First Aid Kit Contents

Depending on your activity and the length of your adventure, you may find that you can pare down your first aid kit or that you need to supplement it with other items. In cold and wet conditions, a hypothermia kit is a good thing to carry as well. 

Personal Protection:

• Gloves
• CPR Shield
• Latex Gloves (several pairs)
• Soap and Antibacterial Wipes

Major Trauma:

• Shears-Irrigation syringe
• Sam Splint
• Steri Strips
• Gauze Roll
• 2x2 Gauze Pads
• 3x3 Gauze Pads
• 3x4 Gauze Pads
• 5x9 Trauma Pad
• Knuckle Bandages
• Transparent Dressing
• Medical tape
• Triangle Bandages
• Butterfly Bandage

Minor Trauma & Blisters:

• Band-aids (variety of sizes)
• 2nd Skin Liquid Band-aid
• Triple Antibiotic Ointment
• Mole Skin
• Mole Foam

Meds:

• Acetaminophen
• Tylenol
• Ibuprofen
• Iodine Solution
• Tec-nu (if you are traveling somewhere there is poison oak or poison ivy)
• Benadryl
• Sting Relief Pads
• Hydro-cortizone cream
• Benzoin

Hardware:

• Tweezers
• Safety Pins
• Pen & Pencil
• Wilderness First Aid Book
• Zip Lock BagsThermometer
• Patient Assessment Form
• Biohazard Label (for any trash with blood in it)
• Whistle
• Signal Mirror
• Scissors

Hypo Kit: (Extra) 

• Heat Blanket or Shell
• Matches
• Lighter
• Extra clothing including a cap, socks, gloves
• Electrolytes (something like Clif Shot Blocks or Gatorade mix work well)
• If you have a lot of extra room (such as at basecamp or on a rafting trip) bring an extra sleeping bag as well

For information about purchasing a first aid kit, see our article with first aid company recommendations.