Hiking & Backpacking First Aid Kit: Contents & Checklist

Date Published: June 24, 2024

Embarking on a hiking or backpacking trip without a first aid kit can be risky. While having just the essentials may not be a complete solution, they can help manage issues until advanced medical help is available. For instance, bringing along antihistamines can be crucial support in case of an allergic reaction, but you may need evaluation from a medical professional if symptoms are severe or persist.

Knowing what to have in an emergency first aid kit for hiking is essential. This may vary depending on your medical conditions, the length and duration of the trip, and the terrain you’ll be exploring.

Customize Pre-Packaged First Aid Kits

Your first aid kit should be as unique as your hiking excursion. By tailoring your hiking first aid kit to the climate, number of people, terrain, remoteness and length of your adventure, you are taking a proactive step toward your safety. For example, customizing your first aid kit to meet specific medical needs — like an EpiPen — if there are known allergic reactions in your group.

The American Red Cross has several prepackaged first aid kits to streamline preparation for your hiking trip.

In addition to a stocked first aid kit for backpacking or hiking, we’ve included applicable Red Cross products for hiking to consider.

• Wilderness and Remote First Aid Emergency Reference Guide and Pocket Guide
• Emergency First Aid Reference Guide

What to Pack in a First Aid Kit for Hiking

It can be tricky to find a balance of what to pack in a medical first aid kit for hiking that meets your needs and is suited to the environment you’ll be exploring.

Follow this checklist to ensure you have everything you’ll need:

• Adhesive bandages
• Antibacterial ointment
• Antihistamine to treat allergic reactions
• Antiseptic wipes
• Blister treatment
• CPR mask
• Closure strips
• First aid manual
• Gauze pads
• Gloves (avoid latex)
• Pain relief medication (adults and children)
• Insect sting and anti-itch treatment
• Medical tape
• Safety pins
• Tweezers

What to Have in Hiking First Aid Kit Contents for Splints and Cleaning Wounds

• Elastic wrap
• Finger splints
• First aid cleansing pads with topical anesthetic
• Hydrogel-based pads
• Liquid bandage
• Rolled bandages
• Rolled gauze
• SAM splints
• Triangular cravat bandage

What Should Be in a Hiking First Aid Kit for Additional Medications and Treatments

• Antacid tablets
• Aspirin
• Diarrhea medication
• EpiPen
• Glucose or other sugar tablets
• Lubricating eye drops
• Oral rehydration salts
• Prescription medications (like antibiotics)
• Sunburn relief gel or spray
• Throat lozenges

Hiking First Aid Kit Personal Tools and Supplies

• Biodegradable soap
• Cotton tipped swabs
• Emergency heat-reflecting blanket
• Hand sanitizer
• Irrigation syringe with 18-gauge catheter
• Knife or multi-tool
• Medical waste bag
• Paramedic shears
• Safety razor blade
• Small notepad with waterproof pencil or pen
• Standard oral thermometer
• Waterproof container to hold supplies and medications

Why a First Aid Kit is Important in Hiking & Backpacking

Hiking involves changing terrain, exploring unknown areas, and strenuous and repetitive movements that can stress joints. The most common injury when hiking is from falling. Falls can happen when tripping over something or slipping off a wet rock.

Other common injuries that can occur during hiking include:

• Blisters
• Dehydration
• Falls and cuts
• Insect bites and stings
• Knee injuries
• Overexertion
• Poison ivy
• Shin splints
• Sprained ankles
• Sunburn and heatstroke

Whether training for an epic backpacking trip, backcountry hiking, or going on day hikes, you may feel the effects of sore muscles, blistered feet, or aching joints. Hikers are more likely to experience joint-related injuries including strains, sprains, and tendonitis.

You’ll also want to be prepared for the worst-case scenarios, even if they are rare occurrences. For example, it can be good to know first aid for snake bites or helping someone experiencing allergic reactions or anaphylaxis.

If any of these injuries occur while hiking, you may need to administer first aid. This is why bringing a first aid kit is essential.

Learn First Aid to Prepare for Your Next Excursion

Knowing how to use first aid items is as important as having them, if not more. Consider taking a first aid training course to equip yourself with the necessary skills. Some of the topics in Red Cross courses may include recognizing life-threatening bleeding, sudden illnesses, and caring for specific injuries. This knowledge can be a lifesaver while trekking through the wilderness.

For access to first aid information and videos fast, download the First Aid App from the American Red Cross.

Or text: “GETFIRST” to 90999