Camping and hiking first aid kits – What to include for your trip and top tips

Planning an outdoor adventure? Even the most experienced explorer can have unexpected accidents, so it’s important that you have a well-packed first aid kit with you when you’re out and about. Whether it’s a bee sting or severe burn, being prepared with a first aid kit will make all the difference.

What to carry in your first aid kit will depend on your planned activity, how long you're going for, and who you’re going with. For example, a camping trip with the kids for one night in the summer is going to require different essentials to a weekend hiking in Snowdonia.

We’ve compiled a first aid kit checklist of items that should be in every hiking and camping first aid kit below, as well as some top tips so that you’ve got the basics covered. 

There’s a lot of excitement involved in a camping trip but with it can come with a host of unexpected accidents like barbecue burns, sunburn or cuts and grazes. Bringing a camping first aid kit with you will give you peace of mind and make sure you're equipped to deal with any incident that should arise.

 

Here is a list of first aid items to keep bring with you on your trip:

Medical

• Antihistamine tablets, for bites and and allergic reactions
• A selection of painkillers such as ibuprofen and headache medication like paracetamol 
• Sun cream and sunburn lotion, aloe vera works well to soothe & cool  
• Sting relief cream such as hydrocortisone, for bug bites and small rashes
• Insect repellent to avoid bites

Wound coverings

• Bandages and wound dressings
• Fixation tape to firmly secure dressings 
• Plasters in various sizes; consider if waterproof and sensitive skin is necessary
• Hand sanitiser and Elastoplast Wound Spray for cleaning wounds
• Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment to speed up recovery
• Sterile gauze dressings in various sizes for larger wounds
• Butterfly closure strips 
• Eye wash and eye dressings for any eye injuries
• Safety pins if you need to assemble a sling

Tools

• Scissors
• Tweezers
• First aid manual
• Thermometer

As you’ll be carrying your kit with you, a hiking first aid kit should be considered with weight in mind. If you are travelling as a group you might want to consider splitting the contents between you to share the load but you’ll also want to keep in mind quantity so there’s enough to go around.

As well as including the essentials we listed in the camping first aid kit section above, there are a few more things to pack in your first aid kit for hiking:

• Elastoplast Blister Plasters
• Headtorch 
• Whistle 
• Small utility tool like a Stanley knife
• Climbing balm 
• Firestarter
• Electrolyte tablets for dehydration

Keep contents up to date and restocked
There’s nothing worse than not having what you need in an emergency. Each time you use your camping or hiking first aid kit make sure you restock as soon as possible. Medicines should also be replaced outside of their best before period. 

Feel confident using your first aid kit
You’ll get the best use out of your hiking and camping first aid kit if you know how to use it so make sure you’re familiar with what’s in your kit. The best way to learn how to use your first aid kit in the event of any emergency is to take a First Aid course.

Adapt first aid essentials for children
A first aid kit for infants and children should be adapted to meet their needs. Make sure medications are suitable for children and be sure to read dosage amounts. Your kit should include a first-aid manual that covers care for children.

You might also want to include child-friendly plasters with their favourite characters, to help cheer them up after a nasty fall.

Keep a first aid kit in your car and home
It’s a good idea to keep a separate first aid kit in your car and home so that you are always prepared. As well as the basic essentials listed in our camping checklist, it’s a good idea to keep medicines in your car first aid kits for travel sickness, as well as paper bags for any potential vomiting, a common symptom.

Buying vs building your own first aid kit
While there are many first aid kits available to buy, building your own means you can tailor to your needs and activity, as well as using the products you like best. 

Always see a doctor if a wound is deep, bleeds heavily or shows signs of infection like reddening, swelling or warmth.

Please note that, although these were compiled with great care, the tips and advice given on this website by no means substitute medical advice and treatment. If you have or suspect a health problem, consult a doctor and follow medical advice regardless of what you have learned on this website.

Always read carefully and follow the instructions for use or the product leaflets. For further information about our products, please contact us via email at ConsumerRelationsUK@Beiersdorf.com.