A first-aid kit for trekking: 12 items, 300 grams

The three most common problems in the mountains are blisters, sprains and cuts. A first-aid kit should be built around those first.

The list

1. Plasters in various sizes
2. Blister-specific plasters (if available)
3. A sterile bandage, one
4. An elastic bandage (for sprains) — one of the most important items
5. Antiseptic wipes or a small bottle
6. A painkiller (the one you personally use)
7. An antihistamine
8. Your own prescription medication — with two days' reserve
9. Scissors or a small knife
10. Tweezers (for thorns and ticks)
11. A pair of disposable gloves
12. An emergency blanket (foil) — 40 grams, and it holds your temperature during an unexpected delay

All of it fits in a zip-lock bag, roughly 300 grams.

The three most common situations

Blisters. Stop as soon as you feel redness and apply a plaster. If fluid has gathered, do not burst it — cover it with a soft plaster.

Sprains. Take the weight off the foot, wrap it in an elastic bandage and apply cold if possible. If you cannot put weight on it, tell the group leader immediately.

Cuts. Wash, clean with antiseptic, dress. For a deep cut the first step is pressure to stop the bleeding.

Also worth knowing

Ticks. They occur in season in humid forests (Hirkan, the Talysh routes). Grip the tick with tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull straight up without twisting. Pouring oil or alcohol on it is not recommended.

Snakes. Venomous species exist in Azerbaijan, but attacks are rare. The rule: when you see a snake, move away and do not try to kill it — most bites happen exactly then. If bitten: stay calm, do not cut or suck the wound, do not apply a tourniquet, and get to medical help immediately.

Heatstroke. Headache, nausea, dry skin. Move into the shade, give water and salt, cool the neck and wrists.

The most important item is not on the list

The group leader's phone number and a next-of-kin number — visible on your phone's lock screen. That information can be read even when the phone cannot be unlocked.

For changing mountain weather: Weather in the mountains.