When most people think about a first aid kit, the basics come to mind: plasters, antiseptic wipes, bandages, painkillers. While these are essential, they barely scratch the surface when it comes to real-life preparedness, especially if you're spending time outdoors, at a UKSN camp, or with your Charter in the field.

Whether you're wild camping in the Lakes, hiking across the Moors, or enjoying a weekend at a UKSN event, you never quite know what nature (or your own body) might throw at you. This is why a truly capable first aid kit should go beyond the basics.

In this article, we’ll explore five highly effective but often overlooked first aid items that every UKSN member should consider packing. These are practical, legally compliant, and suitable for family-friendly environments. The best part? They’re all available in your local chemist, supermarket or even Amazon.

TCP (Liquid Antiseptic)

What it is: TCP is a classic British antiseptic solution that has stood the test of time. With its unmistakable medicinal scent, it's often overlooked in favour of modern antiseptic wipes and creams—but that’s a mistake.

Why you need it: TCP is incredibly versatile. It can be used to cleanse cuts, grazes, bites and stings, helping to prevent infection even in the middle of nowhere. Unlike wipes, it can be diluted with clean water and used over larger areas, which is ideal if you’re treating a more substantial injury or multiple people. It also works as a mouthwash (diluted) for sore throats and gum infections, something that might be a godsend if you're off-grid for a few days.

How to use it:

• Apply undiluted to a cotton pad to disinfect cuts and abrasions.

• Dilute a small amount in water to gargle with for sore throats.

• Dab on insect bites to relieve itching and prevent infection.

Top Tip: Keep it in a small dropper bottle in your kit to avoid spills and make it easier to apply in the field.

Sudafed Blocked Nose Spray (Nasal Decongestant)

What it is: A fast-acting decongestant nasal spray that relieves nasal congestion due to colds, allergies, or sinus issues. Containing xylometazoline hydrochloride, it shrinks the blood vessels in the nose to reduce swelling and open up airways.

Why you need it: You may be wondering why a cold remedy is in a first aid kit. But if you've ever had a blocked nose when trying to sleep outdoors, you’ll know how miserable it can be. Congestion affects your breathing, sleep, and energy levels, all critical in an outdoor or survival setting.

Even more importantly, in colder months or during wet UK weather, nasal congestion can develop quickly. Sudafed spray can clear things up in seconds and allow you to rest properly, which is vital for recovery and maintaining morale in a camp setting.

How to use it:

• One or two sprays in each nostril every 8–10 hours.

• Works best when head is tilted slightly back.

• Should not be used for more than 7 consecutive days.

Top Tip: Store it upright and protect it from freezing temperatures to ensure the spray mechanism continues to work smoothly.

Silicolgel (Silica Gel for Digestive Relief)

What it is: Silicolgel is a natural colloidal silica gel that treats upper gastrointestinal problems such as heartburn, reflux, indigestion, bloating, and nausea. It's available in liquid form and works by coating the stomach lining, reducing irritation and binding toxins and gases.

Why you need it: Let’s face it: outdoor cooking, unfamiliar water sources, or even nerves can all take a toll on your stomach. If you're away from home and the nearest loo is a compost toilet two fields away, any gastrointestinal discomfort can turn into a real problem.

Silicolgel provides fast, drug-free relief and doesn’t cause drowsiness or side effects, making it a great option for family camping trips or Charter weekends.

How to use it:

• Take one tablespoon (15ml) 3 times daily, one hour before meals.

• Can also be taken at the first sign of symptoms.

• Shake well before use and follow with water.

Top Tip: Buy the small pouches instead of the bottle to make it more travel-friendly, without sacrificing your stomach’s safety.

Microporous Zinc Oxide Tape

What it is: A soft, breathable adhesive tape often used in sports medicine. Unlike regular medical tape, zinc oxide tape is strong, durable, and sticks well to skin even during sweaty, active days.

Why you need it: Blisters are one of the most common issues in bushcraft and hiking environments. Applying zinc oxide tape to pressure points before a blister forms can save you hours (or even days) of discomfort. It also works brilliantly to secure dressings in place, support minor sprains, and protect minor wounds in hard-to-dress areas like fingers and toes.

How to use it:

• Wrap around toes or heels to prevent rubbing before a long hike.

• Use to tape a gauze pad in place securely.

• Apply over joints to give light support to minor strains.

Top Tip: Pack a small roll in your pocket or fire kit—it's feather-light and can double up as an emergency gear repair tool (think ripped kit or loose tent pole joints).

Sterile Eye Wash Pods

What it is: These are small, single-use plastic vials containing saline solution designed to flush out the eyes. Unlike large bottles, they’re lightweight, pocket-sized, and hygienic.

Why you need it: The outdoors is full of eye hazards, smoke from campfires, wind-blown dust, insects, or even just sweat dripping into your eyes. An irritated or injured eye can quickly escalate into a bigger issue, especially if you’re handling tools or walking uneven terrain.

Eye wash pods provide quick relief and protection without taking up much space. They're also great for rinsing wounds where fresh water is limited.

How to use it:

• Snap open and squeeze gently into the affected eye.

• Use to rinse debris or chemical splashes (e.g., soap, bug spray).

• Can also clean delicate wounds or flush dirt from cuts.

Top Tip: Keep a couple of pods in your EDC (Everyday Carry) pouch, they’re also useful if a child gets something in their eye during a family camp.

Bonus Tips for Building a Practical First Aid Kit

It’s not just what you pack, but how you pack it that matters. Here are a few final tips for UKSN members putting together or upgrading their kits:

• Compartmentalise: Use resealable plastic bags or small zip pouches to organise items by type (wound care, medication, burns, etc.).

• Label Everything: Especially decanted liquids or gels. A permanent marker and some masking tape will do the job.

• Check Dates: Review and replace expired items regularly, especially sprays and gels which degrade over time.

• Make it Personal: Everyone’s needs differ. If you wear glasses, consider a backup pair. If you’re prone to migraines or hay fever, pack the appropriate meds.

Final Thoughts

A first aid kit is more than a checklist, it’s peace of mind. The five items above: TCP, Sudafed nasal spray, Silicolgel, zinc oxide tape, and sterile eye wash pods are often overlooked, but they can transform your kit from basic to battle-ready.

For UKSN members, where outdoor adventures, community resilience, and family wellbeing go hand-in-hand, a well-stocked and thoughtful first aid kit is just as important as your tent or stove. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend with your Charter, prepping for a longer expedition, or simply ensuring your family is covered at camp, adding these items could make all the difference.

Have you got a little-known first aid hero in your own kit? Drop a post on the UKSN Facebook group or bring it along to the next event!

Stay safe, stay prepared, and we’ll see you out there.