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It’s a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand no matter where you are, but when you’re spending time in the great outdoors, it’s especially important. Whether you’re there for a daylong hike or you intend to spend a night or more camping, you want to be sure you have all of the necessary supplies on hand to deal with minor to moderate emergencies. Obviously, first aid kits can’t take care of every injury or illness, but they can do wonders in a pinch when something unexpected happens.
First aid kits should contain all of the necessary supplies to “patch up” minor injuries, reduce the risk for infection, and alleviate the impact of an injury. All of these materials can be stored in a convenient carrying case that is waterproof and keeps things organized.
What are the Benefits of Having a First Aid Kit for Camping with You?
Everyone spending time camping in the outdoors should have a first aid kit with them. It offers the supplies you’ll need for injuries all in one location, so you won’t be rooting around through your gear for a bandage or an ice pack or antiseptic cream if someone is injured. It’s convenient, doesn’t take up a lot of space, and helps you feel prepared to deal with the unexpected.
First aid kits are great for dealing with a variety of injuries, including:
- Cuts and scrapes
- Burns
- Nosebleeds
- Bee stings and other insect bites
- Abrasions or puncture wounds from glass or other debris
There’s an endless number of injuries, illnesses, and other emergencies that can occur when you’re in the wilderness, but being prepared for some of these most common issues makes a huge difference when you’re camping.
What Should Your First Aid Kit Include?
- Tweezers for removing the glass, splinters, and insect stingers
- Breathing barrier in case you need to administer CPR
- Medicated topical creams, including hydrocortisone, calamine, and antibiotics
- Gloves
- Alcohol wipes and hand sanitizer
- Blanket
- Cold compress
- Thermometer
The ideal first aid kit for camping offers several features:
- it’s easy to bring along on a camping trip
- it has everything you need for treating a minor medical emergency
- it’s durable, and it’s fairly lightweight.
Our Picks for the Best First Aid Kit for Camping
It’s possible to assemble your own first aid kit from scratch, but there are also plenty of great kits on the market that is all set to go. You can add items to these if needed, but they give you a great base of the essentials and are an affordable and convenient way to make sure you have all of the supplies you need for emergencies when camping.
Our favorite pre-assembled first aid kits include:
Coleman Expedition First Aid Kit
This kit comes with more than 200 items all stored in a convenient red carrying case. It’s great whether you are camping alone or with a large group of people. The kit is very organized so it’s easy to find what you need in a hurry and it’s lightweight, so you can bring it along even if you’ll be hiking a long distance to your campsite.
Check it out on AMAZON.
Be Smart Get Prepared 100 Piece First Aid Kit
This is a moderately sized kit that still features everything you need to deal with minor medical emergencies when camping. The kit is organized and easy to carry, and it comes with a money-back guarantee if you find it’s not the right first aid kit for you. The carrying case is durable but soft, so it’s easy to pack with your gear.
It’s also lightweight, so it’s great for long-distance hikers who want to be prepared for medical emergencies. Keep in mind this is a smaller kit, so it’s not ideal for large groups. You’ll also want to check the kit before each outing just in case you’ve run short on any items from previous trips.
Check it out on AMAZON.
Be Smart Get Prepared 326 Piece Fist Aid Kit
This kit exceeds OSHA and ANSI Guidelines, which means it goes above and beyond what the average recreational camper needs for minor emergencies. The items inside are organized by compartment, and it’s easily transportable, making it ideal for camping. Items come in a hard case, so you don’t need to worry about anything getting crushed or damaged. It’s a kit on the heavier side because it’s so packed full of items, but as long as you aren’t hiking any long distances, it should be fine.
Check it out on AMAZON.
AAA 85 Piece Commuter First Aid Kit
This is a basic kit designed by AAA to help drivers deal with roadside emergency injuries. It features only 85 pieces, but most campers find it is more than enough for smaller groups that aren’t camping for long periods of time. It’s extremely lightweight and comes in a sturdy hard-shell case that keeps all of the items inside protected. This kit is easy to store and one of the best options available if you are camping alone or with one other person.
Check it out on AMAZON.
Johnson & Johnson First Aid Kit
This 140 piece kit is ideal for someone looking for a first aid kit that features the basic items they need for a reasonable price. It comes in a water-resistant pack and is small and lightweight. It’s from a reputable manufacturer, so you know the products you are getting inside are high quality and reliable like Band-Aid brand bandages. We love this kit for those who plan to do a lot of hiking during their camping trip or for those who are concerned about rain or are camping near a body of water because it comes in a tightly sealed plastic carrying case.
Check it out on AMAZON.
If you are searching for a first aid kit for camping, any of our suggestions will do. The important thing is to make sure you have the materials you need when you need them when you are out in the wilderness. Coming prepared can go a long way in making sure everyone has a safe and fun time on their camping trip.