Building a Camp First-Aid Kit

When to use this

Before every trip. A kit you didn’t check is a kit that’s missing things.

• First trip
• Pre-trip kit refresh
• Hand-me-down kit you’re not sure is complete

What you need

• Soft zip pouch or hard case
• Adhesive bandages (variety of sizes)
• 4x4 gauze pads + medical tape
• Triangular bandage (for slings or pressure)
• Antiseptic wipes
• Tweezers, small scissors, safety pins
• Pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
• Antihistamine (Benadryl)
• Hydrocortisone cream + antibiotic ointment
• Moleskin or blister tape
• Nitrile gloves (2 pairs)
• Emergency blanket (Mylar)
• A short list of group medical info: meds, allergies, emergency contacts

Step by step

1. 1.Lay every item out on a table. Inventory against this list.
2. 2.Replace anything expired (check pain relievers and antihistamines especially).
3. 3.Repackage in a zip pouch you can find in the dark — bright color, labeled outside.
4. 4.Put it in the same place every trip: in the tent, in the kitchen bin, or at the top of the gear box.
5. 5.Tell every adult on the trip where the kit is.

Pro tips

• Buy a pre-built kit (Adventure Medical Kits or REI house brand) and add the items it’s missing. Cheaper than building from scratch.
• Tape a printed copy of group meds and emergency contacts inside the lid. You’ll be glad in a real moment.

Common mistakes

• Bringing a kit you’ve never opened. You won’t find the gauze when it counts.
• Skipping nitrile gloves. They protect you and the patient.