You should include some flexible plastic, like cling film. In case you have to bandage an arterial or jugular wound, you need something that is impermeable to stop the bleeding. In case of jugular wounds, it's also necessary to stop the heart from sucking air in through the dry end of the severed vein, which could make a bad situation worse.
this post was submitted on 28 Nov 2025
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Interesting, and good advice to be honest.
Question though, how the hell would I pack that in there in any useful way that wouldn't end up sticking half of everything together and make it half impossible to dump the contents out in an emergency?
Looks like there are mini film options, which I didn't know either.
https://www.amazon.com/mini-stretch-wrap/s?k=mini+stretch+wrap
Doesn't have to be cling film. Any flexible, non toxic, non permeable sheet will do. You could cut a square out of bag of chips, and fold it up. Or cut a corner out of those emergency blankets, if you have a spare. They're impermeable to liquid, and ultra thin and lightweight.
In an absolute emergency pinch, I can only imagine that a simple plastic grocery bag would be better than nothing, we tend to keep some in the rear side door pocket in the vehicle.
If an extreme bleeding emergency happens, I guess I'd probably be using the 2x2 inch absorbent sterile pad with compression, while basically hollering to anyone nearby to call 911 and help me find some duct tape and plastic bag or something in the meantime..
Ever used hydrocolloid bandaids? They are the best! Yeah, they're more expensive, and as usual, Band-Aid brand is by far the best. I've used them in the field dozens of times.
Would not use them on puncture wounds and they seal the bacteria in quite nicely. But for surface wounds they're antibacterial and a bandaid all in one.
I actually have used such bandages before, and they're fantastic!
Except one thing, they don't have a good shelf life, the paper wrapper apparently degrades a lot faster ☹️
Not good to store in a first aid kit..
Triangular bandage - like a multitool with many uses
Snake bite compression bandage - if in snake territory
Consider an Epinephrine Injector and a tube of Oral Glucose Gel, depending on how off-grid you are going, or the needs within your travel party.
Good advice 👍
Our main travels are either in my roommate's vehicle, or me alone on my BMX bike. Yes there's snakes around, but I don't venture off far into the woods hardly ever anymore.
You might consider splitting it into two separate containers, one with first aid components (bandaids, etc) and the second with medications (Tylenol, etc).
I'd consider: a tiny packet of crazy glue. Ultra-thin 2-inch blade 
. A small pair of tweezers. A couple restaurant packets of sugar, for diabetics.
I'm not really looking to expand it past the mini single pocket kit I've arranged. My two main risks are between busted knees or busted knuckles, but I also have allergies and occasional belly issues, hence the benadryl and pepto bismol.
But of course I have a little diversity of bandages, along with some medical tape. Hard pressed to fit much else in there though, especially any actual mechanical items.
But.. In my other pocket, I carry a Nextool Card Tool..
https://youtube.com/watch?v=uh1Qu6lcA4E
Yeah it might not be the most functional tool in the world, but it's actually amazingly well made for what it is, and part of my everyday carry.