The Best First-Aid Kits of 2024

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
• 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 for Mountain Bikers: The Galby by Cascade First Aid

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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
The Galby by Cascade First Aid	$70	9.5 oz.	6.5” x 5” x 2”	No
My Medic MYFAK Mini	$115	2.5 – 2.7 lbs	8.5” x 6” x 4”	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
Homestock+ Professional First-Aid Kit	$37	1 lb., 3 oz.	7.9′ x 5.9′ x 3.6”	No

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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