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The Best First Aid Kits
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Use
If you are going backpacking, but your final destination requires setting a campsite you might need a more versatile first aid kit that will convert to a hiking kit as well. If you are stationed on your campsite most of the time, but you have planned daily hikes around it, it is never smart to go without a first aid kit; even if it is only for a day. It is normal that your first aid kit weighs a bit more than one of a more experienced backpacker or hiker. After a while, you will get more experience and you will be aware of which
items belong in your kit and which are redundant.
Also, if you are a beginner, it is important that you learn what every item of the first aid kit represents and how is it used. After all, there is no use of a first aid kit that you don’t know how to use. Luckily, most kits have books included in the package that are explaining the basics of survival in the wilderness so this might help you avoid the training that is otherwise necessary for you.
Materials
Even if it is just a scratch, every wound should be treated, especially if you are spending more time in nature. Otherwise, you are risking infection and this will certainly ruin your whole trip. If you are at home, you would normally maintain the hands clean and wash them more frequently. However, when in nature, you never know if the water source is reliable and whether you can wash your hands with it before treating the wound. For this reason, a first aid kit should have either more pairs of gloves or hand sanitizer that will disinfect your hands before touching the wound.
Other items that are more preventive than for emergencies include a sunscreen, especially in summer when the risk of sunburn is highest. This is especially important if you are planning a family trip since kids tend to get sunburns easier than adults. A moleskin tape would also be useful for minor discomfort on your feet. It is recommended that you use a moleskin tape before even getting a blister. If you feel like there is a hot spot and you might get a blister, stop and use the moleskin tape. Even if you don’t manage to prevent it, it will definitely feel a lot less painful than it can normally feel.
Another thing that comes useful for some people is lotion. And it is not for you to smell good. Instead, it is a great prevention against chafing and if this is a regular problem for you, then you must be prepared for it. Lotion would also help you with dry and cracked skin if you have such a condition.
Gloves, as previously mentioned are vital for preventing infections. However, they are not used for wounds only. Instead, it is recommended that you use latex gloves every time you get in touch with bodily fluids of every type.
Medication
Pills are especially important if you have some kind of allergy. Before spending some time in nature it is essential that you test yourself for allergies since there is a possibility that you are and you don’t even know it. In fact, you would be surprised how often this situation occurs. If it proves that you are positive for some allergies, make sure you pack pills or adrenaline injections if you have severe allergy symptoms.
Even though the anti-diarrhea pills won’t save your life, they will certainly save the day. If you know that you have stomach issues, it is vital that you prepare for this as well. Nevertheless, this type of pill is essential for all people, even those with a strong stomach. The reason for this is because if water sources are compromised with some kind of bacteria or viruses it is quite possible that your stomach feels the consequences first. The anti-diarrhea pills have inside them a coal component that destroys bacteria and it might prevent further poisoning altogether.
Pills for pain relief are something that every first aid kit has in its list. They are universal and they are good for minor situations as well as serious emergencies. They are used to prevent swelling or pain from any other type of injury.
Bandages
Even though you could manage without them, they will certainly come useful if someone scratches from a tree or a sharp object. They will protect the wound from the outside and they will maintain it clean. However, some alternative medicine doctors are recommending that you use band-aids only when absolutely necessary since by covering the wound you are prolonging its healing. However, if you are working something around the campsite, all experts agree that using one is better. And when you are back on the trail, remove it and let it heal naturally if you support this theory. After all, there are no pollutants up in the mountains.
Butterfly bandage
A butterfly bandage is something that we recommend that you double check if you have it into your first aid kit. It is intended to be used for deeper cuts and it works by pulling the skin on both sides of the cut together. This helps in keeping the wound clean and it helps it heal faster. It is always recommended that you clean a deeper cut wound before closing it with a butterfly bandage.
Gauze pads
A gauze pad will also be of use in the wilderness and it is used for covering larger affected areas. Duct tape is also useful for holding the bandage in their place. Even though it does not look very nice, it will certainly get the job done and you won’t be focusing on the bandage all the time, but you will be able to forget all about it and enjoy the rest of your trip.
Portability
We admit that first aid kits are a bit of a boring necessity and not everyone wants to pay a lot of attention to choosing one for themselves. For this reason, we have suggested first aid kits that have high-quality components, and some are lightweight enough to be carried easily in your pack for trekking. While it can be highly tempting to grab an extra snack or two, rather than carry around a first aid kit (weight wise), if you opt for a lighter kit, you will barely notice that it is there.
Overall the portability is important for a couple of different reasons, the main reason it is important to have a first aid kit that is portable is that the emergency will most likely not occur right beside the first aid kit, so you want something that you can grab quickly and bring it to where the emergency has occurred. The other reason it is important to have a portable first aid kit, is if you are an avid outdoor enthusiast and travel, you want a first aid kit that is light and can clip on your backpack so if an emergency is to occur when you are alone in the wilderness, you will have the proper tools to treat the injury.
Effectiveness
The items included in a first aid kit should be all medical grade quality and satisfy the highest possible standards. Inside a first aid kit, you may find everything from safety pins to glow sticks to abdominal bandages. All supplies meet the OSHA and ANSI requirements which make a first aid kit suitable for workplace situations. When looking at investing in a first aid kit, analyze the contents and see if an emergency situation would arise if you would have the proper safety supplies to treat the injured party.
Top Ten First-Aid Kits
1. Survival
This compact first aid kit from Survival comes jam-packed with a variety of medicines and tools to help in case you find yourself in an emergency situation. This first aid kit only weighs 3 pounds which ensures it can be carried and transported without issue to an emergency situation.
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This first aid kit from Survival is highly rated among customers as it is compact and comes with a large number of medicines and tools to have you covered no matter what emergency situation you find yourself. What really makes this first aid kit special is the size, weight, and amount of accessories that it comes with. Overall we think it is a home run!
Materials
This first aid kit is lightweight and made from durable material and the zippers are made to be strong and not catch so you will have no issues opening and closing the first aid kit quickly and efficiently. It also comes with everything you possibly would need to treat an injury before the EMS make it to your location.
Portability
This first aid kit comes in at weighing only 3 pounds which is great because if you are backpacking, it can be transported and connected to your backpack without issue or making you uncomfortable. If you are storing it at home or the office, it is compact enough that it can be stored in a specific location and moved to an emergency location if needed without issue.
Effectiveness
Overall this first aid kit if quite effective and if you find yourself in an emergency situation and have this first aid kit on hand, you can rest easy as you will be prepared.
2. Surviveware
With 91% of five-star reviews on Amazon.com, this kit has shown its strengths, quality, and use with people time and time again. The Surviveware Small First Aid Kit is affordable, durable, water-resistant, and highly organized.
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After purchasing the Surviveware Small First Aid-Kit, a free guideline book will be emailed to you. There is a bit of extra space in the bag if you prefer to print the guidelines and carry them with you.
Materials
This first aid kit includes an incredibly durable bag, made from 600D polyester, that is water-resistant. It may not pack in as many supplies as others, but it includes the top 100 essentials that should prepare anyone in a minor first-aid situation. This first aid kit even includes a CPR breathing mask. All of the contents included are quality, clean, and organized.
Portability
The nice thing about the Surviveware Small First-Aid Kit is that it is small and compact. While it includes 100 pieces, it is highly portable, which works well for the car or hiking day trips.
Effectiveness
To help you find anything in a time-saving manner, the pockets are all labeled with their contents, so no need to rifle through it in a panic. There is also an extra pocket included for any extra personal items or medications that you would want to include.
Surviveware aims to impress, and that means that this kit comes with a lifetime guarantee and a 100% money back policy.
3. Swiss Safe 2 in 1
If you want to be safe, go with Swiss Safe. This is an upgraded version of the previous model that features 120 items that are packed in a compact size box. Even though this may seem too large or bulky, the size is ideal for camping trips. And if you want to hike around your campsite, Swiss safe offers an additional smaller first aid kit box that has all the necessary medical supplies to keep you safe.
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Overall this first aid kit is great for your home or office as it is not as portable as some other first aid kits on our list which would be more suitable for backpacking and camping. If you are looking to use this first aid kit for your home, garage, or office then this may be the first aid kit for you.
Materials
The items included in the package are FDA approved and latex free. This first aid kit includes a compass, moleskin blister relief, and additional space to add your own supplies.
Portability
The small first aid kit has 32 items inside and is lightweight enough for you to take on your next backpacking trip. You could check out the list of items through the link provided. This makes it quite versatile and adequate for every situation such as camping, hiking, backpacking, as a workplace first aid kit, business first aid kit or even a church kit.
Effectiveness
This is not the kit you are looking for if you only want to prepare yourself for minor complications during your outdoor trip, such as blisters and scratching. Also included is an 18-page first aid guide to help you feel more confident.
4. DeftGet Waterproof Essentials
The DeftGet offers a first aid kit that is the perfect addition to family vacations. After listening to customer feedback, the company has made changes including, stronger medical scissors and a better compass. It is the first choice of doctors which proves the quality and usefulness of the components inside. The bag is small and compact and the entire first aid kit doesn’t weigh too much, so it is convenient to use for backpacking trips as well.
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Overall this first aid kit is compact and easily transported. It is also affordable and comes equipped with the basic tools you would need to treat a minor emergency.
Materials
The medical supplies included in this first aid kit are not something that will need replacing. For instance, the tweezers and scissors are made from high-quality stainless steel instead of the cheap plastic many kits from this price range have. The only complaint we have heard from reviewers is that the bandaids included aren't as sticky as they should be.
Portability
The size is perfect and it fits everywhere. The bag contains a handle and you are able to zip it from both sides so that the access to the components is quicker.
Effectiveness
DeftGet has also improved the quality of this first aid kit by adding an emergency blanket and a non-battery powered flashlight. Although it is a bag and not a box, it is very comfortable to use and it has everything you might need for a hike, a bike ride, a camping trip, backpacking or a hiking trip.
5. Pac-Kit
The First Aid Only Pac-Kit leads the way with over 2000 great reviews on Amazon. It's no wonder; this comprehensive first aid kit has almost 300 doctor-recommended contents and supplies. The supplies come in a soft-shell covering that is about the size of a novel. You can't go wrong with the size and comprehensive list of content that will keep you prepared.
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This first aid kit is OSHA certified and will help you be ready for basic and unexpected daily accidents and will provide an answer for every minor emergency situation. The components inside are with good quality and doctor recommended. One common complaint is the fact that the kit contains 299 supplies, of which 196 are band-aids.
Materials
It includes treatments, such as Ibuprofen, antiseptic towelettes, antibiotic ointments, and extra strength non-aspirin. It also has an emergency blanket, exam gloves, moleskin, and a lot more to keep you prepared.
Portability
The components are packed inside a case that is soft, yet very durable. To keep it at it's finest, you can easily replace its contents, so that it is always like new. It is considerably lightweight vinyl at 2.4 pounds. Its compact size makes it easy for storing and its design easily detectable in nature.
Effectiveness
Overall this first aid kit is great for the home or office but is not recommended for emergency situations and rather is recommended for minor injuries.
6. Trip Worthy Compact
This is an all-purpose first aid kit that will assist you in any situation or undesired event that might come your way. Weighing in at 1.1lbs, this first aid kit is suitable for children as well as adults. It is as compact as it gets, considering that it is also equipped as it gets.
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The Trip Worthy first aid kit is built to last you for a long time. And if you are not already convinced, there is a 4 years guarantee (from manufacture date) that could convince you, as well as a great customer service that will accept your every critique that you might have regarding their product.
Materials
The items included in the package are all medical grade quality and they satisfy the highest possible standards. Inside the nylon pack, you find everything from safety pins to glow sticks to abdominal bandages. All supplies meet the OSHA and ANSI requirements which make this product suitable for workplace situations. The entire first aid kit is FDA approved and it is a safe product to rely on.
Portability
However, if you are a passionate hiker, you might require another smaller version of a first aid kit since this one is too bulky for such occasion.
Effectiveness
Overall this first aid kit is highly rated and is packed with the necessary tools to help you if an emergency situation arises.
7. Adventure Ultralight
This is the ideal first aid kit if you need a high-quality one that is very weight conscious. Its lightweight and compactness is the biggest advantage of this package, however, that does make it difficult to add any extra supplies. The kit is offered in four different sizes, depending on your adventure.
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All in all, it has everything for minor emergencies that might happen to you in the wilderness or wherever you may choose to bring this simple pack. However, it does not include medications and supplies for more serious medical injuries and most of the OTC medications expire in one year of purchase.
All things considered, this first aid kit is perfect for 2 people who are going on a weekend backpacking trip. Thanks to its waterproof properties, it is also ideal for sports that put the user in touch with water, snow or ice.
Materials
The quality of the supplies included inside is top of the notch as well as their selection. It has several sterile gauzes, bandages, aid kit for wound cleaning, everything you need to take care of a blister.
Portability
This makes it suitable for kayaking trips and outdoor water sports. The smallest kit available weighs 2.6oz and fits in the pocket of cargo shorts. The largest first aid kit weighs less than 8oz and measures 8.5x5.5x2.75.
Effectiveness
Although not as well organized as the REI first aid kit, the construction of the bag is highly durable and comfortable to pack anywhere. It is made to protect the contents inside and it is completely waterproof thanks to the waterproof zipper and taped seams.
It is also not too versatile because of the lack of some medical products inside. However, this also saves weight and space which is the main reason why the bag has such a small and compact design.
8. Northbound Train
Although the Northbound first aid kit is promoted for camping trips, its size makes it perfectly good for hiking or backpacking trips as well. This first aid kit is not overloaded with supplies, only 64 items, but it has the essentials and is easily restocked.
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This first aid kit is a pouch and not a box, which makes the stuff inside a bit less organized than a box kit. If you mind this feature, look through our box first aid kits with similar features and price range.
Materials
The components are placed in a well protected and durable pouch which is made of nylon material. It is water resistant, with plastic pouches inside to doubly protect your supplies, making this kut suitable for water sports.
Portability
This first aid kit comes in at weighing less than a pound so if you are planning on bringing this first aid kit with you traveling or on a backpacking trip than this will be perfect. It also can be easily clipped to your backpack so it is comfortable while traveling and will not get in the way.
Effectiveness
The entire first aid kit is TSA compliant, making it ideal to pack for vacation. Even though the components of the kit are manufactured in China, they are FDA approved and they follow the highest quality standards and the most competitive price on the market, along with a lifetime warranty.
9. Be Smart Get Prepared
A popular brand since 1991, this first aid kit is ideal for the workplace, your car, or home. We do not recommend this kit for backpacking, because of the weight and size. It is available in different sizes, ranging from 100 pieces to 326 pieces.
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For the quality of supplies, it has the OSHA and ANSI certifications. It is the perfect survival kit for your next camping trip or for your company. The box is highly organized with small compartments inside that are making access to the box easier than ever. The box is plastic and it is highly resistant to impacts.
Materials
This first aid box is a little different from others on our list as the box is constructed from a plastic material which means it will be durable. It includes your basic first aid kit supplies and is recommended for minor emergencies.
Portability
It is important to know that the weight and size of this kit are too big to fit a backpack and unless you are going on a trip with a vehicle, this kit is too bulky for you.
Effectiveness
This first aid kit can be mounted on the wall of your home or office for easy access. An instruction guide is also included to help keep you calm in times of emergency. The expiration date of the entire first aid kit is about 2 years, however, some items might need replacing a bit earlier.
10. Lifeline Trail Light Dayhiker
This eye-catching, orange, first aid kit is just as the name suggests, extremely lightweight and suitable for one-day hikes. It is designed to stand up to minor medical issues with its high-quality items inside. It is a one-man first aid kit, so if you are looking for a bigger one, you may want to explore our other suggestions.
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This first aid kit is perfect for minor medical complications and short several hours trip. However, if something more serious happens, you are going to need a larger medical supply. If the supplier included some more items in the package, this could easily exceed this level and be counted as a high quality one-day first aid kit. However, this would increase its weight and size and the biggest advantages of this first aid kit are exactly these features.
Materials
The 57 components inside this kit are carefully selected and come from different suppliers. However, there have been some complaints about the tweezers and gloves not being up to par. However, most first aid kits come with low-quality gloves that should later be replaced with ones with higher quality.
Portability
We love the bright orange color of this first aid kit. When you are panicked and in a hurry, it is easy to find. With only 1.79pounds, this bag will not weigh you down.
Effectiveness
This simple first aid kit is equipped to treat minor pain, burns, and bleeding. Many reviewers suggest adding a thermometer or poison ivy medication.