In the process of reorganizing my backpack I realized that I have entirely too many first aid kits. My first aid kit is as big as my hammock or cooking kit.

I need to seriously down size.

It appears that my kit should be divided into two parts. One part is a true first aid group and the other is more a group of items that I regularly need/use.

Group 1

4x4 Pads
Neosporin
Elastic Bandage
Safety Pins
duct tape


Group 2

Imodium
Advil
Asprin
Benadryl
nail clippers
Tweezer
Insect Repellent
Vasoline



I would appreciate suggestions on what to add or delete.

PS -- I almost forgot. I have heard mixed things about the sawyer extraction kit, Should I keep carrying it. I have used it for spider bites and I always thought it helped but I don't really know.

Thanks in advance

My everyday FAK

My outdoor FAK

I am confused <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />. Are you carrying this around in everyday circumstances or is this more of a BOB kit?

I am retired and don't really distinguish between my BOB and everyday carry. I have a small backpack that I keep in my car and when I leave the car I grab the bag. So it is EDC but as the same time everyday I am in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park fishing or walking.

A few things I can recommend:
surgical tape
exam gloves
Bloodstopper dressing
pvp wipes or 1 oz vial
benzocaine wipes (Insect sting relief)
moleskin

You do have a knife or a multi-tool, right?

Are there any significant advantages to using surgical tape over duct tape?

Thanks in advance for your input

I haven't tried duct tape but it would depend on several factors:

1. Which grade of surgical tape? It comes in everything from fancy msaking tape to cloth w/ white adhesive that won't come off easily until you take it off and then you still have to get some of the adhesive off.
2. What environment will it be in? Skinned knee on hiking trip or working on rescue crews in a flood?
3. How often will the dressing need to be changed? The answer for this one will also have an impact on 4.
4. How large and how hairy is the site you stick it to? The duct tape will have a better chance of staying stuck but you may wish it hadn't when you go to remove it. <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

I always like to have a few plain old Bandaids in a couple of sizes. I realize that you can do the same with 4x4's and tape, but for simple owwies bandaids are easier, at least for me...

I like 3M Durapore tape. Its very tough (won't tear easily), made of cloth and sticks very well.
I think the major advantage of surgical tape over duct tape, is that it is more pliable and will conform to the shape of the injured area better.