How is that different from a camelbak backpack?

You can put it in any backpack, especially in some colorfull and non military looking ones...

Construction, huh? Some first-aid equipment would be good. This QuikClot stuff looks really cool, I plan to get some in the near future. Here are a couple URLs:

• http://www.quikclot.com/
• http://www.bestglide.com/quikclotpage.htm

Being able to stop bleading from a carotid or femoral artery is impressive.

Steve

Be sure to know what you are doing. Don't let the wind blow the powder in your eyes or let the powder come in contact with water. Apparently the powder reacts with water and gets HOT, hot enough to cause burns. It does not cause burns when in contact with blood. The Tactical Med section at the Lightfighter Forum has a thread going for more details.
The stuff does work, but do some research first. It comes in 3 small envelopes or 1 large. The 3 small should be fine for non "battle" uses.
Dave

Please see Journal of Trauma Aug. 04. Also after re-reading over at LF, a heat reaction does occur when in contact with blood, just not hot enough to cause burns. There also seems to be some controversy in the US Military. The Army may have stopped useing it, but the Navy has not. It was also suggested that the 1st time anyone use QuickClot, it not be on a "real Patient".

Got to run, Dave

Terrorists come in all flavors these days. In Latin America there are several anti government groups, pro government paramilitary groups, simple criminal cartels and corrupt government elements. Your best information will be the U.S. Consulate with advisories. On my one excavation in Guatamala we were told emphatically no military looking clothing. I had this rabidly political friend who gifted me with a scarlet red t shirt of Che' Guevara. I don't wear t shirts and think less of Che', but I wore it under my normal shirt to placate her. The patchouli reacted badly when her body chemistry got going. So I'm out one day wandering about and fall in with a group of insurrectos convinced I was C.I.A. with my military haircut, faded khakis and USCG reserve I.D. card. I was searched. Che' was revealed. An english speaking member showed up and sorted things out. All was well. I gave it as a gift when they warned me the military would shoot me if caught wearing it. My friend was so mad I connected with comrades in the class struggle her dreadlocks untangled from excess electrical brain activity. I noticed one of our local helpers bore a striking resemblance to one of my new amigos. He grinned under his hat and wispered "venceremos." In my field journal I noted living a moment from my favourite movie TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE and changing my graduate thesis to something in North America <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

From everything I understand about quick clot, you should try to control bleeding through conventional methods first and foremost.

Pile on the 4x4's, apply pressure, elevate, and squeeze a pressure point.

This will control 99.99999% of bleeding you'll likely ever encounter. However, if you get into a case when traditional blood control will not stop the bleeding (an artery rupture, traumatic amputation of a limb, etc) then quick clot may be appropriate.

Too many people think it's the cats meow, and without even doing much research, they purchase it and intend to use it without even considering traditional blood control methods, and that could cause more harm than good. The side effect of burns are acceptable, but only if it's that or death IMO.

You should, for sure, set up a decent first aid kit. Consider where you are in Honduras- in your location, how fast is medical assistance? This wll determine the course of action you need to take. In some places, medical help may be days away.

A good medics bag will go a long way, assuming you are trained in at least basic first aid.

Cliff, CamelBak has an entire line of hydration packs that look very non military. Bright colors, the whole shebang. Check out their website.

The best thing to do if you're concerned with the possibility of terrorist threats is to ask the rest of your group and see if anyone has been to central america before. They can give you a world of information which really helps when considering what to pack <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Cliff--

This is second hand advice from my in-laws, who've made multiple, missions-related trips to Honduras: don't wear much, if any jewelry. Wedding band is OK; more rings, or flashy necklaces will likely get you robbed.

My mother-in-law habitually wore a modest gold necklace, of about 1/2" width; others with her were similarly adorned. She & some other ladies were concerned by the behaviour of a shopkeeper, who kept contriving reasons to keep them in his shop. When their local friend returned, the shop keeper spoke to him, & he then explained to the group that the locals loitering outside the door had noticed the gold, & were waiting for them to leave, at which point they planned to "grab & run", with no regard for inflicting injuries.

They then either tucked the chains inside their clothing, or removed it to pockets or purses, either of which made it more difficult simply to snatch. Their jewelry was quite understated here at home, but literally shone like gold in Honduras.

BTW, unless they've built a new one, I hear the airport in Tegucigalpa (if that's where you're headed) is, um, interesting, to say the least. Something about a canyon at one end, & a mountain face at the other...

Best of luck on your trip.

David

I agree strongly with Chris. We americans have a poor understanding of what it is like to live in places where there is military activity. Be very wary of projecting a "pro" anything persona. People will not be open about their political position except in very unusual circumstances. If they say the wrong thing they can get killed. Not immediatly, but later. It is a daunting threat. Keep your head down.

If you are in an area where you are truly dependent on carrying your water supply for the day, consider carrying a second container of water with at least a quart or so. Hydration systems are nice but they fail. And because it is on your back, you might not notice as the water will evaporate quickly as it wicks thru your gear. Then you have a bad suprise.

I no longer use hydration systems except in the safest of locations. I carry 3 water containers. One 2 liter and two 1 liter flasks. All are military surplus and can be handled roughly without failure. You can not carry military items so I suggest the Cycolac or other very tough plastic containers usually wide mouthed in variour colors. After you purchase one, fill it with water and throw it hard on the ground. Better to see it fail now then later when you fall on it. All of this sounds like overkill. However, after having a very bad day in the desert, I have become obsessive about water.