Last Updated on January 27, 2024 by Jeremy

Set the Scene

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Heading out camping in the wilderness in the Kootenays or any other mountain-esque location, it is important to be prepared for any medical emergency that might arise. If you are planning a camping trip with your family, or even a group of friends, adding a well-stocked first aid kit to your camping list checklist is essential.

What is the best first aid kit for camping? Well first, any type of 1st aid kit can come in many varieties; whether it is a pre-packaged version or one that you build your own. No matter the scenario, before hitting the trails to your destination, it is important to decide which type of kit is suitable for you.

Pre-Packaged

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The first option for you to consider is to purchase a pre-packaged first aid kit. Being conveniently and specifically designed for camping, they are often the best option.

Of course, they come in a variety of sizes, styles and packaging types like hard covered or soft cased, but each style includes items such as:

• -bandages
• -antiseptics
• -wound-care supplies
• -scissors
• -emergency blankets

One of the best and most popular versions is called the Adventure Medical Kit Family First Aid Kit which is a recommended choice among many campers. It is stocked with items such as, insect repellent, a whistle, a first aid guide, plus many more useful supplies designed for a family of 4.

It’s full supply list includes:

• -33 Bandage Materials – band-aids & gauze
• -2 Bleeding Supplies – gloves & trauma pad
• -1 Blister / Burn Product – Moleskin
• -2 Fracture / Sprain Materials – cold pack & bandages
• -4 Instruments – safety pins, scissors, splinter pickers
• -11 Medications – acetaminophen, after bite, antihistamines, ibuprofen
• -2 Survival Tools – compass & whistle
• -21 Wound Care Supplies – antiseptic wipes, Q-tips, tape & ointment
• -2 Other Accessories – after bite (kids) & bug spray

Of course all of these items are strategically packed in a nice labeled, waterproof, nylon carry-case that weighs just around the 1 pound mark. It lasts 1-4 days for a family of 4 and is perfect for picnics, hikes and camping trips. It even includes a “how to” section in its guidebook so you can practice strategies such as dressings or serious wound bandaging.

Other versions of the Adventure Medical first aid kit include the mountain series, sportsman series, professional series, marine series and of course, the pocket-sized series. Each kit is designed specifically for different outdoor applications, hence the suggestion above as being the best choice for camping.

We offer a simple version, 35-piece kit on our online store as well, just in case you were wondering 😉 —

DIY

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The second option to consider for the best first aid kit is to make your own. This is a great option as to if you are on a budget and even have extra time. Putting together one of these kits is as simple as using your own supplies, plus it allows you to customize it so that it fits your own or your children's' needs. For example; Allergies - Pack only the items or medications that are specific for the allergic condition or reaction. Other special supplies might include non-specific items such as:

• -Different materials to use for bandages that don't cause an allergic reaction.
• -Home made antiseptics using natural ingredients.
• -Wound care and other supplies such as a thermometer, tweezers, and a pair of scissors that you have multiples of.
• -Clorox Wipes or similar versions of cleaning wipes.
• -Fish Oils and other Vitamins or Minerals.
• -Crazy Glue.

No matter the circumstances, you'll probably come up with a list longer than you need when creating your own DIY first aid kit version. But it is important to remember, you only need a reasonable amount of supplies to bring along and it can all be sorted efficiently, utilizing the materials you already have on hand. Let's break this down one step further. Say for instance you have an old tackle box or tool box-set up with drawers. Organize your DIY kit into 4 major groups. 1) Tools - Within this group, you should pack scissors, gloves, scalpels, tongue depressers, thermometers, lighters, and nail clippers. Add whatever else you can think of in this section. Safety pins and flashlights are also considered tools, so make sure to add them in there as well. 2) Wound Care - Here you'd like to include cleaners and alcohol pads, neosporin, band-aids, tape, gauze & pads. 3) Medicines - This is where you can focus on each individuals needs. Pack pills, ointments, over the counter meds & prescriptions within this compartment. 4) Other Stuff - Hand sanitizers, Vaseline, eye cleaners, splints & elastics, hot/cold packs, pens/pencils/markers, and candles are all great objects to put within this section. If you're serious about this method, have a watch on this 12-minute video that shows you what items you should have in a DIY first aid kit, and why it's the best thing to take along for camping.

Conclusion of the best first aid kit for camping

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What is the best first aid kit for camping? So we discovered that when choosing your kits, it’s important to consider your own needs and budget. The DIY kits are a great option when you have time, and less of a budget. Also, it's the better solution for keeping things more personal, whereas the pre-packaged first aid kits are geared towards those who don't have time, and more of a budget. Another great factor we discovered is that in customizing your DIY kit, you'll be able to sort, plan and pack all the materials that are required for that special adventure, whereas the pre-packaged versions come with standard supplies to get you through your trip. Either way, the next time you decide to exercise beyond your relaxation, and accidentally get into a position where you need medical assistance, be comfortable in knowing that whichever version of first aid kit you have, it's always available in a heartbeat. But if it's serious enough, always call for help or 911! Which would be your go-to, best first aid kit? Leave us a comment! Cheers!