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TRAIL TIPS

In Central Washington, experiencing the outdoors is in our nature. We are committed to inspiring your love and appreciation for the natural world, but we also aim to help you protect and care for it, as well as stay safe as you explore it. We’re happy to help you discover your passion for the wilderness, learn how to navigate it safely, improve your on-trail experience, and lessen your impact on the places you love for adventurers of the present and future.

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Carry First Aid

A first aid kit is one of the essentials you should always take on a hike, and it’s especially important on an overnight backpacking trip. Some of the items inside you’ll use fairly regularly and should be replaced often, while others are rarely used but may be critical in an emergency. Organize and waterproof your kit with small resealable bags and plastic bottles. You can also include other commonly used items in your first aid kit: lip balm, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small roll of duct tape.

This checklist is by no means comprehensive, but a basic overnight first aid kit may benefit from the following items:

• Aloe vera gel – Found in packets or small bottles for relief of minor burns.

• Antihistamines – For relief of pollen allergies or to reduce reaction to bites and stings.

• Antiseptic towelettes – For cleaning small wounds.

• Bandages – Assorted sizes for small cuts, blisters, etc.

• Cotton swabs – For removing foreign objects from the eye or applying antibiotic ointment.

• Gauze roll – Holds dressing in place.

• Hydrocortisone cream – Relieves skin irritation from bites, poison oak, stings, or allergic reactions.

• Multi-use tool or knife – Should include a knife and scissors.

• Pain relievers, including Aspirin and Ibuprofen – Provides relief for minor aches and pains, reduces fever, helps reduce inflammation of sprains and other injuries.

• Sterile dressing pads – To apply pressure to a wound and stop bleeding.

• Antibiotic ointment – For application to wounds. Vaseline can also be used.

• Tweezers – For removing splinters, ticks, and removing debris from wounds.
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