March 15, 2021 | Author: Austin Beck-Doss

All forms of outdoor leisure activities involve some unknown factors and the possibility of injury. Check out our review of the best first aid kits of 2021.

If all goes well, you will never need to remove the first aid kit from your backpack. But prudent risk management and injury prevention are important. As the first line of defense, use a well-stocked first aid kit to prepare for anything.

For decades, the ordinary outdoor first aid kit consisted of a personally assembled plastic bag filled with odds and ends in the supermarket pharmacy aisle. However, there are many very good special first aid kits on the market now, all of which are pre-installed with essentials. From days on the cliffs to river trips at night, there are portable medical kits for various outdoor activities.

Although you can still find a waterproof bag and fill it with supplies to create a custom kit, the time and money required may increase rapidly. For those who want to skip this step and invest in high-end, fully assembled kits, we have compiled this list of our favorite options on the market.

To help you choose the best kit, we have divided the list into several categories:

For more information on first aid kits, please review the Buyer’s Guide and FAQs at the end of this article.

The best first aid kit is for the possible scenarios of the activity you choose. The kit should maximize practicality and not be filled with unnecessary items. For example, you may not need to use a cold pack immediately during a winter cabin trip with heavy snow. The kits on this list are well organized, practical and worthy of being packed in one bag.

The quality of medical supplies varies greatly, and we all know how frustrating it can be to take an item out of a first aid kit and not perform well when you need it most. For this list, we have selected kits that usually contain reliable and durable quality items-as a first aid kit should be. If your medical supplies don't work when they should, then they have no place in your toolbox.

Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight 0.7 ($29) is very light and compact, versatile and practical-making it our best overall first aid kit choice. The entire kit weighs only 8 ounces, and it probably won't be noticed in your backpack. But when medical services need to be provided, its value is like gold.

As the name suggests, this first aid kit comes in a completely waterproof box. The shell material is also very durable, which means it will not tear easily in your bag.

Because this kit is lightweight, it only has a series of simple medkit essentials. In other words, the contents of the kit are well thought out and include many important items included in the large kit, such as a whole mole skin and common drugs such as aspirin and Tylenol.

Other items included include medical tape, three sizes of band-aids, sterile gauze, nitrile gloves, sterile wipes, and so on. Unfortunately, the kit does not come with a CPR mask, but you can add one if you wish. Ultimately, the kit is suitable for individual use or small groups or two or three people. For larger groups, we recommend a more complete kit.

The stitched loop allows you to easily clip the kit to a climbing harness in a multi-rope route, and it can be easily loaded into a kayak or canoe. It is smaller than a 1 liter water bottle, and before you need it, you may forget its existence.

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This cheap and compact kit ($20) is a convenient resource for small groups to travel quickly. Although it has limited functionality for large groups or adventure activities that take more than a day, it only costs $20 and is good value for money.

The nylon suitcase of the kit can be unzipped and folded like a book. Inside, the content is not particularly organized, but there are many good things, especially the price. The kit includes a total of 299 different items, but nearly 200 of them are small adhesive bandages. We like to add a roll of sports tape, although it is not the strongest and will not provide good support in the event of an ankle injury.

Most of the items in the kit are of very good quality, but many items have a significantly shorter service life and need to be replaced within a year or two. In general, the kit weighs a little over a pound and has a very thin profile. It is not very waterproof, but it fits easily into the easiest backpack pocket.

Overall, this first aid kit is useful and affordable, but it is really not big enough for a casual day trip. It would be great as a front-line kit of choice in the office or bathroom.

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As a long-term manufacturer of first aid kits, Adventure Medical Kits is a well-received brand that produces various kits for various activities. For hiking, backpacking, or other trail-based activities, Mountain Series Hiker ($25) is our best hiking first aid kit of choice.

From its condition to its content, the quality of the kit is outstanding. The sturdy and durable nylon material is abrasion-resistant and designed for outdoor use. Inside, convenient labelled pouches are used in good order. Each internal pouch is closed with a zipper to prevent the contents from sliding around and mixing together. When you need it, everything is always where you need it.

Adventure Medical Kits purchases the contents of its kits from reputable suppliers. From medical-grade trauma scissors to thick supportive medical tape, everything in this kit is effective and high-quality.

This is a small and lightweight first aid kit, weighing only 10 ounces. This is not enough for advanced trauma care and cannot support groups of more than two people. Nonetheless, for small-group hikes that last several days, the kit provides the best quality supplies and great value for money.

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Obviously, this first aid kit is very unusual. The kit uses a military-grade aluminum cylinder instead of a fabric bag. The entire kit is 6.75 inches high and 2 inches wide, about the size of a 12-ounce water bottle. For such a small kit, it contains a surprising number of essentials.

There are four metal supply tanks in the VSSL First Aid Mini Kit (70 USD). Each one is marked with its content, which makes it quick and easy to find specific items. Cylinders are divided into four categories: Clean Cut & Cover, Tools, Outdoor Essentials and Trail Marking. Although the amount of content is small and can be improved with some key additions, they are usually high-quality and clearly marked.

The entire tube can easily fit into most water bottle pockets and backpack brains. In addition, it is completely waterproof. Due to the metal structure, this backpack can withstand considerable abuse without damaging any internal items.

Compared with other options, this kit costs $70, which is quite expensive. Most of the cost you pay is a well-made aluminum housing. The content is of great quality, but if you are just looking for supplies and don’t want to pay more for a creative box, then this may not be for you. Nevertheless, this VSSL first aid kit is the best choice for those looking for a compact kit in the most durable case.

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If your puppy wants to join your outdoor adventure, it is best to prepare special medical supplies for dogs. Dogs and humans have very different anatomical structures, and many human first aid items do not work well for our four-legged friends. In this kit from Adventure Medical ($25), everything is specifically designed to treat common injuries and diseases that dogs may endure outdoors.

In addition to the many useful medical supplies that can be used to treat your dog, the first aid kit also includes a well-written and organized manual. When your dog clearly feels pain or discomfort, this guide can be a valuable resource for identifying the problem and responding correctly.

In its fabric shell, the kit is equipped with a waterproof ziplock bag to ensure reliable drying of the contents. This is especially useful if your dog is carrying his own gear-the kit will not be destroyed when it needs to splash in the water.

For dog owners who carry their puppies with them, this kit can give you peace of mind when medically prepared. From paw care products to leg wraps and effective tick removers, the Trail Dog first aid kit provides protection for you and your best partner. In addition, it is quite cheap, only $25.

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Compared with the lightweight small first aid kit, this option of My Medic ($120) is bulky and bulky, but it is also more advanced and comprehensive. This 32-ounce behemoth is equipped with high-quality medical equipment. Although you may not want to carry this larger kit in your backpack, it is a great choice for car camping or staying in base camp.

This kit is very suitable for people who have received formal medical training. Field first responders and EMT will find that the kit has supplies for advanced trauma care, such as medical grade trauma scissors and prefabricated splints.

For those who have not received training, the attached 82-page first aid and survival e-book can help you with proper treatment. However, since this book is only available in digital form, it may be difficult to access on site.

For group environments, this kit is powerful-especially on outings that don't have to be carried, such as car camping trips or rafting. Inside the kit, zipper pockets and elastic bands help you organize quality supplies. A small compartment can be separated from the main kit, providing a convenient mini kit, which is very suitable for short trips and day trips.

In total, the investment for this heavy-duty kit is $120. For backpacking alone or climbing in groups, it is much larger than you want. But for car camping, it is a sturdy toolkit that can handle many different injuries, diseases and emergencies.

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This small and impressive kit offers even greater options. On the outside, strong high-density nylon opens a large, strong zipper. After opening, the kit is clearly organized and uses pouches and resealable packaging to protect consumables. Surviveware is known for making high-quality kits, and this is no exception.

Weighing less than a pound, the kit ($37) exists as a balance between ultra-light kits such as Adventure Medical Kits .7 and heavier car camping kits such as My Medic MyFAK. Nevertheless, it still feels very compact, and certainly not too bulky to carry around.

For traveling alone, the kit may be slightly heavier than you want. However, if you stay away from established healthcare, the extra weight may be worth it. For short overnight trips of up to three people, this kit is perfect.

The content of the kit has been well thought out. We appreciate the inclusion of a pair of beautiful trauma scissors and a functional tourniquet. A generous elastic pressure bandage is also a valuable supplement.

There are too many consumables in this kit, and once it is disassembled, it is difficult to put everything back in. The supply is large. For example, there are more than 40 wound closure strips in the kit, which come in various sizes.

At US$37, this kit is a bit more expensive than other similar-sized kits. However, its sturdy structure and well-stocked interior fully prove its price tag. For rafting or other water activities, we recommend putting this kit in a dry bag because it is not completely waterproof.

The first aid kit you choose should be able to deal with situations or injuries that may accompany your personal pursuit. If you need a first aid kit for single-person light backpacking, you probably should not buy a large and heavy first aid kit that is more suitable for other activities.

Similarly, if the first aid kit is mainly carried on multiple climbing routes, the first aid kit filled with the dog's first aid kit is not required. In short, there are many first aid kits available, and you need to be keenly aware of the best first aid kit for you.

Many key factors distinguish one first aid kit from another. Among them, kit size, kit weight, consumables included, durability, price, team size and activity type are the most important.

First aid kits come in various shapes and sizes. On this list, the VSSL First Aid Mini has a cylindrical case and a water bottle of no more than 12 ounces, which is great because it fits most of the water bottle holders of the backpack brain. On the other hand, My Medic MyFAK is about the size of a watermelon and weighs 2 pounds.

If you want to carry your gear on long-distance off-road adventures such as hiking or trail running, please bring small things that can easily fit in a backpack or waist bag. Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 weighs less than half a pound and can be easily clipped to the outside of a backpack or seat belt.

Generally speaking, small and ultra-light first aid kits are suitable for one or two people for a one-day trip or a short overnight outing. But most small or ultra-light backpacks do not include ideal supplies for large groups or adventurous trips from front-line countries.

Larger kits, such as My Medic MyFAK, are more suitable for long-distance trips of more than two people. The disadvantage of a larger kit is the increase in weight and volume. For car camping or river rafting, weight may be less important, so a large kit may be the best option.

The kit weights in this list range from less than half a pound to more than 2 pounds. If the activity you choose requires you to consider every ounce, choose something as small and light as Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight 0.7. Remember, lighter weight usually means less supply and quantity.

You should also consider that every first aid kit can be customized at home. If certain consumables are deemed unnecessary, you can leave them behind to reduce weight or replace them with consumables that better suit your needs.

For activities such as car camping and white water rafting, weight may be less important, and you can bring a heavier kit. A heavier kit usually means more supplies, which is a good thing for large groups and long-distance trips.

Before buying a first aid kit, please read the list of supplies carefully and consider whether the kit comes with items you may need.

Almost all kits come standard with a certain amount of tape, various forms of gauze, antibiotic ointment, medical tape, etc. Other less common but potentially very important items include trauma scissors, essential medicines, finger splints, and emergency blankets.

Be sure to check the quantity of each included item. Some kits, such as the first-aid-only universal first aid kit, carry an impressive 299 items. But a closer inspection reveals that many of them are small bandages.

Another important item that needs attention is the first aid guide. The guidelines are especially important for those who have not received medical training and may not know how to use the items in the kit. If you do not know how to use your toolkit, and it does not come with a guide, then the toolkit will not be very useful for you in the field.

Some kits are small, but still contain some high-quality, high-value items. The Surviveware small kit is very compact, but still contains potentially key items such as a pair of medical grade trauma scissors and a functional tourniquet.

The durable kit will withstand the conditions exposed by its design. First, the kit should have a durable shell. We like the waterproof aluminum case of the VSSL First Aid Mini. The other kits on this list, such as the Surviveware small kit, have a high-density nylon carrying case that can resist wear and tear and last for a long time. You don't want to have to take out sewing supplies to perform an operation on the first aid kit.

Since many common medical supplies are fragile and susceptible to water, it is wise to look for waterproof kits. This is especially important for those who plan to carry their kits for water activities such as kayaking or rafting. Kits that are not yet waterproof can be customized using durable ziplock bags or dry bags.

If possible, it is wise to check the expiration date of the consumables in the kit before purchasing. Many kits come with drugs, which is good, unless they all expire soon.

In this list, we include cheap kits, such as universal first aid kits that are only used for first aid, and more expensive kits, such as VSSL first aid kits. Since the price of first aid kits varies greatly, you should be able to find something within your budget. That said, keep in mind that cheaper kits usually contain cheaper consumables, which will not work well when you need them most on site.

Most first aid kits are designed to support a certain number of people within a certain number of days. Ultra-light kits are usually used to accommodate one or two people on short trips of 1-2 days. Larger kits can support larger groups for long-distance travel.

Generally, the difference between a single-day kit and a long-distance travel kit is the quantity supplied. For example, if multiple injuries are unlikely, a kit with a single triangular gauze can be used for a day out. However, in a multi-day trip, you may need to use certain items multiple times during the trip, so the supply quantity should reflect this.

Some first aid kits, such as Adventure Medical Kits Series Hiker, are designed for specific activities. These can be very useful because they have been put together, with special consideration of the type of injury that may occur during the activity. For example, a good hiking first aid kit may include a lot of supplies to deal with a sprained ankle or knee.

Although event-specific kits may be slightly less versatile than other options, they are perfect for those who insist on an event.

Although we recommend all the first aid kits in this list for various reasons, we chose Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight 0.7 as the best overall first aid kit choice.

Ultimately, the best first aid kit to buy is the one most likely to be useful when needed.

Although the supplies in the first aid kit vary according to the purpose and design of the first aid kit, there should be some key items on the list of each first aid kit. These basic first aid items include:

Other less common projects that still have potential value include:

Basic first aid skills include the ability to treat and care for common injuries and diseases. Proper cleaning of small incisions and the use of adhesive bandages are considered basic first aid measures.

Those who manage first aid can continue to improve their skills over time and improve the level of care they can provide. Before going out to use the first aid kit for reconstruction, it is helpful to know how to deal with the most likely series of injuries and emergencies-from wound care to life-saving CPR.

Most regions and regions provide first aid courses on a regular basis. Some common providers of basic first aid courses include the American Red Cross and the National Security Council.

For medical training specifically designed for outdoor use, certifications such as Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder are worth pursuing. Common course providers for wilderness medicine include NOLS and the Wilderness Medicine Association.

That depends. Usually, the medicine is the first item in the first-aid kit to expire. However, many other first aid kit supplies also have expiration dates. A new first aid kit should last a year or more, and everything in it will expire, but it all depends on the specific content of the first aid kit.

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Austin Beck-Doss will relocate regularly according to the climbing area of ​​the season. In addition to covering the equipment and outdoor industries for GearJunkie, he also likes to write articles about music, culture, and personal observations spent in the natural world.

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