What would you consider the bare essentials for a first aid kit to be taken on an overnight hike?Weight is a consideration, but l also want a reasonable amount of first aid gear to help my self or my buddy in an emergency.l know knowledge is more important than gear, and l have had first aid and CPR training lately.

Tweezers(to pull out splinters/or ticks),lighter,meat tenderizer(to put on bug bites to make them stop itching),bug spray(to prevent the bites),sharp pocket knife,duct tape(will work for an ace bandage,bandaid,can even make a sling with the tape),alcohol(to clean wounds)
Have fun on your hike,be safe!!!

For a very basic overnight trip, one or two people can get by on the following:

3-4 band-aids
2 bandanas
2 4x4 gauze pads
Duct Tape (mine is wrapped around a Nalgene bottle. l suppose l have about 5 yards or so.) Use it to make splints, pad hot-spots before they turn into blisters, hold on gauze, etc. etc.
2-3 Alcohol wipes
Small tweezers

That is the bare essentials. My personal kit l carry leading daily hikes, solo backpacking trips, & ski patrolling contains the following:

2 sets of latex gloves
2 4x4 dressings
2 40''x40''x56'' Triangular bandages
1 3'' x 2yd rolled bandage
Assorted mesh Band-Aids for knuckles, straight strips, etc.
Tweezers
Mylar Emergency Blanket
Bottle of 24 tablets of Exceedrin ( l get killer headaches)
Bottle of 24 tablets of Ibuprofin
4 Benadryl tablets
4 DayQil Liquid Geltabs.
1 small tube of Gold Bond creme
1 small tube of Mentholatum Deep Heating rub
1 bottle of NuSkin
1 bottle of Toothache medication (it is extract of cloves & it numbs anything.)
CPR mask
Emergency Firestarter (homemade)
1 mini-bic lighter
6 alcohol wipes
Tongue Depressor
A few toothpicks
1 needle
2 feet of nylon thread (just in case l need to sutcher something. l have not had to, but l could if l had to.)
1 large rubber band

All of that stuff fits into a pouch about the same size as a 1qt Nalgene bottle. I'd guess it weighs about 2lbs. l never weigh stuff l know l need to take.

Some may think l am not being prepared enough but here goes..

For overnight trips, all l bring is:
-disinfectant
-sterile dressings + tape
-triangular bandages
-anti-inflamitory/pain killer pills (just a few)

And you're right, knowledge is the most important, in an emergency situation, most items can be imrovised. The training is the best thing u can bring with you.

l also always keep extra lighters, candles, enerygy bars, duct tape around my nalgene, a good knife, & a compass, & l always tell someone where l am going.