The Ultralight Hunter WHAT’S IN MY FIRST AID KIT?

I used to head to the tops with my parka tied around my waist and nothing more than a belt with my sheath knife on it and a tiny leather pouch containing some extra rounds of ammo.

Another small pouch held a few plasters and some tape, along with an old bandage that smelt musty.

Over time I ceased being stupid-light and became more prepared for all sorts of ‘what-if’ scenarios and therefore the amount of gear I carried increased. But now I’m not so ignorant and find myself again adopting a minimalist approach with the gear I carry…including what I have with me for first aid requirements as a solo hunter.

Let’s flash back to a hunt over a weekend in the North Canterbury high country a long time ago. I’d made the tops in the late evening and was gaining altitude so as to sidle around and get a look into a basin that I