While no one wants to use a first aid kit, it is an essential accessory on any hike. The typical first aid kit will address any number of small scrapes or bruises you may run into during your travels. However, they are usually ill equipped for any serious injury.
I ran across QuikClot in a trade magazine and was intrigued. The company claims that this product will quickly form a clot over any major wound, stopping the blood loss. The clot can then be removed by a doctor when medical attention is possible. Without getting into too much of the science behind the product (for that, you can go here), QuikClot works by removing water from the blood it comes in contact with. The remaining blood then clots much quicker than it would otherwise.
QuickClot sport sells for $9.95 for the smaller version or $19.95 for the larger version. I plan on adding one to my personal first aid kit just in case the worst happens. More information about QuikClot is available here.
