How to Choose an Outdoor First Aid Kit

Whether you're heading out for a short countryside walk, spending a weekend camping or embarking on a remote mountain adventure, carrying a suitable first aid kit is an important part of preparing for the unexpected.

Outdoor first aid kits come in different sizes and configurations, from compact pocket kits for minor injuries to larger kits designed for group expeditions. Choosing the right one depends on where you're going, how long you'll be away and the type of activities you have planned.

This guide explains what to look for when buying an outdoor first aid kit, the differences between kit types and how to choose suitable equipment for your next adventure.

Why Carry an Outdoor First Aid Kit?

Minor injuries can occur even on relatively straightforward walks. Blisters, cuts, grazes and insect bites can quickly become uncomfortable, particularly when you're some distance from home.

A well-chosen first aid kit allows you to deal with minor problems and provides useful supplies while seeking assistance for more serious injuries.

However, carrying a first aid kit is only part of being prepared. Knowing how to use its contents, planning your route and understanding how to contact emergency services are equally important.

What Type of First Aid Kit Do You Need?

Pocket First Aid Kits

Pocket first aid kits are designed to be small, lightweight and convenient to carry.

They generally contain basic supplies for treating minor cuts, grazes and blisters.

These kits are particularly suitable for:

• Short countryside walks.
• Day trips and sightseeing.
• Casual cycling.
• Everyday travel.
• Carrying as a compact supplementary kit.

The Lifesystems Pocket First Aid Kit is an example of the compact kits available from Sub Zero.

A pocket kit is convenient, but its limited contents may not be sufficient for longer or more remote adventures.

Hiking and Mountain First Aid Kits

For longer walks, hillwalking and mountain adventures, a more comprehensive kit is usually advisable.

These kits often include a wider selection of dressings, bandages, wound-cleaning supplies and other practical equipment.

Examples in the Sub Zero range include the Lifesystems Explorer First Aid Kit and Lifesystems Mountain First Aid Kit.

When choosing a kit for hiking, consider the remoteness of your route, likely weather conditions and how quickly professional help could reach you.

Waterproof First Aid Kits

Outdoor equipment can become wet through heavy rain, river crossings, kayaking or other water-based activities.

Waterproof first aid kits help protect dressings and other supplies from moisture.

There are different approaches to waterproof protection:

• Waterproof outer cases: Designed to protect the complete kit from water ingress.
• Waterproof inner bags: Protect the contents while allowing the outer pouch to remain lightweight.
• Separate dry bags: Can provide additional protection for suitable first aid supplies.

For example, the Lifesystems Mini Waterproof First Aid Kit uses a roll-top closure and waterproof inner bag, while the Lifesystems Light and Dry Micro First Aid Kit uses a lightweight pouch with a waterproof inner bag.

Check the manufacturer's specifications carefully, as not every water-resistant pouch is designed for immersion.

Browse our waterproof first aid kits for outdoor and water-based activities.

Family and Group First Aid Kits

When travelling with children or a larger group, you may need more supplies than a small personal kit provides.

Consider carrying additional dressings, plasters, gloves and other items appropriate to the group.

Children may also have different requirements, including appropriately sized dressings and any prescribed medication.

Remember that the number of people in your group is only one consideration. The length of the trip, environment and accessibility of medical assistance are also important.

Travel First Aid Kits

Travel first aid kits are intended for holidays, backpacking and general travel.

Depending on the destination, they may include a broader selection of supplies for dealing with common minor injuries.

When travelling abroad, consider local healthcare access, climate, planned activities and any personal medical requirements.

Check destination-specific health guidance before travelling, particularly for remote or higher-risk locations.

What Should an Outdoor First Aid Kit Contain?

There is no single first aid kit that is ideal for every outdoor activity.

However, useful items to consider include:

• Adhesive plasters: For small cuts and grazes.
• Sterile dressings: For covering wounds.
• Bandages: For securing dressings and providing support where appropriate.
• Blister plasters: Particularly useful for walking and hiking.
• Wound-cleaning supplies: For cleaning minor wounds.
• Medical gloves: To reduce contact with blood and bodily fluids.
• Medical tape: For securing dressings.
• Scissors: For cutting tape, dressings or clothing when appropriate.
• Tweezers: For suitable minor first aid tasks.
• A first aid information leaflet: For reference.

Some kits may also include a resuscitation face shield, larger dressings or additional equipment.

Always check the individual product contents before purchasing, as similarly sized kits can contain different supplies.

How to Choose the Right Kit Size

The smallest first aid kit isn't necessarily the best choice, and a large kit isn't automatically more useful.

Consider the following factors.

1. Duration of Your Trip

A short local walk may require fewer supplies than a multi-day backpacking expedition.

Longer trips increase the importance of carrying sufficient quantities and being able to replace used items.

2. Number of People

A kit intended for one person may not contain enough supplies for a family or walking group.

Consider whether you need additional plasters, dressings and other consumable items.

3. Remoteness

If you're walking close to towns and roads, medical assistance may be relatively accessible.

For remote routes, consider the potential delay before help arrives and the additional equipment and training that may be appropriate.

4. Activity

Different activities create different practical requirements.

For example, walkers may prioritise blister care, while kayakers may place greater emphasis on waterproof protection.

Trail runners and adventure racers often prioritise compact, lightweight kits.

5. Weight and Packed Size

Your first aid kit should be practical to carry and easy to access.

A lightweight kit that you consistently take with you may be more useful than a bulky one that gets left behind.

However, don't sacrifice essential supplies simply to reduce pack weight.

Should You Buy a Pre-Packed First Aid Kit?

Pre-packed first aid kits offer several advantages.

• Convenient selection of common first aid supplies.
• Organised storage.
• Easy comparison between different kit sizes.
• Compact packaging designed for travel or outdoor use.
• A practical starting point for building a personalised kit.

However, pre-packed kits are not necessarily complete for your individual requirements.

Always inspect the contents and consider whether you need to add any personal medication, specialist supplies or extra consumables.

Personalising Your Outdoor First Aid Kit

One of the best ways to prepare your kit is to adapt it to the activities you undertake.

For Walking and Hiking

Consider additional blister plasters, suitable dressings and any personal medication.

For Camping

Think about the number of people, duration of the trip and the distance from medical facilities.

For Water Sports

Choose appropriate waterproof protection and make sure the kit remains accessible.

For Family Adventures

Consider additional supplies suitable for children and any individual medical needs.

For Remote Expeditions

Consider undertaking appropriate first aid training and reviewing your equipment against the risks of the activity and expected emergency response times.

Any medication should be carried and used in accordance with appropriate medical advice, packaging instructions and relevant legal requirements.

First Aid Kits and Emergency Preparedness

A first aid kit is an important part of outdoor safety, but it should not be your only emergency equipment.

Depending on the activity and location, other useful items may include:

• A map and compass.
• A charged mobile phone and suitable backup power.
• A whistle.
• A head torch.
• An emergency shelter or thermal blanket.
• Suitable spare clothing.
• Food and drinking water.

Always check the weather forecast, plan your route and make sure someone knows your intended plans when heading into remote areas.

Do You Need First Aid Training?

Carrying first aid equipment is useful, but knowing how to respond to an emergency is even more important.

A practical first aid course can help you recognise serious problems, provide appropriate initial assistance and understand when professional medical help is required.

For regular hillwalking, climbing or remote outdoor activities, consider training that covers outdoor environments and delayed access to emergency services.

In a serious emergency in the UK, call 999 or 112. For mountain rescue assistance, ask for Police and then Mountain Rescue.

How Often Should You Check Your First Aid Kit?

Check your kit before important trips and periodically throughout the year.

Look for:

• Used or missing supplies.
• Expired products.
• Damaged packaging.
• Wet or contaminated contents.
• Dressings with compromised sterile packaging.
• Personal medication that needs replacing.

Replace items as required and keep the kit clean, dry and ready for use.

Sub Zero also stocks first aid kit replacement supplies to help maintain your equipment.

Which Outdoor First Aid Kit Should You Choose?

As a general starting point:

• Short walks and day trips: A compact pocket first aid kit may be suitable.
• Hillwalking and longer hikes: Consider a more comprehensive outdoor or mountain first aid kit.
• Kayaking and wet environments: Choose a kit with appropriate waterproof protection.
• Trail running and adventure racing: Look for lightweight designs that still contain suitable supplies.
• Family camping and group activities: Consider a larger kit with sufficient quantities for the group.
• Remote expeditions: Choose equipment based on a more detailed risk assessment, with suitable training and emergency planning.

There is no universal best first aid kit. The right choice is one that suits your activity, is practical to carry and contains supplies you know how to use.

Final Advice on Choosing an Outdoor First Aid Kit

When choosing an outdoor first aid kit, think beyond the number of items included.

Consider the quality and suitability of the contents, the size of your group, the environment you'll be visiting and how quickly you could obtain medical assistance.

A compact kit may be ideal for a local walk, while more remote adventures may justify additional supplies and training.

Whatever kit you choose, check it regularly, replace used items and make sure everyone in your group knows where it is kept.

Explore our Outdoor First Aid department to find first aid kits, waterproof options, insect bite treatments and replacement supplies.