The Best First-Aid Kits of 2024 | GearJunkie Tested

Be prepared for anything on your adventures with the best first aid kit. We’ve been testing first-aid kits for years to determine which ones are best for each scenario. The GearJunkie team includes rock climbers, mountain bikers, hunters, anglers, and lovers of just about every other outdoor pursuit. Naturally, we’ve had to perform quite a bit of in-the-field first aid over the years.

Lead tester and author Meg Carney is an avid outdoor enthusiast. She has guided backpacking trips and taught rock climbing. Through her professional pursuits and recreational passions, she has encountered enough injuries and had so many opportunities to use a first-aid kit that she’s definitely an expert on what makes a good one. She has combed the market to identify high-quality kits and, in due course, field-tested them.

For those seeking reliability, the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 is our top choice, while the HART Outdoor Weekend First-Aid Kit offers fantastic value as the best budget option. No matter your needs, we have something for everyone,

Scroll through our top picks below, and be sure to check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide, price & value section, and comparison chart for help in choosing the best first-aid kit for your needs.

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on October 16, 2024, by re-testing most of the first-aid kits on our list, expanding or reviews and adjusting our opinions based on our latest findings, and adding the My Medic MYFAK Mini to the line-up.

At just 8 ounces, the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 ($33) is immensely versatile and practical — making it our pick for the best overall first-aid kit. This compact design is easy to pack and incredibly versatile when handling medical emergencies in the field. However, while it excels in portability, its contents may not be sufficient for larger groups.

The fully waterproof case keeps supplies dry, and the bright yellow exterior is light yet tough and has lasted us years of use in the field. Inside, you’ll find a well-curated selection of essentials, including a full sheet of moleskin, various sizes of adhesive bandages, medical tape, and common medications like aspirin and ibuprofen. While this kit lacks a CPR face shield, there’s space to add one, should you choose to do so.

Compared to the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker, built for more extensive hiking trips, the .7 is more compact but less comprehensive. For individual use or small groups (two to three people), the Ultralight/Watertight .7 is an excellent choice, but for larger groups or more extensive needs, the Mountain Series or even the Ultralight Watertight .9 provides a broader array of items.

Sewn-in loops allow you to easily clip this kit to a climbing harness during multi-pitch routes, and it fits easily in a kayak or a canoe. However, the low quantities of certain items can be a drawback, mainly if multiple injuries occur.

For its size and practicality, this kit is perfect for solo adventurers or short weekend trips. The Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 is smaller than a 1L water bottle, and until you need it, you’ll probably forget it’s there.

The HART Outdoor Weekend First-Aid Kit ($27) is an excellent choice for quick getaways of up to two days, especially for one or two people. It strikes a great balance between packability and functionality at an affordable and accessible price.

It has a good spread of supplies, including four butterfly closures, multiple gauze pads, antiseptic towelettes, and even a Wilderness First-Aid Guide. However, the limited quantities of certain items, like adhesive bandages and tape, may require you to restock things like ibuprofen sooner than anticipated, which can be a downside for more severe injuries or multiple incidents.

While it’s a well-rounded kit for short trips, it doesn’t hold up as well for larger groups or extended outings compared to options like the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker. For just a few dollars more ($30), that kit provides better organization with labeled pouches and is better for multiday hiking trips.

While solid in its offerings, it feels slightly less durable due to its non-waterproof material. If camping in wetter conditions, consider adding a waterproof bag to protect the contents. Also, we noted the lack of a CPR face shield, which is a crucial item in emergency situations. For those willing to customize, there’s ample room to add personal medications or additional bandages.

The HART Outdoor Weekend First-Aid Kit is an excellent choice for budget-conscious adventurers seeking a lightweight, organized option for short trips. If you frequently camp with larger groups or engage in more extended excursions, it also comes in a similar multiday option.

As a longstanding maker of first-aid kits, Adventure Medical Kits dominates our list of recommendations for a reason. The well-regarded brand makes a wide variety of kits for various activities. For hiking, backpacking, or other trail-based activities, the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker ($30) is our pick for the best hiking first-aid kit.

This kit is well-suited for small-group hiking trips lasting up to a few days, but it may not meet the needs of large groups or those seeking advanced trauma care. Inside, labeled pouches keep supplies organized and easily accessible, preventing chaos when you need to find something quickly. Each pouch zips shut, ensuring everything stays in place, even during bumpy hikes.

While this kit excels in quality — with reputable items like medical-grade trauma shears and durable medical tape — it does have some shortcomings. Specifically, the limited supply of nitrile gloves may fall short during multiple injuries, and the lack of a CPR mask could be a concern in some emergencies.

Compared to other kits like the HART Outdoor Weekend First-Aid Kit ($27), the Mountain Series Hiker offers a more comprehensive selection of high-quality supplies but at a slightly higher weight. The HART kit is great for quick getaways but may lack the rugged durability that the Mountain Series provides.

At just 10 ounces, the Mountain Series Hiker is a small and lightweight first-aid kit. It’s not sufficient for high-level trauma care and can’t support groups with more than two people. Still, for small-group hiking trips up to a few days in length, this kit offers top-quality supplies and good value.

If your pup is going to join your outdoor adventures, it’s wise to be prepared with dog-specific medical supplies. Dogs and humans have very different anatomies, and many human first-aid items don’t work well for our four-legged friends. The Adventure Medical Trail Dog First Aid Kit ($29) contains all of the contents specifically designed to treat common injuries and ailments a dog is likely to sustain outdoors.

In addition to the numerous helpful medical items that can be used to treat your dog, this first-aid kit includes a well-written and organized handbook. When your dog is in obvious pain or discomfort, the guidebook can be an invaluable resource for figuring out the issue and responding properly.

The kit’s design features a durable fabric outer case with a waterproof zip-lock bag inside, keeping the contents dry even if your pup decides to take a dip. This waterproofing is particularly useful if your dog carries its gear, ensuring that the kit remains functional no matter the adventure.

While the Trail Dog Kit offers peace of mind for dog owners who love to include their furry friends in their outings, it does have limitations. For example, it is not as comprehensive as kits designed for humans or more complex injuries. The Adventure Medical Mountain Series Hiker, paired with the Trail Dog Kit, provides necessary items for you and your hiking pup.

For dog owners who bring their pups everywhere, this kit provides peace of mind that comes with medical readiness. From paw care items to leg wraps and an effective tick remover, the Adventure Medical Trail Dog First-Aid Kit has you and your best buddy covered. Plus, it’s fairly inexpensive at $29.

For those who take big risks and big spills out on the trail, The Galby by Cascade First Aid ($70) is our pick for the best first-aid kit for mountain bikers. The Galby is an extensive first-aid kit designed with mountain bikers’ trailside injury response in mind. Stuffed with bandages for every type of bruise, scape, or tumble, the kit is stocked for small or major injuries.

The neoprene-coated nylon makes the kit water-resistant to stray rain showers or drops into alpine lakes along the trail (hopefully not!). Two zippers and four interior pockets organize each item of the kit. While the kit is chock-full of bandages, the Galby lacks the same amount of medications and ointments as others and might need frequent restocks. The Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker is designed for hiking and backpacking but provides a more balanced selection of supplies, including labeled pouches that keep everything, including medications, organized and accessible.

However, since this kit is geared toward mountain bikers, the emphasis is on more emergent injuries that can be quickly mitigated before making your way to the nearest ER. While on the pricier side, all of the materials within the kit are sourced from high-quality manufacturers.

Incredibly lightweight, the Galby can be stashed away in your pack until any backcountry misadventures occur. Ultimately, The Galby by Cascade First Aid is the perfect companion for any mountain biker who wants to stay as prepared as possible out of the trail and has had more than their fair share of scrapes and sprains along the way.

If you’re looking for a more robust kit for longer backcountry forays, Cascade First Aid also offers The Sawyer, an extensive kit with more advanced trauma care tools for serious injuries in the field. Be aware, though, that it is pricey at $170.

The MyMedic MYFAK Mini ($115) is a burly first aid kit in a portable package. It is rugged and durable, but beyond the strong exterior, it holds over 62 lifesaving items. The thoughtful organization and comprehensive spread of supplies, including medications and trauma items, are impressive.

The folding page design and organizational modules enhance organization and allow for quick access to items. Each component is stored in durable, weather-resistant pouches to protect and keep them sterile. But keep in mind that this kit’s outer packaging isn’t completely waterproof. The kit includes pro-grade tools like EMT-grade trauma shears and a digital thermometer, offering the reliability needed for serious emergencies—qualities that elevate it above many competitors.

The Surviveware Comprehensive Small First Aid Kit also offers excellent value and utility with its well-stocked and organized interior and is more portable. While it includes essential items like trauma shears and a functional tourniquet, the MYFAK Mini contains more advanced supplies, such as pressure bandages and splints, making it a better choice for those venturing into remote areas.

We love the quality of the MYFAK Mini, but it is heavy. It is not really suitable for hiking and backpacking but is perfect for scenarios where you can afford a bit of extra weight, like in an RV or during backcountry explorations. In addition to its comprehensive supplies, the “basic” MYFAK Mini comes with a complimentary MARCH Training Course, which equips users with essential skills for effective treatment. We tested the “pro” version of the MYFAK Mini, which includes an hour-long digital training course on how to use the trauma items within the kit.

The MyMedic MYFAK Mini is a robust first-aid kit that combines quality, versatility, and comprehensive first-aid training into one portable package. It is best suited for serious adventurers who need a reliable, all-in-one solution for emergencies in the field.

The well-stocked and impressive Surviveware Comprehensive Small First Aid Kit ($60) offers lots of value and utility. On the outside, a rugged, high-denier nylon opens up with a large, robust zipper. Once opened, this kit is noticeably well-organized and uses pouches and resealable packaging to protect the supplies. Surviveware is known to make quality kits, and this is no exception.

Weighing one pound, this kit is a different beast than ultralight kits like the Adventure Medical Kits .7. Still, it feels compact and is certainly not too bulky to bring along — especially if you’re car camping.

The contents of this kit are thoughtfully curated, featuring essential items like trauma shears and a functional tourniquet. A wide elastic pressure bandage adds to its utility, making it equipped for various emergencies.

One downside is the challenge of repacking the kit once it’s open; the generous quantities of supplies—over 40 wound-closure strips in various sizes—can make organization tricky. The upside of this is the abundance of supplies ensures you’ll have what you need when it counts.

For $35, the Surviveware Comprehensive Small First-Aid Kit is a bit pricier than other kits of similar size. However, its rugged construction and well-stocked interior fully justify the price tag. For rafting or other water-based activities, we recommend placing this kit inside of a dry bag, as it’s not fully waterproof. A much larger version is also available for $130.

Adventure Medical Kits are the king of the hill when it comes to outdoor first aid kits — and the Ultralight Watertight First-Aid Kit .9 further solidifies the brand’s status. Much like the .7 version, this kit is light, packable, easy to use, and packed in a waterproof bag.

Like most ultralight kits, the .9 has limited quantities of almost every included item. That’s the trade-off with lightweight kits — they require frequent restocking. In our experience, though, this kit is extremely well-considered. Depending on your preferences and the outdoor context, you likely won’t need to add much of anything.

While testing this kit, we made use of the precut moleskin pieces, duct tape, adhesive bandages, splinter remover, antibiotic ointment, antihistamine, and sterile gauze — all in just a few outings. It weighs less than half a pound, so we didn’t mind tossing it into the climbing pack ahead of long, arduous approaches. The included medical tape and bandaids came in clutch when we ripped open a flapper climbing sharp limestone.

If you’re seeking a compact kit for backpacking, the .9 is a winner. It may be more than is required for a solo trip, but it’s the perfect candidate for a mid-length trip with a group of four or fewer people. The included array of medications is particularly impressive. No other similar kit on the market has such a well-curated selection.

The Ultralight Watertight First Aid Kit .9 doesn’t come cheap at $46 — but it’s a worthy investment that should serve you for years to come (with regular restocking).

The generously stocked Homestock+ Professional First-Aid Kit ($37) has become our go-to kit for weekend warrior-style car camping. This kit lives in the car at home base and is always ready when called upon. For certain bike rides or climbing days, we’ll even throw it into our pack and haul it — even though it’s more cumbersome than many other kits.

We appreciate that the brand did not cheap out on a flimsy, rip-prone outer material. This kit’s case is thick and robust — which adds durability in the plus column and extra weight in the minus. Over a pound all told, this kit never pretends to be ultralight. Instead, it’s a workhorse containing plentiful bandages, gauze, and reliable tools.

We favor the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 for on-the-go adventures because it is compact and easy to carry. But the Homestock+ offers a more extensive array of supplies, even if it requires more space.

With over 70 bandaids and 50 cotton swabs, you’ll rarely have to restock the basics in this kit. Unfortunately, it lacks ointments and medications, so you’ll probably want to make a few key additions yourself. Like most store-bought first aid kits, consider this a platform upon which you can build the ultimate portable boo-boo treatment center.

The Homestock+ Professional First Aid Kit also includes a CPR face shield, an emergency blanket, and a whistle.

The only way to identify the best first-aid kits on the market is to carry them constantly and use them over time. Our staff put months into testing these different kits, carrying them on day hikes, overnight weekend road trips, solo backpacking trips, group camping trips, bikepacking trips, pack-paddleboarding and kayak trips, and more. We also tested different models and variations of kits to see how they vary by brand and where each first-aid kit excels.

Our testing process stopped short of intentionally injuring ourselves to truly assess the quality of each kit’s contents. Still, we looked over each kit with care. Not all bandaids and trauma shears are made equal, and poor quality stands out like a sore thumb.

Additionally, we considered size and weight, overall value, and the quality and durability of each kit’s outer case. As new first aid kits hit the market, we’ll be sure to check them out in consideration for this list. At any given time, this article will include the best premade kits that money can buy.

The original author of this article, Austin Beck-Doss, used to work as an outdoor guide and instructor and always carried — and sometimes had to use — a group first-aid kit in the field. He’s taped dozens of ankles, applied Moleskin on countless hot spots, and bandaged various cuts and scrapes. He continues to carry a first aid kit for personal use, and he’s a sharp critic about what exactly makes an effective first aid kit.

While working on this list of recommendations, Austin considered the most common injuries that outdoor enthusiasts encounter. All sorts of medical supplies are available, but the kits in this list are stocked with items you’re likely to use. In 2024, we brought on testers Katie Davis and Meg Carney to help us expand our selection. Katie is a seasoned outdoor professional with countless hours in the field. Meg is a guide and climbing instructor who has responded to many emergencies in the field. If you’re rounding out your survival essentials for backcountry travel, check out our guide to the best firestarters and the best emergency radios.

The first-aid kit you choose should be able to handle the situations or injuries likely to accompany your personal pursuits. If you need a first-aid kit for solo lightweight backpacking, you probably shouldn’t purchase a large, heavy kit that’s better suited to car campers.

Similarly, if primarily bringing your first-aid kit on multipitch climbing routes, you don’t need a kit full of first-aid supplies for dogs. Simply put, there are lots of first-aid kits available, and you’ll need to be discerning to identify the best one for you.

Many current first-aid kits include the number of days and number of people the contents serve. For example, a kit designed for two people for 4-5 days could work in various scenarios.

Many key factors differentiate one from the next, which we’ll explore below. The most important are kit size, weight, supplies included, durability, price, group size, and type of activity.

First-aid kits come in all shapes and sizes. If you want to carry your kit on long trail-based adventures like thru-hiking or trail running, go with something small that will fit easily in a backpack or fanny pack. The Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 weighs less than half a pound and clips easily to the outside of a pack or harness, or it can stash into a hydration vest.

Generally, small and ultralight first-aid kits are good for just a few people over single-day trips or brief overnight outings. But most small or ultralight packs don’t include the ideal supplies for larger groups or for trips that venture way out from the front country.

Larger kits, like the Homestock+ Professional First-Aid Kit and the MyMedic MYFAK Mini, are better for supporting a group of more than two people over longer trips. The downside to a larger kit is increased weight and volume.

For car camping, canoeing, or river rafting, weight is probably less of a concern, so a large kit may be the way to go.

The kits on this list range in weight from less than half a pound to almost 2 pounds. If your activity of choice requires you to consider every ounce, go for something small and light like the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7. Remember, less weight usually means fewer supplies and reduced quantities.

You should also consider that every first-aid kit can be customized at home. If certain supplies are deemed unnecessary, you can leave them behind to shave weight or replace them with supplies that better suit your needs.

For activities like car camping and whitewater rafting, weight may be of less concern, and you could get away with bringing a heavier kit along. A heavier kit usually means more supplies, which is a good thing for large groups and long trips.

Before purchasing a first-aid kit, read through the list of supplies and consider whether or not the kit comes with the kinds of items you’re likely to need.

Almost all kits come standard with a certain quantity of adhesive bandages, various forms of gauze, antibiotic ointment, medical tape, and more. Other items that are less often standard but potentially highly important include trauma shears, basic medications, finger splints, and emergency blankets.

Be sure to check the quantity of each included item. Some kits, like the Surviveware Small First Aid Kit, come with an impressive 100-plus items. However, a closer inspection reveals that many of these are small adhesive bandages.

Another important item to look out for is a first-aid reference. A small reference book is especially important for those without medical training who may not know how to use the items in their kit. If you don’t know how to use your kit and it also doesn’t come with an instructional guide, the kit won’t be very useful to you in the field.

Some kits are small but still include some high-quality, high-value items. The Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit is quite compact but still includes potentially crucial items like a pair of medical-grade trauma shears and a variety of medications.

A durable kit will withstand the conditions it’s designed to be exposed to. First, it should have a durable outer case. We like that the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 comes in a watertight bag.

Other kits on this list, like the Surviveware Small Kit, have a high-denier nylon carrying case that resists abrasion and holds up in the long term. You don’t want to have to break out your sewing supplies to do surgery on your first-aid kit.

Because many common medical supplies are fragile and vulnerable to water, it’s wise to seek out a waterproof kit. This is especially important for those who plan to bring their kit along on water-based activities like kayaking or rafting. Kits that aren’t already waterproof can be customized with a durable ziplock bag or a dry bag.

If possible, check the expiration dates of supplies inside a kit before you purchase. Many kits come with medications, which is great unless they’re all due to expire soon. I have gotten into the habit of checking the dates of all my kits’ medications every 2-3 months or so and replacing them as needed.

Most first-aid kits are designed to support a certain number of people for a certain number of days. Ultralight kits are usually made to accommodate one or two people on shorter trips of 1-2 days. Larger kits can support larger groups on longer trips.

Often, the difference between a single-day kit and a kit for long trips is supply quantity. For example, a kit with a single triangular gauze would be fine for a single day out when multiple injuries are unlikely. However, on multiday trips, you might need to use certain items multiple times over the course of the trip, so the supply quantity should reflect this.

Some first-aid kits, like the Adventure Medical Kits Series Hiker, are made for specific activities. These can be super helpful because they’ve been put together with special consideration for the kinds of injuries that are likely to occur during that activity.

For example, a good hiking first-aid kit is likely to include plenty of supplies to treat a sprained ankle or skinned knees. A first-aid kit aimed at mountain bikers, like the Cascade First Aid Galby First-Aid Kit, contains supplies like bandages that are ideal for dealing with emergent injuries more likely to happen while riding a mountain bike.

While activity-specific kits may be slightly less versatile than other options, they are ideal for those who will be sticking to one activity.

Pre-made first-aid kits are found in three price categories: budget ($20-$30), mid-tier ($30-$50), and premium ($60 and above). Each category showcases the top options available, detailing the features you gain or the sacrifices you make at each level.

In the budget range of $27 to $30, the HART Outdoor Weekend First-Aid Kit ($27) is a good mix of essential supplies, making it suitable for one or two people over a weekend. However, you sacrifice durability and comprehensive first-aid contents by opting for a budget kit. The limited quantities of items may require frequent restocking, which can be a downside in emergencies.

Mid-tier first-aid kits range from $30 to $50, including options like the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker ($30) and the Homestock+ Professional First Aid Kit ($37). These kits provide better organization and more extensive supplies than budget options. The Mountain Series Hiker includes labeled pouches for easy access, while the Homestock+ has a selection of bandages and tools. However, even at this price point, you miss out on some advanced features like full waterproofing and comprehensive medications found in higher-end kits.

Expect to pay $60 to $120 for an activity-specific or premium first-aid kit. The Surviveware Comprehensive Small First Aid Kit ($60) and The Galby by Cascade First Aid ($70) have a more rugged construction and array of supplies than budget or even most mid-tier options. The Surviveware kit includes essential tools like trauma shears and a tourniquet, while The Galby focuses on the needs of mountain bikers with bandages for quick response. For those seeking an even more comprehensive solution, the MyMedic MYFAK Mini ($115) offers advanced supplies and trauma items suited for serious emergencies.

While we recommend all of the first-aid kits on this list for various reasons, we have selected the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 as our choice for the best overall first-aid kit — though, we’ve also used the Adventure Medical Kit .9 (that accommodates a slightly bigger group) and the Mountain Series kits as well, and liked those too.

Ultimately, the best first-aid kit to buy is the one that’s most likely to be useful when you need it.

While the supplies in first-aid kits vary depending on the purpose and design of the kit, some key items should be on every first-aid kit checklist. These essential first-aid items include:

Other items that are less universal but still potentially valuable include:

Basic first-aid skills include the ability to treat and care for common injuries and ailments. Properly cleaning a small cut and applying an adhesive bandage is considered basic first aid.

Those who administer first aid can continue to work on their skills over time and increase the level of care they can provide. Before going out to recreate with your first-aid kit, it’s helpful to know how to deal with a range of injuries and emergencies that are most likely to occur — from wound care to blister prevention to lifesaving CPR.

First-aid courses are regularly available in most areas and regions. Some common providers of basic first-aid courses include the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council.

For medical training designed specifically for the outdoors, certifications like Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder are worthwhile pursuits. Common course providers of wilderness medicine include NOLS and Wilderness Medical Associates.

That depends. Usually, medications are the first items in a first-aid kit to expire. However, many other first-aid kit supplies have expiration dates too.

The adhesive on a roll of tape can also expire — if your tape is old and disintegrating, it’s useless! A new first-aid kit should last for a year or more before anything inside expires, but it all depends on the specific contents of the kit.

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