The Ten Essentials:
#4: First Aid
A well stocked first aid kit can make all the difference for common trail injuries and backcountry ailments.
In the outdoors, injuries and illnesses can happen unexpectedly. From minor cuts and blisters to more serious conditions like sprains or altitude sickness, carrying a well-stocked first aid kit can make a significant difference. First aid gear ensures you’re prepared to handle emergencies, stabilize injuries, and continue your adventure—or signal for help if needed.
In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of first aid gear, recommend what to include in your kit, and share tips for using it effectively in the backcountry.
Why First Aid Gear Matters
First aid gear is one of the most critical components of your pack. It allows you to treat minor injuries on the spot and manage serious situations until professional help arrives.
Carrying first aid supplies helps you:
- Treat Minor Injuries: Clean and bandage cuts, blisters, or abrasions to prevent infection.
- Handle Emergencies: Address serious issues like sprains, broken bones, or allergic reactions.
- Aid Others: Help fellow hikers or adventurers in distress.
- Extend Your Trip Safely: A small medical issue doesn’t have to end your adventure if you can treat it properly.
- Buy Time in Emergencies: Stabilize injuries until search and rescue can reach you.
Essential First Aid Supplies
A comprehensive first aid kit includes supplies for common outdoor injuries and illnesses. Here’s what you should pack:
1. Wound Care Supplies
- Adhesive Bandages: For minor cuts or scrapes.
- Gauze Pads and Medical Tape: For larger wounds that need dressing.
- Antiseptic Wipes or Solution: To clean wounds and prevent infection.
- Butterfly Closures or Steri-Strips: For small lacerations.
- Hydrogel or Burn Cream: For burns, including sunburns.
2. Blister Treatment
- Moleskin or Blister Pads: Essential for treating hot spots and blisters.
- Alcohol Wipes: To clean the skin before applying treatment.
- Safety Pin: In case you need to sterilize it and pop a large blister.
3. Medications
- Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain and inflammation.
- Antihistamines: To manage allergies or mild allergic reactions.
- Antidiarrheal Tablets: For gastrointestinal issues.
- Electrolyte Tablets or Packets: To treat dehydration.
- Personal Prescriptions: Ensure you have an adequate supply of any required medications.
4. Tools and Accessories
- Tweezers: For removing splinters, ticks, or debris from wounds.
- Small Scissors: To cut tape or gauze.
- Elastic Bandage: For wrapping sprains or stabilizing injuries.
- Thermometer Strips: To check for fever.
- Notepad and Pencil: To record notes when treating a patient, especially during emergencies.
5. Emergency Items
- CPR Face Shield: For performing CPR safely.
- Emergency Blanket: To prevent hypothermia in injured or sick individuals.
- Whistle: To signal for help if you can’t move.
- SAM Splint: A tool for creating splints for broken or injured arms or legs.
How to Use First Aid Gear Effectively
Having the tools is only part of the equation; knowing how to use them is just as important. Don’t wait to learn first aid skills until you need them. Plan ahead and get trained in Wilderness First Aid so you are ready when something goes wrong.
Here are a few tips to get started:
Before You Go
- Check Your Kit: Restock any supplies you’ve used, and ensure nothing has expired.
- Pack for the Trip: Tailor your kit to your activity, group size, and trip duration.
- Take a First Aid Class: Learn basic skills like wound care, splinting, and CPR.
While On The Trail
- Act Quickly: Clean and dress wounds immediately to reduce infection risk.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any injury or illness to ensure it doesn’t worsen.
- Stay Calm: Approach injuries methodically to avoid panic.
In An Emergency
- Stabilize First: Use your kit to provide immediate care for the most pressing issues.
- Take Notes: Carefully record all symptoms, a timeline of events, your treatment, and other notes to share with first responders.
- Signal for Help: Use a whistle, emergency blanket, or personal locator beacon to get assistance.
- Stay Put if Needed: If someone in your group is seriously injured, it’s safer to stay in place while help comes to you.
Best Practices and Tips
Check out these additional first aid best practices to provide the best care possible to your peers while in the backcountry.
1. Tailor Your Kit to Your Trip
A day hike requires less gear than a multi-day backpacking trip or mountaineering expedition. Evaluate your route, group size, and activities to determine what’s necessary. Extra weight slows you down and can actually increase your risk.
2.Keep Your Kit Accessible
Store your first aid kit in an easy-to-reach spot in your pack. In an emergency, every second counts. The best spot is an exterior pocket that can be accessed without having to think about it should the need arise.
3. Train and Practice
Even a well-stocked kit won’t help if you don’t know how to use it. Take a wilderness first aid course to build confidence in handling injuries. Your goal should be to know how to respond so well that it becomes nearly automatic – like muscle memory – so you can respond without thinking about it during a real emergency.
4. Adapt for Your Group Size
If you’re hiking with others, consider adding extra supplies, especially for common issues like blisters, headaches, or dehydration. Take time to ask if others have their own first aid supplies or whether you will carry one larger kit for the entire group.
5. Customize for Personal Needs
Include personal medications, allergy treatments, or other essentials specific to you or your group members. If anyone is diabetic, consider bringing glucose gel, and if traveling with women aged 20-45, consider a pregnancy test in your kit for detecting atopic pregnancies.
Recommended First Aid Supplies
While it’s usually cheaper to assemble your own first aid kit, buying one ensures it has everything you need for your next adventure. Here are some first aid kits and supplies I personally recommend based on my own experiences in the backcountry.
Top First Aid Kits
These four first aid and medical kits provide a range of options for almost any kind of outdoor adventure or recreation trip.
1. Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit
Perfect for smaller groups, this compact kit is designed to provide first aid for 2 people for up to 2 days. It includes supplies to treat wounds, blisters, and sprains, making it an excellent option for day hikes or weekend adventures.
2. Mountain Series Explorer Medical Kit
For larger groups or longer trips, this kit covers 4 people for up to 7 days. It includes a wide range of medical tools and supplies, from wound care to CPR face shields and more.
3. Mountain Series Guide Medical Kit
Designed for extended expeditions, this kit can support up to 7 people for 14 days. With advanced tools and medications, it’s perfect for guides, large groups, or remote trips.
4. ADS Trail Dog First Aid Kit
Don’t forget about your four-legged hiking buddy! This specialized first aid kit is designed to treat common injuries for dogs, from paw cuts to tick removal.
Extra First Aid Supplies
These additional supplies aren’t always included in a first aid kit but provides a ton of extra value.
1. SAM Splint – Regular
A lightweight and moldable splint that provides excellent support for fractures and sprains. Perfect for stabilizing injuries until you can reach professional care.
2. Bodyglide Anti-Chafe Formula Skin Protectant – 1.5 oz.
Prevent and treat chafing, blisters, and skin irritation with this long-lasting balm. Apply before hiking to reduce friction and protect problem areas.
3. AMK Moleskin Blister Dressing
Essential for blister prevention and treatment, this pre-cut moleskin dressing is quick and easy to apply to hot spots or existing blisters.
Explore More
Return to The Ten Essentials Guide home or continue exploring the essentials:
FAQ: First Aid
Q: What’s the most important item to include in a first aid kit?
A: There isn’t one “most important” item—your kit should include a variety of tools to address different injuries. However, if we had to prioritize, wound care supplies (like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and gauze) are critical since cuts, scrapes, and blisters are the most common outdoor injuries. Elastic bandages for sprains and personal medications also rank high on the list.
Q: How do I choose the right first aid kit for my trip?
A: Consider the following factors:
- Activity Type: A day hike requires less gear than a multi-day trek, climbing expedition, or kayaking trip.
- Group Size: Larger groups may require extra supplies, especially duplicates of high-use items like bandages or pain relievers.
- Skill Level: If you’re trained in first aid, a more advanced kit with splints or sutures may be useful. If not, stick with the basics and focus on knowing how to use them.
- Weight and Space: For backpacking, prioritize lightweight and compact kits like the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight series.
Q: Can I use a pre-made first aid kit, or should I build my own?
A: Both options work, but pre-made kits are convenient, especially for beginners. Look for a quality kit designed for outdoor use, then customize it with personal medications, extra blister care, or items suited to your activity. As you gain experience, you might prefer building your own kit tailored to your specific needs.
Q: How often should I check my first aid kit?
A: Check your first aid kit before every trip. Restock supplies after each use and replace expired medications or damaged items. For long trips, double-check that you have sufficient quantities of essentials like bandages, antiseptic, and medications.
Q: What first aid skills should I learn before hiking?
- Treat Minor Wounds: Clean, dress, and bandage cuts and abrasions to prevent infection.
- Care for Blisters: Recognize hot spots, apply moleskin, and drain blisters safely.
- Stabilize Sprains or Fractures: Use elastic bandages and splints to immobilize injuries.
- Perform CPR: Use a CPR face shield for safety.
- Recognize and Treat Heat-Related Illnesses: Learn the signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
- Recognize and Treat Cold-Related Illnesses: Address hypothermia and frostbite effectively.
Q: What are the most common outdoor injuries I should prepare for?
A: The most common injuries and issues include:
- Blisters: Especially on long hikes or new boots.
- Cuts, Scrapes, and Abrasions: From falls or bushwhacking.
- Sprains and Strains: Often from uneven terrain or improper footwear.
- Dehydration: From insufficient water intake.
- Heat Exhaustion or Hypothermia: Depending on the weather and conditions.
- Insect Bites or Stings: Particularly in summer or wooded areas.
- Altitude Sickness: For adventures above 8,000 feet.
Q: What medications should I include in my first aid kit?
- Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen for inflammation or acetaminophen for pain relief.
- Antihistamines: For allergies or mild allergic reactions (e.g., Benadryl).
- Antidiarrheals: Such as loperamide (Imodium) for gastrointestinal issues.
- Electrolyte Tablets or Powder: To treat or prevent dehydration.
- Personal Prescriptions: Bring enough for your trip and pack extras in case of delays.
Q: How do I handle blisters on a hike?
A: Follow these steps:
- Prevent Blisters: Use moleskin or blister pads on hot spots as soon as you feel irritation. Apply anti-blister balm or powder before hiking.
- Treat Blisters: If a blister forms, clean the area with an alcohol wipe. Cover it with moleskin or a blister bandage to reduce friction.
- Drain Blisters (if necessary): Use a sterilized needle to puncture the edge of the blister and drain the fluid. Do not remove the skin. Apply antiseptic and cover with a bandage.
Q: How do I protect against infection if I get a cut or scrape?
A: Follow these four steps:
- Clean the Wound: Use clean water or saline solution to flush out dirt and debris.
- Disinfect the Area: Apply antiseptic wipes or ointment.
- Cover the Wound: Use a sterile adhesive bandage or gauze pad with medical tape.
- Monitor for Infection: Watch for redness, swelling, or pus. If these occur, seek medical attention.
Q: What should I do if someone in my group sprains an ankle?
A: Here’s how to treat a sprained ankle or similar injury in the backcountry:
- Stabilize the Injury: Wrap the ankle with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling and provide support.
- Immobilize: Avoid putting weight on the injury. Use a splint or hiking poles for additional stability.
- Elevate and Ice (if possible): Elevate the leg to reduce swelling, and apply a cold pack or cool water.
- Evaluate: If the sprain is severe, call for help or plan a slow evacuation.
Q: How can I manage altitude sickness on the trail?
A: Tips for managing altitude sickness include:
- Recognize Symptoms: Mild symptoms include headache, nausea, and fatigue. Severe cases involve confusion, shortness of breath, or inability to walk straight.
- Descend Immediately: If symptoms worsen, move to a lower altitude as soon as possible.
- Hydrate and Rest: Drink plenty of water and take breaks to allow your body to acclimate.
- Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers can alleviate mild headaches. Prescription drugs like acetazolamide (Diamox) may help with prevention or treatment.
Q: Can I use duct tape as part of first aid?
- Secure bandages or splints.
- Protect hot spots to prevent blisters.
- Seal a tear in an emergency blanket or clothing.
- Improvise a sling or brace.
Q: How do I keep my first aid kit dry in wet conditions?
A: Use a waterproof case or pack your kit in a resealable plastic bag. For extra protection, store it inside a dry sack. This ensures your supplies stay functional even in rain or during water-based activities.
Q: Should I bring a CPR face shield in my first aid kit?
A: Yes, a CPR face shield is a valuable addition. It allows you to perform CPR safely and hygienically, reducing the risk of transmitting illnesses. Many compact shields are lightweight and fit easily into your kit.
Q: What’s the best way to learn wilderness first aid?
- Wound care.
- Splinting and immobilization.
- Hypothermia and heatstroke treatment.
- Evacuation planning.
Q: Can I use a smartphone for first aid guidance?
A: While smartphones can provide helpful information, they are not reliable in remote areas due to battery life and limited reception. Use apps like Gaia GPS or download PDF first aid guides in advance, but always prioritize carrying physical gear and training for hands-on skills.
