One thing is for sure: the trail is unpredictable. We venture into the wilderness seeking freedom and challenge, and while the miles are usually filled with joy and stunning views, there’s always the chance that a small, unplanned incident will occur. A misplaced step, a rogue branch, or an ill-fitting boot can turn a perfect day into a painful struggle. This is why one of the Ten Essentials of Hiking—the foundational list for responsible outdoor enthusiasts—is the First Aid Kit.
Over the years I’ve had many different first aid kits in my pack, from those pre-packaged kits one can get at a big-box store to a kit I’ve thrown together from bits and pieces I had around the house. But not matter which kit I had with me, when I needed it, I really needed it.
I’ve taken several falls in the past couple years. This had made me reexamine what I carry and why. And in previous years my hiking partners needed extra first aide items, which I was happy to provide. We all owe it to ourselves and our hiking partners to be able to handle at least minor medical matters.
Here is a look at why the first aid kit is crucial, and a practical guide on how to build one that truly serves your needs, whether you’re out for an afternoon or a week.
The purpose of a first aid kit on the trail is not to fix broken bones or perform complex medical procedures. Its role is simple and vital.
Treat Minor Issues Proactively. A good kit prevents small irritations (like a blister or a scrape) from turning into serious, debilitating problems (like infection or severe foot pain).
Stabilize Before Help Arrives. For more serious issues, the kit allows you to stabilize the situation, control bleeding, and protect the wound while waiting for assistance or making your way out.
Prescription Management. It ensures you have immediate access to personal, necessary medications that you cannot hike without.
The contents of your kit should scale with the length and remoteness of your trip. Don't rely on pre-made kits alone; they are often missing essential items and filled with unnecessary ones. My advice, after years of experimenting is to build your own!
This kit is focused on immediate, common needs and weighs almost nothing.
This expands on the day kit to include items for deeper cuts, longer-term care, and stomach issues.
For longer, more remote trips, you need to be prepared for more complex wound management and potential splinting.
The best first aid kit is useless if you don't know how to use it. Take a simple wilderness first aid course. Even basic knowledge of how to clean a wound, immobilize a joint, or treat severe dehydration will give you confidence and capability in the backcountry.
No matter how long your hikes are or how many more years you want to do this, keeping yourself and your partners safe is the key to enjoying every mile. By carefully assembling and regularly checking your first aid kit, you are practicing the highest form of preparedness—the wisdom that allows you to fully relax and enjoy the wild, knowing you’re ready for the unexpected.