Things in my first aid kit

One of my items is a space blanket, I purchased a higher end blanket, its bright orange one the outside and has the reflective layer on the inside, these are the better space blankets, they may take a little more space but they are well worth it. Its an improvised shelter, a invaluable tool for hypothermia, and also to help treat shock.
Yup, I dont go into the woods with out it! This stuff does work, but the best treatment is to learn your plants and that way you avoid poison ivy and oak all together. You need to apply this as soon as you can to help stop the reaction. Also make sure you wear gloves to avoid spreading the oils and also cross contamination to other fellow family friends or campers.
This is one kit/pack I would not be with out, main reason is it has QuickClot in it, it also has many other items as well to help in a severe trauma would or issue. NOTE: DO NOT use QuickClot unless you have taken a class or been certified on how to use it. There are tools on their website and resources on the Internet to help you with this. Also be sure to take a first aid class to keep yourself current.
These are cool little packs, has everything you need to treat road rash and those scrapes and cuts you get when you bike ride. Every bike rider should have one on them..
This is my basic little first aid kit, I have expanded on it and have added extra gloves, an emergency whistle several ace bandages and an insect sting treatment. I have also added a CPR mask and mole skin, plus a few extra bandages and hand sanitizer. It also has some OTC meds and I plan on expanding it some more here in the near future.
My kit all folded up, it will barely close. Notice it isnt fancy, just a decent little kit, I have expanded it for my personal needs and you should do the same for yours!!Always be sure to take a first aid course and keep yourself current. I have gone as far as to have my basic and first responder course, I have gotten AED certified and also certified in the use of Celox and QuickClot. These courses cost me nothing but time and the payback is priceless. There really no excuse not to take a first aid class, even if you have to pay a few bucks, the payback is priceless..

The Blackhawk Special Ops Med Pack

OK, this is a pretty cool pack, it is solid built and very comfortable to wear. I have done some short walks with this and I do like it.. I haven't had a chance to really load it and go on a long hike but I will hopefully soon. Its designed as a medical bag, but having played with it it has the serious potential to be a good BOB (Bail Out Bag). I love the MOLLE straps on it, you could load some extra pouches on the outside to expand or specialize your kits, in your BOB. By adding those extra pouches, etc, you do add weight but if your smart about what you add it shouldn't be an issue. I like the fact the interior has webbing and straps as well so you could keep things like flashlights, chem lights and other things stow-able through them closer at hand. Oh,, I got lucky and got this pack for free!!! thanks Pedro!!
Notice the back panel, formed shaped and has vents to allow air to get to your back for cooling. Very comfortable to wear and use. All of the straps and well padded and adjustable to find your comfort zone when wearing it

Lots of interior room for your gear and you can even stow two! 3 liter water bladders in it!! Although I dont recommend it! I would move one to the outside in a MOLLE pouch if you needed that much water at one go.
Notice the zip pockets, designed for your med gear it could hold some various kits that you would stow in your BOB to make access a lot quicker and more organized. First Aid Kit, fire kits, personal hygiene items, or even extra first aid items like I carry. and yes, I always carry extra first aid gear, ice packs, SAM splints, blood stopper kit, and a few extra little items. I have used them to assist people already when out on the trail..Some people just don't think about these things.. I always wonder why...

More MOLLE straps,, I love those things!!!
You can find them at:
http://www.blackhawk.com/
or if you live in San Antonio go to :
http://alamotactical.com/
ask Chris to order one for you! He is a great guy and would be glad to help you.

I look forward to some more Blackhawk gear in the future to try! Great Pack Blackhawk!

23 Oct 11,, Update! Went to Enchanted Rock today and hiked the pack all over the park! Over all it was very comfortable, had some issues with the shoulder straps slipping, but it is new and they haven't gotten ruffed up yet. I had it loaded with about 25 lbs of gear, and I still had plenty of room for some more stuff. It easily also accommodated my 2.5 liter water bladder, and had the straps to hold it up. Dragged it through the rocks and crawl spaces to the cave, didnt go in the cave because of the verticle climb and the fact I am still having major issues with my arm and shoulder. The padding was great! but I did find I retained a little more heat than my duck head across my back. Straps all have ample padding and were very comfortable ! So I am going to say I really like this pack and will do one more good hike with it, maybe Lost Maples!

Fire!!

I am going to go over a few of the fire options I have in my fire kit. One of the things I have used and liked is Maya dust by Light My Fire. Once you get it lite, it will burn really hot for a bit, I think I will try the sticks they have next. You get a snuff size can of this stuff so use it wisely in your tender bundle. Its good for starting fires in slightly damp conditions which is a much needed skill to learn. Down side is you dont get a lot and it does take a little extra heat or spark to get it lite. Once lite though it burns great! Just wish you could get it in a bigger can!

Trioxane, this stuff is the shiznit! It takes a spark real easy and can burn for a long time! I always have this in my pack, in my pyro kit (fire kit). You can use it to start a fire, cook over, heat/cook or purify a cup of water. This is awesome stuff, the only draw back is once you open a packet, the time is ticking, the bars dont store well once opened, so if you open once be sure to use it quickly! this will burn in the damp, wet and even in a mild breeze. you should shield it from the wind and your fire from the wind as well to gain maximum advantage of the heat from the tablets/bars.
Esbit fuel tablets, these work with the Esbit stove, they can also be used as a standalone to help start a fire or placed between some level rocks to cook with or purify water over. Just think of it as a smaller version of a Trioxane tablet.
If you prep or camp, I think this is a must have for any BOB or camp pack. Its super light, small and can pack 4 Esbit bars with in itself when folded. This can heat up a canteen of water to boil temperature with one tablet. The tablet last about 12-15 minutes and you do need to try to protect it from the wind when heating something. It will heat a cup of water in about 6 -8 minutes. These are cool, these are German, these are built to last you IF you treat it right, Get one,, try it, I think you will say Cool as well.
This is the small stove, folded up with 4 fuel tabs in it. You can literally slip this in your pocket and go...
I will add some more pics soon as well as some pics of these in action! Producing FIRE!

The Tomahawk!!

Everyone needs a tomahawk! I fell in love with them after seeing The Last of the Mohican's. I own two tomahawks, a Cold Steel Vietnam Tomahawk and this SOG Tomahawk. They punch through car doors, regular doors, you can cut small trees and brush. You can bring it to a knife fight (and win). I have used these to tear up drums both plastic and metal. I even once wore my Cold Steel out on my H-harness a few times while in the military,, nobody said a thing except one officer, but he didn't count. The troops in the field are carrying them as I write, why? because tomahawks kick ass!
The things I dislike is both of these are not very throw able, Dont throw these! If you want a throwing tomahawk, Cold Steel makes an awesome one. I would also put a lanyard on them, I am a bit paranoid and the SOG has a snap latch that opens down, if you weren't paying attention to your gear you could find it lost very easily and thats not cool! with the lanyard attached you wont worry about loosing it, but you lose the advantage of quick withdraw and deployment. you could add a quick detach somehow to make deployment quicker. I might find a good leather guy and have him make me a sheath that opens from the top. These are alot of fun and on the practical side, they can be used to cut small trees, light brush and vines. They both have a very sharp edge on them and with a little work it could be extremely sharp. So if you have been on the wall I say get one! Get it even just for fun!
you can find them at:
Academy Sports
http://sogknives.com/
http://www.coldsteel.com/

Gerber Exchange a Blade Saw

OK, what can I say< I am a fan of Gerber knives! This is the Gerber Exchange a Blade folding saw. Great piece to add to your camping, hunting or bug out kit. The saw comes with 2 blades, one fine toothed blade and one course tooth blade. The blades easily exchange buy unscrewing the plastic nut and switching the blades out. It also has a blade lock to keep the saw from wacking your fingers off. I have use this saw to cut bamboo both fresh and dried, its a little beast! I have also used it to go through light branches and pieces several inches in diameter with out any real issues. I did find the blade has a tendency to loosen up some during heavy sawing but other than that I have no complaints. The handle is coated with the same rubber material as the Gator, does not slip when your hands start to sweat! I like that, it also makes it very comfortable to use. The carry case will hold both the extra blade and the knife. If the Velcro ever wears out you can find replacement cases or just get a snap kit and add a snap to it. the blades do require a coat of light oil after use to keep them from rusting, but if you care for your equipment you should be doing that anyways! Another great product from Gerber and one I dont go hiking without.
http://www.gerberstore.com/index.php

Red Head back pack

This is my Read Head hiking pack, This is my regular go hike pack. I can really stuff this thing with gear for 2-3 days if I need too. I can and also have it as a stand bye BOB (Bail Out Bag). What I do like most is it has lots of pockets to separate my various things because it helps keep me organized ( I am not a very organized person). I have the pockets designated for different kits or items. The pack also unzips into 2 units, a day pack and a fanny pack so if needed I can use half of it. I like that feature! Should an emergency aride out on the trail I can split the pack and send someone for help or unzip the lower part and make a run for help myself. The many little pockets are great for tender kits, your compass or GPS and any survival/emergency items you may need. The pack also has enough room for a 3 liter water bladder and 2 side pouches that will hold two more 1 liter bottles each. It also has a cool little feature called an arcylite. it is a little light in the main compartment that is magnetically sensitive, when the zipper runs past it it turns on, this is great for low light or night time giving you instant access to light up your pack. zip your pack closed when your done and it will turn it self off. The pack also has a channel down the back portion to allow airflow to help keep your back cool and comfortable. I have hiked this pack 15 miles in a day and have had no discomfort with it. I routinely hike it with 20+ pounds in it, one for extra exercise and two just to see how well the pack is really designed. I did one hike with almost 40 pounds and was very happy with it. Most definitely my favorite pack to hike with. I have owned it about 5 years now and still no complaints.

Gerber Gator Machete!

The Gerber Gator Machete,, what can I say, its friggin monster looking. I LOVE IT! you have a machete on one side and a saw on the other. The blade is very sharp and the saw side is as well. It will cut through some serious brush and the saw side is great for small trees and think bushes. You could make some quick work of a camp site, survival shelter or even zombies with this thing!! The handle is a non slip rubber material that keeps your grip when your hands start to sweat. its Gerber, its well built. What else can I say about it? Just friggin cool cool as piece of man gear. Gerber also makes a mini version of this as well, which is more packable but still as tuff as its big brother. I love this thing! great job Gerber!