What should be in a hiking first aid kit?
Core supplies
Your kit should match your trip length, remoteness, and group size. For a day hike, a small pouch with adhesive bandages, gauze pads, medical tape, antibiotic ointment, and a few alcohol wipes covers most minor issues. Add blister treatments like moleskin or hydrocolloid bandages, which are worth their weight on any hike.
For longer or more remote trips, expand to include elastic wrap for sprains, a triangular bandage for slings, tweezers for ticks and splinters, a small scissors, and a thermometer. If you're allergic to bee stings or certain foods, carry an epinephrine auto-injector (and know how to use it).
- Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- Sterile gauze pads and rolled gauze
- Medical tape and elastic wrap
- Antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment
- Blister care (moleskin, hydrocolloid bandages)
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Antihistamines and personal medications
- Tweezers, scissors, and safety pins
Medications and extras
Over-the-counter meds like ibuprofen or acetaminophen handle pain and inflammation; antihistamines help with allergies and itching. If you take prescription medication, pack a few extra days' worth in case of delays. Include a small first aid guide or know basic wilderness first aid—having supplies without know-how is useless.
Consider a CPR face shield, emergency blanket, and a way to call for help (satellite messenger or PLB) if you're going far from cell service. Check your kit before every trip, replace expired items, and make sure you know where everything is. A well-organized kit in a waterproof bag is easier to use when you're stressed.
Common mistakes
- Packing a kit but never checking expiration dates or restocking used items.
- Bringing only bandages and forgetting blister care, which is the most common hiking injury.
- Assuming you'll remember how to use everything—take a basic first aid course.
