7 Best First Aid Kits For Outdoor Adventures

Rilor Staff
Update: November 25, 2021
Table of Contents

Bringing the best first aid kits in your outdoor expeditions is not just a recommendation; it is a must-do. You see, the outdoors provide terrains and weather conditions that surpass our expectations. A supposed smooth hike suddenly can turn into an emergency situation if a sudden flash flood strikes your route. Furthermore, accidents can occur in the least moment you expect it. 

Being prepared in any of these situations is vital for your survival and the people around you. First aid kits will not provide comprehensive treatment to the ailments and injuries you sustained outdoors. However, they can ensure that your condition will not worsen until such time professional medical attention arrives. 

Fortunately, there are multiple first aid kits that you can avail of today. Better check them out in the list below. 

7 Best First Aid Kits

 DurationNumber Of People
Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit 2 days1 to 2 people
HART Outdoor Day Hike First Aid Kit 1 day1 to 2 people
MyMedic The Medic First Aid Kit – Advanced Up to 7 days5 to 6 people
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 Medical Kit 1 to 4 days1 to 2 people
Coleman All Purpose First-Aid Tin 1 day1 person
Surviveware Survival First Aid Kit for Outdoor Preparedness 3 to 5 days3 to 5 people
Adventure Medical Kits Tactical Field Trauma Kit 1 to 4 days1 to 4 people

1. Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit

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One of the fascinating aspects about this medical kit from Adventure Medical Kits is its inclusion of the carefully-selected provisions for immediate first-aid. Its supplies can last up to two days of adventure and can support up to two individuals. It has trauma pads, butterfly bandages, medical tapes, and medications for specific illnesses. 

It uses the patented Easy Care item organization that lets you find whatever you need quickly. Its contents are properly organized and clearly labeled on their own specific pockets. You can find medical utilities inside the kit even in low-light conditions, thanks to the presence of an external kit map. There's also a reflective mountain logo on its surface for easy spotting. Internal pockets are see-through but are protective enough against the elements. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Material - Nylon
  • Dimensions - 6.5 inches x 5.5 inches x 3.3 inches
  • Weight - 7.2 ounces
  • Duration - 1 - 2 days

2. HART Outdoor Day Hike First Aid Kit

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Your outdoor jaunt will be a lot safer if you have the HART Outdoor Day Hike First Aid Kit. Featuring clearly labeled pockets, you will be able to find your intended medical supply inside quickly. These pockets are roomy, too, and secured by hook-and-loop closures. Hence, you can also return items without messing with the interior. You are also free to restock or put new amenities inside the kit because it is roomy and well organized. Check its back, and you'll see all the contents inside the pack. 

Interestingly, the first aid kit has a Quick Guide, enabling people to administer the medical items even if they have no prior training. Meanwhile, the assortment of medications, gauzes, and adhesive bandages make this kit an extraordinarily versatile and reliable utility for every outdoor enthusiast.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Material - Polyester/PEVA
  • Dimensions - 5.5 inches x 4.5 inches x 1 inches
  • Weight - 3.5 ounces
  • Duration - 1 day

3. MyMedic The Medic First Aid Kit - Advanced

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Do you need a comprehensive first aid kit for your team? I suggest that you pick this advanced first aid kit from MyMedic. Unlike other products here, this one is a backpack-type first aid kit. It contains more than 700 first-aid and trauma amenities, ensuring that you can cover any emergency and accidents that come your way. It has chest seals, surgical tools, sutures, cervical collars, tourniquets, and other medical items. In fact, it even has a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and skin stapler that can deal against grim injuries.

Furthermore, this first aid kit includes five survival blankets, three lightsticks, and a single rescue whistle. For survival situations, you might benefit from its 50-feet Atwood 550 paracord. It also has sufficient medicines and topical treatments for burns, allergies, fever, and other illnesses. Of course, carrying this kit in your adventure is not cumbersome. The pack has a custom-molded panel for custom fit support. Its top and side straps are padded for utmost user comfort, and its entire construction is downright rigid. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Material - Nylon pack cloth
  • Dimensions - 21 inches x 13 inches x 13 inches
  • Weight - 26 ounces
  • Duration - Up to 7 days

4. Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 Medical Kit

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If your next outdoor trip involves watery elements, you might want to pick a waterproof medical kit. In this case, the Ultralight/Watertight .7 Medical Kit should be the best option for you. This one has an ultralight but rugged construction. Hence, you can stack it at the bottom of your backpack without its content getting ruined. The kit's container is tailored from zippered ripstop silnylon, which is designed to withstand constant use and abuse. You can also find two DryFlex watertight pouches on its interior to keep your medical supplies dry and clean.

Furthermore, you can ensure that this first aid kit has all the essentials for a short day trip. It can accommodate up to two people and works well in both backpacking and hiking trips. It doesn't have advanced medical utilities but contains primary supplies such as wound care items and medications. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Material - Silnylon pouch
  • Dimensions - 8.5 inches x 6.5 inches x 2 inches
  • Weight - 8 ounces
  • Duration - 1 to 4 days

5. Coleman All Purpose First-Aid Tin

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The simplicity of the Coleman All Purpose First-Aid Tin makes it an appealing option for ultralight outdoor excursions. It is an excellent utility in the trail, but it is also a worthy item to be kept inside your car or home. Specifically, this first aid kit contains 27 of the most useful medical supplies. It has bandages, antiseptic wipes, and sting relief wipes. You'll also find antibiotic ointments, a razor blade, and a single safety tin. 

Meanwhile, this first aid kit has a brushed metal case, which is both durable and lightweight. It is crush-resistant, which should enable you to place it in tight spaces. The hinged top of the case allows quick access and secure closure to all its contents. There's also an embossed first aid cross on the container. This helps you see the first aid kit even in the dark. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Material - Metal
  • Dimensions - 0.88 inches x 2.5 inches x 3.88 inches
  • Weight - 2.8 ounces
  • Duration - 1 day

6. Surviveware Survival First Aid Kit for Outdoor Preparedness

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Containing at least 100 medical supplies, you can guarantee that this first aid kit from Surviveware can help you deal with the unexpected. It has premium survival tools, too, such as a knife, emergency flashlight, and paracord bracelet. It is not only valuable for backpacking and camping trips. You can also utilize it during disasters such as earthquakes and tropical storms. 

All items inside this survival first aid kit are organized and labeled correctly. You will never spend time looking for the supply that you are looking for. Compartments are also spacious, so that removing and returning items will be a lot easier. There's no need to rummage its interior. Furthermore, its container has a rip-resistant and waterproof polyester construction. It can protect its supplies from the elements. Even the interior pouches have durable laminates so that no items will get damaged. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Material - Polyester
  • Dimensions - 12 inches x 8 inches x 6 inches
  • Weight - 3 pounds
  • Duration - 3 to 5 days

7. Adventure Medical Kits Tactical Field Trauma Kit

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The Tactical Field Trauma Kit works perfectly for backpacking and lightweight trips. It is compact but packed with the primary supplies to treat several injuries that you can encounter in any backcountry pursuit. The kit has the QuickClot Sport Sponge that effectively slows bleeding. At the same time, it also contains petroleum gauzes, butterfly bandages, and antiseptic wipes to cover wounds safely. A myriad of single-dose medications for allergies, inflammation, and pain is also inside this kit.

Moreover, the Tactical Field Trauma Kit gives you examination gloves for a more hygienic way of treating wounds. Interestingly, it has a biohazard disposal bag that you can use whenever dealing with unknown substances in the field. With its precision forceps, you will be able to remove ticks and splinters. The kit can also help you immobilize fractured body parts, thanks to the presence of bandages and wraps. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Material - Nylon
  • Dimensions - 7 inches x 6 inches x 4.5 inches
  • Weight - 1 pound
  • Duration - 1 to 4 days

How To Choose The Best First Aid Kit For Outdoor Adventures

Training yourself to respond to various emergencies and situations in the wild is quite beneficial. It helps you rise above whatever unexpected tragedies that you can meet along the way. 

But at the same time, you need the essential utilities to make your response more effective. For instance, having a first aid kit can help you manage different injuries, fractures, and ailments. 

Premade first aid kits are widely available these days. They provide more convenience and provisions than a DIY kit, given the fact that professionals assemble them. At the same time, you can ensure that these kits have all the essentials. 

Below are some of the considerations in choosing a first aid kit. 

  • Size/number of people - Most of these kits are intended to cater to a specific number of users. Some are designed for single-use, while others can accommodate five or more individuals. Of course, the more supplies there are inside the kit, the bigger the latter would become.
  • Distance of the trip - First aid kits contain supplies that can last for a certain period already. Make sure that the first aid kit that you buy has enough provisions to cover the length of your adventure. 
  • Type of activity - You may also consider the nature of your outdoor activity before deciding on your first aid kit. For example, if you are going in an environment where there are allergy triggers, you should get a kit that contains allergy medications. If you are heading to technical terrains, a first aid kit that has multiple fractures and wound treatments is essential. However, if you have no idea what to encounter on your trip, get a comprehensive first aid kit instead. 
  • Special supplies - If you or some members of your group are suffering from specific medical conditions, the first aid kit that you buy should provide the remedies needed. Don't head to the trail without these medications, as they can save lives. 

What Should Be Inside A First Aid Kit

Not all first aid kits are the same. Some only provide remedies and treatment for wounds, while others can cover a plethora of injuries and illnesses. For starters, the following are deemed essential for any first aid kit. 

Medications:

  • Prescription medicines
  • Pain killer/relievers
  • Antibiotics
  • Antidiarrheal
  • Antacid 
  • Antihistamines
  • Aspirin

Bandages:

  • Gauze pads
  • Adhesive bandages
  • Bandages for blisters
  • Cloth tape
  • Absorbent dressings
  • Roller bandage

Tools:

  • Knife or blade
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Gloves

Other supplies:

  • Splint wraps
  • Antiseptic towels
  • Sting kits
  • Blankets
  • Cold / hot compress
  • Breathing barrier
  • Thermometer

Is First Aid Training Necessary?

First aid training is a critical skill that everyone should learn, and one that may well save your life if you ever need it. You can learn basic first aid training by reading a few books and watching a few videos, but only if you make sure you stay up to date with the latest medical news and learn what's coming down the pike in the world of medical training.

The ideal way of acquiring first aid skills is by attending courses offered by legitimate institutions such as the Red Cross. They will be able to teach you the basics of handling different emergencies, as well as train you how to use your first aid kit. 

In Summary

As mentioned, the best first aid kit can help you handle unexpected circumstances while you are camping, hiking, or backpacking. Depending on the kit that you have, you might even be able to respond to life-threatening emergencies. But of course, it is essential that you know how to use the supplies in the kit. Otherwise, they will end up in naught. 

That's it for now. If you have other inquiries, feel free to ask me in the comment section below. 

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