In the backcountry, regardless of how careful you are, there’s going to be a point at which you’re going to need a first aid. Whether it’s you or someone else, when you’re spending that much time in the outdoors, someone’s going to get hurt. It’s just the way it goes. We’ve scoured our books, checklists and the Internet to compile this comprehensive first aid checklist. Follow this checklist to make sure that you have your bases covered and that, regardless of the situation, you’ll be ready to respond to whatever needs may arise.
Did we miss anything? If so add some of your “need to haves” in the comments below!
Basic Care
Make sure that you have the basics with you at all times. Whether you’re out on a day hike or doing a multi-day backpacking trip, this first aid checklist will make sure that you can address the more basic issues that can arise while camping or backpacking.
Antiseptic Wipes _____
Blister Treatment _____
Antibacterial Ointment _____
Ibuprofen or other pain medication _____
Tincture of Benzoin _____
Insect-sting relief _____
Adhesive Bandages _____
Antihistamine _____
Butterfly Bandages _____
Fine Point Tweezers _____
Gauze Pads _____
Safety Pins _____
Nonstick Sterile Pads _____
First-Aid Manual _____
Adhesive Tape _____
Comprehensive Care
Note: You’re probably going to have to pull this comprehensive kit together yourself. It’s rare to find all of these in a commercially available first aid kit. You’re also not going to want to haul this much on your back so be sure that you keep the majority of this first aid kit at camp and only bring what you think you’ll need for the areas you’re planning to cover.
Wound Coverings
Rolled Gauze _____
Cleaning Pads with Topical Anesthetic _____
Stretch to Conform Bandages _____
Hemostatic Gauze _____
Elastic Wrap _____
Liquid Bandages _____
Hydrogel Pads _____
Eye Pads _____
Medications and Treatments
Hand Sanitizer _____
Poison Ivy/Oak Preventative _____
Aloe Gel _____
Poison Ivy/Oak Treatment _____
Aspirin _____
Glucose Tabs _____
Antacid _____
Oral Rehydration Salts _____
Throat Lozenges _____
Antifungal Foot Powder _____
Eye Drops _____
Prescription Meds _____
Anti-Diarrheal _____
Injectible Epinepharine _____
Tools
Knife _____
Medical Gloves _____
Paramedic Shears _____
Triangle Bandage _____
Razor Blade _____
Steel Sewing Needle _____
Finger Splints _____
Heavy Duty Thread _____
SAM Splints _____
Needle Nose Pliers w/ Wire Cutter _____
Cotton Swabs _____
Headlamp _____
Oral Thermometer _____
Whistle _____
Low-Reading Thermometer _____
Duct Tape _____
Irrigation Syringe _____
Notepad and Pencil _____
Magnifying Glass _____
Medical Waste Bags _____
Small Mirror _____
Waterproof Container _____
Emergency Blanket _____
Personal Care Items
Sunscreen _____
Soap _____
Lip Balm _____
Water Purification System _____
Insect Repellent _____
Water Basin _____
Headnet _____
