It may seem like hiking is not made for everyone – it’s for those who have the expertise and experience in walking up an unwelcoming terrain. However, this is not entirely true. Anyone can pick up on this activity. Passion to explore the wilderness, and the drive to push your limits is all you need to unleash your inner camper.

If you wish to go hiking with a group of friends for the very first time, you may be confused and stressed out about what to include in your list of essentials for hiking.

While backpacking items may contain a lot of elements, the most important thing to remember is carrying a first aid kit.

But, what do hiking first aid kit contents include? Let’s have a look at the most important things to add to your first aid kit for hiking below.

What You Should Carry In Your Hiking First Aid Kit

Here are some top first aid kit must-have items and medical supplies that you should invest in for your hiking trip this weekend.

Make a check list of these items and head on over to your nearest medical store or pharmacy to get a hold of them before you forget!

1. Medical Supplies

This tops the list as the most important aspect of hiking gear. Medication is a must for any hiking trip. Especially if you are prone to getting sick from exertion and physical activity.

From having pain relief medication, to medication for nausea, upset stomachs, wilderness medicine in case you come in contact with poison ivy, and personal medication for allergies – all should be added to your adventure medical kit.

There is no need to invest in a fancy and expensive medical kit for this, you can simply put all the essential medication in a plastic box and carry it in your backpack.

2. Tweezers

This may seem like an odd tool to have in your backpacking first aid kit, but this is what most hikers miss out on.

Picture this: you’re hiking along a trail with lots of barren shrubs and bushes. You trip and scratch yourself against a shrub with thorns. There may be blisters or an open wound that needs immediate attention.

Well, before you take out the bandage, you may want to reach for a pair of sanitized tweezers to pull out any infiltrated thorns. This will help prevent inflammation and help reduce the pain at a faster rate.

3. Safety Pins

From tying in the gauze in place, to fixing a broken backpack strap, safety pins may seem like an insignificant tool. But in reality, the safety pin can become the most helpful tool when in need.

4. Scissors

Scissors are another first aid kit essential. You never know when you may have to cut through a path of shrubs to get to the other side.

In addition, you may even require scissors to cut gauze and bandage to cover the wound after cleaning it.

5. Antiseptics

Be it an antiseptic wipe or solution, either one works when it comes to treating an injury or minor cut that requires cleaning before being covered up with a bandage.

You don’t want to miss out on this step as most hiking trips are incomplete without trips and falls that injure the knees and hands.

6. CPR Mask

A CPR mask barely takes up any space. Be sure to add it to your basic first aid kit.

When hiking in the wilderness, the chances of running out of breath or feeling light headed and dizzy are common. The CPR mask is just what you need in such a stressful situation.

7. Bandages

There is a wide range of bandages that you want to be mindful of. This includes the butterfly bandage, adhesive bandage, and gauze.

Trust us, you can never be too sure you will only need one of these bandages. In the wild, any type of injury is possible. Thus, you want to stay two steps ahead and be prepared.

Even carry duct tape to ensure that the bandage stays in place.

The Final Verdict

There you have it, a list of items to add to your wilderness first aid kit! You can now head on out for your day hike without fear of the unknown – with this basic first aid kit you can be rest assured that your hiking trip is going to be full of fun and adventure!

Wear your hiking trip wounds and scars with pride – it is all going to be worth it in the long run as long as you have your basic first aid kit by your side.