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The Best First-Aid Kits of 2024

We tested the best first-aid kits from Adventure Medical, HART, Cascade First-Aid, and more to help you find the best option for your needs and budget.
A lightweight first-aid kit ready to be called into action. (photo/Austin Beck-Doss)
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Be prepared for anything on your adventures with the best first aid kit. We’ve been testing first-aid kits for years to determine which ones are best for each scenario.  The GearJunkie team includes rock climbers, mountain bikers, hunters, anglers, and lovers of just about every other outdoor pursuit. Naturally, we’ve had to perform quite a bit of in-the-field first aid over the years.

Lead tester and author Meg Carney is an avid outdoor enthusiast. She has guided backpacking trips and taught rock climbing. Through her professional pursuits and recreational passions, she has encountered enough injuries and had so many opportunities to use a first-aid kit that she’s definitely an expert on what makes a good one. She has combed the market to identify high-quality kits and, in due course, field-tested them.

For those seeking reliability, the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 is our top choice, while the HART Outdoor Weekend First-Aid Kit offers fantastic value as the best budget option. No matter your needs, we have something for everyone,

Scroll through our top picks below, and be sure to check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide, price & value section, and comparison chart for help in choosing the best first-aid kit for your needs.

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on October 16, 2024, by re-testing most of the first-aid kits on our list, expanding or reviews and adjusting our opinions based on our latest findings, and adding the My Medic MYFAK Mini to the line-up.

The Best First-Aid Kits of 2024


Best Overall First-Aid Kit

Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7

Specs

  • Weight 8 oz.
  • Dimensions 8.5 x 6.5 x 2"
  • Waterproof Yes
Product Badge The Best First-Aid Kits of 2024

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Quality contents
  • Waterproof
  • Sewn-in loops for easy attachment
  • Durable

Cons

  • Low quantities of certain items
  • Not sufficient for large groups
Best Budget First-Aid Kit

HART Outdoor Weekend First-Aid Kit

Specs

  • Weight 9.5 oz.
  • Dimensions 6.5 x 5.5 x 2"
  • Waterproof No
The Best First-Aid Kits of 2024

Pros

  • Good packable size
  • Fairly lightweight
  • Great organization and labeling

Cons

  • Low contents of certain items
  • We wish that more tape was included
Best First-Aid Kit for Hiking

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit

Specs

  • Weight 7.2 oz.
  • Dimensions 6.5 x 5.5 x 3"
  • Waterproof No
The Best First-Aid Kits of 2024

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Good-quality supplies
  • Included Wilderness First Aid guidebook
  • Well-organized

Cons

  • Could use more pairs of nitrile gloves
  • No included CPR mask
Best First-Aid Kit for Dogs

Adventure Medical Trail Dog First Aid Kit

Specs

  • Weight 12 oz.
  • Dimensions 7.5 x 1.5 x 5.3"
  • Waterproof No
The Best First-Aid Kits of 2024

Pros

  • Well-stocked with dog-specific supplies
  • Includes waterproof ziplock bag
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Low quantities of certain items
Best First-Aid Kit for Mountain Bikers

The Galby by Cascade First Aid

Specs

  • Weight 9.5 oz.
  • Dimensions 6.5” x 5” x 2”
  • Waterproof No
The Best First-Aid Kits of 2024

Pros

  • Extensive bandage and wound care items
  • Small and packable
  • Water-resistant

Cons

  • No included CPR mask
  • Only one pair of gloves
  • Expensive
Best of the Rest

My Medic MYFAK Mini Pro

Specs

  • Weight 2.5 – 2.7 lbs.
  • Dimensions 8.5” x 6” x 4”
  • Waterproof No
The Best First-Aid Kits of 2024

Pros

  • Highly comprehensive kit
  • Items to treat severe traumas
  • Durable carrying case
  • Well-organized and easy-to-find items

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Medical guide is only available as an ebook

Surviveware Comprehensive Small First Aid Kit

Specs

  • Weight 1 lb.
  • Dimensions 7.5 x 6 x 3.5"
  • Waterproof No
The Best First-Aid Kits of 2024

Pros

  • Quality contents
  • Included removable CPR kit
  • Well-organized
  • Generous quantities
  • Durable

Cons

  • A little heavy for solo backpacking
  • Doesn't include any medications
  • Expensive

Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight First Aid Kit .9

Specs

  • Weight 7.2 oz.
  • Dimensions 10 x 7.5 x 3"
  • Waterproof Yes
The Best First-Aid Kits of 2024

Pros

  • Compact
  • Lightweight
  • High quality medications
  • Durable, waterproof casing

Cons

  • Small quantities of key items

Homestock+ Professional First Aid Kit

Specs

  • Weight 1 lb., 3 oz.
  • Dimensions 7.9 x 5.9' x 3.6"
  • Waterproof No
The Best First-Aid Kits of 2024

Pros

  • Well stocked with pads and bandages
  • High quality shears
  • Face shield included

Cons

  • Bulky
  • Lacks medications

First-Aid Kits Comparison Chart

First Aid KitPriceWeightDimensionsWaterproof
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7
$338 oz.8.5 x 6.5 x 2″Yes
HART Outdoor Weekend First-Aid Kit
$279.5 oz.6.5 x 5.5 x 2″No
Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit
$307.2 oz.6.5 x 5.5 x 3″No
Adventure Medical Trail Dog First-Aid Kit
$2912 oz. 7.5 x 1.5 x 5.3″No
The Galby by Cascade First Aid$709.5 oz.6.5” x 5” x 2”No
My Medic MYFAK Mini$1152.5 – 2.7 lbs8.5” x 6” x 4”No
Surviveware Small First-Aid Kit
$601 lb.6 x 4 x 8″No
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight First-Aid Kit .9
$467.2 oz.10 x 7.5 x 3″Yes
Homestock+ Professional First-Aid Kit$371 lb., 3 oz.7.9′ x 5.9′ x 3.6”No
We tested an array of firs-aid kits to find the best ones; (photo/Ethan Wiese)

How We Tested First-Aid Kits

Our Testing Process

The only way to identify the best first-aid kits on the market is to carry them constantly and use them over time. Our staff put months into testing these different kits, carrying them on day hikes, overnight weekend road trips, solo backpacking trips, group camping trips, bikepacking trips, pack-paddleboarding and kayak trips, and more. We also tested different models and variations of kits to see how they vary by brand and where each first-aid kit excels.

Our testing process stopped short of intentionally injuring ourselves to truly assess the quality of each kit’s contents. Still, we looked over each kit with care. Not all bandaids and trauma shears are made equal, and poor quality stands out like a sore thumb.

Additionally, we considered size and weight, overall value, and the quality and durability of each kit’s outer case. As new first aid kits hit the market, we’ll be sure to check them out in consideration for this list. At any given time, this article will include the best premade kits that money can buy.

Our Expert Testers

The original author of this article, Austin Beck-Doss, used to work as an outdoor guide and instructor and always carried — and sometimes had to use — a group first-aid kit in the field. He’s taped dozens of ankles, applied Moleskin on countless hot spots, and bandaged various cuts and scrapes. He continues to carry a first aid kit for personal use, and he’s a sharp critic about what exactly makes an effective first aid kit.

While working on this list of recommendations, Austin considered the most common injuries that outdoor enthusiasts encounter. All sorts of medical supplies are available, but the kits in this list are stocked with items you’re likely to use. In 2024, we brought on testers Katie Davis and Meg Carney to help us expand our selection. Katie is a seasoned outdoor professional with countless hours in the field. Meg is a guide and climbing instructor who has responded to many emergencies in the field. If you’re rounding out your survival essentials for backcountry travel, check out our guide to the best firestarters and the best emergency radios.

Our overall pick, the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 is immensely versatile and practical; (photo/Ethan Wiese)

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a First-Aid Kit

The first-aid kit you choose should be able to handle the situations or injuries likely to accompany your personal pursuits. If you need a first-aid kit for solo lightweight backpacking, you probably shouldn’t purchase a large, heavy kit that’s better suited to car campers.

Similarly, if primarily bringing your first-aid kit on multipitch climbing routes, you don’t need a kit full of first-aid supplies for dogs. Simply put, there are lots of first-aid kits available, and you’ll need to be discerning to identify the best one for you.

Many current first-aid kits include the number of days and number of people the contents serve. For example, a kit designed for two people for 4-5 days could work in various scenarios.

Many key factors differentiate one from the next, which we’ll explore below. The most important are kit size, weight, supplies included, durability, price, group size, and type of activity.

Compact but full of supplies, the HART Outdoor Weekend First-Aid Kit makes a great option for small groups; (photo/Ethan Wiese)

Size

First-aid kits come in all shapes and sizes. If you want to carry your kit on long trail-based adventures like thru-hiking or trail running, go with something small that will fit easily in a backpack or fanny pack. The Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 weighs less than half a pound and clips easily to the outside of a pack or harness, or it can stash into a hydration vest.

Generally, small and ultralight first-aid kits are good for just a few people over single-day trips or brief overnight outings. But most small or ultralight packs don’t include the ideal supplies for larger groups or for trips that venture way out from the front country.

Larger kits, like the Homestock+ Professional First-Aid Kit and the MyMedic MYFAK Mini, are better for supporting a group of more than two people over longer trips. The downside to a larger kit is increased weight and volume.

For car camping, canoeing, or river rafting, weight is probably less of a concern, so a large kit may be the way to go.

The My Medic MYFAK Mini is a hefty first-aid kit with 62 life-saving essentials; (photo/Ethan Wiese)

Weight

The kits on this list range in weight from less than half a pound to almost 2 pounds. If your activity of choice requires you to consider every ounce, go for something small and light like the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7. Remember, less weight usually means fewer supplies and reduced quantities.

You should also consider that every first-aid kit can be customized at home. If certain supplies are deemed unnecessary, you can leave them behind to shave weight or replace them with supplies that better suit your needs.

For activities like car camping and whitewater rafting, weight may be of less concern, and you could get away with bringing a heavier kit along. A heavier kit usually means more supplies, which is a good thing for large groups and long trips.

The Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .9 is light enough for hiking, climbing, and backpacking; (photo/Austin Beck-Doss)

Supplies Included

Before purchasing a first-aid kit, read through the list of supplies and consider whether or not the kit comes with the kinds of items you’re likely to need.

Almost all kits come standard with a certain quantity of adhesive bandages, various forms of gauze, antibiotic ointment, medical tape, and more. Other items that are less often standard but potentially highly important include trauma shears, basic medications, finger splints, and emergency blankets.

Be sure to check the quantity of each included item. Some kits, like the Surviveware Small First Aid Kit, come with an impressive 100-plus items. However, a closer inspection reveals that many of these are small adhesive bandages.

Another important item to look out for is a first-aid reference. A small reference book is especially important for those without medical training who may not know how to use the items in their kit. If you don’t know how to use your kit and it also doesn’t come with an instructional guide, the kit won’t be very useful to you in the field.

Some kits are small but still include some high-quality, high-value items. The Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit is quite compact but still includes potentially crucial items like a pair of medical-grade trauma shears and a variety of medications.

The Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit is well-organized and has essentials, including ways to control bleeding; (photo/Ethan Wiese)

Durability

A durable kit will withstand the conditions it’s designed to be exposed to. First, it should have a durable outer case. We like that the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 comes in a watertight bag.

Other kits on this list, like the Surviveware Small Kit, have a high-denier nylon carrying case that resists abrasion and holds up in the long term. You don’t want to have to break out your sewing supplies to do surgery on your first-aid kit.

Because many common medical supplies are fragile and vulnerable to water, it’s wise to seek out a waterproof kit. This is especially important for those who plan to bring their kit along on water-based activities like kayaking or rafting. Kits that aren’t already waterproof can be customized with a durable ziplock bag or a dry bag.

If possible, check the expiration dates of supplies inside a kit before you purchase. Many kits come with medications, which is great unless they’re all due to expire soon. I have gotten into the habit of checking the dates of all my kits’ medications every 2-3 months or so and replacing them as needed.

First-aid kits are typically designed for a certain number of people over a certain number of days. Consider how you will use it and what size group you will serve when choosing yours; (photo/Ethan Wiese)

Group Size

Most first-aid kits are designed to support a certain number of people for a certain number of days. Ultralight kits are usually made to accommodate one or two people on shorter trips of 1-2 days. Larger kits can support larger groups on longer trips.

Often, the difference between a single-day kit and a kit for long trips is supply quantity. For example, a kit with a single triangular gauze would be fine for a single day out when multiple injuries are unlikely. However, on multiday trips, you might need to use certain items multiple times over the course of the trip, so the supply quantity should reflect this.

Choose an activity-specific first-aid kit, like the Adventure Medical Kits Series HIker; (photo/Ethan Wiese)

Type of Activity

Some first-aid kits, like the Adventure Medical Kits Series Hiker, are made for specific activities. These can be super helpful because they’ve been put together with special consideration for the kinds of injuries that are likely to occur during that activity.

For example, a good hiking first-aid kit is likely to include plenty of supplies to treat a sprained ankle or skinned knees. A first-aid kit aimed at mountain bikers, like the Cascade First Aid Galby First-Aid Kit, contains supplies like bandages that are ideal for dealing with emergent injuries more likely to happen while riding a mountain bike.

While activity-specific kits may be slightly less versatile than other options, they are ideal for those who will be sticking to one activity.

The Cascade First Aid Galby First-Aid Kit; caters to mountain bikers(photo/Katie Davis)

Price & Value

Pre-made first-aid kits are found in three price categories: budget ($20-$30), mid-tier ($30-$50), and premium ($60 and above). Each category showcases the top options available, detailing the features you gain or the sacrifices you make at each level.

Budget

In the budget range of $27 to $30, the HART Outdoor Weekend First-Aid Kit ($27) is a good mix of essential supplies, making it suitable for one or two people over a weekend. However, you sacrifice durability and comprehensive first-aid contents by opting for a budget kit. The limited quantities of items may require frequent restocking, which can be a downside in emergencies.

Mid-tier

Mid-tier first-aid kits range from $30 to $50, including options like the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker ($30) and the Homestock+ Professional First Aid Kit ($37). These kits provide better organization and more extensive supplies than budget options. The Mountain Series Hiker includes labeled pouches for easy access, while the Homestock+ has a selection of bandages and tools. However, even at this price point, you miss out on some advanced features like full waterproofing and comprehensive medications found in higher-end kits.

You pay a premium price for the My Medic MYFAK Mini, a comprehensive first-aid kit full of advanced supplies; (photo/Ethan Wiese)

Premium

Expect to pay $60 to $120 for an activity-specific or premium first-aid kit. The Surviveware Comprehensive Small First Aid Kit ($60) and The Galby by Cascade First Aid ($70) have a more rugged construction and array of supplies than budget or even most mid-tier options. The Surviveware kit includes essential tools like trauma shears and a tourniquet, while The Galby focuses on the needs of mountain bikers with bandages for quick response. For those seeking an even more comprehensive solution, the MyMedic MYFAK Mini ($115) offers advanced supplies and trauma items suited for serious emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best first-aid kit to buy?

While we recommend all of the first-aid kits on this list for various reasons, we have selected the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 as our choice for the best overall first-aid kit — though, we’ve also used the Adventure Medical Kit .9 (that accommodates a slightly bigger group) and the Mountain Series kits as well, and liked those too.

Ultimately, the best first-aid kit to buy is the one that’s most likely to be useful when you need it.

What should be in a first-aid kit?

While the supplies in first-aid kits vary depending on the purpose and design of the kit, some key items should be on every first-aid kit checklist. These essential first-aid items include:

  • Adhesive bandages of various sizes
  • Medical tape
  • Gauze
  • Sanitary gloves
  • Scissors or trauma shears
  • Tweezers
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Compression bandages

Other items that are less universal but still potentially valuable include:

  • Irrigation syringes
  • OTC medications
  • Burn ointment or 2nd Skin burn pads
  • Cloth slings or splints
  • Tourniquets
Consider what comes in the first-aid kit you choose and how you will use it; (photo/Ethan Wiese)

What are some basic first-aid skills?

Basic first-aid skills include the ability to treat and care for common injuries and ailments. Properly cleaning a small cut and applying an adhesive bandage is considered basic first aid.

Those who administer first aid can continue to work on their skills over time and increase the level of care they can provide. Before going out to recreate with your first-aid kit, it’s helpful to know how to deal with a range of injuries and emergencies that are most likely to occur — from wound care to blister prevention to lifesaving CPR.

How do I get trained in first aid?

First-aid courses are regularly available in most areas and regions. Some common providers of basic first-aid courses include the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council.

For medical training designed specifically for the outdoors, certifications like Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder are worthwhile pursuits. Common course providers of wilderness medicine include NOLS and Wilderness Medical Associates.

When do first-aid kits expire?

That depends. Usually, medications are the first items in a first-aid kit to expire. However, many other first-aid kit supplies have expiration dates too.

The adhesive on a roll of tape can also expire — if your tape is old and disintegrating, it’s useless! A new first-aid kit should last for a year or more before anything inside expires, but it all depends on the specific contents of the kit.

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