I’ve found that a small medical kit can make a huge difference in comfort on a trip. I can’t tell you the number of times a first aid kit has saved me! You don’t need to leave first aid supplies at home just because you travel with a personal item. You just need a tiny kit that works with a personal item. The key is knowing what to pack.

First aid kits are a place where people pack their fears. You’ll even see travel first aid kits that have things like tourniquets and sutures! The irony of these kits is that the owner doesn’t even know how to use the contents. So why are they carrying that extra weight and bulk? We need to remember that most places have doctors and pharmacies. You won’t need extensive first aid items unless you are backpacking in wilderness. Travel first aid kits should focus on items you actually use during travel.

When creating a personal item first aid kit, you need to consider that:

• It is not designed for all scenarios, just the more common ones you’ll find during urban travel.
• It is not intended for long term medical issues. It is intended as a way to keep you comfortable until you get to the pharmacy or doctor. I plan for three days of supplies (across a weekend).
• It is personalized for you and your specific needs.

Knowledge gained from a wilderness medicine class is also useful for travel. Many of the scenarios are similar, especially in developing countries. I’d strongly recommend taking a wilderness first aid class as well as carrying a kit. Knowledge has zero weight or bulk! On top of that, you can do more with less. Wilderness first aid classes are great at improvising solutions.

My own first aid kit is designed for my travel activities. I like to hike, so included blister prevention. I have allergies, so bring along medication for any allergic reactions. I also have a sensitive stomach. My kit focuses on these scenarios.

In short, my kit is designed for the things that are most likely to happen during one of my trips:

• Wound management
• Occasional blisters
• Headaches
• Upset digestion (either end)
• Colds

I include diphenhydramine (Benadryl) in my kit because of my allergies. I occasionally (rarely) use the diphenhydramine as a sleeping pill when changing time zones. It keeps me from waking up fully at 3 AM.

Some key ingredients in my kit are drug blister packs. These create a moisture barrier to protect the drug from humidity. They also contain the drug if it gets crushed. In an emergency you can always lick the drug out of the package!

Drug packs make it very easy to bring small amounts of medicine. They have the appropriate labeling for immigration as well as expiration dates. One can create a small kit when combining the drug packs with bandages and other first aid items. it all fits into a small pouch.

Some things, like liquids, still need to go into the liquids bag. Fortunately, both hydrocortisone cream and antibacterial ointment are available in small single use packets. These are much smaller and lighter than the smallest tubes of the product. One can go to a pharmacy later if more product is needed. I usually carry around three packets of each drug.

I also bring a few extra items that can be used in an emergency. For example, I wrap duct tape around my water bottle. This can be used as a bandage in extreme situations. On one trip I made a splint out of duct tape! I also carry dental floss and a sewing kit. This is usually used for repairing tears in my luggage or packing cubes.

My tiny first aid kit and emergency items fit into the smallest of packs. One doesn’t have to leave comfort at home just because you travel with a personal item. Just make it smaller and lighter! How will you personalize your kit?