First Aid Kit
Every hiker should be aware of the 10 Essentials and a first aid kit one of the important items you should always take on a hike.
Some items we pack in our first aid kit and never use them, but hey… that is a good thing, right?!
Before each hike, it is important to replenish what is missing from your first aid kit and change out anything that has expired.
We normally have one big bag that includes everything for our overnight camping trips and then have a smaller bag with the same items, just less in quantity. And if we are doing a backpacking trip, the kit is even lighter.
You can buy first aid kits that are already prepared or make your own as we do as most basic kits are not made for hiking in mind. This backpacking first aid kit has a lot of ratings and the ratings are high for this product.
In my opinion, at least one person should take a wilderness survival course or a basic first aid.
Basic First Aid Kit
ACE bandage
Aloe vera for minor burn relief
Anti-diarrheal treatment such as Immodium, TUMS, and Pepto Bismol (all come in tablet forms)
Antibiotic Ointment
Antihistamine for allergic reactions
Antiseptic wipes
Assorted adhesive bandages
Bandanna (for splints)
Electrolytes packets
Gauze pads in various sizes
Hand sanitizer
Ibuprofen
Insect sting treatment
Medical tape
Moleskin or another type of blister treatment
Multitool
Non-stick pads
Plastic baggies to put used pads and other trash into for easier storage and disposable
Poison ivy/poison oak treatment
Safety pins
Tampons (great for nosebleeds and other wound care)
Tweezers
Tylenol
Whistle
Wound Closure Strips
Wound Care First Aid Kit
Cleansing pads
Elastic wrap
Finger splint(s)
First-aid cleansing pads with topical anesthetic
Hemostatic (blood-stopping) gauze
Hydrogel-based pads
Liquid bandage
Rolled gauze
Rolled, stretch-to-conform bandages
SAM splint(s)
Triangular cravat bandage
Hiking With Dogs First Aid Kit
The items below are recommended by the ASPCA and may overlap the basic first aid kit.
Absorbent gauze pads
Adhesive tape
Alcohol wipes
Artificial tear gel
Cotton balls or swabs
Fresh 3% hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting (always check with veterinarian or animal poison control expert before giving to your pet)
Ice pack
Disposable gloves
Liquid dishwashing detergent (for bathing)
OTC antibiotic ointment
Oral syringe or turkey baster
Saline eye solution
Small flashlight
Styptic powder
Scissors with a blunt end
Towels
Tweezers
Phone number, clinic name, address of your veterinarian as well as local veterinary emergency clinics.
Upgraded First Aid Kit Items
These items help you prepare for a “major” injury or medical need while on the trail or help if you were not planning on camping overnight and find yourself overnight on a trail.
CPR mask
Fire Starters such as matches or lighter
Latex or nitrile gloves to protect against infection and blood-borne disease.
Paper and pencil to record medical data such as body temperature, pulse, time and date of symptoms, injuries, medicines administered, etc.
Small mirror
Space bag/blanket for an emergency shelter or for protection against the cold.
Water treatment tabs
First Aid Kit
References and Resources
- https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/saving-lives-shelter-health-poison-control/how-make-pet-first-aid-kit