There is no surprise that I have a post dedicated to first-aid kits– they are that important. And they are not just for emergencies. I have used my kit to manage broken nails, bug bites, scrapes, trip-ruining blisters, and more. Addressing these issues as they come up prevents a bigger headache down the trail. That’s why it’s not only about having supplies for gaping wounds or sprained ankles, but also for rashes, cuts, burns, and seemingly minor problems. Below, I have listed first-aid kit essentials for outdoor adventures. At the end of the post, you can find a downloadable list of first-aid kit essentials.
The non-negotiables
- Band-aids, an assortment of sizes and shapes
- Liquid bandage comes in handy for cuts on a joint or other areas where Band-Aids are not ideal
- Blister bandages/tape are usually thicker for added protection against blisters
- Antiseptic wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Sterile gauze pads
- Rolled gauze
- Hemostatic gauze
- Medical tape
- Ace bandages
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- To save space and weight, I carry a multi-functional pocket knife that includes scissors, amongst other useful tools (e.g., a screwdriver for loose trekking pole screws!).
- Medications
- Antihistamines
- Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, or other OTC pain-relief
- Tourniquet *
- *I include this, but want to provide a small bit of caution: tourniquets, if not used properly, can cause more damage.
- A compass
- A whistle
Extras and personal touches
- Balms and lotions for rashes, insect stings, dry/cracked hands, and chapped lips
- Nail clippers and file
- Trust me on this one; these have saved me on numerous occasions. Those broken or overgrown nails can cause unnecessary pain on the trail.
- Eye drops
- Witch hazel
- I am a big fan of having this in my pack or in my car for trips. Especially for those who hike in areas with poison ivy, poison sumac, poison oak, or the like, witch hazel is an effective astringent to dry and clean the rash.
These are optional, and many first-aid kits may not include them. I’ve included them because I have found great use from them on my trips. The more you go out to explore the trails, the more your preferences and needs will define themselves.
Closing thoughts
As a note, the type of recreation you indulge in plays a role in what to include in a first-aid kit. Typically, as the activity increases in intensity, the amount of supplies expands. Searching for kits geared toward outdoor recreation is an appropriate place to start when finding a kit for your adventure.
Outside of just packing your first-aid kit, it’s advisable to learn how to use it, too. I recommend taking a wilderness first-aid course such as this one. Of course, this is not a feasible option for everyone. Luckily, there are tons of affordable resources on the subject online and in books. As a good starting point, check out this introduction to wilderness first-aid video.
TLDR
Happy Trails!
