If you’re backpacking alone or with one or two other people, keep it on the smaller side as the fewer items in your backpack the better. Added weight can cause back strain and fatigue that can interfere with your journey. If you’re camping with a big group, family-sized first aid kits are available online and at camping and department stores. If you’re using an RV or a car camper, you should consider investing in a car emergency kit, sold online or in camping stores, that includes car essentials like cable ties, bungee cords, and spark plugs in the event of an automobile emergency.
Lunch boxes, food tins, tackle boxes, and other food storage containers, reusable or disposable. Very helpful are First Aid boxes from Stock of the Army Medical Corps. Newer versions are plastic-made and have a tightening gasket plus the Red Cross badge outside. A zipper top clear plastic bag. Clean plastic food containers. [2] X Research source
You can find first aid kits at many mass merchandise retailers, such as drug stores, grocery stores, discount stores, and convenience stores. Speciality retailers, such as outdoor and camping stores, can provide first aid kits that are camping-specific. The employees should also be able to answer any questions you have, so this would be a great option if you’re new to camping. First-aid kits are available online. However, you should avoid purchasing a first-aid kit online if you’re unfamiliar with camping and do not know exactly what you’re looking for. [3] X Research source
Bandages, in assorted sizes and shapes. Make sure to include butterfly bandages, which will hold the edge of a deep cut together, and triangular bandages to create slings or hold dressings. Blister pads Gauze pads Elastic bandages for wrapping sprains Moleskin Q-tips Antiseptic wipes Antibiotic cream , e. g. PVP Iodine solution and / or ointment. Burn ointment Rubbing alcohol, to clean tools such as tweezers in the event they are needed for an injury Hydrogen Peroxide about 3 % as solution. Some plastic vials with sterile NaCl 0,9% solution may be very helpful to rinse dirt away from the eyes or for cleaning a dirty wound as 1st step care.
Any prescription medications you or your fellow travelers use. Over-the-counter pain management medication, like aspirin (not for children under 12 since it could cause Reyes syndrome) and ibuprofen. Gastrointestinal meds, such as antacids and anti-diarrheal medication. Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and non-sedative loratadine (Claritin) and steroid anti-itch cream, such as hydrocortisone cream in the event of allergic reactions. Topical antibiotic cream to treat small, shallow wounds.
Tweezers Scissors Magnifying glass Safety pins Duct tape Needle with thread, in the event repairs are needed Medical gloves, which are needed for handling unsanitary materials Waterproof matches and fire starter Water purification tablets, in the event you run out of water and need to use stream or lake water Small-edge razor blade Fingernail clippers Flashlight A variety of batteries Emergency blanket, which is an aluminum style reflective blanket to have on hand if temperatures drop dangerously low or if you get wet[5] X Research source
Anti-itch creams or sprays, particularly those that help relieve itching and pain from bug bites and contact with poisonous plants Burn relief sprays Petroleum jelly for chafing Lip balm Sunscreen
Epi-pen, if you suffer from severe allergic reactions. Multivitamins, if you have a special diet plan. Snake-bite kit if you’re hiking in an area where snakes are present. Dog boots, if you’re hiking with a dog. These can protect their feet on harsh terrain. Baby wipes, if you have a small child. Anti-chafing of anti-friction cream, if you’re hiking in humid environments.
If you’re camping in hot or humid conditions, bring waterproof sunscreen and lip balm that is at least SPF 15, coolers for drinks and food, and clothing made from light fabrics like nylon and polyester. If you’re camping somewhere cold, bring chapstick and moisturizer as winter can lead to dry, irritated skin.
Anything with a strong scent, like lotion and some antifungal creams, should be bagged to mask the smell and deter predators. If you’re camping at a faraway location and taking your first aid kit on a plane, you’ll need travel-sized versions of liquids, gels, and creams. For carry-on, all liquids must be in containers of 3. 4 ounces or less and these bottles must all be placed together in a ziplock plastic bag. This bag can be no more than one quart in size. [7] X Research source
