Camping First Aid Kit Checklist: Read Before You Buy

Camping is an enjoyable activity, but sometimes accidents happen. When you’re away from medical help it’s important to be prepared for anything that could possibly happen. We’ve put together a camping first aid kit checklist that lists the essential items you will need to keep you and other campers safe. This will help you to be prepared for the unexpected.

Your Basic First Aid Kit

Antiseptic wipes: These are used for wiping dirt and germs away from a wound or burn to help prevent infection from setting in.

Antibacterial ointment: Apply this to wounds to speed the healing process and protect the sore from infection.

Assorted adhesive bandages made of fabric: Carry a variety of sizes for cuts or scrapes of all sizes.

Butterfly bandages: These are used to hold gaping wounds closed.

Gauze pads (various sizes): Sterile gauze pads are used for a variety of first aid applications from wrapping wounds or injuries to protecting wounds from exposure. They can serve as large bandages or as compresses to control bleeding.

Nonstick sterile pads: When applied to a wound, the nonstick variety is the best.

Medical adhesive tape (10 yd. roll, min. 1″ width): This is used to help hold bandages or gauze in place.

Medications to Include

In case you develop severe blisters from hiking or an accidental burn, get bit by an insect, have an allergic reaction, get a big splinter, or experience moderate to intense pain, the following items should always be available in your first aid kit or camping medicine chest.

• Blister treatment
• Ibuprofen / other pain relief medication
• Insect sting relief treatment
• Antihistamine to treat allergic reactions
• Splinter (fine point) tweezers
• Safety pins

In the event that you have a serious injury such as a severe sprain, pulled muscle, tendon, or ligament, or break a bone, you’ll be happy to have packed the following first aid items:

• First aid manual or information cards
• Wraps, splints, and wound coverings
• Elastic wrap such as an ace bandage, triangular cravat bandage, finger splint(s), SAM splint(s), rolled gauze, etc.
• First aid cleansing pads with topical anesthetic
• Hemostatic (blood-clotting) gauze
• Oval eye pads

A good camping first aid kit will have several of the items above. If you’re taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, make sure to include them on your list as well.

Medications/Treatments

• Aloe vera gel (sun exposure relief)
• Aspirin (primarily for a response to a heart attack)
• Antacid tablets
• Throat lozenges
• Lubricating eye drops
• Loperamide tablets (for diarrhea symptoms)
• Poison ivy or poison oak treatment (both as necessary)
• Insect sting relief treatment
• Glucose or other sugar to treat hypoglycemia
• Oral rehydration salts
• Antifungal foot powder
• Prescription medications (e.g., antibiotics)
• Injectable epinephrine to treat allergic reactions

In keeping with good hygiene, it’s also recommended that you carry the following items to avoid becoming ill from something that your hands come in contact with.

• Hand sanitizer (BKZ or alcohol-based)
• Mild detergent for washing eating utensils
• Mand soap with an antibacterial agent

Tools and Supplies

Believe it or not, in addition to a good camping first aid kit, you may also need to use tools and other equipment in emergency situations.

• Paramedic shears (blunt-tip scissors)
• Safety razor blade (or scalpel w/ #15 or #12 blade)
• Cotton-tipped swabs
• Standard oral thermometer
• Low reading (hypothermia) thermometer
• Irrigation syringe with 18-gauge catheter
• Magnifying glass
• Small mirror
• Medical/surgical gloves (nitride preferred; avoid latex)
• CPR mask
• Steel sewing needle with heavy-duty thread
• Needle nose pliers with wire cutter
• Duct tape (small roll)
• Small notepad with a waterproof pencil or pen
• Medical waste bag (plus box for sharp items)
• Waterproof container to hold supplies and meds
• Emergency heat-reflecting blanket
• Headlamp (preferred) or flashlight
• Whistle (pealess preferred)
• Personal locator beacon
• Satellite messenger

Personal Care, Other Items

• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Insect repellent (plus head net, or mosquito netting if needed)
• Hand sanitizer
• Biodegradable soap
• Water treatment chemicals
• Collapsible water sink or basin

Recommended First Aid Kits

Best Option for Hiking

Surviveware Small First Aid Kit

This first aid kit is small, lightweight, and can easily fit in a hiking backpack. It includes 100 high-quality emergency essentials and first aid supplies to help care for minor wounds, cuts, scrapes, and burns. It also includes a removable CPR pouch and a First Aid Guide.

Available from:

AMAZON

If you click this link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Best Option for Camping

Surviveware Large First Aid Kit

This first aid kit is about the size of a school backpack. It includes 200 high-quality emergency essentials and first aid supplies, as well as a removable CPR pouch and a First Aid Guide. It was thoughtfully designed for peace of mind on your next outdoor adventure. Registered FDA Medical Device. This product is FSA HSA approved.

Available from:

AMAZON

If you click this link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Conclusion

Most of the items on this list do not need an explanation because once you take a look at them, they are self-explanatory. You may notice that there are items that would be helpful if someone was to get lost or suffer hypothermia.

In addition, emergency location and communication equipment are included. While this may seem like a long list of things to take along with you, consider what you think you could do without in an emergency situation. We usually don’t expect to become lost, ill, or injured on a camping trip, but the fact of the matter is that it can happen to anyone at any time.

If you’re in a place where you don’t have fast access to medical help or to a store that sells first aid supplies, then it’s better to be prepared than to suffer the consequences.