Originally Posted by
spectastic
I was thinking about a setup with the sleeping stuff strapped to the handlebar, a frame bag to handle the clothes, a camelbak thing for the water (like 2.5L), and a carradice camper for everything else. maybe throw in there a fanny pack that can double up as a handlebar bag strapped to the stem - simple solution for easy food/money access.
I'm not inclined to camp out below 40F with my bicycle, so I think it will work out
so what's the deal with the medical kit? I have personally never had to use it. If I'm stranded, I'd make a phone call. If I'm in a town, I'd limp to the nearest stop where they have bandages and rubbing alcohol. why carry that extra weight? i know, there are the whatifs. but has anyone actually had to use it for emergency purposes?
It's handy to have stuff to cover accidental cuts and abrasions. Band-Aids, and certainly an antiseptic cream. Maybe some aspirin or ibuprofen. Even a wide bandage to act as a compression bandage (I was going to say perhaps even a tourniquet, but by asking the question about the need for a first aid kit, you probably wouldn't know how to use one properly.
Something to stem a serious cut can be accommodated by clothing. But really, a nice little first aid kit won't cost much nor will it take up much space. And it's really good to be able to say you have one when someone else needs it.
Ultimately, you should take at least a basic first aid course that includes CPR.
Be careful about relying on a phone if you are in places even such as Europe. I know that for Australian phones used to roam in Europe. you can be up for a literal fortune in charges if you don't manage things properly. And if you think getting a phone when you arrive there is a cinch, that's not the case, either, especially in countries such as Germany.
And even if you do get a phone, and you get stranded in Europe, Africa, or even Australia, who are you going to call? Legitimate question. I know the public backlash here in Australia is increasing for frivolous, and even more serious although not dire, calls for rescue by overseas (and interstate) visitors, and there have been calls for those responsible to repay the costs of those rescues (ie, many tens of thousands of dollars).