Tested: The 6 Best First Aid Kits For Outdoor Adventures

Exploring the backcountry can be unpredictable, with its multitude of potentially hazardous and injury-inducing elements around every corner. Further exacerbating the situation is the ample proximity between you and a doctor or hospital that will be able to treat an injury. For these reasons, first aid kits are essential pieces of gear to have on hand when headed into the wild. Unfortunately, not all first aid kits (or FAKs) are created equally, so it’s extremely important to know you’re relying on a quality kit, considering your physical health and well-being may be on the line. To help you with your shopping, we’ve tested out a handful of first aid kits and present you with the best of the best.

How We Tested

We strongly believe that first aid kits are one piece of camping gear that you shouldn’t skimp on. But with literally thousands of different FAKs on the market, sorting through the enormous sea of offerings can be an incredibly daunting task — and one that may make you squeamish after a while. So, to help link you up with the most optimal off-grid medical packs for your specific situation, we’ve pieced together this guide to the best first aid kits for the outdoors.

Prior to testing, we surveyed the web and looked at available kits based on our personal experience, brand reputation, and our knowledge of the space. We looked at included supplies, price, weight, and durability. From there, we made a short list of units to test. Testing first aid kits is a tricky operation –– that is, unless, you’re constantly getting hurt or injured. Otherwise, we focused more on practicality with the following kits. This includes the function of the bags/containers themselves, their weight, and the type and amount of supplies inside. The results are detailed down below.

What Should Be Included Inside Your FAK?

The amenities inside your FAK are essentially what makes a first aid kit a first aid kit, as they’re what will ultimately constitute the kit itself (aside from the travel bag or case). There are varying degrees of first aid kits, ranging in their abilities to treat injuries, from minor cuts and scrapes to serious life-threatening trauma. At the bare minimum, you should have a handful of medications like ibuprofen and ointments such as antibiotic cream, sunscreen, or even sting relief. Also, most kits will at least come with a handful of gauze, bandages, splints, gloves, moleskin, scissors, and instant cold compresses. Blankets are also something nice to look out for. Ultimately, your application will help determine which amenities you need, but these items are the essentials.

What Else to Consider

Application: First and foremost, your first aid kit purchase should be guided by your intended use. Do some research regarding the type of trip you have planned, the route you’ll be taking, and what injuries are commonly associated with that type of journey and/or region, and then try to find a kit conducive to that particular application. This area should also determine whether you need features such as a waterproof storage/carrying case.

Number Of Individuals: You should also consider the number of people in your group/on your trip. Obviously, a larger number of people means a greater need for medications and medical supplies. While you can assume not everyone in your party will get injured, a larger number of people does mean a higher likelihood of potential injury.

Remoteness: Like the number of individuals in your party, the kind of kit you want should also be partially determined by how far away you’ll be from medical help. If your location is quickly-accessible by ambulance or helicopter, you won’t need the same level of kit as you would if you’re several days away from assistance. This area also determines whether you’ll want your kit to include items like QuickClot packs, which are often included in military-inspired offerings.

Compactness: An immensely important area to consider with any piece of gear that you’ll be carrying on foot is the overall size and level of compactness in a kit. Fortunately, companies have become incredibly proficient at designing extremely compact packages that manage to accommodate a surprising amount of equipment. Similarly, weight is another area that should also be taken into account when buying a first aid kit. There are also larger kits designed for overlanding and other off-road vehicle applications.

Surviveware Waterproof Premium First Aid Kit

Best Overall: Waterproof, rugged, and fairly priced, this Surviveware kit presents a tougher take on your typical first aid kit, with ultra-durable 600D TPU construction, waterproof zippers, fully-welded seams, and an IPX7 waterproof rating that enables it to remain fully submerged in 1m of water for a full 30 minutes without letting in a drop. Inside its hard-wearing case, the kit packs dozens of essential medical supplies for treating minor injuries, while outside it features removable MOLLE-compatible D-rings so it can easily be attached to other bags or gear. You can always find what you need in a hurry with the bag’s labeled compartments.

Easily the best all-around first aid kit we tested, the Surviveware features the most intuitive design, the most useful supplies with some unique additions that could be helpful in rare scenarios, and the most resilient packaging. Featuring around 200 pieces, the kit is organized into mesh pockets, each meticulously labeled so you can find what you need at a quick glance. Most importantly, the “CPR Kit” is front-and-center, hanging from a loop clip in the middle of the opening. There’s lots of room for adding your own supplies to the kit as well, but it still stocks you up quite nicely from the get-go. I do wish there were more than just one size of adhesive bandages though (but you could definitely add more). I especially loved the larger size of scissors, the metal (NOT plastic) tweezers, and the spacious “Personal” zippered pouch in the front of the kit for any additional medicines specific to you or your group.

Like any waterproof bag, the Surviveware FAK is hard to open and close, but this is a necessary evil in order to obviate any water entry, which the bag does exceptionally well. Not a single drop got in when submerged. On the other hand, first aid may often require haste, and if you’re fiddling with the zipper and struggling to open it (especially if you, yourself, is the one who’s injured), this can really slow you down when precious seconds count. If you’re not worried about moisture getting in, I suggest not zipping it closed all the way through the zipper lock, which is the toughest part to disengage. Fortunately, you can remove the contents of this kit since the inner compartment are attached in one piece via heavy-duty Velcro. Likewise, this gives you the option of putting other gear inside of this bag as well.

Verdict: Exceptionally organized with labeled mesh pouches and a zippered compartment for personal add-ons, the Surviveware Waterproof Premium First Aid Kit is budget-friendly, well-stocked, and encased in a heavy-duty 600D TPU bag with straps. You may have issues with its waterproof zipper, especially if you’re in a hurry, but this is easily the best kit we tested when considering every element.

My Medic Hiker Medic

Best for Day Hikes: If you’re just going out for a day’s journey, you shouldn’t have to carry more than you need. This Hiker Medic from My Medic is an all-in-one survival kit specifically made for hikers. Weighing just 9.6oz and taking up just about 2L of space in your backpack, this updated version of the brand’s supplemental grab-and-go bag is HSA- and FSA-approved, put together by experts for your most low-maintenance expeditions. It’s not the most equipped kit out there but includes sunscreen, lip balm, sting relief, vitamin mixes, a space blanket, burn gel, bandages, ibuprofen, ointment, antibiotic pads, and even a paracord, among other things, all collected in color-coordinated bags and labeled by category (e.g., “Medication,” “Sport & Outdoor,” and “Hydration”).

Versatility is the name of the game with the Hiker Medic. It casts a wide net, wrangling in your most common trail injuries and afflictions: blisters, scrapes, gashes, bites, and even dehydration. You could realistically keep this in your car as well, since many of these items can be applied during non-hiking outings too. The supplies are split up into several different packs, each with a different color: yellow, red, blue, or green. Yet, there seems to be no real rhyme or reason for the color choices aside from the blue hydration pouches. It may take some usage in order to get acquainted with what these colors mean to speed up your urgency.

The worst part about the Hiker Medic is that you have to dump out the entire pack in order to use its contents. And it’s not terribly easy to stuff back inside as seamlessly. There’s a Ziploc-style closure up top but you have to get all the gear below the zip line in order to close it all the way, which may be a challenge and lead to spillage inside your backpack. The silver lining is, the kit contains several mini packs which each contain their own set of goods, such as the Blister & Chafing pack, the Mini Medication pack, three bandage packs, each featuring units of different sizes. Although, you’ll want to add some more here, since there are only 3 in the whole pack. The kit is also not designed to last you for years and years, ready to be refilled every time you’re out of something. Instead, it serves more as a one-and-done pack –– hence the thin, flimsy plastic exterior.

Verdict: Extremely lightweight without taking up much room in your backpack, the My Medic Hiker Medic is a great place to start but it can also be your go-to kit for a long time if you’re just an occasional hiker (although not for the frequent adventurer or camping). Easily organized into several mini pouches, the kit may not be the most durable or easy to stow back away but at just $35, this is a versatile pack with a wide array of supplies.

First Aid Only American Red Cross Deluxe All Purpose First Aid Kit

Best Budget Pick: There are quite a few cheap first aid kits out there, but most of them are not great, functioning more like a Band-Aid booster pack than anything else. However, with nearly 300 pieces, this All-Purpose Kit from First Aid Only and American Red Cross supplies you with a wide array of supplies for just $20. While it’s slightly pricier than other cheap options, it shouldn’t even be in the same conversation. Fitting into a 9.25″ x 3″ x 7″ frame, the water-resistant zippered case is organized in several pockets and contains antibiotic ointments, scissors, antiseptic towelettes, burn cream, aspirin, ibuprofen, gauze (pads and a roll), wound closures, a cold pack, and, yes, lots of bandages.

If bandages are your concern, this All-Purpose FAK has plenty of those as well, and in several sizes and types. There are even different style of bandages in the same size (e.g., adhesive and fabric). The supplies are carried in a really slim zippered case which uses a lightweight polyester material that feels durable but not bulky. I also love how you can restock this kit really easily. The compartments aren’t too tight (or too loose, for that matter), which allows you to add more things even upon first getting it (I would recommend adding a few more large bandages; this only comes with 2). There’s also a handy guide that comes with the kit with helpful info on first aid (in case you don’t already know things). I also loved the nifty thermometer that comes inside (no batteries or mercury required).

One word of caution is to hold the pouch with its opening side upwards when you first unzip this since the supplies can fall out due to the way they’re oriented inside. On the other hand, I loved the double zipper, which allows you to open it up partway in situation where you know what you’re looking for and don’t want to risk things falling out. It’s also important to note that you might be slightly overwhelmed with all that’s inside, so I recommend exploring each compartment before you first head out. Then, take a Sharpie and label each pocket according to what’s inside.

Verdict: Incredibly affordable and not just Band-Aid heavy, the All-Purpose First Aid Kit from First Aid Only and American Red Cross is a superb unit that would be valued even at double the price. With a wide-ranging list of supplies, and even some that are less common in other kits, this pack keeps things slim enough to stuff into your bag as well.

My Medic MyFAK

Best for Camping: If you’re going to bring just one thing with you on your hiking or camping trip aside from food and water, it should be a first aid kit. A wearable first aid kit is a nice option for times when you’re just venturing on a quick hike and don’t need too many other supplies. On the one hand, these packs can be a heavy addition to your load when too large, but on the other hand, they’re essential to your outing. My Medic, who we’ve already mentioned, has a nice middle-ground with its MyFAK, a comprehensive 115-plus-piece kit inside of a small bag with a shoulder strap and plenty of features, such as Hypalon MOLLE webbing, a folding design that helps you organize and customize what you bring with you, and versatile straps for either wearing around your body or mounting on another bag.

Compared to the $35 Hiker Medic, you might wonder why the MyFAK is so darn pricey. For one, you’re paying for the bag itself, which is incredibly rugged, albeit not waterproof, which may be a detractor for some. You also get a wealth of supplies, each organized into firm mesh pockets that are easy to get into. Going through specific supplies, I appreciated the addition of a pupil flashlight (with dilation guide), the large scissors, the hefty bottle of saline wash, and even a CPR shield to prevent transmission of disease while performing mouth-to-mouth. Unlike the budget-friendly First Aid Only option above, the My Medic MyFAK won’t overwhelm you as much with its contents thanks to the helpful color-coding system that My Medic does so well.

You’ll also surely notice the bulk and weight of the MyFAK, which can make or break whether or not you bring this along with you. This is why this kit might be more suitable for camping trips rather than day hikes. If you’re trying to hike light, you’ll either want something that’s easier to carry or a kit that’s an actual backpack in and of itself. However, you can only be so picky when you’re opting for something as essential as a first aid kit –– especially when it’s as meticulously curated as this one. Not to mention, the cost of the bag is much more affordable than other, sizeable backpack-style options out there.

Verdict: A bit pricier because of the incredibly rugged bag it comes with (featuring MOLLE webbing and a versatile strap system), the wearable My Medic MyFAK sports a folding system that organizes all its gear into mesh pockets, divvied up by the brand’s signature color-coded method of course. It might be too bulky and heavy for some but has enough unique suppllies that make it a must on any camping trip.

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Backpacker Medical Kit

Best for Backpacking: With different kits for different occasions and scenarios, Adventure Medical Kits has one of the most versatile ranges of first aid kids out there, and this Mountain Series Backpacker Medical Kit is among the brand’s best. Weighing less than a pound, this bag has a wide-ranging selection of medical supplies to keep two people covered for a 4-day excursion so they can backpack worry-free. It can also fit inside your bugout bag while providing you with everything you need in case of a super-serious emergency. Like all of the company’s kits, this is also offered at a fantastic price while maintaining the brand’s tradition of producing robust yet highly compact first aid kits. And, unlike AMK’s plastic kits, this tactical item comes housed in a rugged, blacked-out zippered nylon carrying case.

Unlike the Surviveware pack above, the Backpacker Medical Kit streamlines the organization labels into just five pockets, with a quick-stop bleeding kit highlighted for emergencies. This is great for finding what you need quickly but also happens to crowd each of the pockets. Luckily, the more urgent items are front and center. However, the “Wound Care/Burn/Blister” compartment is very crowded and difficult to rummage through quickly. Like most of these kits, I would suggest surveying what you have before setting out on your hiking or camping trips. Despite not feeling incredibly rugged at first touch, the nylon shell of this kit is indeed pretty tough and reinforced on the bottom for wear and tear. It’s also inherently water-resistant like all nylon.

As lightweight as this kit is, it’s not very slim, which could be an issue if you’re trying to save space. I suspect the bag could be even more compact if the medicines were in small tubes instead of a plethora of packs which take up a significant amount of room. On the other hand, each interior pocket is pretty large and has plenty of space for extra supplies –– although zipping it back up might be a challenge if anything else were added to it. I also liked how you don’t have to worry about the compartments spilling out when not in use thanks to the equipped zippers. The gear itself seems top-notch, and I especially like the miniature metal tweezers, which are shockingly easy to use.

Verdict: Incredibly lightweight and surprisingly tough, the nylon Backpacker Medical Kit from Adventure Medical Kits features a little bit of everything and organizes all its supplies into five interior compartments. Perhaps a bit too streamlined, the kit can be difficult to rummage through quickly but still puts its most crucial supplies front-and-center. A superb option for backpacking, this FAK is also well-priced at under $50.

Adventure Medical Kits Me And My Dog First Aid Kit

Best for Pets: If you’re going to be bringing a four-legged companion along on your journeys, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for an injury, whether it happens to you or your dog. And that’s the thought process behind Adventure Medical Kits’ Me And My Dog First Aid Kit, which is part of its Adventure Dog Series. In addition to providing supplies for human first aid, the kit also includes dog-specific medical items like a muzzle, self-adhering bandages that won’t stick to fur, and a first aid manual for pets.

Many pet owners will know the main items essential to bring along with you when hiking with your dog, but what Adventure Medical Kits does is curate and assemble all those essentials, plus some items you may not know you needed. And what’s more is, many of these can be used for humans as well (a note on that in the next paragraph). Inside the nylon zippered pouch are two waterproof Ziploc-style plastic pouches, which gives you an extra layer of protection if you find yourself waterlogged. However, once you acknowledge the curation of these pet-specific items, the benefits of the Me and My Dog FAK end right there.

As useful as this FAK is, the bag is fairly useless. Lacking any sort of attachment loops aside from its carrying handles, the main compartment feels flimsy and haphazardly constructed. First and foremost, the main zipper needs to open much wider. In fact, it barely eclipses the top of the bag at all, making it difficult to see inside, let alone take anything out without pouring the entire contents spilling to the ground. Luckily, since the exterior bag is pretty much moot, the two interior pouches can be removed and put into a separate bag altogether. Moreover, it might even be worth it to take all the supplies out and place them in a bag that’s well-organized and labeled. As it stands, the two bags, albeit see-through, aren’t delineated at all. And without any sort of labels, it’s difficult to find things quickly in case of an emergency. My main complaint with this bag is that many of the items cross over from the non-pet-specific FAKs. So you may be double-dipping with a lot of them. After all, who’s bringing a first aid kit for their dog but not themselves?

Verdict: The major selling point of the Me and My Dog FAK from Adventure Medical Kits is the pet-specific medical gear itself. As a pouch, however, this kit could be better. Not much more than a flimsy zippered bag, the nylon shell doesn’t even have any extra loops for attaching to a bag, outside of its small carrying handles. On the other hand, if you do hike often with your pooch, this FAK may very well be essential to their well-being, and that alone makes this worth the price.

First Aid Kit Comparison Chart

Honorable Mentions

Designed with input from the Special Ops community, this Chinook Medical Operator Pack is housed in 500D Cordura and features a lot of gear that other packs won’t have. Some of it might be too advanced for the average user and its very expensive at over $620, but will be much appreciated by those who it was designed for.

This highly-curated supply kit from Outer Limit Supply and Overland Bound features three segmented packs: Trauma, Basecamp, and Bleeding Control. It’s also insanely impressive (and expensive) as just a backpack, featuring PAL webbing, super rugged construction, multiple grab angles, and even a water bladder. If you’re going overlanding, check out this 3-in-1 FAK.

VSSL is known for its unique and useful cylindrical gear kits for the outdoors. However, its First Aid Kit is getting phased out, even though it’s an impressive and stylish 45-piece option.

At just $6, Coleman’s All-Purpose Mini FAK is a decent backpacking option for its super compact size and low weight. However, with only 27 pieces, this one won’t get you quite as far as the Adventure Medical Kits option above, even if it’s a good last-minute pick for the infrequent hiker.

Not a stocked kit, the WMTC Minimalist First Aid Kit is a pack that’s designed to let you add most of the contents itself, which is why we didn’t think it deserved a spot on the above list (also it’s kinda pricey for what you get). However, its focus is on organization and loops that allow you to see inside really easily without digging around. If you’re into organization, this might be the kit for you.

As we’ve mentioned, Adventure Medical Kits has a lot of fantastic options for different situations. We also wanted to shout out their Tactical Field Trauma Kit, which lends itself to treating more serious in-the-field injuries. As such, the kit includes a QuickClot Sport Sponge, a biohazard bag and disposable gloves, precision forceps, a handful of wraps and bandages, and an assortment of medications that enable it to handle more serious trauma such as broken bones and puncture wounds.

Tested: The Best Hiking Jackets

If you’re headed out to the wilderness, make sure you give yourself the proper coverage, not only to keep warm but to help prevent any scrapes or scratches. In our latest guide, we tested the best hiking jackets around.