of contents and quantity and that their kit is refreshed regularly to replace damaged or out-of-date supplies. This article addresses those four issues.

~ PICK THE KIT ~

Several companies make pre-assembled first-aid kits for hikers and backpackers. Atwater Carey and Adventure Medical are two prominent examples. The nice thing about a pre-assembled kit is that all the hard work is done for you. The kits are much more compact than you or I could put together and much more economical than buying all the supplies separately. Each company makes several different sizes and configurations depending on the duration of your pursuit and the number of people participating. These kits range in price from $20 to $200.

Duration is the first factor to keep in mind when choosing a kit. Basic kits are great for day hikes, but once you take the step to an overnight, your first-aid needs become exponentially more complex. Statistically, there's a great chance you won't need your first-aid kit. However, the longer you are out, those favorable statistics deteriorate significantly. Longer trips require that you plan both for more serious injuries and longer evacuation times. Both issues increase the complexity of your kit.

Quantity is the second factor to keep in mind when choosing a kit. This factor is affected both by the duration of the trip and the number of people taking it. One injury can deplete your kit's contents quickly. Hikers need to prepare for this by either having a larger, better stocked kit or by making sure each trail partner has their own kits. As long as one participant has a kit with the more complex items, the remaining hikers can get away with basic kits to take care of the more common ailments such as blisters, burns, minor cuts, headaches and diarrhea.

If you want to make your own kit, there are lots of places to get information on contents. First, the websites for each of the above-mentioned companies contains a content list for each of their products. The hardest item to duplicate is the small first-aid manuals that the pre-assembled kits include. What you don't want to do is take a detailed first-aid book with you and have to thumb through it while you or your trail partner is suffering. Your first aid manual will also include lists for various first

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