A good first aid kit is a must for any hiking or backpacking activity. There are many different pre-made kits available and they are great. If you buy one make sure it has everything you need. Another option is to make your own kit. This allows you to stock your kit as you see fit for your particular situation and needs.
Teton Sports has a great video on building a kit of your own;
I would add some plastic gloves and a triangle bandage to use as a sling. A Sam splint is also something I carry.
I've been following the Intense Angler on YouTube for awhile and he has some amazing outdoors tips. This week I'm again posting something from his site that is "winter related". Hand warmers are a very popular item in cold weather to keep hands and feet warm, but they also have numerous other uses. Check it out:
One of the most common complaints when it comes to winter hiking is cold feet. Winter hiking boots are more insulated and a good pair of winter hiking socks do help. Also those little warming pads are great and do help ( so I'm told ) but here's a tip that will add warmth and insulation and it's a simple and cheap fix anyone can do.
From The Intense Angler here's the tip:
Mountains 101 is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) teaching a comprehensive overview of Mountain Studies. Mountains 101 will cover an interdisciplinary field of study focusing on the physical, biological, and human dimensions of mountain places in Alberta, Canada, and around the world.
This course will provide students with a broad and integrated overview of the mountain world.
We'll study the geological origins of mountains, how they’re built-up and worn-down over time.
We’ll learn about their importance for biodiversity and water cycles, globally and locally.
We’ll explore their cultural significance to societies around the globe, and how that relationship has evolved over time.
We’ll learn how mountains are used, how they’re protected, and how today they’re experiencing rapid change in a warming climate.
We'll also share general tips and tricks to safely enjoy time in the high alpine environment.
To this end, we've enlisted:
ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide Matt Peter and
field-science graduate student Laura Redmond,
who will be providing a smart and useful "Tech Tip" at the end of every lesson -- from how to pick the best footwear for hiking, to making smart decisions in avalanche terrain.
to University of Alberta students for UAlberta credit as either the in-class version (INTD 280 The Mountain World) or the online experience version (Mountains 101). Learn more about these for-credit options.
We’ll be delivering your lessons from valley bottoms to mountaintops, from museums and labs, to alpine huts and other spectacular alpine sites, and we’ll do so with the help of a whole host of experts .
We have had a lot of assistance from several partners in preparing this course, especially from our national parks agency, Parks Canada, along with The Alpine Club of Canada and MEC.