Do you enjoy backpacking? Getting to hike in nature is something that many people enjoy, whether it is just a few hours or many days of hiking. Not only is hiking healthy for you physically, but it is also mentally healthy.
Going for a hike allows you to get away from the stress and busyness of the world. And not to mention that the fresh air and Vitamin D prevents you from getting depressed, especially during the winter. But as healthy as hiking is for you, there are also some dangers to it.
Many people get injured when backpacking on trails. Because safety is always first, it is important that you have medical supplies with you as you backpack on remote trails.
Today, we're going to take a look at the best first aid kits and a complete guide to choosing the best first aid kit for backpacking.
All first aid kits are designed differently. Some feature handles so that you can easily carry it. Others are simply a bag that you can store in your vehicle. What's nice about first aid kits that are designed for backpacking is that they are usually lightweight and very compact.
They easily fit inside a backpack and they have all the supplies you'll need for various injuries. If you don't have a first aid kit to hike with, it is important to buy one. First aid kits can help you feel less pain after a fall, stop bleeding, dress wounds, and even save lives.
In this article, let's take a look at the best first aid kit for backpacking and tips for choosing the best first aid kit for you. Hopefully, these tips will allow you to buy a first aid kit that will fit your needs.
Let's get started!
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Surviveware Small First Aid Kit |
[amazon fields=”B01HGSLB6K” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”] |
[amazon fields=”B01HGSLB6K” value=”button”] |
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Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight and Watertight .9 First Aid Kit |
[amazon fields=”B000G80KZQ” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”] |
[amazon fields=”B000G80KZQ” value=”button”] |
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Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series |
[amazon fields=”B000G7YIL4″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”] |
[amazon fields=”B000G7YIL4″ value=”button”] |
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DeftGet First Aid Kit Survival |
[amazon fields=”B01E7KBHSM” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”] |
[amazon fields=”B01E7KBHSM” value=”button”] |
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Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Kit |
[amazon fields=”B01G45DWOK” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”] |
[amazon fields=”B01G45DWOK” value=”button”] |
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Run2Win Safety Mini First Aid Kit |
[amazon fields=”B0753Q5631″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”] |
[amazon fields=”B0753Q5631″ value=”button”] |
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UST Watertight First Aid Kit |
[amazon fields=”B075S4HJKF” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”] |
[amazon fields=”B075S4HJKF” value=”button”] |
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First Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit |
[amazon fields=”B000069EYA” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”] |
[amazon fields=”B000069EYA” value=”button”] |
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M2 BASICS 300 Piece (40 Unique Items) First Aid Kit w/Bag |
[amazon fields=”B078XL75GS” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”] |
[amazon fields=”B078XL75GS” value=”button”] |
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I GO Compact First Aid Kit |
[amazon fields=”B074MNJXJ3″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”] |
[amazon fields=”B074MNJXJ3″ value=”button”] |
Best First Aid Kit For Backpacking Options
Now that we have taken a look at considerations to ask yourself and the benefits of first aid kits, it is time to get shopping! Below, you’ll find a list of the best first aid kits available on the market. Hopefully, this guide helps you choose the best first aid kit for backpacking that will fit your needs.
Surviveware Small First Aid Kit
[amazon box=”B01HGSLB6K”]
The Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup is, as the name suggests, quick to set up. The inverted seams will set up in just 1 minute. It has pre-attached poles, which is what makes this tent so easy to set up.
This 4 person tent measures 8 x 7 feet with a 4-foot 11-inch center height. This provides enough room for four people to sleep in this tent. It has patented welded floors and inverted seams to keep you dry.
This tent is made in the USA. The integrated vented rainfly improves airflow without any extra assembly needed. Overall, this is a great tent to consider buying.
It can easily fit 4 people, but you can also use it so that you have extra storage space, even if you'll be the only person sleeping in the Coleman tent.
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Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight and Watertight .9 First Aid Kit
[amazon box=”B000G80KZQ”]
Looking for the best first aid kit for backpacking that is watertight? Look no further than this first aid kit by Adventure Medical Kits.
With two-stage waterproofing, inner DryFlex bags, and an outer seam-sealed siliconized nylon bag with water-resistant zipper, this first aid kit is guaranteed to stay dry even in the wettest situations.
Weighing only 7.2-ounces, this kit is lightweight and compact. You can easily fit it inside of your backpack. This kit has been tested, abused, and approved by adventure racers in the Eco Challenge, Primal Quest, and Raid Gauloises. Therefore, you can be ensured that this kit is durable.
This first aid kit includes sterile bandage materials, bleeding and wound care, blister/burn care, fracture/sprain care, common medications, and essential tools, all contained in a high-visibility kit bag.
While this first aid kit is not as organized as the previous first aid kit, it is still packed neatly. All in all, this is a great first aid kit to try. It is especially a good option if you plan on backpacking in wet locations, as it is very watertight.
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Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series
[amazon box=”B000G7YIL4″]
This first aid kit is designed to manage injury and ailments for 1-5 people on short trips. Therefore, this isn’t recommended for long trips with large groups, but on short hikes with 5 or fewer people, this may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Each kit contains hospital-quality supplies to treat a variety of injuries and illnesses. They are clearly labeled and you can easily see them through the clear “windows”. This kit includes sterile bandage materials, wound care, blister/burn care, CPR face shield, fracture/sprain care, common medications, and essential tools.
It also has a manual, which is very helpful. Weighing in at just under a pound (15 ounces) this first aid kit is a great option for backpacking. Overall, this is another one of the best first aid kits for backpacking.
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DeftGet First Aid Kit Survival
[amazon box=”B01E7KBHSM”]
If you want a first aid kit that is lightweight, compact, and waterproof, this next first aid kit may fit your needs. It is very compact, yet still well organized. Customers especially liked that this kit is waterproof.
The last thing that you want is all of your supplies getting soaked in the rain or mud. But that’s not the case with this first aid kit. You can hike in the rain, drop it in the water, and set it down in the mud without worrying about it becoming damaged.
This first aid kit includes the following supplies:
Bandaids pcs 20 Alcohol Prep pads pcs 10Iodine pad pcs 5Nonwoven Triangular Bandage 96x96x135cm pcs 1Emergency Blanket 130x210cm pcs 1PBT medical bandage 7.5x400cm pcs 2Sting Relief Pad pcs 5Non-woven adhesive tape 1.25Ã-450cm pcs
Stainless Steel Tweezers pcs 1Stainless Steel Scissors pcs 1Compressed Towe pcs 1First Aid Kit 20x13x5cm pcs 1Whistle pcs 1Safety pins pcs 10hand-pressing flashlight pcs 1Saber Cards pcs 1Circular Band-aid pcs 20Cotton Stick pcs 80
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Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Kit
[amazon box=”B01G45DWOK”]
This first aid kit is compact and lightweight, a feature that you want for backpacking. At only 9 inches wide and weighing 1.2 pounds, the Swiss Safe First Aid Kit easily fits inside of your backpack.
It is neatly organized, making it easy to grab what you need during emergency situations. In addition to this, it includes an 18-page first aid guide. This guide allows you to use the proper medications and equipment for different injuries.
The kit includes 120 pieces, plus it also comes with a 32-piece mini first aid kit. This is a great first aid kit for those who want high-quality supplies that are compact and well organized.
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Run2Win Safety Mini First Aid Kit
[amazon box=”B0753Q5631″]
If you are shopping for a first aid kit that is lightweight, look no further than this option. Weighing only 5-ounces, this first aid kit is extremely portable. The strong zipper and durable hardshell case are built to last.
A nice feature is that it lies open flat so you can easily see what’s inside. Even though this is a very compact first aid kit, it is loaded with high-quality items. All of the items are labeled in re-sealable waterproof bags.
In addition to all of this, this mini first aid kit is made in the USA. This is definitely a great product to purchase if you want a first aid kit that is lightweight and compact.
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UST Watertight First Aid Kit
[amazon box=”B075S4HJKF”]
Once again, the UST Watertight First Aid Kit is a small and compact first aid kit. This kit contains essential first aid supplies needed to treat a variety of minor injuries. The kit is shatterproof, as it is made with a polycarbonate case with O-ring seals for durability and water-resistance.
This product features a carabiner with a cord so that you can attach it to your backpack, bike, or even to your clothes. This kit includes two Acetaminophen, two Antibiotic Ointment Packets, twelve Antiseptic Towelettes, two Aspirin Tablets, five 1” x 3” Adhesive Bandages, and ten 3/4” x 3” Adhesive Bandages.
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First Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit
[amazon box=”B000069EYA”]
Looking for a simple first aid kit? Check out this first aid kit by First Aid Only. It contains 299 essential first aid supplies for treating minor aches and injuries. The clear plastic liner in the nylon case allows it to be well organized and easy to access to the first aid supplies in an emergency.
This soft-sided, zippered case is ideal for home, travel, and on the go use. It is made with natural rubber latex.
Loaded with medical supplies, this first aid kit is the perfect kit for backpackers. It includes the following supplies:
Adhesive Fabric Bandages, 1″ x 3″: 10; Conforming Gauze Roll, 2″: 1; Adhesive Fabric Bandages, 3/4″ x 3″: 20; Adhesive Plastic Bandages, 1″ x 3″: 30; Alcohol Wipes: 14; Adhesive Plastic Bandages, 2” x 4”: 2; Antibiotic Ointment Packets, 0.9g: 6; Adhesive Plastic Bandages, 3/8″ x 1-1/2″: 50; Adhesive Plastic Bandages, ¾” x 3”: 75; Aluminized Rescue Blanket, 52” x 84”: 1; Aspirin Tablets: 6; Burn Gel Packet, 1/8 oz: 1; Butterfly Wound Closures: 3; BZK Antiseptic Towelettes: 15; Cold Pack, 4” x 5”: 1; Cotton Tipped Applicators: 10; Disposable Thermometer: 1; Extra-Strength Non-Aspirin Tablets: 6; Finger Splint/Tongue Depressor: 2; Fingertip Fabric Bandages: 4; First Aid Cream Packets, 0.9g: 2; First Aid Guide: 1; Ibuprofen Tablets: 6; First Aid Tape, 1/2″ x 5yd: 2; Knuckle Fabric Bandages: 4; Moleskin (Blister Prevention), 2″ x 2″: 3; Nitrile Exam Gloves: 2; Patch Plastic Bandages, 1 ½” x 1 ½”: 1; Scissors: 1; Sterile Gauze Pads, 2″ x 2″: 6; Sterile Gauze Pads, 3″ x 3″: 4; Sting Relief Wipes: 3; Sterile Gauze Pads, 4” x 4”: 2; Trauma Pad, 5″ x 9″: 1; Tweezers: 1.
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M2 BASICS 300 Piece (40 Unique Items) First Aid Kit w/Bag
[amazon box=”B078XL75GS”]
This 300-piece first aid kit includes 40 unique items.
These items include the following: Adhesive Bandage Strips (6 varieties), Abdominal Trauma, Eye Pads, Sterile Gauze Sponges/Rolls, Medical Tape, Alcohol Wipes, Povidone Iodine Wipes, Antiseptic Towelettes, Alcohol-Free Wound Cleansing Wipes, Cotton Tip Applicators, CPR Face Mask, Disposable Latex-Free Gloves, Instant Cold Compress, Medical Face Mask, Metal Scissors/Tweezers, Safety Pins, Tourniquet, and Wooden Splints/Tongue Depressors.
This zippered first aid kit includes clear pockets to organize your first aid supplies. Overall, this is a great option if you want a basic first aid kit that is packed with essential supplies.
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I GO Compact First Aid Kit
[amazon box=”B074MNJXJ3″]
This last best first aid kit for backpacking comes with 85 medical grade items in a compact, flexible, durable design. It only weighs 0.56 pounds, making it very lightweight. It is manufactured with the highest quality approved by the FDA.
This product features an aluminum carabiner so that you can easily clip this first aid kit onto your backpack. It is made from waterproof hard and lightweight EVA material. All in all, this is a great first aid kit to try if you want something that is lightweight and compact.
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Things To Consider When Shopping For the Best First Aid Kit For Backpacking
Before we take a look at the best first aid kits, let's first go over some considerations to ask yourself. These considerations will help you choose a backpack that will fit your needs. Below are some considerations to keep in mind when shopping for the best first aid kit for backpacking.
Image via Pexels
How Durable Is the Kit?
The first and most important consideration is how durable the kit is. Some first aid kits will have a waterproof case so that you can place it on the ground that is muddy and wet. Because you'll probably set your first aid kit on the ground when you look through it, it is important that the case is durable.
In addition to the durability of the case, you should also consider how durable the zipper is. If the zipper is not durable, it could break and then all of the supplies will fall out. When you choose a first aid kit, go over this consideration to decide if it will fit your needs for backpacking.
Does It Come With A Manual?
Some high-quality first aid kits come with a manual. A manual is helpful, as it labels what each item in the kit is for. Another helpful booklet that may come with your first aid kit is a patient-assessment form.
Patient-assessment forms are for you to fill out and provide to emergency responders or to a doctor when your patient reaches a clinic. If you would like your first aid kit to come with a manual or patient-assessment forms, be sure to invest in a first aid kit that comes with it.
How Heavy and Bulky Is It?
When you're backpacking, you'll want a first aid kit that is lightweight and can easily fit inside your backpack. Therefore, you should shop for a first aid kit that is designed for backpacking and hiking. Many of the first aid kits in this article are designed to be lightweight and compact..
Is the Kit Well Organized?
Another consideration is how well organized the first aid kit is. While your first aid kit may be organized in packages when you first open it, it doesn't take long for your first aid supplies to become unorganized if the kit isn't designed to keep your supplies organized.
If possible, try shopping for a kit that remains organized even after multiple uses. Such kits may have labeled pockets and pouches inside the case.
Why Do I Need A First Aid Kit?
While it is obvious what a first aid kit is for, you may be wondering if a first aid kit is necessary when hiking. Even if you're just hiking for a couple of hours, it is a good idea to keep a first aid kit packed in your backpack.
From small scraps to excessive bleeding, first aid kits can save lives and help you feel more comfortable after an injury. Still wondering if you need a first aid kit?
Check out these reasons below.
You Can Care For An Injury When You're Far From Hospitals and Out Of Cell Service
While it is obvious what a first aid kit is for, you may be wondering if a first aid kit is necessary when hiking. Even if you're just hiking for a couple of hours, it is a good idea to keep a first aid kit packed in your backpack.
From small scraps to excessive bleeding, first aid kits can save lives and help you feel more comfortable after an injury. Still wondering if you need a first aid kit? Check out these reasons below.
You Can Care For An Injury When You're Far From Hospitals and Out Of Cell Service
We all know that the first thing we should do in an emergency is call emergency services. But what do you do when you are out of cell service? Having a first aid kit with you allows you to care for someone or even yourself when you are far from help.
While you may still need to see a doctor, a first aid kit allows you to treat an injury from the moment you first get hurt. This will prevent more serious damage later because the person was not taken care of immediately.
You'll Save Money
It is true that you'll save money if you only use a first aid kit instead of rushing to the hospital. Of course, emergency situations where you broke something or are not responsive call for professional medical care. But when you lightly scratch yourself or twist an ankle, it isn't necessary to run to the doctor when you have a first aid kit nearby.
You Don't Have To Spend Time Making Your Own First Aid Kit
Some people choose to make their own first aid kit. While a homemade first aid kit allows you to pack whatever you want, you may also forget to pack something. With a pre-made first aid kit, however, you can be ensured that all the medical supplies you need are packed inside the kit.
You also won't have to spend time shopping and packing medical supplies, because that's already been done for you.
Best First Aid Kit For Backpacking Options
I hope this article has helped you choose the best first aid kit for backpacking that will fit your needs. The first aid kits in this article are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them a great option for backpacking.
They easily fit inside backpacks, and some can even clip onto the outside of the backpack. There are many benefits of having a first aid kit with you when hiking. You never know when an emergency is about to happen, so it is important to be prepared.
I hope this buying guide has helped you decide on the best first aid kit for backpacking.
Happy hiking!
Featured Image via Pexels
