Outdoor First Aid Kits

If youre planning on being outdoors, whether with a group or by yourself, the addition of an outdoor first aid kit is a necessity. Before heading out, make sure you think carefully about the terrain you are going to be passing through or camping in and the activities you will be involved in. Also, be sure you know the specific medical needs of each individual.

Be prepared for worst cases
These depend on where you live. A short list, just to get you thinking, might include frostbite, snakebite, cactus quills, sunburn, heat exhaustion, serious falls and animal bites. Prepare for these, and you will have a better time outdoors.

Consider the weight and size of your first aid kit, as you will carry it around with you.

See our basic first aid kits for basic items that apply to any first aid kit.

Some additional things to bear in mind for your outdoor first aid kit are:

• blister preparation
  These might include moleskin, molefoam, second skin, benzoin tincture
• wound preparation
  Antibiotics and antiseptics are fine. Aloe Vera is an organic first aid treatment.
• topical medicines
  These can include antifungal cream, sunscreen and insect repellent.
• special medicines
  Think about the particulars of your outing that may require special medications or supplies: snake habitats, cold climates, hot climates, malaria regions, children in your party, or long expeditions.
• rehydration products such as salts or electrolytes
• trauma preparation
  Falls and slips are likely to be the biggest dangers you face. They account for over 70 fatalities a year, in the US. Prepare for all worst cases discussed above.

Recommended Outdoor First Aid Kits
Two outdoor first aid kits are highly rated by users. These are:

• the REI Hiker first aid kit, which is lightweight with a convenient fold out design. (and)
• the Adventure Medical Comprehensive First Aid Kit which comes with instructions and a wide variety of products you might not consider on your own

The National Safety Council has an excellent book on Wilderness First Aid.

You may also want to view our page on first aid for remote workers.