Staying Safe: How to Create a Backcountry Med Kit that Could Save Your Life

Beyond Bandages: How to Create a Backcountry Med Kit that Could Save Your Live

As public lands across the country face increasing budget cuts, the strain on National Park and Forest Service staff—and on Search and Rescue teams—is growing. That means one thing: self-reliance in the backcountry is more important than ever.

Whether you're heading out for a short day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip, this free 90-minute class will teach you how to build a lightweight, effective first aid kit that could make all the difference in an emergency. You’ll learn how to treat common trail injuries, which medications to bring (and why), and how to pack your kit so it’s there when you need it most—without weighing you down.

This is not a substitute for a WFA or WFR course, but it will leave you feeling more confident, informed, and prepared to help yourself or someone else if help is delayed or unavailable.

We'll talk about:

• What to carry in a smart, streamlined backcountry first aid kit

• How to treat blisters, minor wounds, sprains, and more
• Tips for foot care and preventing common injuries
• Which medications to pack—and how to store them
• How to organize your kit for speed and efficiency
• When to call for help (and how to communicate in the backcountry)

This class is ideal for solo hikers, trip leaders, backpacking beginners, and anyone who wants to feel empowered—not panicked—if something goes wrong in the wild.

About Your Instructor:

Allison Tapert, Wilderness First Responder

Allison Tapert is a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and the Events Coordinator for Kula Cloth. As a WFR for the past four years, she’s trained to respond to medical emergencies in remote settings and is passionate about sharing practical, trail-tested knowledge with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

Allison has led hikes, backpacking and snowshoe trips for both Kula Cloth and Pacific Northwest Outdoor Women. She’s climbed Glacier Peak, Mt. Baker, and Mt. St. Helens, completed a 75-mile section of the Pacific Crest Trail, and thru-hiked the Enchantments six times in the past three years. With hundreds of trail days under her belt and nearly a decade of service as a Park Commissioner, she brings a blend of experience, enthusiasm, and deep respect for public lands to everything she does.

In this class, her goal is to help everyday hikers and backpackers build the confidence and tools they need to stay safe and self-reliant in the wilderness.