We have all experienced it. Getting into a bike accident that leads to a knee with a deep cut. Discovering an unexpected ground wasp nest on a hiking trail. Kids frolicking into a large area of poison ivy while searching for a ideal stick (am I the only one whose kids do that?).
When you find yourself alone, tending to your child’s knee scraped by gravel, a wasp sting causing pain, or needing to wash off poison ivy, you search through your pack or glove box for supplies to provide relief. Having a fully equipped adventure first aid kit for your family can greatly assist in situations like these.
Having the right equipment is helpful in dealing with various outdoor mini emergencies that are usually not life-threatening. Whether we are at the playground or the mountain summit, it is important to have the necessary supplies that could potentially save the day in unexpected situations.
Educate Yourself about First Aid
If you do not know how to use the contents of a first aid kit, even the best one will not be of any assistance to you. It is crucial to not only possess a tourniquet but also acquire the necessary knowledge to use it correctly during an emergency situation (and yes, using a tourniquet would qualify as an emergency).
You have various options to gain knowledge in wilderness medicine, such as utilizing instructional videos on YouTube from wilderness medicine companies, reading a book on the subject, or, for an even more advantageous experience, enrolling in a wilderness first aid class.
Both NOLS and SOLO are well-respected organizations that provide wilderness first aid courses throughout the United States. They are widely recognized for their exceptional, specialized instruction.
Ready Made First Aid Kits
Surviveware Small
The Surviveware Small kit contains a range of high-quality supplies in a very durable container with waterproof zippers. It is compact but still adequate in size, providing all the necessary items to handle both minor and major injuries. The kit is enhanced by its inclusion of top-notch components such as hospital-grade forceps, trauma shears, and Ace bandages. Additionally, we value the presence of gloves and a CPR mask in this convenient travel kit.
An unexpected drawback of this kit is the absence of over-the-counter medications. If you wish to have them readily available, you will need to supply your own. Additionally, we have included a roll of tape and gloves since these essential items are in short supply. Luckily, there is extra room in the kit for these supplementary items, as well as any other additional supplies you may choose to include according to the specific requirements of your trip.
Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker
If you want a good value, consider the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker. This kit is small, only as wide as a postcard, so it easily fits into even the smallest daypacks. It weighs ten ounces and can be made even lighter by removing the first aid book. We enjoy bringing this kit on mountain bike rides, day hikes, and rock climbs because it is so lightweight. It is our top choice for short trips and includes a great variety of supplies for the cost.
Although we strongly recommend this product due to its excellent value, it is important to understand that this compact option does not contain the same components as the larger kits. It lacks additional nitrile gloves and a CPR mask, resulting in less personal protection equipment and limited adaptability for certain medical emergencies. The intentional minimal quantities in this kit ensure its lightweight nature, making it ideal for use by only one or two individuals rather than a larger group. However, it is unlikely that you will find a more versatile and portable first aid kit that comes in such a compact size, with a low weight and price.
MyMedic MyFAK
The MyMedic MyFAK is the most robust first aid kit we have tested up to this point. It has an appearance and texture that exudes durability, and it offers the sturdiest medical equipment that many other kits do not have. Included in this kit are top-notch items such as pressure bandages, saline irrigation tubes, medical-grade thermometers, and trauma shears. Additionally, there is a compact pouch that can be easily packed for brief excursions away from the campsite, providing a convenient alternative when you don’t wish to carry the complete case.
Due to its bulkiness and heaviness, the MyFAK is not ideal to bring along for shorter hikes. Trained medical professionals are likely to value this model more than other kits. It is most suitable for situations in remote areas where serious medical attention is needed and readiness is prioritized over the weight of the first aid kit. For activities such as car camping, job sites, off-road driving, or other ventures where a well-equipped home base can be established, we recommend this kit.
Homestock+ Professional
Our favorite first aid kit for road trips is the Homestock+ Professional. It comes in a durable soft case that can be attached to the back of a headrest. One aspect we particularly like is that the kit is highly organized. Each item has its own labeled slot, which also provides information about its intended use (e.g., sterile gauze pad for wound cleaning). In addition, the kit contains a sufficient supply of various basic items that are sturdy enough for long road trips or to keep your car prepared for any everyday emergencies that may arise.
There are a few ways in which we believe this kit could be enhanced. The compartments within it are compact and rigid, which can pose some difficulty for individuals with larger hands when attempting to retrieve certain supplies. Additionally, it does not contain any medications, so we would certainly recommend augmenting it with some commonly used over-the-counter items. Although all basic first aid kits can be customized for specific purposes, if you intend to keep a kit in your car, this is our preferred option for extended journeys.
Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose
When we need a reliable at-home kit, we typically turn to the Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose. It includes a generous quantity of the essentials we often require, such as Band-Aids in various sizes, Neosporin, medical tape, Tylenol, and Benadryl anti-itch cream. This is an excellent option for families with children or individuals who require fast application of adhesive bandages. Additionally, it can be used as a substantial primary supply to restock smaller travel kits.
Our main concern lies in the durability of the case and packaging. The carrying case gives an impression of being inexpensive, and it is possible that the two plastic latches may not last as long as we would like. Moreover, the plastic insert, which holds numerous supplies, appears to be easily disposable. However, setting aside the problems with the case, the quality of the actual first-aid items is excellent, and we intend to keep this kit for use at home.
The Importance of Outdoor First Aid Preparedness
The most effective initial aid kit is ultimately the one that is accessible and familiar to be used during an emergency. It might not appear significant to have a dedicated kit instead of a few band-aids in your backpack, until the time comes when you require both blister supplies and bee sting treatment on the same day. The presence of blister treatment supplies has proven to be indispensable on numerous hikes.
Having a well stocked first aid kit and being prepared and organized does not imply paranoia or excessive caution. Instead, it enables us to take care of our families while enjoying outdoor activities. The greater the level of preparedness, the more effectively we can manage unexpected and unique circumstances.
