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First Aid Kits, What to Include for Each Type of Hike

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

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

First Aid KitCleansing 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

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

First Aid Kit

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