Nature never runs out of exciting and surprising things to unfold. River crossing, cliff scaling, surfing and hiking, these are the activities that promise an unforgettable experience in conquering obstacles and mainly: yourself. Keep yourself safe from injuries and wounds with these 13 first aid kits to ensure your adventure won’t be held off by unexpected incidences. Read on to pick out the best first aid kit for backpacking for your next adventure!
How to Choose the Best First Aid Kit for Backpacking
There are tons of various first aid kits being offered on the market, and they cater to different needs and wants. Before you make your choices, you should know the kind of first aid kit you’ll need when you go on your trips. You can take into account the length of your trip, the number of people in your party, and other things that are mentioned below.
Accessibility and Organization
In the best-case scenario, you won’t be needing your first aid kit. But in the case that you do, accessibility and organization are key in making sure that you’ll get to what you need as soon as possible. For that, when choosing your first aid kit, you need to look into how it’s designed. Is there enough space for what you need to have with you in case of emergencies? Are the compartments easy enough to access and clear enough that you know where you can get what you need as quickly as possible? Keep these questions in mind!
Portability
Of course, when you’re traveling, you’re going to be bringing things with you. Your first aid kit should be among one of the most important things in your to-bring list, but it doesn’t necessarily have to take up all the space that you don’t know how to fit other stuff in your backpack. Some kits are small enough to slip into your bag or even your pocket! Some can even be attached to the outside of your bag. It’s all up to you.
Essential Items
When we talk about first aid, we’re talking about items that are necessary in cases of emergency. You need to know beforehand what types of things you should have in your first aid kit, and match that list with what your potential first aid kit already comes with. A lot of them already have the bases covered, but if you need certain stuff they don’t have (like your prescription meds), check out ones that will allow you the space to add them in.
Material
Backpacking is super fun because you get to explore areas you’ve never been to before. This means that you will face new and different situations, like weather, terrain, and overall condition of the area you’re going to. To tackle that, some first aid kits are made especially durable for long and hard trips, and some are water-resistant (and even float!) to suit your water adventures. It’s good to prepare, but it’s better to prepare properly!
Major treatable injuries: sprains or muscle strains; minor wounds like cuts, scrapes, abrasions, or puncture wounds; ailments such as headaches, allergies, muscle aches, and sore throats; and medical illnesses like diarrhea or dehydration
Thrive First Aid Kit Bag 291 pieces
13
This heavy-duty Thrive First Aid Kit Bag 291 pieces may be the companion for your backpacking adventures that you’re looking for. The lightweight bag is packed with supplies from bandages to an emergency blanket that should come in handy in case something unexpected ever happens in your journey. You can never be too prepared! If that’s not enough, you can even add more essential medications and ointments that fit your own needs in the inner pockets of the bag.
With the designated red color, reflective red cross logo, and “first aid kit” text on the front, you really can’t mistake it for any other bag – which is important when you need to look for it quickly. With heavy-duty zippers, you don’t need to worry about your stuff falling out when you least expect it. Other than providing you extra assurance when you’re exploring different parts of the world while you’re backpacking, this kit can also be a reliable first aid for your car or even at home.
What We Like
It’s durable, lightweight, and capable of holding a lot of supplies and personal addition.
Pros:
- Durable and compact
- Contains 291 pieces of supplies
- Up to professional standards
Cons:
You need to buy perishable ointments and medications separately.
M2 BASICS 150 Piece First Aid Kit
12
When you wanna go backpacking, one of the principles is to only carry the essentials. That’s exactly what this M2 BASICS 150 Piece First Aid Kit offers. It’s sized perfectly for your adventure needs, and it comes with a carabiner that you can easily attach to your gear to ensure quick access in emergencies. Is having things hanging on your bag, not your style? You can just put it inside your bag and it takes so little space. This one is arguably the best first aid kit for backpacking in a compact size. Plus, you don’t have to pay a fortune for it.
It comes with a set of first aid supplies and includes various types of bandages in many sizes such as cleansing wipes, sterile gauze sponges, and even a CPR protective device. There’s also a wind-proof and waterproof emergency thermal blanket among others. We never know what we might need, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Just pack this little guy or attach it to your gear, and have a great backpacking adventure!
What We Like
It’s simple, effective, and it can be attached to your traveling gear
Pros:
- Attachable to your bag
- Super compact!
- Contain essential emergency needs
Cons:
Some items in it are lower quality.
Thrive First Aid Kit Bag 66 pieces
11
Luggage space is a concern when you want to go traveling, especially backpacking. The goal is to travel as light as possible, so you can be flexible with wherever your own two feet carry you. But does that mean, sometimes, that you have to choose between what to bring and what to leave behind? With Thrive’s Small First Aid Kit 66 pieces, you don’t have to leave out the one thing you should have with you in favor of extra clothes – it’s the perfect size for traveling! Especially if you like to camp and are looking for a kit to complete your camping accessories.
Looking at its form factor, this kit may be small, but it comes with items that may help you if something unexpected happens during your trip. Though small, the polyester-nylon bag is bright red with the unmistakable reflective cross logo and “first aid kit” text on the front so you can easily look for it in your bag. It’s also made of ripstop so it should be durable to hold its content securely. Travel away without worry!
What We Like
It’s the perfect size for traveling light.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Small but durable
- Covers essential medical supplies
- Bright color for visibility
Cons:
No ointments/medications like ibuprofen or neosporin.
Surviveware Large First Aid Kit
10
When you want to go backpacking, especially to places you’ve never been to and you don’t know what lies ahead of you, you need a safety plan. The Survivewear Large First Aid Kit may be the most suitable one! It’s designed to last with the 600D Polyester that makes it super durable on heavy-duty uses for any condition, so you don’t need to worry about it being damaged while you’re on your trip. But that’s not it, this solid unit is also water-resistant to a point that it floats. This feature puts it as the best first aid kit for hiking or kayaking.
Well, all of this goodness comes at a price, but it’s justifiable for it isn’t just like any other for its versatility and function-oriented design. It even comes with its own detachable mini kit that holds up to 50 items from the 200-piece complete kit; while still holds additional space for personal additional supplies. The compartments in the bag are also labeled to function, so say goodbye to frantically looking for items that you need during an emergency.
What We Like
It’s super durable, water-resistant, and it comes with a compact mini kit.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty
- Waterproof
- Including a detachable mini kit
- Well-equipped
- Less bulky considering the items it holds
Cons:
It doesn’t come cheap.
Monoki First Aid Kit
9
Whether you’re just bored or traveling is your passion, are planning on going backpacking in the near future? If it’s yes, that’s great! Does your plan involve wilderness adventures like camping or hiking? If so, this Monoki First Aid Kit is definitely a must-have item in your travel gear. Inside its waterproof red case contains 16 different survival tools that will come in handy if during an emergency, such as a folding knife, whistle, compass keychain, fire starter, and tactical flashlight, among others. To top it all off, it even has fishing equipment! You can always swap the multi-tools in it with the leatherman set you have for an equipment upgrade.
Of course, since it is a first-aid kit, it has multi-purpose emergency supplies that you may need if you ever need to treat injuries during your trip. The content is organized into grid-style containers which where you can also add your own supplies. Not sure what to do? Don’t worry, it comes with a booklet that will hopefully help you brush up your first-aid knowledge to deal with wounds and prevent infections. Take it on your every adventure.
What We Like
It’s travel compact with a waterproof case and survival tools.
Pros:
- Includes 16 survival tools
- Portable and travel-friendly design
- Waterproof and shock-resistant
- Semi-hard shell
Cons:
The rigid case may limit storing options.
Surviveware Small First Aid Kit
8
While smaller, the Surviveware Small First Aid Kit is as indispensable as its previously covered brethren. Made of 600D Polyester, it’s ready for any tough situation that may come on your way. It’s also lightweight at only one pound; light enough to be the best first aid kit for backpacking adventures. The bag itself is red in color, which attracts the eyes immediately for fast recognition during an emergency situation. When you open it, you’ll be welcomed by organized labeled compartments to make it easier for you to spot the items you need.
As a first-aid kit, it covers at least 100 essential medical emergency items including a removable CPR pouch. It also comes with an informative first-aid guide to help you when you’re not sure what to do. And don’t worry about water damage because this kit is water-resistant to protect its contents. No more space in your backpack? Fret not, for it comes with MOLLE-compatible straps and snaps, so you can carry it on your backpack, belt, or EDC bag. Plus, it’s FSA & HSA approved!
What We Like
It’s easy to find things in its labelled compartments. Sturdy hand-carry as well!
Pros:
- D-ring and MOLLE-compatible straps
- Easy organization with labels
- Removable CPR pouch
- Water-resistant
Cons:
Quality comes with a price; which is to be expected from this brand.
Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Kit
7
Clothes? Check. Passport? Check. First aid kit? Don’t leave it out! First aid kit is essential in every journey, especially when you’re an adventurous soul who dares to explore unknown terrains. For that reason, we believe that Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Kit will put you in good hands. As the name suggests, not only is the main kit fully stocked with necessary items for emergency uses, there’s a second, smaller kit in addition to that. The items include a compass, whistle, emergency blanket, emergency glow stick, and a sewing kit. And it’s water-resistant! Take this against the weather and you’ll be fine.
The mini kit lives up to its name: it’s amazingly small. It doesn’t mean it’s lackluster, though! It holds 32 items that will help you during an emergency, like bandages, alcohol prep pads, and a sterile gauze pad. If your backpacking trip doesn’t require you to be extra prepared, even though there’s no such thing as being too prepared for something, the mini kit will suffice. You can just slip it in your bag, and feel secure on your travels.
What We Like
It’s fully stocked and comes with a mini kit.
Pros:
- Includes a mini kit
- 120 + 32 medical grade items
- Water/moisture resistant
- Tear-resistant, rigid soft case
Cons:
Cheap quality bandages may need to be replaced with higher quality ones at your own cost.
First Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit
6
When it comes to first aid kits, the more compact is the better. Nobody needs ‘fancy’ when there’s an emergency, right? What you need is quick access to essential items that will help you treat minor aches and injuries. First Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit offers exactly that. It’s 9-inch wide and compact, a perfectly reasonable size to bring with you on your travels, or even to put in your car or store at home. It comes in colorful cases, too! Could it be the best first aid kit for backpacking?
The pouch, soft to the touch, has different compartments made of clear plastic pockets, so you will be able to easily access the items you need to help you treat pain, swelling, cuts, scrapes, or burn, or if you need them for other emergencies that may arise during your backpacking adventure. Although this first aid kit fits in your hand, it’s compact and packed with 299 pieces of first aid essentials like bandages, alcohol wipes, and gauze pads. It also comes with burn cream, cold pack, and medicines like ibuprofen and aspirin. Be sure to check the expiry date, and you’ll be safe to go wherever your heart takes you!
What We Like
It fits in your hand, but it packs so many emergency supplies.
Pros:
- Compact case
- Essential first aid supplies
- Burn cream and cold pack
Cons:
There are more Band-Aids than other emergency items.
Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker First Aid Kit
5
If going hiking is your first love, then this first aid kit is going to be your second. Aiming the spot as the best first aid kit for hiking, this kit is light, durable, and water-resistant. Even though it weighs less than 8oz, it has everything you need for any emergencies that may arise in your travels. The Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker First Aid Kit has enough for two hikers for two days, complete with a wilderness medicine guide as well. Just store it inside your backpack, and you can go to the mountains with extra peace of mind.
This blue bag comes with different compartments labeled by the type of injuries, which makes it super easy to pinpoint which items you need for a specific situation. What’s even more wonderful about this first aid kit is the fact that there’s even a visual guide on the back of the bag that tells you which items go to which compartments. It even has a reflective mountain design on the front, which will come in handy when you need it during nighttime. With its Easy Care organization system, you’ll never have to waste time looking for stuff buried under other stuff.
What We Like
It’s light, clearly organized, and made for hiking
Pros:
- Labeled pockets
- Lightweight and durable
- Fit for 2 people for 2 days
- Comprehensive content
- Easy organization with folding compartments
Cons:
The size may be a little too small for bigger additional items like certain tourniquets.
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight Medical First Aid Kit
4
Not having a first aid kit while traveling, even for a short one, is a mistake you never want to make. If luggage space is an issue for you, you may want to opt for smaller size first aid kits to bring with you Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight Medical First Aid Kit can be a good choice for you, especially if your backpacking trip involves wet adventures! It has two-stage waterproofing, which will prevent your supplies from getting water damage. It’s ultralight and extremely compact, proving no hassle to have it with you on the go.
In its small yet compact watertight case, you will be able to find various medical items to help you treat pain, inflammation, and common allergies like bandage materials, moleskin, medication, and wound care. It’s designed for multi-sport athletes, so it’s enough to easily accommodate you for 1-2 days of adventure. The bright yellow color of the pouch also makes it easy to single out from your other traveling items! When you bring this kit with you, you don’t have to worry about not having anything to rely on when emergencies occur.
What We Like
The best first aid kit for backpacking that involves water adventures.
Pros:
- Ultralight and watertight case
- Bug removal and bite relief
- Great form factor
- Smooth and brightly-colored case
Cons:
No organizer compartments.
MediKit Deluxe First Aid Kit
3
If there’s one thing you need to be when you go traveling, especially backpacking, it’s prepared. This MediKit Deluxe First Aid Kit is on its way to become the best first aid kit for backpacking in the market. It’s the first aid kit that’s suitable to store at home or in the office, and when the time comes for your adventure, you can just put it in your bag and carry it with you. It’s only around one pound, so it shouldn’t be hard to do! The red bag is made from nylon material, so it should be able to protect your supplies during your trip.
Inside it, you’ll have as many as 115 essential first aid supplies that will help you face any emergency that may arise during your backpacking adventure. You can clean cuts, bandage scrapes, relieve sprains, and do much more with them if need be. There’s even a thermal blanket so you won’t have to worry about forgetting to pack extra outerwear and being chilled to the bone. The items in this first aid kit are recommended by emergency medical technicians, so we’re pretty sure this kit has you covered.
What We Like
It’s a one-size-fits-all for many kinds of situations: at home, in the office, or going backpacking
Pros:
- 115 first aid supplies for different situations
- Can be stored at home/office/in the car, but also easy to carry
- Recommended by professionals
Cons:
The cheap price compromises content’s quality.
Coleman All Purpose Mini First Aid Kit
2
When we were searching for the best first aid kit for hiking that can sustain the abuse of the elements, Coleman All Purpose Mini First Aid Kit came across our path. It’s so compact that you can always slip this one into a backpack full of other essential items. It’s also strong; made of a reusable metal tin case to make sure its contents don’t get crushed in whatever your adventure throws at it. You can prepare for your backpacking by just carrying this small but reliable tin case.
Though small, it still carries medical supplies that you can count on for minor emergencies, like latex-free bandages, sting-relief wipes, antibiotic ointment, and antiseptic wipes. Put it into your purse and have some peace of mind. But how do you know it’s a first aid kit and not a mints tin? You won’t miss the embossed first aid cross on the front so you’ll never get the two mixed up. What’s even cooler is that this case is 100% recyclable!
What We Like
Being prepared for emergencies feels like carrying mints!
Pros:
- Cool reusable metal tin case
- Eco conscious
- Super portable
- Adds character to your gear
Cons:
Not too much space to add on more stuff.
Protect Life First Aid Kit 160 Pieces
1
Safety should be a priority in everyone’s life in every aspect. For that reason, leave the ordeal to Protect Life First Aid Kit 160 Pieces as it’s the best first aid kit for backpacking available in the market. It’s small enough to be carried easily, but it holds all the first-aid essentials you’ll ever need when unexpected minor emergencies happen, so you can store it at home, in your office, or even car. What’s great is that when your adventurous soul calls for a backpacking trip, you don’t need to think twice about purchasing a separate first aid kit – you can just take this one with you, and you’ll be ready to go!
Thinking about going on a water-rafting trip or skiing? This kit is excellent for that since it comes in a heavy-duty, water-resistant case. The medical supplies you’ll be bringing with you are ones that are recommended by professionals in safety service, like bandages, gauze swabs, a whistle, a compass, an emergency blanket, and there’s even a first aid brochure, so you should be able to count on it. Enjoy your trip, be safe, and have fun!
What We Like
It can fit in your backpack easily
Pros:
- 5-year warranty
- Wide range of supplies for emergency
- Easy to carry case
- Water-resistant and heavy duty case
- Recommended by professionals
Cons:
The quality of the contents could be better.
