Hiking First Aid Kit: Stay Safe in the Backcountry!

An amazing hiking or backpacking trip in the wilderness can quickly and unexpectedly go from peaceful getaway to dangerous emergency. No one heads into the backcountry expecting to get hurt, but accidents happen in a heartbeat and conditions can sometimes change in a hurry. Any activity carries risks, but in the wilderness, you need an extra degree of preparation because you may not be able to get assistance easily. Having the right supplies and knowing how to use them can mean the difference between life and death. So, while we hope you never need to use it, we want to help you be prepared for the worst when you head out on your next adventure.

This guide will help you to make sure you have everything you need for backcountry safety!

Table of contents

Essential Safety Items You Should Never Hike Without
Hiking First Aid Kit and Safety Checklist
What to Include in a Hiking First Aid Kit
How to Pack your First Aid Kit
Learn to Use your First Aid Supplies
Have a Safety Mindset

Essential Safety Items You Should Never Hike Without

Weatherproof matches / lighter: It may seem obvious, but be sure you always have a way to make a fire. Fire will help you stay warm and also be found in the event of an emergency. While a basic lighter from any gas station works fine in most circumstances, having weatherproof matches as a backup can be a life-saver in an emergency.

Communication device: Realizing that your cell phone may not be within signal range when you’re out in the backcountry, having a satellite-based communication device is a great idea. Garmin is a trusted brand, and their inReach line offers great service and two-way communication. The inReach MINIis a great option in a very small format, but since some features require you to pair it with another device such as a cell phone, many people prefer the larger Explorer+ model for complete functionality outside the reach of cell towers. Note that satellite service requires a monthly subscription fee.

Emergency blanket / Sil tarp shelter: Shelter from the elements in an emergency is essential. The very minimum you should always carry is an emergency blanket. Reflective mylar is lightweight yet reflects body heat with incredible efficiency to prevent hypothermia. A larger but more effective option is to carry a Sil tarp, which can be erected like a tent to provide protection. It can also be used to help move someone who is injured or to help wrap them in preparation for evacuation.

Multi-tool: Multi-tools are useful in a wide variety of routine and emergency survival situations. Don’t be caught without one! Knives, screwdrivers, tweezers, files, saws, and even scissors are very important. We love the Leatherman Multi-tool and, though they are heavy, we have often found its advanced features to worth carrying the extra weight.

Water purification filter / tablets: When you’re going out on a multi-day backpacking trip, it’s not possible to bring enough water with you to last for drinking sufficiently and cooking your food. Check your route ahead of time for streams, ponds, and other sources of water, but do not drink water straight from these sources no matter how clean it looks. Be sure to use a water filtration pump to refill your water bottles from these sources. You can also use a water bottle with a built in filter, such as the BeFree 1L from Katadyn. An easy and light backup to keep with you are water purification tablets. Safe, clean water is a basic necessity that you never want to be without.

Rain gear: Always be ready to protect yourself from changing weather conditions. Exposure to heat, moisture, and cold can all be dangerous. Wear a hat in hot, sunny conditions, but be prepared to pull on a jacket that can keep you warm and dry when needed as well. A quality base layer with a Gore-tex outer layer can prepare you for most conditions. We love Arc’teryx for quality and performance. The Rho Fleece Zip makes a great base layer (available for men and women) and the Zeta jacket completes the package (for men and women).

Map and compass: Technology such as a GPS is never a substitute for a quality topographic map of the area where you’re hiking. Learn basic skills to orient using a map and compass to make sure you can find your way to a road or shelter if needed. Plan your route well before heading out and be sure to share it with someone who is not traveling with you.

What to Include in a Hiking First Aid Kit

Use the checklist above to make you have a complete first aid kit when you hit the trail. But it’s also important to have a basic understanding of how to use each item in your kit. Let’s look a little closer at the checklist and why you need these things.

Bandages: Great to have for assorted nicks, cuts, and scrapes along the way. The flexible fabric type stay on much better as you continue to be active. Have a few extra large ones too, as these can also come in handy!

Leukotape: Leukotape is important to have and it’s useful for many purposes. The most common is to prevent blisters. You can use it before you start your hike if you know you’re prone to blisters in certain areas. Otherwise, stop and apply it as soon as you feel a “hot spot” before it develops into a blister. You can also use tape to apply sterile dressings to larger wounds or immobilize an injured joint.

Pain relief / anti-inflammatory medication (ibuprofen / acetaminophen): Injuries can be painful and having something to take the edge off the pain can be very helpful. Less commonly, take them to reduce a fever.

Antihistamines: Here you’re not worried about seasonal allergies, but serious allergic reactions. The wilderness is full of unusual insects and plants that you may not have been in contact with before. People who have known severe allergies should pack an epi-pen, but in the event of an unexpected severe reaction, a medication like Benadryl (or similar) can be life-saving.

Butterfly closures: Gashes and deep cuts happen easily with a fall. Butterfly closures help close the wound to protect it and help it to heal.

Sterile dressing pads: These are important to protect larger cuts and to help slow bleeding. Use leukotape to apply them and keep them in place with a little bit of pressure.

Irrigation syringe: Use this to help wash and clean wounds, but always be sure you are using clean water

Tweezers: Tweezers are essential for removing splinters or anything else that might get embedded in your skin. They are also useful for removing ticks (be sure to read about proper tick removal technique first!) If your multi-tool already has a pair of tweezers built in, you may not need to add these to your first aid kit.

Antiseptic wipes / towelettes: Avoid infections by cleaning wounds thoroughly with an antiseptic towelette and changing dressings regularly.

Re-hydration salts: Dehydration in the backcountry is both common and dangerous. It is easy to forget to drink enough, and in certain conditions you may not be able to. Add this powder to water to help replace essential electrolytes after a tough day on the trail.

Triangle bandage: Multi-use and potentially life-saving, a triangle bandage is an important part of your first aid kit. Use it to make a sling, secure a splint, or as a tourniquet.

Gloves: Be prepared to assist others with backcountry emergencies and protect yourself from contact with another person’s blood. Use the same nitrile gloves that medical professionals choose, and be sure to avoid latex since it’s a common allergen.

Splint: A roll of Sam Splint is invaluable to immobilize injuries until you can reach treatment from a medical professional.

Tourniquet: While a triangle bandage can be used as a tourniquet in a pinch, the stretch wrap of the SWAT-T tourniquet makes it easier to apply the necessary pressure. Rapid bleeding from major arteries is life threatening so stopping it is essential.

QuikClot: This gauze can be applied to wounds to accelerate natural clotting and stop bleeding faster.