What should be in a First Aid Kit for Hiking? » Essentials
The Essentials: What Your First Aid Kit Can't Go Without
Even though you want to keep your pack weight down while hiking, don't cut corners on the contents of your first aid kit. To be properly prepared for emergencies, your trail med kit should always include the following items:
Band-aids in various sizes are non-negotiable – perfect for minor cuts and scrapes. Blister patches are also crucial on longer hikes. Pro tip: Include hypoallergenic bandages in case someone in your group is allergic to adhesive.
Sterile gauze pads (non-adhesive) are essential for treating larger, open wounds. Pack several in different sizes, like 2x2 inch, 3x3 inch, or 4x4 inch.
Medical tape (preferably on a roll) is super versatile – great for securing gauze pads and other types of dressing.
Antiseptic prevents infections while treating a wound. Small bottles of antiseptic (around 2-3 fl oz) won’t take up much space and are easy to pack.
Elastic bandages for stabilizing sprained joints or securing wound dressings.
Butterfly bandages help close smaller gaping wounds. They're simple to use and prevent wounds from opening up further.
Athletic tape works for stabilizing joints like sprained ankles. It's also good for securing bandages when regular adhesive won't stick. Go with a roll of non-elastic, skin-friendly tape.
A triangle bandage can immobilize an injured arm or shoulder area, or work as a pressure bandage.
Pain meds (like Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen) are basic essentials – they reliably handle headaches, toothaches or joint pain, and also reduce inflammation or fever. For serious situations, it might be useful to carry a stronger prescription medication – but only after consulting your doctor.
An emergency blanket can be a game-changer. Whether it's sudden hypothermia, shock, or a weather change, it helps stabilize body temperature and prevents heat loss. It also provides solid protection from intense UV rays.
Scissors and tweezers should be in every kit. Scissors are for cutting bandages or tape, tweezers are perfect for removing splinters, thorns, or other foreign objects. Both should be small, sturdy, and rust-resistant – ideally with rounded tips to avoid injuries.
Disposable gloves protect you and others from infections, especially when dealing with blood or other bodily fluids. If you or someone in your group is allergic to latex, definitely pack latex-free gloves, too.
A tick removal tool is especially important on hikes through wooded or grassy areas. It allows safe and complete tick removal.
Personal medications like allergy treatments (EpiPens, etc.), asthma inhalers, thyroid medications, or regular prescription drugs are also essentials. Especially when you're out there – far from pharmacies or medical help – having these can be critical. Even on day hikes: better to have them at hand than find yourself in a spot of bother at a later point.
If you're looking for a pre-assembled kit, check out Mammut's First Aid Kit Light for day trips or our more comprehensive First Aid Kit Pro .
Pro tip: Also check out our hiking packing list – it's got everything you need beyond first aid basics to fully enjoy your outdoor adventures.
First Aid Kit for Multi-Day Hikes & Backpacking Trips
The longer you're out there, the more comprehensive your first aid kit should be – especially on challenging expeditions in remote areas. Beyond the basic essentials, here's what you should pack for multi-day adventures:
Stomach and digestive meds like anti-diarrheal, laxatives, anti-nausea, and antacids for cramps.
Sunscreen with at least SPF 30, ideally SPF 50, gives reliable protection from harmful UV rays, especially on high-altitude trails.
Electrolyte replacements (powder or tablets) are crucial for restoring fluid and mineral balance after heavy sweating or stomach issues.
Bug spray prevents mosquito bites (add malaria prophylaxis if you're headed to affected regions).
Antibiotic ointment or antiseptic cream belongs in your kit to prevent infection in minor injuries or treat wounds that are already inflamed.
Cold and flu meds are essential for dealing with congestion, sore throat, or mild fever quickly.
Prescription antibiotics (after consulting your doctor!) if you're traveling in areas with limited medical access.
Water purification tablets or filters help clean sketchy water sources and prevent stomach bugs.
Small tools like a thermometer, sterile syringes, and cotton swabs are handy for basic first aid.
A laminated card with emergency numbers and local area info ensures you have the right contacts ready in critical situations.
A card with medical info about pre-existing conditions, allergies, and blood type can be lifesaving in emergencies.
How To Pack Your First Aid Kit
Your first aid kit should be easily accessible and securely stored in your backpack – ideally in a separate, marked pouch or organizer in a dedicated compartment. This keeps everything dry and protected – because moisture can ruin bandages, dressings, and medications.
Key point: Make sure the kit is near the top of your pack so you can grab it quickly in an emergency. Besides waterproof packaging, choosing the right hiking backpack also matters. A quality pack not only provides enough space, but also protects your first aid kit from moisture and damage by providing sturdy compartments and weather-resistant materials.
Important Tips for Emergencies during a Hike
In an emergency, every second counts – whether it's a minor accident or a serious injury on the trail. Being well prepared and knowing how to respond properly can make these situations much more manageable. With a few key tips, you can stay focused even in stressful moments:
Stay calm: Even though it's tough, keeping your cool helps enormously. It lets you think clearly, assess the situation better, and respond appropriately. Taking deep breaths is key.
Call for help: If the situation is serious, get emergency services on the line ASAP. Give your exact location – ideally with GPS coordinates or obvious landmarks – and describe the injuries or problems clearly and precisely.
Give first aid: Apply basic first aid measures – like stopping bleeding, clearing airways, or putting someone in the recovery position.
Signal for help: If you're waiting for rescue or need to mark your position, a signal whistle or emergency blanket comes in handy. Loud whistle blasts or reflective surfaces can get rescuers' attention.
Keep yourself safe: Before helping others, make sure you're not putting yourself in danger. Ensure that both you and the injured person are protected from further hazards like falls, cold, or severe weather.
Safe and Relaxed on the Trail – With Proper Preparation
A well-packed first aid kit is the foundation for safer hiking on every adventure. What matters isn't just choosing the right supplies, but also knowing how to use them properly and transporting them safely. When you're well prepared, you can enjoy your hike more and significantly reduce the risk of challenging or ciritical situations. Most importantly: Always keep track of expiration dates on your first aid supplies and replace expired or damaged items in time to ensure your kit works perfectly and keeps you safe.
If you want to learn more about planning the perfect hiking trip, what food to bring on hikes, or how to train for hiking, check out the Mammut Guides & Stories for tips on outdoor adventures. Ready for your next adventure?