If you are a "casual outdoorsman" on weekend camping and hiking trips your needs will be much simpler than if you are going to a remote area without a "911" response.<br><br>If you are a weekender, it is unlikely that you will be able to get too far from help. I would think that it is reasonable to be able to cover minor wounds for staph and strep. Keflex (cephalexin) is a good choice in a generic medication. It is a penicillin cousin and allergy may be an issue.<br><br>If you are going further away, such as to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area or trekking out of the country, then additional problems can be troublesome. I would want a broad spectrum drug that would cover urinary tract, respiratory tract, and travelers diarrhea. A good choice for "below the belt" is Cipro (ciproflaxin). A better choice may be Tequin, one of the newer quinolone antibiotics. The added advantage of Tequin is that there is no risk of photosensitivity reactions as there is in Cipro.<br><br>Regarding pain medications, it is unlikely that there is sufficient risk of injury to warrant the cost and need for security of an injected narcotic for weekend trips. I would take them, because I have them in the office. For a layman, the issue is more complicated. Not impossible, but more complicated. <br><br>For remote trips, an injected narcotic is a needed addition. I would avoid being sidetracked with claims that Toradol is as effective in pain relief as a narcotic. It ain't so.<br><br>There is an excellent reference on remote medical kits in "Management of Wilderness and Environmental Emergencies" by Paul Aurebach.<br><br>Good luck!<br><br>Jeffery S. Anderson, M.D.<br><br>