All forms of outdoor recreation involve certain risks, unknowns, and the potential for injury. If all goes well, you won’t need a first aid kit while pursuing your activity of choice. Ultimately, first aid kits are like fire extinguishers — you don’t want to have to use them, but it’s nice to know they’re there.
Effective careful risk management begins long before you leave the trailhead. As the first line of defense — especially when recreating outdoors — be prepared for anything with a well-stocked first-aid kit.
For decades, the average outdoor first-aid kit consisted of a personally assembled plastic bag filled with odds and ends from the supermarket’s pharmacy aisle. Now, many purpose-built first-aid kits come pre-stocked with a well-considered assortment of essentials. Portable activity-specific medical kits are available for all kinds of outdoor pursuits, from days out at the crag to overnight river trips.
While you can still find a waterproof bag and fill it with supplies to create a custom kit, the time and money required can add up quickly. For those who want to skip this step and invest in a high-end, fully assembled kit, we’ve put together this list of our favorite options on the market.
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.
The lead author of this guide is Austin Beck-Doss, a former climbing guide and certified wilderness first responder who regularly hauls a first aid kit to crags all over the country. Austin has carefully combed the market to identify high-quality kits and, in due course, field-test them.
Scroll through our top picks below, and be sure to check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide, FAQ, and comparison chart for help in choosing the best first-aid kit for your needs.
Editor’s Note: We refreshed this article on April 30, 2024, by adding The Galby, a kit made with mountain bikers in mind from Cascade First Aid.
The Best First-Aid Kits of 2024
- Best Overall First-Aid Kit: Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7
- Best Budget First-Aid Kit: HART Outdoor Weekend First-Aid Kit
- Best First-Aid Kit for Hiking: Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit
- Best First-Aid Kit for Dogs: Adventure Medical Trail Dog First-Aid Kit
- Best First-Aid Kit to Keep in Your Car: Homestock+ Professional First-Aid Kit
- Best First-Aid Kit for Mountain Bikers: The Galby by Cascade First Aid
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7
Specs
- Weight 8 oz.
- Dimensions 8.5 x 6.5 x 2"
- Waterproof Yes
- Contents 3 butterfly-closure strips, 2 triple antibiotic ointments, 3 antiseptic wipes, 1 pair of nitrile gloves, 8 sterile dressings, 2 nonadherent sterile dressings, 2 conforming gauze bandages, 5 adhesive bandages and 3 knuckle bandages, 10 yards adhesive tape, 1 elastic bandage, 11 precut and shaped moleskin pieces, 3 alcohol swabs, 6 ibuprofen, 2 aspirin, 2 antihistamine, 2 After Bite sting-relief wipes, 1 splinter picker forceps, 3 safety pins, 1 26" x 2" roll of duct tape
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quality contents
- Waterproof
- Sewn-in loops for easy attachment
- Durable
Cons
- Low quantities of certain items
- Not sufficient for large groups
HART Outdoor Weekend First-Aid Kit
Specs
- Weight 9.5 oz.
- Dimensions 6.5 x 5.5 x 2"
- Waterproof No
- Contents 4 butterfly closures, 3 3" x 3/4" strips, 4 3" x 1" strips, 2 fingertip bandages, 2 knuckle bandages, 1 4" x 3" sheet of moleskin, 1 4.1 yard x 2" gauze roll, 2 2" x 2" gauze pads, 2 3" x 3" gauze pads, 4" x 4" gauze sponge, 4" x 3" nonadherent pad, 9" x 5" ABD Combine pad, 4 antiseptic towelettes, 3 triple antibiotic ointments, 2 sting relief wipes, 1 first-aid/burn cream, 1 hydrocortisone cream, 1 packet aspirin (2/packet), 2 antacids, 2 each of ibuprofen and acetaminophen, 1 allergy relief medication, 2.5 yard x 1" tape, 1 scissors, 1 forceps, 1 5 yard x 2" elastic bandage, 1 Wilderness First-Aid Guide book
Pros
- Good packable size
- Fairly lightweight
- Great organization and labeling
Cons
- Low contents of certain items
- We wish that more tape was included
Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit
Specs
- Weight 7.2 oz.
- Dimensions 6.5 x 5.5 x 3"
- Waterproof No
- Contents 1 splinter picker/tick remover forceps, 5 1" x 3" fabric Easy Access Bandages, 5 knuckle fabric Easy Access Bandages, 3 butterfly closure fabric adhesive bandage, 3 antiseptic wipes, 1 triple antibiotic ointment, 2 alcohol swabs, 1 safety pin, 1 “register your kit” card, 3 After Bite sting and bite relief wipe, 4 aspirin (325 mg), 2 antihistamine (diphenhydramine 25 mg), 4 ibuprofen (200 mg), 4 acetaminophen (500 mg), 1 5" x 9" trauma pad, 2 nitrile glove, 1 wilderness first-aid manual, 1 EMT shears, 4 4" x 4" sterile gauze dressing, 2 2" x 2" sterile gauze dressing, 1 2" x 3" sterile non-adherent dressing, 1 elastic bandage with hook-and-loop closure, 1 conforming gauze bandage, 1 1" x 2.5 yard tape, 14 pre-cut and shaped moleskin pieces
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good-quality supplies
- Included Wilderness First Aid guidebook
- Well-organized
Cons
- Could use more pairs of nitrile gloves
- No included CPR mask
Adventure Medical Trail Dog First Aid Kit
Specs
- Weight 12 oz.
- Waterproof No
- Contents 2 3" x 3" sterile gauze dressing, 2 2" x 3" sterile non-adherent dressing, 1 2" conforming gauze bandage, 1 irrigation syringe (10 cc with 18-gauge tip), 1 saline wound and eye wash, 1 2" self-adhering elastic bandage, 3 triple antibiotic ointment, 6 antiseptic wipes, 2 alcohol swabs, 1 triangular bandage, 1 pet first-aid manual, 1 splinter picker/tick remover forceps, 1 oz. of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 2 antihistamine (diphenhydramine 25 mg)
Pros
- Well-stocked with dog-specific supplies
- Includes waterproof ziplock bag
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Low quantities of certain items
Homestock+ Professional First Aid Kit
Specs
- Weight 1 lb., 3 oz.
- Dimensions 7.9 x 5.9' x 3.6"
- Waterproof No
- Contents 70+ adhesive bandages, 8 sterile gauze pads, 4 non-adherent pads, 1 trauma pad, 2 gauze rolls, 1 medical tape roll, 1 elastic bandage roll, 1 triangular bandage, 2 burn care kits, 3 eye pads, 1 ice pack, 1 CPR face shield, 1 pair of gloves, 1 nylon pouch, 6 antiseptic wipes, 10 alcohol prep pads, 1 scissors, 1 tweezers, 50 cotton swabs, 10 safety pins, emergency blanket, 1 whistle, 1 first aid guide
Pros
- Well stocked with pads and bandages
- High quality shears
- Face shield included
Cons
- Bulky
- Lacks medications
The Galby by Cascade First Aid
Specs
- Weight 9.5 oz.
- Dimensions 6.5” x 5” x 2”
- Waterproof No
- Contents 1 foil mylar rescue blanket (52” x 84”), 1 oral rehydration salts (20.5g), 1 6” shears, 1 tongue depressor, 1 SPF 50 sunscreen face stick, 2 Purell hand wipes, 1 pair of gloves, 1 emergency contact card, 4 alcohol prep pads, 2 Povidone-Iodine prep pads, 1 antiseptic/antimicrobial skin cleanser (15mL), adhesive bandages: 1 triangular bandage, 1 self-adherent wrap, 8 sterile gauze sponges (3” x 3”), 3 Medi-Strips (.25” x 3”), 1 oil emulsion dressing (3” x 8”), non-adherent wrap, 4 large bandages, 5 regular sized bandages, medications: 2 APAP tablets (325mg), 1 caplet diphen (25mg), 2 tablets aspirin (325mg), 2 tablets antacid (420mg), 2 tablets ibuprofen (200mg), ointments: 2 triple antibiotic ointment, 2 1% hydrocortisone cream
Pros
- Extensive bandage and wound care items
- Small and packable
- Water-resistant
Cons
- No included CPR mask
- Only one pair of gloves
- Expensive
Surviveware Comprehensive Small First Aid Kit
Specs
- Weight 1 lb.
- Dimensions 7.5 x 6 x 3.5"
- Waterproof No
- Contents 1 6” shears, 1 600D polyester bag, adhesive bandages: 5 butterfly closures, 5 butterfly, 5 H-shape, 2 large, 20 standard, 5 mini, 5 square shape, 3 cotton gauze swabs, 10 cotton swabs, 1 crepe bandage, 1 emergency blanket, 2 eye pads, 1 hypoallergenic tape, 1 nitrile gloves, 1 personal medicine laminate bag, 5 personal medicine mini bags, 1 PBT conforming bandage, 4 safety pins, 2 splinter probes, 3 strip wound closures, 1 first aid guide, 1 triangular bandage, 1 tweezer, 1 whistle
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
- Contents 8 adhesive bandages, conforming gauze, 10+ sterile gauze, 1 pair gloves, 1 hand wipe, 1 trauma pad, 11 pre-cut Moleskin pieces, 1 duct tape, 1 2" x 50" bandage, 3 safety pins, 1 splinter picker/tick remover forceps, 2 After Bite wipe, 2 antihistamine (Diphenhydramine 25 mg), 2 aspirin (325 mg), Pkg./2, 2 diamode (Loperamide HCI 2 mg), (2) Ibuprofen (200 mg), 2 Acetaminophen (500 mg), 6 antiseptic wipe (Benzalkonium Chloride), 2 alcohol swab, 1 cotton tip applicator, 1 syringe, irrigation, 10 cc, 18 gauge tip, 1 tape, 1" x 10 yards, 1 skin tac topical adhesive wipe (isopropyl alcohol), 3 triple antibiotic ointment, single sse (Bacitracin Zinc, Neomycin Sulfate, Polymyxin B Sulfate), 1 wound closure strips
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- High quality medications
- Durable, waterproof casing
Cons
- Small quantities of key items
First-Aid Kits Comparison Chart
First Aid Kit | Price | Weight | Dimensions | Waterproof |
---|---|---|---|---|
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 | $33 | 8 oz. | 8.5 x 6.5 x 2″ | Yes |
HART Outdoor Weekend First-Aid Kit | $27 | 9.5 oz. | 6.5 x 5.5 x 2″ | No |
Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit | $30 | 7.2 oz. | 6.5 x 5.5 x 3″ | No |
Adventure Medical Trail Dog First-Aid Kit | $29 | 12 oz. | 7.5 x 1.5 x 5.3″ | No |
Homestock+ Professional First-Aid Kit | $37 | 1 lb., 3 oz. | 7.9′ x 5.9′ x 3.6” | No |
The Galby by Cascade First Aid | $70 | 9.5 oz. | 6.5” x 5” x 2” | No |
Surviveware Small First-Aid Kit | $60 | 1 lb. | 6 x 4 x 8″ | No |
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight First-Aid Kit .9 | $46 | 7.2 oz. | 10 x 7.5 x 3″ | Yes |
How We Tested First-Aid Kits
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.
The lead 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 tester Katie Davis to help us expand our selection; Katie is a seasoned outdoor professional with countless hours in the field.
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.
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 will 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 a variety of scenarios.
Many key factors differentiate one from the next, which we’ll dive into below. Of these, kit size, weight, supplies included, durability, price, group size, and type of activity are the most important.
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, 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.
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.
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.
Durability
A durable kit will hold up to the conditions it’s designed to be exposed to. First, a kit 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 of 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’ meds every 2-3 months or so and replace them as needed.
Price
On this list, we included inexpensive kits like the HART Outdoor Weekend First-Aid Kit and pricier kits like the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight First Aid Kit .9. Because prices for first-aid kits vary a lot, it should be possible to find something within your budget. That said, remember that cheaper kits often include cheaper supplies that won’t function quite as well when you need them most in the field.
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.
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 deal with a sprained ankle or skinned knees. Or, 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 your 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.
FAQ
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.
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
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.
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.
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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