A first aid kit for a day hikes isn't enough when climbing steep, remote terrain. In mountaineering, conditions change quickly. Weather, altitude, terrain, and isolation raise the stakes--so a properly stocked medical kit is part of your basic gear, just like your rope, stove, or GPS. It's about getting prepared.
WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR MOUNTAINEERING MEDICAL KIT
Here's a list of recommended items that balance weight, functionality, and the types of injuries or situations you might face during a climb.
1. Wound Care Supplies
- Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
- Sterile gauze pads and adhesive tape
- Antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment
- Hydrogel or blister pads
- Tweezers and a small pair of trauma shears
- Saline solution or wound wash
2. Medication (Check Expiry Dates)
- Pain relief: ibuprofen or paracetamol
- Antihistamine for allergic reactions
- Anti-nausea medication (especially useful for altitude)
- Antidiarrhoeals and rehydration salts
- Personal prescriptions, stored in a waterproof pouch
3. Support Items
- Elastic bandage (crepe roll)
- Finger splint or SAM splint (compact and lightweight)
- Cold pack (instant type)
- Gloves (non-latex)
- CPR face shield
- Thermal blanket
4. Instruments & Tools
- Compact thermometer
- Folding knife with a locking blade (note: ensure it complies with local knife laws)
- Safety pins
- Headlamp or small torch
- Waterproof zip bags for organisation
- Notebook and pencil for recording incidents
KIT ORGANISATION TIPS
Pack items in clearly labelled compartments. Some climbers group items by use: trauma, medication, minor cuts, and tools. Using a bright, durable pouch makes the kit easy to find in your pack. Lightweight, waterproof materials help in keeping everything dry and usable.
RESTOCKING AND REVIEWING
Before each trip, check your kit: replace expired medications, refill used supplies, and consider the specific climb. Will you be gone for days or weeks? Is the group large or small? Is it a familiar track or a remote route? Tailor your kit accordingly.
ADDITIONS FOR MULTI-DAY CLIMBS
- Water purification tablets or filters
- Eye wash ampoules
- Burn gel or burn dressings
- Spare headlamp batteries
- Small roll of duct tape (for gear repairs or medical improvisation)
CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE AUSTRALIAN TERRAIN
Australia's ranges, from the Victorian Alps to the Snowy Mountains and beyond, come with their own challenges. Dehydration, snake bites, sudden weather changes--your kit needs to be ready for more than just cuts and scrapes.
While a personal locator beacon (PLB) isn't part of the first aid kit itself, it should be part of your overall emergency plan. And always let someone know your route and expected return time.
PRE-ASSEMBLED KITS VS DIY KITS
Pre-assembled mountaineering first aid kits are available online, including compact options with essentials only, or more extensive versions for group use. Some come in weatherproof cases designed for rugged used.
A well-prepared medical kit doesn't just to sit in your pack. Conditions in Australian wildeness can be unpredictable. You gear might not weigh much, but the right medical supplies can mean everything when the unexpected happens.