Experiencing an injury on a mountain bike ride is one of the very real possibilities we face in the sport. Injuries happen, sometimes when we least expect them. Like carrying an extra tube in the event of a flat tire, having a first aid kit can make a huge difference in treating a bite or sting, or wiping the dirt and sweat out of a gash and wrapping it so you can make it back to the trailhead.
Bonus question for the comments: What have you found is the most useful item in your kit?
I am amazed at how little medical supplies MTBs carry. I have a pretty extensive kit and mostly use it on other people.
The 2 important pieces I carry are a 6″ ace wrap and a blood clotting pad. The ace wrap can be used to make a splint, to support a broken collarbone or to put pressure on a bleeding wound, with the blood clotting pad if necessary.
When riding with kids band aids work wonders
I was thinking it’s silly that kits have so many small band aids in them. With kids though, band aids are totally a psychological tool. 🙂
That makes sense. You’re either going to have a serious injury (fracture or laceration) or a boo boo.
Ibuprofen is all. Flesh wounds are a non-issue for a few hours unless there’s serious bleeding. And if so, the pic above won’t help. Just use a jersey.
Triangular bandage.
I don’t, but I know I should.
I have a quick clot wrapped in athletic tape I keep in the pack I take on bigger rides.