In that case, a stapler may be easier (and more hygienic) to use. I know that Ethicon makes several staplers that are affordable (around $10), that have either 5 or 15 staples, and are fairly compact. mooremedical.com is a good source. It's very hard to keep a sterile field in the boonies - w/ a stapler, you can keep a clean work environment & reduce the risk of bacterial innoculation.

Irrigating w/ treated (potable) water is fine, and at least one study has shown that the results are just as good as irrigation w/ sterile saline (considered the "gold" standard). Application of bacitracin is fine - and you really don't need to apply more often than 2x/day. I would avoid it if the skin appears macerated. Plain soap & water is fine for cleaning a wound as well.

If you ever have the occasion to use a real suture needle, it's much sharper than the average sewing needle (the cutting needles have 3 sharpened edges that work as blades to cut through the skin, making driving the needle much easier).

The best thing you can do is find someone who does this regularly, ask them to show you how to do it properly, and then practice (I used pig's feet in school). A set of "floor grade" instruments is pretty cheap, and you could practice w/ expired sutures (often available cheap off ebay)