Hi
This post is a mix of a Gear review and also a gentle reminder to stay safe on the trails and mountains, this time of year lots of people get out there many for first time. It is nice to have all the new shiny, flash gear of new running shoes/boots, waterproofs and warmers and Hydration gear but its worth spending a little money on gear for if anything goes wrong not just for you but maybe you might come across someone else who needs it!
I'm not going write a full list here of what I carry (that's for another post) but 2 things if your out for any length of time especially in remote conditions are an emergency Blanket/Bag and a first aid kit. I've just updated mine so thought I'd write this post.
First Aid Kit
I've just updated my small first aid kit I carry on long runs or on the mountains to a Lifesystems Pocket first aid kit it costs £10.99. I chose this as has most bits you'll need in emergency in a sturdy case plus enough space in the case to pop in and other bits I may want add.
I'm very pleased with the kit, size is what I wanted and the contents seems quality not cheap stuff going fail when you need it! some of the cheaper kits out there the actual contents are useless!. the contents list from Lifesystems is
General
- 1 x Primary Care Leaflet
- 1 x Tweezers
- 1 x Scissors (5.5cm Blade)
- 6 x Safety Pins
Bandages
- 1 x White Open Woven Bandage 7.5cm x 5m
- 1 x Crepe Bandage 5cm x 4.5m
Preparations, Disposables & Tapes
- 1 x Savlon Antiseptic Cream (15g Tube)
- 5 x 4-Ply Gauze Swabs 5 x 5cm
- 1 x Micropore Tape 1.25cm x 5m
- 3 x Hygienic Cleansing Wipes
Dressings
- 1 x Low Adherent Dressing 5 x 5cm
- 1 x Pack of Assorted Plasters.
Light & Dry Bivvy Bag
Next up is the Light and Dry Bivvy Bag, now this basically a reusable emergency thermal blanket but its been pre sealed into a bag form to give you a waterproof emergency shelter that retains body heat, I've used the more basic type thermal blankets in the past(space blankets as a lot call them), but I've decided to upgrade to one that can be reused and provide better cover as if things do go wrong with this you just get yourself in rather than trying mess about if in windy conditions and blanket blowing off you!
once arrived got it out and gave it once over, its large enough for me (6ft 14.7 stone) and although light weight seems robust enough as and emergency cover until help arrives. It comes in carry sack too.the Light and Dry Bivvy Bag bag costs £14.99, but again I have seen some of the cheap emergency blankets pretty much rip apart first time someone unfolds them, or if your cold the last thing you want do is try wrap a blanket around your self and try keep it there when blowing about in the wind!
In this country we are lucky to have some great emergency services and mountain rescue etc but you still need give yourself and maybe someone else a chance for them to get to you if things go wrong, and sometimes just make yourself more comfortable is you have a minor scrape or cut etc.
if you want more info both products and lots more choices a can be found at the Folks at Lifesystems Website:
https://www.lifesystems.co.uk/
enjoy yourselves out there but stay safe!
Gareth (TheTryAth)
