Creating the essential camping first aid kit

Sleeping under the stars is like nothing else – but it does come with risks. Forget snake bites, what about sunburn? Don't forget your camping first aid kit when organising your next trip. A great place to start is with our 2-person first aid kit. These packs are ideal for hikers, but can form the basis of a comprehensive camping first-aid kit.

Kathmandu 2-person first aid kit — The 2-person first aid kit includes all of the basics for those unfortunate mishaps

The basics make up the bulk of your camping first aid kit

If you do get minor scratches, scrapes and bumps despite packing sturdy clothes, don’t leave them untreated. Clean and sterilise your wounds and injuries. Wipes and disinfectants can help treat surface cuts, while a saline solution can be good for soaking cuts or washing out eyes.

Disinfectants
Ointments and wipes
Saline solution
Sanitiser
Cold packs
Pads
Eyewash
Eye patches

Bandages are light but essential when camping or hiking

Disinfecting your wound is the first step. It is important that you cover it so that you don’t bump it and cause even more pain or expose it to flies or other causes of infection. When packing your camping first aid kit, include:

Adhesive bandages of all sizes
Cloth bandages to help support a sprain or similar
Gauze and a pair of scissors (for hard-to-dress wounds)
Heat pads and emergency blankets in case of emergency

A few tools of the trade

There are a few first aid kit accessories that are particularly suited for camping:

Tweezers can help you remove debris that may cause an infection in a deeper wound.
Splints will help temporarily hold together a potentially broken bone until further medical attention can be sought
A sharp blade (pocket knives are invaluable camping tools) if you want to quickly cut up materials
Gloves will help you keep a wound clean when dressing it.

The creams that definitely don't go on scones

When you’re caught in a sticky situation camping out in the bush, don’t forget about the medications that can help.

Antiseptic creams are the number one medicine for your camping first aid kit
Cold and flu medications are beneficial in cold and wet weather
For allergic reactions, remember to include anti-inflammatory medication and antihistamines

Tell others where you are, stay warm, and avoid fumbling around in the dark

Packing a camping first aid kit usually has you thinking of medical emergencies. Think about your surroundings and prepare for the worst-case scenario.

Keep a power bank for your phone with adaptable charging cables
When hiking, a navigation device and map
A whistle goes a long way when lost
Matches kept in a waterproof container
Keep a spare torch with extra batteries, or better yet, use a solar-powered one. The Goal Zero Crush Light packs up small and works well as an emergency solar-powered light.
Include sunscreen and insect repellent, the great outdoors can be unkind
Pack a roll of duct tape – it has multiple uses in that it can help repair your tent, or broken tools, but also in an emergency, hold bandages together (just don’t directly apply it to your skin).