The 5 Best First Aid Kits of 2024 (2024)

Best Kit Overall

Surviveware Small

SPECIFICATIONS

The Surviveware Small kit is comprised of a solid variety of quality supplies in an ultra-rugged container with water-tight zippers. It is condensed but not too small, and it features everything you need to deal with most injuries, minor or major. It contains high-quality components that increase its value, like hospital-grade forceps, trauma shears, and Ace bandages. We also appreciate the inclusion of gloves and a CPR mask in this compact travel kit.

We were surprised that this kit lacked over-the-counter medicines; you'll need to supplement your own if you want to have them on hand. We also added a roll of tape and gloves due to a limited supply of these key components. Fortunately, there is extra space for these supplemental items and other additional supplies that you decide to include based on your trip's specific needs. If you're just seeking an everyday kit to keep at home, we also like the Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose.

Read more: Surviveware Small review

Best Value for Home Use

Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose

SPECIFICATIONS

The Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose is what we go to for a reliable at-home kit. It comes with an ample supply of the basics we most commonly need: Band-Aids of all sizes, Neosporin, medical tape, Tylenol, and Benadryl anti-itch cream. This is a great setup for families with children or anyone who might need a quick adhesive bandage to fix 'em up quickly. It can also serve as a solid main stock to pull from when you need to refill smaller travel kits.

One of our main issues is that the case and packaging are pretty flimsy. The carrying case feels cheap, and the two plastic latches seem like they are likely to fail faster than we'd prefer. Additionally, the plastic insert holding many supplies is utterly disposable. We also noted that the bandages are a paler shade and that the kit does not include any OurTone bandages. Issues with the case aside, the quality of the actual first-aid items is top-notch, and we plan to keep this kit on hand for at-home use. If you're seeking a nicer case, the Surviveware Small offers a more durable travel case with quality components.

Best Value for Modest Outdoor Adventures

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker

SPECIFICATIONS

Those seeking a solid value should check out the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker. About as wide as a postcard, you shouldn't have any trouble tucking it into even your tiniest daypack. It weighs only ten ounces, and you can lighten it even more by removing the first aid book. We love taking this kit along on mountain bike rides, day hikes, and multi-pitch rock climbs because of its scant weight. It's our favorite compact option for short trips and offers an impressive assortment of supplies for the price.

While we highly recommend this compact kit for its overall value, don't expect it to offer the same components as larger kits. It skimps on extra personal protection equipment —there are no extra nitrile gloves and no CPR mask, so it's less adaptable to certain medical emergencies. The quantities in this kit are intentionally minimal to keep it lightweight, so it's best suited for just one or two people as opposed to a larger group. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more adaptable, compactable first aid kit for the size, weight, and price, but the HART Health Weekend is a decent low-priced alternative.

Read more: Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker review

Best for Trauma Response

MyMedic MyFAK

SPECIFICATIONS

The MyMedic MyFAK is the burliest first aid kit we've tested to date. It looks and feels super durable and features the heavy-duty medical gear many other kits lack. Pressure bandages, saline irrigation tubes, medical-grade thermometers, and trauma shears are just a few of the high-quality pieces of equipment included. This kit also includes a small, tear-away pouch that can be packed for short trips away from camp for those times when you don't want to carry the entire case.

The MyFAK is bulky and heavy, and therefore an unlikely candidate for shorter hikes. More than other kits, this model will be appreciated by trained medical professionals. It is best for situations that require more serious medical attention in remote areas when preparedness trumps the weight of the first aid kit. We like this kit for car camping, job sites, off-road driving, or other activities where you can establish a well-stocked home base. If you want something more lightweight to tote into the backcountry, check out the AMK Mountain Series Backpacker Medical Kit.

Read more: MyMedic MyFAK review

Best for a Road Trip

Homestock+ Professional

SPECIFICATIONS

The Homestock+ Professional is our favorite first aid kit for taking out on a road trip. It comes in a durable soft case that is designed to attach to the back of a headrest. We love that this kit is super well-organized. Every item has a labeled slot that also provides the intended use for that item (e.g., sterile gauze pad for wound cleaning). It includes a solid supply of a wide variety of basic items, which are robust enough for extended road trips or just simply keeping your car well-stocked in case of everyday emergencies.

We think this kit could be improved in a couple of ways. The individual compartments are tight and inflexible, making it somewhat difficult for people with larger hands to pull out some of the supplies. It also doesn't come with any medications, so you'll want to supplement it with some over-the-counter basics. While all basic first aid kits can be dialed in for specific uses, if you're seeking a kit to keep in your car, the Homestock+ is our top choice for the long road ahead. The Protect Life 250pc Kit is a decent alternative for keeping in a vehicle.

Read more: Homestock+ Professional review

Notable for Travel

Adventure Medical Kits Smart Travel

SPECIFICATIONS

The Adventure Medical Kits Smart Travel stands out as an ideal offering for world travelers. This kit could be brought along on a hiking trip, but we found it to be best suited for someone going on a vacation or a trip abroad. The included materials and medications are more applicable, such as an easy-to-use visual guide to support people with a language barrier at foreign clinics. The well-stocked Smart Travel Kit has everything you need for basic care abroad, including a number of common over-the-counter travel medications. This kit is designed to be used on the go and can be hung from the back of a door. It's made of durable material that should resist wear and tear.

This kit's main drawback is its layout and organizational structure, which was underwhelming compared to other products. We still feel like this first aid kit has a lot to offer to those who are traveling, especially in foreign countries, and it's small enough that people living out of their luggage should be able to bring it along without going over the weight limit. If you're heading into the backcountry, we also like the AMK Mountain Series Hiker kit.

Read more: Adventure Medical Kits Smart Travel review

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How We Test First Aid Kits

Testing these kits is a combination of real-world use, expert observations, and simulated medical environments like Wilderness First Responder (WFR) courses. During WFR training, we handed these kits off to novices and re-certifying professionals. We took everything apart and evaluated the quality of the contents. We weighed the kits on a digital scale and compared our measurements against the manufacturer's specifications. We tested the practicality of these standard kits during trauma simulations included in WFR training. The diversity of injuries encountered in this simulated environment was an effective approach to gaining hands-on data related to kit versatility and utility. For more information on our testing process, see our how we test article.

We rated first aid kits across five rating metrics:

• Quality (25% of overall score weight)

• Assortment (25%)

• Versatility (25%)

• Durability (15%)

• Weight (10%)

Why Trust GearLab

For review author and mountain guide Ryan Huetter, first aid isn't something to be taken lightly. As a mountain professional, injury prevention is his primary risk management tool. But he always carries a quality, well-stocked first aid kit for personal and professional trips. Ryan holds a bachelor's degree in Outdoor Adventure Management from Western Washington University, and he is a fully-certified IFMGA guide and works around the world guiding rock, ski, and alpine climbing trips.

Contributing authors Jackie Kearney and Ben Applebaum-Bauch both bring decades of backcountry experience to this review.

Jackie is a ski patroller and EMT who has worked at Kirkwood Mountain in California and currently works at Telluride Ski Resort in Colorado. She spends her winters treating everything from minor cuts and scrapes to life-threatening injuries in remote environments. In her spare time, she ski tours, enjoys long runs in the remote San Juan Mountains, and has completed expedition-style ski trips around North America.

Ben started as a guide and wilderness first responder in the outdoor industry while leading backpacking, cycling, and canoeing trips throughout northern New England. He has since completed several of America's most iconic long trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail.

How to Pick the Best First Aid Kit

We have provided some key components, including kit type, size, and supplies, to help you choose the correct first-aid kit for your needs. This is a summary of our full First Aid Kit Buying Advice article.

What Type of Kit Do You Need?

First aid kits are offered in a variety of sizes and for different purposes, including day use, overnight, expedition, car, or home use. Choosing the correct kit for the type of activities and places you plan on being in will determine what supplies and items will be necessary. While the name of each of these kits will guide you in the right step, consider looking at the contents of each kit and determining if you need basic supplies to treat minor injuries while on a day trip or if you need something like an expedition kit with enough supplies to treat the needs of a larger group while in hard to reach, remote areas.

Are Specific Items Needed?

It's a good idea to consider personal needs for yourself and your typical group size to have a first aid kit with the right supplies. Examples such as a snake bite kit in highly snake-populated areas or specific medications for allergies and sensitivities are good to keep in mind. More common but necessary items such as CPR masks and extra gloves may be provided in some kits but absent in others. It's ideal to consider your environment along with your family/group sizes and prioritize what supplies you deem most important.

How Much Storage and Space Do You Have?

Striking the balance between having the necessary equipment and having enough storage is a worthy consideration. While some folks may already have certain items in case of emergency, others may be starting from scratch. Consider first where you plan on storing your kit, whether in the car, in a backpack, or in your medicine cabinet. Then, it's important to prioritize specific items such as epi-pens and splints and consider how much room these items will take up. Once you have a general idea of the typical place you plan on storing your kit, along with the necessary equipment, you can narrow down your choices based on weight, dimensions, and shape.

How Important is a Manual?

Depending on the kit you choose, it may come equipped with a first aid manual to help guide you in emergencies and respond to a variety of medical situations. For those with less training and medical background, it is critical to consider choosing a first aid kit equipped with a detailed manual. This will help direct and instruct users, especially during high-stress scenarios. While it does not replace valuable training and medical knowledge, a thorough manual can help cover a wide range of scenarios necessary for effective medical response.

Analysis and Test Results

Our testing process begins with extensive market research to narrow down a selection of the most popular first aid kits on the market. We purchase all the products – just like you – to ensure that our reviews are comprehensive and independent. Once we have these kits in hand, we first assess all of the items (including the case) for quality. We then put the first aid kits through their paces in simulated medical emergencies and real-world, everyday use. We identified several metrics based on the most important performance aspects users will likely demand from a high-quality first aid kit. We compare these kits side-by-side and rank them relative to one another to help you find the best options for home use, international travel, backcountry adventure, and road trips.

Value

You can purchase a small watertight bag and make your custom kit. However, this is a time-consuming process, and the costs can quickly add up. You'd likely end up with plenty of supplies to restock your kit, but you'd have to spend much more than the price of a pre-built model. Retail first aid kits offer excellent value for those wanting to forego this slow and expensive venture.

Tradeoffs in this gear category are typically the quality and quantity of the contents. A kit full of items of dubious utility doesn't provide the same value as a kit built out with selective, higher-quality components. The Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose is an affordable kit that offers a variety of high-quality bandages for everyday bumps and scrapes. The compact Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker doesn't have the same assortment as larger kits, but the selective utility of its contents is practical for the backcountry. Both first aid kits provide great value for their given uses.

Quality

Quality is a crucial factor when considering a first aid kit. To test the quality of each particular kit, we carefully examined the tools, medical supplies, medications, and storage case or pouch. We put manufacturer quality control to the test by making sure that the list of contents matched the included supplies and double-checking that any medication was at least one year before its expiration date from when we purchased the kits.

There is a significant variation in the quality of the components of the different kits we tested. For example, some come with solid trauma shears, similar to those a paramedic uses in an ambulance. In contrast, other kits have small scissors made from cheap plastic that bent the first time we attempted to cut something with them. Unreliable tools in your kit exponentially decrease utility, especially in time-sensitive situations. And for backcountry use in particular, it is important to have a container and supplies that can stand up to the elements.

Other items that exhibited a wide range of quality were the rolls of medical tape, triangle bandages, tweezers, and CPR masks. Overall, the Adventure Medical Kits models, including the UltraLight / Watertight .7, Mountain Series Hiker, Mountain Series Backpacker, and Mountain Series Explorer impressed us with their high-quality components. The Surviveware Small and MyMedic MyFAK also include high-quality components ready for the rigors of the backcountry. Although the Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose is definitely not backcountry-ready, it is a high-quality kit that includes J&J brand-name products like BandAid, Neosporin, Bengay, and Tylenol, and it is a great option for at-home or office use.

Another factor related to quality is a kit's internal organization. When responding to medical incidents, having your first aid contents clearly labeled and easy to find is reassuring. The Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Explorer and the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker are a few of our favorites for their intentionally designed and intuitive organizational features. We also love the Homestock+ Professional; not only are the items clearly labeled, but the kit also indicates their intended use. We also appreciate fold-out organizer pockets and removable mini kits, like the to-go pocket kit included with the MyMedic MyFAK. Less organized kits forced us to dig excessively or remove everything to find our desired item. After several uses, they became hopelessly cluttered, negatively impacting the entire kit's overall useability.

Assortment

Given the potential scenarios we might encounter on a trail or at home, we want to be confident that the medical supplies on hand are right for the situation. We score kits based on both the variety and context-relevant quantity of supplies. For example, the Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose is quite Band-Aid heavy, but its assortment is appropriate given its at-home or in-office use. Similarly, you don't need to carry a duffel-sized first aid kit into the backcountry to have the right assortment of supplies for wilderness first response. The Surviveware Small is full of practical items – like hospital-grade trauma shears and fine point tweezers for splinters and ticks – and not many items that serve little purpose on the trail.

The MyMedic MyFAK is heavy, but relative to other options of its size, it's perhaps the best equipped to handle large wounds in the backcountry. Kits that are heavy on bulky dressings and wound closure strips but lack over-the-counter medications or blister kits do not rate as highly as those with a more balanced range of supplies. The Homestock+ Professional has a nice variety of supplies – from basic adhesive bandages and gauze to an Ace wrap and a CPR mask – and is well balanced in terms of quantities.

The Adventure Medical Kits Smart Travel model is incredibly useful for its designated application. As the name implies, it is designed to be tucked in a carry on during domestic or international trips. This kit includes items like antidiarrheals, rehydration salts, and a visual aid for communication across languages, and it receives a high score in this metric based on its utility for travel in particular. However, it lacks some essentials for effective wilderness use.

A few markedly heavy items are included in some backcountry kits that seem less than useful. For example, the Swiss Safe 120-Piece included a cold compress that did not fully activate, wasting valuable space in the kit. Similarly, some bulkier backcountry kits – like the Protect Life First Aid Kit 250pc – include glow sticks, which could be useful for a roadside emergency, but are likely not as useful in a backcountry context.

The key consideration is how many people you plan to serve with your kit. A small, lightweight kit like the Adventure Medical Kits UltraLight / Watertight .7 is incredibly useful for a day trip for a one or two-person group. But it pales compared to the usefulness of a deeper kit like the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Explorer, designed to serve a group of three or four over many days. It is important to consider the quantity and assortment of supplies based on your group size, travel time, and intended activities. Supplementing these kits with frequently used items like extra gloves, bandages, tape, and medications is not uncommon.

Versatility

This metric considers how well a kit can serve different group sizes and a kit's usefulness over a range of activities in both the front- and backcountry. The most versatile models are those that can sufficiently fulfill first-aid needs in multiple contexts, from remote adventures to car camping to home and office use.

The Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Explorer and MyMedic MyFAK are our favorites for use on longer trips with bigger groups. Both kits offer superior storage for a wider range of supplies, making them the most versatile on extended trips. The MyFAK is particularly suited for base camp setups and is also our favorite for dealing with more significant trauma. The Homestock+ Professional is a standout that proved itself on the trail, on a multi-day road trip, and as our everyday, keep-in-your-car kit. The Protect Life First Aid Kit 250pc is similarly useful for road trips but not nearly as versatile for backcountry use.

The Swiss Safe 120-Piece kit comes with a small pocket knife, but we found it to be practically useless by itself and would prefer to use one of our favorite pocket knives instead. The I Go Ultralight and Uncharted Supply Co. Core first aid kits displayed little versatility among the small kits. We continually swapped out tape, tools, and medications from more quality kits such as the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker or Surviveware Small to feel more confident in our abilities to provide effective treatment. Although we appreciated the usefulness of the Adventure Medical Kits Smart Travel kit for traveling, it was far from being an all-around champ.

You might consider carrying multiple kits if your backcountry group size is large enough. Groups split up, itineraries change, and the injured or ill may require evacuation while other group members stay in the field. Having the option to split up resources is a good idea. Even for short hikes away from camp, taking a small kit with you while the large base kit stays in camp can be a nice option.

Durability

Two components that will likely stay with you for the kit's lifetime are the bag itself and the included tools, so it is particularly important to consider the durability of these items. Inevitably, you will need to replace individual components like medications, but that doesn't mean you should have to preemptively, like if their sterile packaging breaks down. Generally speaking, first aid incidents don't happen on every outing, so kits may bide their time unused at the bottom of a backpack for extended periods. Periodic inspections are recommended for the sake of safety and reliability, but we also expect the quality of our emergency equipment to last between these checks.

The Surviveware Small has a super durable carrying case with the most substantial watertight zippers we have ever seen. Many of these kits include an inventory list that is helpful for restocking. But the Surviveware Small and the entire Adventure Medical Kit line also offer a reordering service to help you easily restock depleted medical supplies with similar quality ones.

We also like the double-layer protection of the Adventure Medical Kits UltraLight / Watertight .7. The resealable bag is made of durable, weather-resistant nylon with a reversed watertight zipper and taped seams to protect the kit's components. Other products like the Be Smart Get Prepared 326 Piece kit use a hard-plastic case that can be wall-mounted for easy access in a workplace setting.

While you can certainly take extra precautions to protect the contents of your kit, all the included items need to be durable, reliable, and capable of withstanding some abuse. The majority of the kits we tested lacked waterproof or even water-resistant cases. While individual resealable packages can help, you may have to purchase an additional dry bag to ensure your supplies won't spoil.

Weight

We measured the weight of all the kits in our review and ranked them accordingly. We recognize that not all kits are created equally, so we also considered what supplies they included. Nearly all the kits designed for backcountry use are a reasonable size and weight to carry along in a daypack.

Some kits like the I Go First Ultralight and the Uncharted Supply Co. Core are quite light but are filled with unnecessary or bulky supplies that undermine their utility. The Surviveware Small kit scores decently in this metric because of its very reasonable utility-to-weight ratio – that is, it's incredibly useful for a reasonably sized first aid kit. We love the lightweight and practical Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker for activities like alpine climbing and ultralight backpacking when every ounce and cubic inch matter. Even though it is a couple of ounces heavier than the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7, its assortment makes it our top choice for most day trips. The HART Health Weekend earns an honorable mention here for its packability and 10-ounce weight.

Weight is only a consideration if you plan on carrying one of these in a backpack. If you're looking for a home- or office-specific first aid kit, options worth noting are the Be Smart Get Prepared kits, both the larger 326-Piece kit as well as the smaller 110-piece kit. Though less likely to come with us on a hiking trip due to its weight, our favorite kit to stash at any base camp is the MyMedic MyFAK. Car and home-based kits can afford greater quantities of common supplies and heavier and bulkier components like Ace wrap bandages and cold compresses since space and weight are not an issue. The Red Cross has a great list of items that should be considered for a home kit.

The Adventure Medical Kits Smart Travel model also lands on the heavier side of the spectrum, yet it's appropriate for its intended usage. Several extra ounces in a suitcase is less of a concern than it is in a backpack. Furthermore, if you are skilled and confident enough to embark without needing the first aid manual in the Smart Travel model, you can save weight and space by leaving it at home.

Most of the overnight models we looked at were of similar size because you can only go so small without compromising on the contents you bring with you. The day-tripping models that garnered such high scores in this metric were indeed featherweight – there is no comparing the Surviveware to the slim Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 – though be careful how light you go before you lose the usefulness you desire.

Two of the heaviest models we would consider carrying for river trips or car camping are the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Explorer and the MyMedic MyFAK. With their extensive tool sets, both of these kits are much better suited for big groups, long trips, or the potential for heavy trauma. Each fills a slightly different role: the Explorer manages to keep weight and bulk relatively low while still offering the ability to care for multiple people over multiple days; we recognize the MyFAK's value as a burly, high-quality first aid kit that is best used at base camp.

Conclusion

Everyone needs a quality first aid kit. Whether you never leave the house or you go out for multi-day treks deep into the mountains, you should be prepared for everything from typical cuts and scrapes to unforeseen medical emergencies. Choosing the best first aid kit allows front-country and backcountry users alike to better care for themselves and those around them. We hope you never need to use them, but if you can't prevent an accident, it's better to be prepared for one. Stay safe out there doing all of the things that you love to do!