Accidents WILL happen. That’s a stone-cold fact when enjoying the outdoors. Whether it’s hunting, gardening, camping, etc… The range of afflictions can be vast. From minor cuts and scrapes to full broken bones. A well-stocked first aid kit is worth its weight in gold. Nobody can predict the future, but a few items can cover a wide swath of injuries and ailments. This is my main medical kit.
here’s what I pack in my first aid kits.
Please do not take any of this as medical advice. I am NOT a doctor on any level and my first aid kit is based on my common sense, my experience, and my potential maybes.
A LOUD case.
I like blaze orange for my loud color. A loud first-aid kit stands out when you need it the most.
This particular case doesn’t have to worry about getting wet, but waterproofing is something to keep in mind as well.
Mind-Your-Owns
Anything YOU need personally gets packed first. Prescription medications, emergency phone numbers, asthma inhalers, etc…
Pills have expiration dates and phone numbers can change over time. Keep everything up to date and fresh.
Disclosure: Adam’s Garden of Eatin’ participates in affiliate marketing programs. There are some affiliate links below and I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post, but these are all products I highly recommend. I won’t put anything on this page that I haven’t verified and/or personally used.
Minor Afflictions
The common everyday annoyances.
Ailment: Small Cuts & Scrapes
Probably the most used piece of equipment in my first aid kit. Keeps infection away and relieves pain from minor knicks.
I keep a good number of these. I like the variety pack with different sizes. Some cuts are bigger than others.
A busted knuckle hurts. I keep these for when a bandaid would work, but a tailored bandage is better.
I cook a lot and I like to have these because the fingertips are where I usually get cut.
I have found no tougher tape than this stuff right here. This stuff will NOT come off on its own and that’s a good thing
Misery Afflictions
These are injuries & ailments that can ruin your day, potentially your entire trip.
Ailment: Bee Sting
Benadryl. Good to have for other people.
Tobacco. An old-school remedy that still works
Ailment: Diarrhea
Imodium Ad Tablets. A bad case of food poisoning and you’ll be glad you have these little tablets.
Ailment: Poison Ivy Rash
I can look at ivy in a book and get it, I’m so allergic. I use this more often than I would like.
Major Afflictions
Hope it never happens injuries. These are the items I pack to keep myself and/or someone alive long-enough until proper medical attention is available.
One of the best things you can have to stop major bleeding
Zip-Stich
When a bandaid won’t do and the suture kit isn’t required.
No needle wound closure
I’m not a surgeon, but if it’s between me stitching myself up or dying, I’ll at least have the proper tools.
LOUD Orange! Because if I’m needing a tourniquet, I don’t want to have to be fumbling around in the dark.
Could save mine, yours, or someone’s life one day.
Keeps broken bones from wobbling around and doing more damage.
Used this at my hunting camp on a broke ankle. HIGHLY recommend
Sterilizing Liquids
Infection is a real thing, so I keep different bottles of liquid for multiple sanitizing purposes. I LOVE my Nalgene containers for storing liquids. Tough, won’t leak and come in various sizes.
A small bottle of fresh water for cleaning wounds. It’s good to have water at the ready
I fill a Nalgene bottle with rubbing alcohol.
Too many medical uses not to have it in my first aid kit. Mainly sterilizing tools and wounds.
Another wound cleaning liquid. Not as harsh as rubbing alcohol. The bubbling effect can flush out smaller wounds
It’s a good idea to have this before the gloves go on. Works as a disinfectant and a potential fire starter in a pinch
Whiskey
I keep a small bottle of whiskey in my kit as miser relief.
I have not found a tougher storage bottle than the Nalgene bottles.
I have numerous ones for various applications.
Clutch Gear
These are some handy things I’ve found to be super valuable in a First Aid Kit.
First Aid Guide
Great to have some sort of instructions.
Medical Masks
COVID is still a thing.
Nitrile Gloves
Tougher than normal medical gloves. I keep several pairs in my kit.
Multi-Tool
Too many uses not to have one.
Razor Blades
Small packaging with multiple uses.
Lighter
Another multi-use piece of gear.
Sharpie Marker
Useful for writing time and date on tourniquet label.
Popsicle sticks
Great for a make-shift splint or fire starter
Headlamp with Extra Batteries
This is way better than juggling your phone’s flashlight.
Survival Mirror
For emergency signaling and extra viewing angles on oddly positioned wounds.
Glow Stick
Great for marking locations in the dark.
Plastic Straws
Gain access to water in hard-to-reach areas.
I keep a good pair of quality scissors. Chances are I’ll be needing to cut through a pair of Carhartts.
A flimsy pair set of scissors is just going to make me angry.
Great for purifying water when camping, hiking, traveling, or in emergency water preparedness situations
Great for flushing out open wounds. Squirts alcohol or iodine on wounds.
Emergency Poncho
Great for those unexpected afternoon rain storms. I’ve been rained many times and still won’t learn.
Great insurance if temperature drop is a concern during the winter. Also can be used as a make-shit tent shelter if I’m really in trouble.
Great list! I’ve got to get ours restocked soon.
That is super thorough – thank you! I appreciate the visuals, too. The wash syringe is a great idea and, as a mom, I can’t believe I didn’t think of that myself!
As a medic, this list is pretty spot on. I may add though some form of suturing and learning how to do it
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