Having a well-stocked first aid kit is important for any backpacking trip. However, taking along a large kit meant for an extended expedition may not be appropriate for a day hike. Knowing what to bring for the right trip can mean a big difference in weight, bulk, and the ability to respond to a backcountry emergency.
Personal First Aid Kit
There are some items that hikers should have in their packs in order to be able to treat a basic medical problem, or to be able to assist someone else. These items include:
- Band-aids for minor scrapes and cuts.
- Alcohol prep pads for wound cleaning.
- CPR shield for performing CPR. Shields are now made so small they can fit on a key chain.
- Medical gloves for protection against body fluids.
- Personal medications, including epi-pen, for bee/wasp stings, asthma inhaler, or insulin for diabetes.
Medium First Aid Kit
A medium-sized first aid kit can be useful for small groups of three or four people, whether out for the day or a weekend trip. It should be stocked so that the group can treat most reasonable medical problems.
- 2x2 pads
- 4x4 pads
- Medical tape
- Blister kit
- Transparent bandage: When applied allows patient and responder to view wound and seals to prevent infection. Does not have to be removed.
- Medical shears
- Alcohol prep pads
- Iodine pads
- Large compression bandage for major wounds.
- CPR shield
- Gloves
- SOAP
- Notes and pencil for documentation.
- Irrigating syringe for cleaning dirt and contaminants out of wounds.
- Butterfly bandages
- Resealable bags for disposing of waste.
Large First Aid Kit
A large first aid kit is useful for large groups of people and for extended expeditions to remote places, such as when traveling to the backcountry of Alaska or abroad. These kits will have more of everything, as there may not be a possibility for resupply during the trip.
- Dental kit for treating a tooth problem in the field.
- Thermometer
- Padded splint for treating fractures.
- Triangular bandages to secure splints.
- Safety pins
Buying Medical Supplies
Many of the items listed above can be bought at the local supermarket, medical supply store, or pharmacy. It is possible to purchase special kits, such as a backcountry dental kit or blister kit from suppliers such as a wilderness medicine company or outdoor retailer. If purchasing supplies for an organizational group trip, check with the company’s protocols, especially for medicines.
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