Live the Creed Expedition First Aid Kit: Ready for Anything -

Too many people just don’t keep first aid kits on hand. Many underestimate how helpful, or even lifesaving, it can be. Some also have the misconception that a first aid kit is only Band-Aids and antibiotic ointment. A proper first aid kit can make a world of a difference in a worst-case scenario. The Live the Creed Expedition First Aid kit is a well-rounded option to choose instead of building your own — or even as a base for a bigger kit.

Who is the Expedition First Aid Kit made for?

landscape — If you’re an outdoorsman, you have no excuse to not have a proper first aid kit. [Photo credit: Grace Ainsworth]

Generally, this kit is best for two people. If you happen to travel a lot with a partner or friend as a pair, this pack is perfect (and even better if you travel alone since you just have twice the gear). Every item inside was hand-picked by experts with adventurers in mind. If you’re an outdoorsman, this kit will treat a variety of backcountry injuries. The kit is incredibly light and wouldn’t take up too much space in the average backpacking bag. The bulkiest items are the tourniquet and splint wrapped in their own protective plastic, so they can be stored outside of the bag.

Expedition First Aid Kit Contents

This bag covers almost every base. On top of general first aid, this bag was perfectly designed for more extreme injuries. You’re almost assured to be prepared for anything unexpected on your hike or trip.

However, if you live or are traveling to a specific environment with particular threats, consider adding in a few specialized items. For example, I live in Texas, so it would be a good idea to add in a snake bite kit to defend against rattlesnakes (this also goes for if you have personal issues like allergies or asthma — make sure you keep your Epipen or inhaler included in this kit). In addition, consider adding a pair of shears, medical tape, (if you’re in colder environments) hot hands, and an instant ice pack. These items add bulk to the kit though — which is intended to be lightweight — so choose selectively.

expedition first aid kit — Here are the contents of the smaller leakproof bag, showing a lot of the smaller supplies inside. [Photo credit: Grace Ainsworth]

The bag holding the kit itself is a resealable Mylar bag, a material known for its security against elements and insects as well as its strong chemical barrier. So, even if you rehome the first aid kit in a different container, consider keeping the bag rolled up for medical documents or other things you need to keep safe and dry. There is another bag inside that houses the kit’s smaller items. It’s also a 4.7 x 3.875-inch (15 cubic inch volume) resealable bag with a patented leakproof and airtight seal certified waterproof up to 200 feet. It’s even FDA and NSF-approved. It does a great job of holding what’s already in it, but would also be great for other storage needs.

General first aid

Dynarex Emergency blanket
Duct tape
CPR face shield
Everready first aid padded aluminum 24 inch splint
North American Rescue Nitrile gloves
Wound closure strips
Tampon (loose with no applicator)
MEDIpoint Splinter out

Bleeding control

Quikclot bleeding control dressing
Swat Tourniquet
NAR Responder Compressed Gauze (4.5 inches x 4.1 yards)
15 assorted bandages (10 average-sized Band-Aids with five larger Band-Aids)
Two Curity 4×4 Gauze pads
Three Curity 2×2 Gauze pads

Topical

Two Burn gels ( Lidocaine HCL 2%)
Two CareAll Bacitracin Zinc antibiotic ointments
Two Purell sanitizing wipes
Two alcohol prep pads
Two iodine prep pads

Medication

Two Aspirin 2 packs
Two Ibuprofen 2 packs
Two Diphen Allergy packs

Expedition First Aid Kit in the Field

I carry a pretty small bag, a Kavu sling bag, for my hikes. Considering the Kavu’s limited size and abnormal shape, it can be hard to fit extra items inside. I keep a 2L water bladder, my EDC pouch, informational pamphlets, a nature guide, snacks, and pepper spray inside. This typically fills my bag to the brim with little to no wiggle room, as well as already creating a fairly hefty carry. However, I was able to add the Expedition first aid kit easily without straining my bag more by overpacking or straining myself with too much additional weight.

I tend to hike with my partner so we perfectly fit the two-person suggestion for use. Luckily, on the few hikes I went on recently, I didn’t run into major injuries. However, the medication and bandages came in handy for minor issues. Texas, with its stickers and cactus, poses many spiny threats if you don’t watch where you’re walking. Thankfully, most of them won’t be a major concern, but having a Band-Aid and some pain relief on hand for bigger issues is helpful. Even though I didn’t need it, I felt so much better having a proper first aid kit on my person since I admittedly normally have the bare minimum on hand.

expedition first aid kit tourniquette and splint — Quick, easy instructions will come in handy in an emergency and these packages deliver. [Photo credit: Grace Ainsworth]

I noticed the major injury supplies, such as the tourniquet and splint, had instructions on the packaging as well. This is incredibly helpful. However, I recommend getting training on those items, among other basic first aid skills, if those resources are available.

Conclusion

This is a great kit to prepare the average outdoorsman for the potential of threat and injury. It’s important to realize, as terrible as it is, horrible things can happen at any moment. It’s worth the preparation. This kit is not only a great addition to an outdoor trip, but can also be good to simply keep in the car or as a part of a bugout bag. The items chosen to be inside are all high quality. There’s no skimping with cheap options here. Because of this you definitely get your money’s worth for the Live the Creed Expedition First Aid kit (available from GunMag Warehouse for $69.99). It’s worth picking one up.