There’s debate about how much you should carry in your hiking first aid kit. Personally, I carry as little as possible, but
there are some things I never leave home without. My personal hiking first aid kit list is listed first, and a more comprehensive list is second. The more hiking you do the more you’ll refine your first aid kits.
What You’ll Find in My Hiking First Aid Kit
Pain Reliever – Ibuprofen or whatever is available at home
Diarrhea Medicine
Moleskins
Gauze and adhesive tape
Here are a few other things I carry that can be used in first aid emergencies but have other primary uses:
Duct tape – can be used in place of moleskin, and can fix almost anything. Some hikers wrap it around their water bottle. This is a good idea, but will make washing the bottle more difficult
Needles – Sewing kit
Eye Drops – Like a shower in the morning
Hand sanitizer
Baby wipes – Clean all those hard to reach places and step out of your tent feeling fresh and clean
Bodyglide – This anti-chafe balm has removed a lot of pain from hiking
Comprehensive List
If you don’t mind the extra weight, or just want to be prepared for anything, add the items below to the list above.
Alcohol wipes
Antihistamine
Antiseptic ointment
Various bandages
If you have any other medical condition(s) you’ll need to prepare for those in advance. If you have allergies to plants or bug bites, diabetes, or anything else make sure your hiking partner knows about these issues in advance and knows what treatments to use that may save your life.
If you wear glasses you should consider an extra pair.
What’s in your first aid kit?
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I carry a first aid kit from the Wilderness Medical Institute that is the Wilderness First Responder package. It’s overkill for a day trip (although I am a first aid nut) but it fits my needs for longer trips.
I add to my kit an emergency blanket or some type of vapor barrier (could even be a trash bag). I also always carry a knife or multi-tool, in case I need to cut up clothing or other materials for wound management.
Thanks for the post, everyone’s different in what they feel is important to bring.
Great tips Adelaide. Thanks
Great post. We’ve assembled our own first aid kit, modeled after the pricier REI kits. We’re probably over-prepared, but it’s better to feel secure in knowing you’ve got everything you might need than wishing you’d packed that one extra roll of tape when you’re stranded on a trail with a sprained ankle.