Hydrocolloid Bandages

“Small first aid kit? Nah. BIG first aid kit. One nasty fall onto a sidewalk or rocky ground and you'll understand why. Try skinning the crap out of both knees (and maybe a hand or elbow) when you're away from home and you'll quickly discover how inadequate those little pre-assembled first aid kits are. First off, you need more and bigger bandages. Not gauze pads so you have to fuss with tape, I mean 2x4" and 4x4" self-stick bandages. I recommend hydrocolloid bandages - a bit pricy but worth it. Carry a _minimum_ of two of each. Get some smaller ones for hand injuries too. Also, test the standard band-aids in the kit and see how well they actually stay on. Premade kits often have cheap junk plastic bandaids. Replace them with more durable fabric bandages.  A whole pack of antibacterial wipes, and more tissues just for the first aid kit. One little antibiotic wipe is *not* going to cut it when you're trying to clean up a bloodied mess, trust me. And it doesn't take a severe wound to make a bloodied mess. Plus you'll need them to clean your hands before and after. Also they're just really useful to have. Speaking of mess, put a few ziplock bags in there to hold any such mess. They're handy for other unexpected things too. (I once used one to carry home a goldfish someone dumped in a puddle in the parking lot.) Considering bringing a few for the electronics in case of a flood/heavy rain situation.  A small tube of triple antibiotic. Yes they have little packets, but that may not be enough. Remember that it can help stop bleeding too, in addition to preventing infection.  An Ace bandage, or two.  Spare doses of any medication you or loved ones likely to be with you might need. I saved a few outings with bestie by carrying doses of her stomach medicine in my first aid kit. Small sharp scissors. The ones in premade kits are usually dull and useless. I use embroidery scissors, but you need steady hands with those because good ones are sharp af. If you opt for embroidery scissors you will need some kind of sheath for them.  Emergency blankets. They're small, cheap, packable, and highly useful.  Emergency rain poncho.  Church-key type can opener. Imagine having plenty of canned food and no can opener. I bought a whole pack of them for my bugout bag as a tradable item.  I'd add a foldable sun hat too. Better to risk looking dorky than wind up with a nasty sunburn on your face and/or neck.  A cooling towel. They are wonderful things to have and you can get a whole pack for cheap. ”