Lauren Dayes
- Jun 18, 2022
- 2 min read

First Aid Kits for Outdoor Adventures

Edited by Michelle Asselin

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As we head into summer, many people are dreaming of their next outdoor adventure. Whether you are planning a month-long wilderness expedition or enjoying a day hike close to home, you should always be prepared for a variety of first-aid scenarios.

Must-Haves

Do you have any emergency-use prescriptions, such as Ventolin, Nitroglycerin spray, Naloxone, or an Epi-Pen? If so, you should always include them in your first aid kit. If you are diabetic and are prone to episodes to low blood sugar, consider adding Dex4 tablets or another fast-acting sugar source like fruit juice. Before any adventures, check the expiry dates and replace any out-of-date medications. Finally, carry a list of medications you take regularly in case of emergency. Some other essentials include:

Sterile, non-adherent pads or gauze
Compression bandage
Latex-free gloves
Antiseptic wipes
Multi-purpose u tility tool (ex. a Swiss Army knife) or scissors
Medical tape
Rehydration tablets
Eye drops – Very useful for quickly flushing out debris or minor irritants. If you wear contact lenses or have existing eye conditions, ask your pharmacist which product is safest for you.
CPR face mask/shield
Safety pins
Tweezers
Bandages (regular and triangular)

Nice-to-Haves

There are plenty of additional items you could add if you don’t mind a heavier kit (ex. for a car or boat). While these are not necessary, they can be useful in a variety of emergency situations.

Wet wipes
Sterile saline for flushing wounds
Cold pack
Blanket
Over-the-counter medications like Tylenol, Advil, or Benadryl
A first aid book

While building your own kit allows for customization (and potentially cost savings if you build multiple kits!), there are also numerous pre-made kits on the market designed for different settings. These are very convenient, and often come with pocket guides or brochures with basic first aid information.

First-Aid Training Courses

Need to brush up on some of your outdoor first aid skills? Consider taking a course with Red Cross or St. John Ambulance. Both organizations also offer free apps that function as a mobile version of their first aid handbooks.

For more information, see some of our related articles on The Dosette: