Bruce Z..92 days!!..do you have a link to a blog or something about that?.

I know that this item is something I will probably never need. However if I ever run across someone who needs CPR(not necessarily my hiking partner), chances are it won't be a pretty sight- I'm talking blood, vomit, etc. I'd hate to have to choose between performing cpr and someone with a messy trauma(possibly to the face), and denying care. I'm not very squeamish, but I remember enough pictures from training that I never want to face that dilemma.

I used to also think that CPR in the backcountry is pointless, and most of the time that's probably true. But apparently(from what I'm told) the exception is when someone is struck by lightning, in which case it is possible to perform CPR and have the patient spontaneously recover. And lightning is a very real possibility in the backcountry, especially near the tops of mountains.

You made some great points, and I've already removed some of those items, and I'm sure I'll make more adjustments to my gear in general on the trail. Again I'll post an updated inventory soon.



While writing this post, I just came up with an interesting idea, that either brilliant or really stupid: I had already decided to skip the sawyer extractor, but it just occurred to me that my water filter is a pump which can produce fairly strong suction! I could just bring along the tips from the sawyer extractor, and by attaching it to the water filter tubing where the prefilter normally goes, I have an instant suction device that is probably at least as strong as the sawyer. I think the tips are the perfect size to fit the tubing, but I'll have to experiment to make sure.

There are 2 drawbacks I see to this:
1- this would require at least 2 hands to use, so may not work for self-aid,
2- because of contamination issues with the water filter, This should probably only be done for a life-threatening snakebite or scorpion bite, and not for more minor insect stings that the sawyer could potentially be used for.

There is another drawback. Suction doesn't work (I know that sucks). At least that is my understanding. Case studies show that suction is ineffective. The best course is to remain as immobile as possible and get to an ER (contradictory, I know). Most snakebites are not life-threatening; scorpion stings are even less so - the only fatalities I know of were to very young children.

If you use even minimal precautions (avoid placing your hands and feet in areas you can't see) and you are not deliberately messing with the critters, your chances of being struck by lightning exceed those of being snake bitten.

Ineffective after 3 minutes
Sawyer Extractor Test - ETS Forums
http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=142543

If you hike by yourself and don't pack a signaling mirror, I would suggest carrying one in your first aid pack. I fell near the top of a 14,000 foot peak some time ago and cut my chin. The mirror allowed me to see what I was doing as I cleaned the wound and applied several butterfly bandages. It eventually took 7 sutures to treat the injury and the emergency room physician complimented me on how well I had applied the bandages.

I also find a mirror handy for removing debris from the eye when no one else is available to assist.

I remember someone doing a survey ow AT through hikers and what they carried. Might be a very useful resource for what is necessary and what works.

TRO

PS PLB? Its great insurance.

Off the top of my head, my FAK is VERY short-but, seeing as it will likely be for nothing more than minor cut repair, it neednt be a trauma kit:

A handful of bandages, regular size, and a few knuckle ones
Some cloth tape
Alcohol wipes
Compression gauze
A few large gauze bandages
Nitrile gloves

All of that fits in a ziplock bag. I also have a small sewing kit & a SAK in there. Thats it. If I break a leg, or twist an ankle, I cannot fix either, and I dont really need to carry items to deal with those things.

You are looking at blisters, small cuts, scrapes, and possibly burns, as your likliest of injuries. Unless you're a medic, you will likely not need 90% of the stuff in a FAK.

I also take some meds too; Advil, and allergy meds, as appropriate. All OTC stuff.

Remember, you are performing FIRST aid-the idea is that you prevent FURTHER damage until you can get to someone who can fix you

Sunscreen / Dug dope

To return to the OP's question: Just remember that every time you use your FAK, it gets lighter. That, combined with blood and tissue loss can easily result in net savings of 4 oz or even more.

These are significant quantities to an ultralight fanatic, believe me.

Mostly my FAK for short hikes and car camping has amounted to a few handkerchiefs, moleskin, and some OTC meds. Duct tape is already present so no need for any medical tape.

These days I am thinking I might add to that some, but not by all that much. IMO, a normal FAK should fit in a sandwich size zip lock bag. If it does not, then you have too much stuff.

But, that's just my opinion, FWIW, and I am a guy that would bring a thermos of coffee with him on a 2 or 3 hour hike.