Accidents happen. And, they can happen anywhere whether that’s at home or when you’re traveling. Having the best first aid kit on hand can give you peace of mind and the supplies you need to treat any minor injuries that may occur.
But, if you've never had one before, finding the right first aid kit can be quite a task. There are first aid kits designed for camping, some that you keep in your car, and others that are made to store at home.
Sound like a lot to keep up with? Not to worry—we broke down the most important factors to keep in mind as well as our 10 favorite first aid kits. We cover what to look for when you're buying a first aid kit, describe what items your first aid kit needs to have, and highlight ten of the best first aid kits we've found.
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The Best First Aid Kits - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall: MyFAK Large Basic First Aid Kit
- Best for Hiking: Adventure Medical Kits Hiker First Aid Kit
- Best for Your Home: M2 Basics 300 Piece First Aid Kit
- Best Survival First Aid Kit: My Medic 10 Essentials Kit
- Best for Backpacking: Adventure Medical Kits Ultralite/Water Tight .9 Kit
- Best for Camping: Hart Outdoor Multi Day First Aid Kit
- Best for Your Dog: Adventure Medical Kits Me and My Dog First Aid Kit
- Best for Your Car: Adventure First Aid Medical Kit
- Best Basic First Aid Kit: Uncharted Supply Core First Aid Kit
- Best Budget First Aid Kit: Hart Outdoor Day Hike First Aid Kit
Best Overall - MyFAK Large Basic First Aid Kit
SPECS
- Dimensions: 14" x 8.75" x 6"
- Weight: 6 lbs.
- Case material: Nylon
- Organization: Mesh pockets for each item
- Piece count: 200+
- Intended uses: General first aid
If you’re wanting an all-around, reliable first aid kit, the MyFAK Large Basic first aid kit has all of the basic supplies you’ll need for minor accidents and injuries. The bag is a little bit smaller than a standard-sized backpack and comes with a shoulder strap and easy zipper access for when you're hiking on the trail or camping.
The MyFAK has multiples of all consumable supplies. So, this kit is a good option if you find yourself in group settings. And, even though there are 200+ pieces in this kit, it’s still well-organized with mesh pockets inside and a detachable panel for easy access.
What We Like
- Multiples of consumable supplies for groups
- Durable material and shoulder strap if you're on the go
- Well-organized supplies
What We Don't Like
- Bigger kit than others on this list
- Heavier than other options
BUY: MyFAK Large Basic First Aid Kit
Best for Hiking - Adventure Medical Kits Hiker First Aid Kit
SPECS
- Dimensions: 6.5" x 5.5" x 3"
- Weight: 7 oz.
- Case material: Nylon
- Organization: Pockets labeled for injury type
- Piece count: 96
- Intended uses: Hiking
If you like to hike, the Adventure medical kit is small and lightweight so it can fit in your pack without taking up much space or adding extra weight. The kit is also organized by injury type which can help you quickly decide what treatment is best in a given situation.
We especially like this kit’s external kit map. Before you even open the kit, you know where everything is located based on the map which makes it easy to find items in high-stress situations.
What We Like
- External kit map so you can know where supplies are
- Kit pockets are organized by injury type to remove the guesswork
- Very lightweight and small so it won't add an extra burden to your pack
What We Don't Like
- Only enough supplies for 2 people
- No subdivisions in the organization beyond injury type
BUY: ADS Kit Hiker First Aid Kit
Best for Home - M2 Basics 300 Piece First Aid Kit
SPECS
- Dimensions: 9" x 3.5" x 6"
- Weight: 1.65 lbs.
- Case material: Cotton
- Organization: Large pockets with transparent covers
- Piece count: 300
- Intended uses: Home, minor accidents
The M2 Basics first aid kit has 300 pieces included, which are multiples of the almost 40 unique supplies you'll find in the kit. While it’s not designed for mobile use since you'll keep it at home, the case does have handles plus it’s lightweight so it won't be a burden when you need to treat minor wounds.
With only two major compartments and no dividers, this kit is less organized than others. But, we think this kit has all of the basic supplies you’ll need to keep you and your family safe and covered.
What We Like
- 300 pieces and 40 unique items included
- Lightweight, especially given how many supplies are included
- Easy to store inside with a relatively small footprint
What We Don't Like
- The cotton case is not as durable as nylon
- Not clearly organized
BUY: M2 Basics 300 Piece First Aid Kit
Best Survival First Aid Kit - My Medic 10 Essentials Kit
SPECS
- Dimensions: 5" x 14" x 23"
- Weight: 8 lbs.
- Case material: Waterproof material
- Organization: Interior bags to organize by injury type
- Piece count: 110
- Intended Uses: Outdoor adventures
For those who spend ample time outdoors, the My Medic 10 essentials kit is the ultimate first aid kit for adventurous spirits. The bag is about the size of a medium backpack and it has a roll top to make it a dry bag in wet conditions. Plus, the interior is large enough to store other needs like food, clothes, lights, and shelter covers.
Note that the medical supplies only take up a portion of the interior of the bag. This means there are smaller, organizer bags for the supplies which leave room for all your other necessities.
What We Like
- Doubles as a floatation device in water emergencies
- Room in the bag for non-medical items like flashlights, hats, and other clothes
- Shoulder straps let you carry the kit like a backpack
What We Don't Like
- One of the heaviest first aid kits on our list
- Must replace your pack when you're hiking
BUY: My Medic 10 Essentials Kit
Best for Backpacking - Adventure Medical Kits Ultralite/Watertight .9 Kit
SPECS
- Dimensions: 10" x 7.5" x 3"
- Weight: 12 oz.
- Case material: Water-resistant outer layer, DryFlex waterproof inner layer
- Organization: Transparent bag insert
- Piece count: 52
- Intended uses: Outdoor sports, backpacking with small groups
The Adventure Medical Kits Ultralite/Watertight is a first aid kit designed for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. It’s minimalist in that it only has the essentials you'll need to treat wounds and injuries, but that makes it lightweight and a good companion for backpacking trips.
We really like the double layer of waterproofing that keeps this first aid kit dry no matter your terrain or weather conditions. There are enough supplies for groups of one to four but we suggest that you limit your backpacking trip to less than four days to ensure enough supplies for the whole group.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- Two layers of waterproofing to ensure it stays dry
- Relatively lightweight, can fit in a backpacking pack
What We Don't Like
- Limited organization inside the kit
- Must replace your pack when you're hiking
BUY: Adventure Medical Kit Ultralite/Watertight .9 Kit
Best for Camping - HART Outdoor Multi Day First Aid Kit
SPECS
- Dimensions: 7" x 6" x 2"
- Weight: 12.7 oz.
- Case material: Polyester/PEVA
- Organization: Interior compartments organized by injury type
- Piece count: 72
- Intended uses: Outdoors, camping
HART Outdoor first aid kit is a portable, lightweight kit that has everything you'll need for minor injuries or accidents you may experience while camping. It has a small footprint so you'll barely notice the space it takes up while you're packing whether in a backpack or in the car.
We like that this kit is well organized with pockets for each injury type. Plus, the labels are in obvious locations.
What We Like
- Very organized with individual pockets for injury types
- Small footprint makes it easy to pack for camping trips
- Lightweight despite having all of the first aid kit essentials
What We Don't Like
- Polyester case isn’t the most durable
- Carrying handles instead of shoulder straps can be cumbersome
BUY: HART Outdoor Multi Day First Aid Kit
Best for Your Dog - Adventure Medical Kits Me and My Dog First Aid Kit
SPECS
- Dimensions: 7" x 5.33" x 3.55"
- Weight: 1 lb., 8 oz.
- Case material: Nylon
- Organization: Transparent, removable inserts
- Piece count: 48
- Intended Uses: Outdoor adventures with your dog
If you're noticing a pattern, Adventure Medical Kits is a quality brand for first aid kits. This kit is designed for hiking trips with your four legged friend and includes everything a human would need to treat minor injuries, plus medications and wraps for your dog.
Just make sure you talk to your vet before giving your dog any medication. Also be aware that this kit is designed for just one person and one dog on short hiking trips. Otherwise, this kit is compact and fits nicely in your backpack.
What We Like
- Transparent, removable inserts make accessing your supplies fast and easy
- Compact kit that fits well in a normal sized backpack
- Medications and bandages to treat dog injuries on the trail
What We Don't Like
- Nylon material can wear and tear easily
- Limited number of supplies
BUY: Adventure Medical Kits Me and My Dog First Aid Kit
Best for Your Car - Adventure Medical Kits Adventure First Aid Kit
SPECS
- Dimensions: Multiple sizes
- Weight: 8.5 oz. - 1 lb. 1 oz.
- Case material: Hard plastic
- Organization: No subdividers
- Piece count: 43
- Intended uses: General injury treatment
Looking to store a kit in your car? The Adventure Medical Kits Adventure First Aid Kit is one of the most versatile kits on our list which is why it’s great to take with you on the road. There are multiple size options you can choose from, ranging from enough supplies for a single person to a family size.
However, no matter what size you choose these kits are portable. The smallest size should fit nicely under your seat or in your glove compartment for easy access if you ever need it.
What We Like
- Versatile sizing options
- Hard plastic case makes it durable for the car
- The outer clasp keeps the contents secure inside, but also opens easily
What We Don't Like
- No interior compartments for organization
BUY: Adventure Medical Kits Adventure First Aid Kit
Best Basic First Aid Kit - Uncharted Supply Core First Aid Kit
SPECS
- Dimensions: 6" x 4" x 2"
- Weight: 7 oz.
- Case material: Water resistant nylon
- Organization: Interior pockets labeled by supply type
- Piece count: 26
- Intended uses: Basic first aid
If you're looking for a first aid kit that sticks to the basics, chances are the Uncharted Supply Core First Aid has what you need. It’s minimalistic with a small footprint and lightweight design. However, it’s also water-resistant and well organized with interior pockets labeled by supply type instead of injury type.
This kit fits nicely into an average size backpack or among other gear as you're packing your car. But, if you’re expecting more risks on the trail, this kit may not have everything you need.
What We Like
- Compact size for easy storage
- Well-organized pockets inside the kit make supplies easy to access
- Minimalist design
What We Don't Like
- Not made for group settings because of limited number of supplies
- No advanced supplies for injuries you may experience if you're a more adventurous hiker
BUY: Uncharted Supply Co. Core First Aid Kit
Best Budget First Aid Kit - HART Outdoor Day Hike First Aid Kit
SPECS
- Dimensions: 5.5" x 4.5" x 1"
- Weight: 3.5 oz.
- Case material: Polyester/PEVA
- Organization: Transparent interior pockets
- Piece count: 31
- Intended uses: Basic first aid
While safety is important, we get it—not everyone will want to make the investment in a more expensive kit. If that’s you, the HART Outdoor Day Hike kit is an affordable option. It’s a small first aid kit and the lightest on our list.
It also has all of the basic first aid supplies you would need. Plus, it contains enough supplies for two people so if you’re looking to take a buddy with you on a day hike, this kit is a great option.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- Enough basic supplies for two people on a day hike
- Smallest and lightest kit on the list
What We Don't Like
- Not a durable case
- Only the most basic supplies are included
BUY: HART Outdoor Day Hike First Aid Kit
What to Look For in a First Aid Kit
Size
When you're looking for a first aid kit, size is one of the first things you'll notice. It’s true that the bigger the size, the more supplies you'll have. But, bigger and more doesn't always mean better.
When selecting a size, make sure you're thinking about where you want to keep the first aid kit because one that’s too big for your space can be frustrating.
Quality
When you're considering the quality of a first aid kit, take a holistic approach. Sometimes the bag itself is high quality while the components are low quality. That may make your kit nice to look at, but not necessarily the most useful. Similarly, the case may not be attractive but the components are high quality. When it comes to first aid kits, quality always trumps appearances.
Components
The kinds of components included in a first aid kit are the most important thing to consider when buying a kit. Most first aid kits have similar components, but there are certain items that are absolute essentials.
Best Items to Have in a First Aid Kit
According to the CDC, the best first aid kit should have:
- A first-aid manual
- Absorbent compress dressings
- 25 adhesive bandages, like Band-Aids
- Adhesive tape
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic wipes
- Aspirin
- An emergency blanket
- A breathing barrier for CPR
- Instant cold compress
- Gloves
- Hydrocortisone cream
- A gauze roll
- Gauze pads
- A thermometer
- Triangular bandages
- Tweezers
- Scizzors
FAQs About First Aid Kits
What does IFAK mean?
IFAK stands for Individual First Aid Kit and it’s a military term that refers to the medical supplies an individual soldier carries with them into combat. These kits have basic medical supplies for immediate treatment of wounds.
What is the best way to store first aid supplies?
The best way to store first aid supplies is in a first aid kit with well-organized compartments that are clearly labeled for easy access. A lot of first aid kits don't have good organization and it is best to avoid these if possible.
What is the difference between a first aid kit and a trauma kit?
First aid kits are general medical supplies like gauze or bandages that can immediately treat small, minor wounds. Trauma kits are specialized supplies, like tourniquets or blood clotting medications, that are intended to be used in life-saving situations by a person with medical training.
How much does a good first aid kit cost?
First aid kits range in price just like anything else. The prices won't always be reflective of quality, but generally speaking more expensive first aid kits (around $150 or more) have more supplies or duplicates of supplies to treat more injuries. The case also plays a role in price because some are made from polyester (less durable) while others are rubberized and waterproof (more durable).
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