How to Build a Backpacking First Aid Kit
What’s essential in a backpacking first aid kit? This guide will help you create your own backpacking first aid kit tailored to your needs out on trail, ensuring you’re prepared to handle most situations in the backcountry, including any and all repairs.
Choosing the Right Backpacking First Aid Kit
When it comes to selecting a backpacking first aid kit, you have two primary choices: commercial kits or DIY kits. Each option has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, and the best choice depends on your personal preferences and specific needs. We’ll explore these options further to help you decide.
Commercial Kits
Commercial first aid kits are perfect for backpackers who want a quick, ready-made solution. These kits come with various medical supplies, making them convenient and time-saving. They cover general health needs, which is great if you’re unsure about what specific items to pack. Some commercial kits include specialized items like CPR masks.
However, this ease of use often means they cost more, and the contents might not perfectly fit your personal needs or the specific conditions of your trip. Even the best first aid kit might need some tweaking to match your preferences.
Despite the higher price, many prefer commercial kits because they eliminate the hassle of putting together a first aid kit and often include specialized tools that a DIY kit might overlook. It’s smart to check what’s inside to ensure it covers all possible medical situations for your trip.
Here are a few commercial backpacking first aid kits that we would recommend:
DIY Kits
Creating a DIY hiker kit allows for customization that commercial kits can’t match. By assembling your own kit, you can select items that suit your specific activities and health needs, ensuring you’re prepared for the unique risks and conditions of your backpacking trip. Including versatile items like duct tape for repairs can enhance your kit’s utility in emergencies.
While the initial costs of a DIY kit can vary widely depending on the quality and quantity of supplies selected, it can often be more cost-effective than purchasing a commercial kit. Additionally, if you already own some medical supplies, you can significantly reduce the overall cost.
The flexibility and potential cost savings make DIY kits a great option for those willing to invest the time to assemble their own first aid kit. If you are wanting to make your own backpacking first aid kit then continue on.
Essential Items for Your Backpacking First Aid Kit
A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for treating a variety of common injuries and ailments you might and it is an important item in any backpacking list. From minor cuts, burns, scrapes to overuse muscle pain and aches, your first aid kit should be equipped to handle the most common situations out on the trail.
It is important to note, that a first aid kit is for minor scenarios out on trail. For anything that is a major situation that will be requiring a self-rescue or assisted evacuation. I highly recommend using a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger to send an SOS signal.
The sections below will outline the essential items that I recommend for a generalized DIY backpacking first aid kit, covering basic medical supplies, medications, treatments, and useful tools and accessories to ensure full preparedness.
First Aid Kit Medications
Medications and treatments are vital components of a well-rounded first aid kit. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are critical for managing discomfort and inflammation in the outdoors. Antihistamines are essential for addressing allergic reactions, which can occur unexpectedly while hiking.
These essential medications help you manage common hiking ailments, keeping you comfortable and healthy. Regularly check expiration dates and replace medications as needed to maintain their effectiveness. Don’t forget to bring your own prescription drugs as well.
| Item | Description & Purpose | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Ibuprofen (Advil) | An NSAID, that is helpful for pain relief, headaches, fever, and inflammation reduction. | Suggested |
| Acetaminophen (Tylenol) | For pain relief, especially for those who cannot take Aspirin & Ibuprofen. Can be taken in combination with Ibuprofen for a stronger pain relief effect. | Suggested(Either use Ibuprofen and/or Acetaminophen) |
| Baby Aspirin | Blood thinner for clots and can work for heart attack prevention. Dependent on age and medical history. Low chance of use but may be helpful for someone on trail. | Contingent |
| GI Distress/ Anti Diarrheal (Pepto Bismol, Kaopectate) | Bismuth Subsalicylate commonly known as Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate. Is effective for diarrhea, upset stomach, heartburn, indigestion, and nausea. Works by lowering the amount of water and swelling in the intestines. It may also help kill bacterial infections that cause diarrhea. | Suggested |
| Anti Diarrheal (Imodium) | Imodium also known as Loperamide is a type of anti-diarrheal that slows the down bowel movement of food and fluids through digestive tract. I prefer to use Pepto Bismol over Imodium in most cases. It is usually better to get rid of the virus, bacteria, etc. that is causing diarrhea rather than slow it down in the GI tract. Imodium is used in cases where dehydration could be a concern. | Suggested |
| Laxative (MiraLAX, Dulcolax, Smooth Move Tea) | Common to get bowels stopped up after long flights or drives to the destination. MiraLAX travel packs and Smooth Move Tea are our top picks both are portable light options. | Contingent |
| Anti Acid (Tums or Pepcid) | Helpful for heartburn and upset stomach. Though optional depending on the person and if using Pepto – Bismol then no need as it covers upset stomach and heartburn though a little slower acting. | Contingent |
| Allergy Relief (Benadryl) | Anti histamine for acute allergy reactions. Works well for treating allergic reactions ranging from bee stings to hay fever. Can also work well has as sleep aid with the same dosage that will make you drowsy if you’re having trouble falling asleep. | Suggested |
| Anti Bite/Sting (Afterbite, Sting Eze) | Helpful for anti-itch from bug bites somewhat dependent on the season. Also, like to let bug repellent do most of the work. Nice to carry single use ointments or a couple of wipes. | Optional |
| Hydrocortisone cream | Great for anti itch or rash. Can be used for bug bites, poison ivy, and rashes. Helpful for alleviating itchy skin. A little more versatile than sting wipes and can cover bug bites as well. | Optional |
| Electrolyte | A blend of oral rehydration salts that consist of sodium, potassium, and other minerals helpful for staying hydration. I usually carry a couple packets just in case. My preferred electrolyte blends are small packets of Re:Play and Pro:Play from Hydration Health. I usually carry this in my food bag and not in my First Aid Kit. | Suggested |
First Aid Supplies for Injury/Foot Care
Basic medical supplies form the foundation of any first aid kit. These include a variety of adhesive bandages, gauze pads, and medical tape, which are crucial for effective wound care. It’s important to include a range of bandage sizes and sterile gauze pads to accommodate different types of injuries.
These basic supplies allow you to address minor injuries quickly and effectively, preventing them from becoming more serious. Regularly check and replace any damaged or expired items.
| Item | Description & Purpose | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Bandages (Band Aids or Elastoplast) | Great for minor cuts & scrapes. Recommend bringing assorted sizes, medium to small finger bandages. Alternatively, you could use Leukotape P and gauze for a DIY bandage. | Suggested |
| Blister Band Aids (Hydro Seal) | Great for soothing and protecting blisters especially on the heal and toes. Designed to stay on for a handful of days and fairly water resistant. Recommend bringing a couple heel and toe bandages. | Suggested |
| Skin Closures (Butterfly band aids, steri strips) | A light substitute for stitches, does take a little practice to use them. I recommend steri strips over butterfly closures due to effectiveness. | Suggested |
| Leukotape P | Probably one of the best tapes for hot spot/blister prevention due to its ability to stay on skin. It’s fairly breathable and durable. Works well for DIY bandages or applying over bandages for extra security. It’s also stiff enough to use for ankle and knee injuries. | Suggested |
| Gauze | Effective for sterile dressings & making bandages or band aids. A 2-inch roll or a couple gauze pads will work well. I like to use a couple of gauze pads mostly for making bandages with tape. | Optional |
| Alcohol Prep Wipe | Excellent for cleaning gear and sterilizing cuts, wounds, and scissors before use. I highly recommend bringing alcohol prep wipes. Multi use for foot, injury, and gear repairs. I tend to bring about a handful of these out on trail | Suggested |
| Triple Antibiotic (Neosporin) | Can help to fight infection and protect wounds out on the trail. I used to carry but no longer now due to ability to use alcohol prep wipes and water irrigation. I will carry single use packets on longer trips in more remote areas. | Optional |
| Chlorine Dioxide Tablet | A secondary water treatment. I use as a backup to my filter. Allows me to double cleanse a larger batch of water. The water then can be used to irrigate wounds and cuts in conjunction with soap to scrub out debris and dirt. | Suggested |
| Irrigation syringe | Used for cleaning wounds. Irrigating dirt, rocks, and debris from a wound or cut. I don’t carry a water irrigation syringe anymore. There are many other ways to irrigate such as using a water bottle, poking a small hole in a plastic bag or bottle cap, or a hydration hose from a water bladder. | Optional |
| Nitrile gloves | Helpful for assisting another person to protect from fluid transmissions. | Optional |
First Aid Kit Tools and Accessory Items
Tools and accessories are indispensable for managing injuries in an outdoor setting. Items like tweezers and scissors are vital for effectively treating wounds and cutting bandages.
Opting for multi-use items can significantly reduce the weight and bulk of your first aid kit type while still providing essential care options. These tools and accessories prepare you for various situations without overloading your pack.
| Item | Description & Purpose | Recommendation |
| Swiss Army Victorinox | Multi too that is very light but useful due to its scissors, tweezers, nail filer, and knife. I have also replaced the toothpick for a firefly fire starter. Great multi tool something I have used often. Could alternate for stand-alone scissors, knife, and precision tweezers. | Suggested |
| Hand Sanitizer | I recommend some type of waterless sanitizer just for portability and ease of use. You still should bring a biodegradable soap to thoroughly clean your hands as well, especially after using the restroom and before eating due to being more effective for rinsing debris. For sanitizer use a 1 oz container. | Suggested |
| Joshua Tree Hikers Salve | Amazing stuff. Enough said, but really this is my favorite for dry, chapped, and chaffed skin. It can be used for a lip balm, wind burnt cheeks, macerated feet, dry feet, and thigh chaffing. Go with a 3ml size. Alternatives: Gold bond, zinc oxide, Vaseline, Glide, etc. | Suggested |
Packing and Carrying Your First Aid Kit
Efficient packing and carrying of your first aid kit are crucial for ensuring it’s easy to transport and accessible when needed. I consider the weight of the kit to be irrelevant as long as it contains all necessary items without including extra supplies. Focus on including only essential items tailored to your specific needs and activities to avoid unnecessary bulk.
The following sections will discuss compact and lightweight options for your first aid kit and waterproof storage solutions to protect your supplies from environmental damage.
Compact and Lightweight Options
Selecting lightweight first aid items such as buying smaller containers or single use items will lighten the load and make the first aid kit more manageable for backpacking. Get creative use small containers for things like sunscreen and bug spray. Create a small spool of leukotape P or use wax paper and cut small precut shapes.
Waterproof Storage Solutions
I recommend selecting a waterproof or highly water-resistant pack. For a good backpacking first aid kit bag choose something like a First Aid Pouch from Space Bear Bags or make a backpacking first aid kit out of a pouch from Ultralite sacks. Both of these pouches are highly water resistant featuring aqua guard type zippers.
Training and Preparedness
Having a backpacking first aid kit is one important piece of backpacking safety. However, we also need to make sure we bring our head to the game and critically think and use our knowledge. Being knowledgeable about emergency response can significantly enhance ability to react during difficulty events out in the backcountry.
Generally speaking, it is crucial to be prepared for any situation, especially in remote areas where medical resources may be scarce. Though medical emergencies out on trail are uncommon they do and can occur. First aid training, including CPR and Wilderness First Aid, equips you with skills that can save lives. The next sections will cover the importance of CPR and Wilderness First Aid training and understanding your kit contents to improve emergency response.
CPR and Wilderness First Aid Training
Although, serious injuries out on the trail are uncommon they can occur. CPR certification and Wilderness First Aid (WFA) training equip individuals with essential skills to respond to emergencies in varied environments. Both CPR and WFA will empower individuals to respond effectively to cardiac and wilderness emergencies, which can help increase chance of survival while additional help gets there.
Knowing Your Kit Contents
Understanding each item in your first aid kit and its purpose can greatly enhance your ability to respond swiftly and effectively during emergencies. Familiarity with your supplies and their uses ensures that you can address injuries promptly, minimizing panic and confusion.
One issue with many commercial backpacking first aid kits is their attempt to market “first aid” as a standalone product that needs to do it all rather than as part of a comprehensive gear system. Serious hikers and backpackers should consider their medical supplies as part of a broader system that incorporates all of your backpacking gear. Not just a standalone first aid kit.
For instance, trekking poles and Leukotape P could be used to make a splint, Spare clothing and detachable backpack straps can double as a shoulder sling for a hurt shoulder. Water bottles can be used as an irrigation syringe. These are only just a few examples; however, it is necessary to not solely depend on and make your backpacking first aid kit a “everything first aid kit”. View the items in your backpacking first aid kit as part of your entire backpacking system.
Reviewing and Updating Your First Aid Kit
Regularly reviewing and updating your first aid kit ensures all supplies are functional and not expired. Regular checks keep supplies effective and safe, as some items can become harmful after expiration.
Regular Checks
Establishing a schedule for regular checks is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of your first aid kit. Conduct a thorough review before each trip and at least once every six months, checking expiration dates and making prompt repairs or replacements to ensure the kit is always ready for use.
After using items from your first aid kit, immediately replenish those supplies to keep your kit ready for future needs. This proactive approach ensures that you are never caught off guard by missing or expired items when you need them most.
Adapting to Trip Requirements
Customizing your first aid kit for each journey enhances preparedness for unique risks. Tailor the contents to meet the specific needs and potential hazards of the trip. For example, if hiking in a buggy or area with poison ivy or oak it may be beneficial to bring additional anti itch/bug bite wipes or cream.
By adapting your first aid kit to the specific conditions and activities of each trip, you can better protect yourself and your companions from potential injuries. This level of preparation ensures that you are ready to handle any medical situation that might arise during your adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two basic options for a backpacking first aid kit?
The two basic options for a backpacking first aid kit are to purchase a prepackaged commercial version or to create your own DIY kit. Each choice has its benefits, so consider your specific needs and preferences when deciding. I recommend making a DIY backpacking first aid kit that is tailored to your specific needs.
What should a first aid kit be able to treat?
A first aid kit should effectively treat minor cuts, burns, blisters, scrapes, overuse aches and pains, minor allergic reactions, diarrhea, and acute mountain sickness. Ensuring it is stocked with these essentials will prepare you for common injury and health scenarios.
What is a critical limitation of a first aid kit?
A critical limitation of a first aid kit is that it cannot replace the need for proper first aid training and knowledge; having supplies alone does not ensure effective care in emergencies. Also, a first aid kit is used for minor injuries.
What is recommended for individuals going on trips regarding first aid training?
It is recommended for individuals to have a understanding on how to use their first aid kit in combination of other backpacking gear as an overall systematic approach. This means thinking critically about how your backpacking gear and first aid supplies can be used in different medical situations. A CPR and Wilderness First Aid course will also teach additional skills that will be beneficial out on the trails.
How often should I check my first aid kit?
You should check your first aid kit at least once every six months and before any trip, ensuring that you review expiration dates and replenish any used supplies promptly. Regular assessments will help keep your kit ready for emergencies.
Final Thoughts
In summary, a well-prepared backpacking first aid kit is an essential tool for ensuring safety and comfort during outdoor adventures. Whether you choose a commercial kit for its convenience or a DIY kit for its customization, the key is to ensure it contains all the necessary items to handle common injuries and ailments. Regular checks and updates, along with proper training, further enhance your ability to respond effectively to emergencies.
By following the guidelines provided in this guide, you can assemble the best first aid kit for your backpacking needs. Remember, being prepared is not just about having the right supplies but also about knowing how to use them. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to make your next adventure both thrilling and safe.
