First Aid Kit

December 8, 2021 // 23 minutes read

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Best First Aid Kit - Bugoutbill.com

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Best First Aid Kit

Life surely is unpredictable.  Unfortunately, that means that with life comes accidents and various emergency situations.  While we can’t control that, we can always keep ourselves perfectly prepared for whatever life throws in our way.  As such, my team and I are always testing different first aid kits to find out which ones are the most dependable.  In today’s definitive guide, we’re sharing with you the 7 best first aid kits that have served us well in a variety of scenarios. While we’re at it, we’re also covering: 
    • The best first aid kit for outdoor adventurers;
    • The most budget-friendly first aid kit; 
    • Different types of first aid kits;
    • What you should consider when choosing a first aid kit; 
  • And many more…
Ready?  Let’s jump right into it!

Introduction

The main purpose of first aid kits is to provide treatment for minor injuries, scrapes, sprains, cuts, bruises, and burns, as well as common conditions such as headaches, muscle aches, and fevers. They’re very useful to have during emergency situations while waiting for a medical professional or an ambulance to arrive at the scene.  

Table Of Contents

Table of Contents

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Before choosing a first aid kit, you should first consider what you’re going to use the kit for. Yes, all first aid kits are for emergency purposes, but some situations require more heavy-duty kits than others. 

For example…

First responders and EMS responders would need to invest in kits that contain more advanced equipment. People who live a more active sporty or outdoorsy lifestyle should choose a kit that is portable and has different kinds of bandages since they are more prone to injuries. 

On the other side of the coin… 

Family and school heads who want to be prepared for any accidents or natural disasters would do best to pick a kit that is easy to store and easy to access, even when in a rush. The kit should also contain items that are enough for many people.

Read on to see which kits are the best for any specific needs.

Recent posts

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1 - Best First Aid Kit For Camping - Editor’s Choice Award

Adventure Medical Kits

Editors Choice - Bugoutbill.com
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Value for Money

10

No. of Items

10

Essential Items

10

Equipment

9

Bottom Line: The Adventure Medical Kits AMK Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit is the ultimate outdoor first aid kit that contains all the essentials for any outdoor enthusiast’s basic needs.

Included Components:

Pros

Cons

SUMMARY: 

Camping, hiking, backpacking… These are all great and enjoyable outdoor activities, but they are not without peril. 

That is why bringing a dependable first aid kit is essential. For something that can provide basic supplies for several days in the wilderness or mountain, we love the Adventure Medical Kits AMK Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit. 

This kit is lightweight, compact, and small in size, making it highly portable—  you can easily fit it into any backpack or use the loop to attach it into any gear. 

It comes in a durable dark blue nylon case with a bright orange band across the top and details made of reflective material for high visibility, even at night. The bottom is lined with vinyl, making it water-resistant as well.

Inside, you will find first aid basics that are neatly organized into categories: Cuts & Scrapes, Medication, Stop Bleeding Fast, and Wound Care/ Blister/ Burn. This eliminates any guesswork, thus saving precious time, and also ensures that you use the right treatment for any condition.   

Moreover…

Its pockets are semi-transparent and labeled so you can easily find what you’re looking for. 

No prior experience of administering first aid? No problem, this kit also comes with a first aid manual, a copy of “A Condensed Guide to Wilderness Medicine” by Eric A. Weiss, M.D., which is filled with very useful information.

Just a note, though…  

Because this kit is small and compact, the items you can add to it are pretty limited. You can still add non-bulky items like bandages, wipes, and medications, but ultimately, this kit is designed to be a basic first aid kit for short outdoor trips, and for that, it serves its purpose very well.

To sum it up…

Our Editor’s Choice is definitely something you’d want to take with you on your outdoor adventures— it’s a reliable and portable kit with everything you’ll need for pain relief and treating minor cuts and common injuries while out on the road.

2 - Best Budget First Aid Kit - Best Value Award

Be Smart Get Prepared First Aid Kit

Best Value - Bugoutbill.com
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Value for Money

10

No. of Items

9

Essential Items

10

Equipment

9

Bottom Line: Made by one of the leading first aid emergency kit manufacturers, the Be Smart Get Prepared First Aid Kit is a great budget-friendly option for emergency preparedness at home, workplace, school, and commercial establishments.

Included Components:

Pros

Cons

SUMMARY: 

For safety at home, school, or workplace, the Be Smart Get Prepared First Aid Kit is exactly what you need. 

Encased in a rugged, impact-resistant hard case, this kit contains 250 pieces of first aid items, which is impressive, considering its affordable price. 

It has everything you need in any kind of emergency situation imaginable that doesn’t require serious medical treatment, including bandages of various sizes, over-the-counter drugs, and even things like safety pins, a pair of tweezers and scissors.

This fully stocked kit has easy-slide latches for added security and a mounting bracket so that you can easily put it on walls, or anywhere you want, for easy access. It’s OSHA- and ANSI-compliant, and designed to provide first aid for up to 50 people. 

Additionally, a Silvex® wound dressing gel and a first aid guide are provided with each kit.

All in all…

For its price point and the number of items you get, our Best Value awardee just can’t be beaten.

3 - Best Portable First Aid Kit - Top Pick Award

First Aid Only 299 Pieces All-Purpose First Aid Kit

Top Pick - Bugoutbill.com
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Value for Money

9

No. of Items

10

Essential Items

9

Equipment

8

Bottom Line: The First Aid Only 299 Pieces All-Purpose First Aid Emergency Kit equips you with everything you need to treat minor injuries and provide relief from common conditions like headaches, fevers, and muscle pains, while still maintaining high portability and handiness.

Included Components:

Pros

Cons

SUMMARY:

The First Aid Only 299 Pieces All-Purpose First Aid Emergency Kit is a highly portable first aid kit that packs a lot of punch for its size (and price).

It has a soft nylon case that is both flexible and water-resistant. The clear, transparent pockets inside enable you to easily see and access whatever item you need.

Weighing only 1 pound and with a dimension of 9.25 x 2.88 x 7 inches, it is very lightweight and can easily fit into any backpack, suitcase, and even in glove compartments of most vehicles.  

It’s a mistake to underestimate it, though; despite its size, it’s well-stocked with essential items you’ll need for various emergency situations, from different types of adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, medical tape, antiseptic towelettes, an emergency blanket, and gauze rolls, to over-the-counter medications like aspirins and ibuprofens, and ointments. It’s also spacious enough for you to be able to add extra items to your liking.  

In addition to that… 

The included manual will make sure you know what to do in emergency situations.

Perfect for both home use and for traveling, our Top Pick will provide safety, whether on the go or in the comfort of your own home, without taking up much space.

4 - Best Compact Design First Aid Kit

VSSL First Aid - Compact Adventure First Aid Kit

Value for Money

8

No. of Items

8

Essential Items

9

Equipment

9

Bottom Line: Compact, extremely sturdy, well-designed, and includes extra features specifically for outdoor usage, the VSSL Compact Adventure First Aid Kit is the perfect companion for any outdoor enthusiast who is always embarking on epic adventures.

Included Components:

Pros

Cons

SUMMARY:  

Tired of some first aid kits that are basically just a collection of bandages, band-aids, and with the occasional safety pins thrown in? Well, we are telling you right away that the VSSL Compact Adventure First Aid Kit is not your average first aid kit.

Protected by an extremely sturdy, waterproof, and watertight case that is roughly the size of a regular bottle, with a minimalist and aesthetically pleasing design, this kit is very well-thought-out, with items not usually found in most first aid kits but are nevertheless very useful, such as a thermometer, blister protection, and 3m Steri-Strips. 

The items are organized and tightly rolled up, with first aid instructions written at the back of the roll. We highly appreciate this— and we’re sure you will too— because not only are the instructions helpful if you have anyone in your group unexperienced with first aid, it also saves space instead of having a separate manual booklet.

Furthermore… 

What we love about this first aid kit is that, while it’s on the pricey side, it’s not “just a first aid kit”; it has other features as well that will make you glad that you’ve brought it with you when you’re out there in the wilderness and your phone ran out of battery.  The case’s lids aren’t just plain lids; on one end, you will find a 4-mode flashlight and on the other is a precision compass. 

What’s cooler… 

You can use the flashlight and the compass while they’re attached to the case, or, if you want to use them separately, you can also unscrew them. Three non-standard batteries for the flashlight are also included in this kit.

5 - Best First Aid Kit For Disaster Prep

Lightning X First Responder EMT/EMS Backpack Stocked First Aid Supplies Kit B

Value for Money

9

No. of Items

9

Essential Items

10

Equipment

10

Bottom Line: The Lightning X First Responder EMT/EMS Backpack Stocked First Aid Supplies Kit B is a fully-stocked first aid kit that is an excellent option for both medically trained professionals and home emergency preparedness alike.

Included Components:

Pros

Cons

SUMMARY: 

Whether you’re at a school, at a special or sports event, or out hiking in the woods, you never know when an accident or a natural disaster will occur. For that reason, it never hurts to be prepared.

The Lightning X First Responder EMT/EMS Backpack Stocked First Aid Supplies Kit B will arm you with everything you need for emergency preparedness. 

The entire kit is housed in a fairly lightweight backpack that is small enough to be easily carried in any vehicle yet large and spacious enough for all the necessary medical supplies and equipment. The Star of Life logo design is made from reflective material, as are the stripes on the padded shoulder straps; this results in extra visibility, which is useful when operating in the dark. The PVC reinforcement at the bottom provides waterproofness.

The advanced medical instruments, like the penlight, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, CPR mask, and oropharyngeal airway kits, and the emergency medical supplies included in this kit will surely be greatly appreciated by anyone with medical training such as first responders and EMTs. 

On the other hand…

This kit makes for a great home kit as well, as it also offers the basic essentials such as bandages, gauze rolls, pain relievers, and medical tape. Yes, you might feel like the kit is too excessive for home usage, but it’s always better to have more supplies for unexpected emergencies.

6 - Best LightWeight First Aid Kit

Welly Quick Fix Kit First Aid Travel Kit

Value for Money

8

No. of Items

7

Essential Items

8

Equipment

7

Bottom Line: The Welly Quick Fix Kit First Aid Travel Kit is a tiny yet reliable first aid kit that is extremely handy, making it perfect for frequent travelers.

Included Components:

Pros

Cons

SUMMARY:  

The Welly Quick Fix Kit First Aid Travel Kit is a nice, very handy first aid kit for people who are always on the go or traveling.

Packaged in a little tin case that you can just throw in your purse or bag, this kit features adorable, colorful bandages in various sizes for different needs.

Don’t let the cute design of the bandages deceive you, though; these bandages adhere amazingly well to the skin yet aren’t tough to remove and don’t leave any annoying, sticky residue at the end of the day. 

Because this kit doesn’t have that clinical or cold look to it that many first aid kits do, it’s not intimidating, which makes it child-friendly too. No need for your children to be scared when you’re treating their cuts and wounds! It makes for a great gift for your little nephews, nieces, and godchildren as well.  

Aside from cute bandages, this small first aid kit also contains 3 packets of triple antibiotic ointments and 3 packets of hand sanitizers.

7 - Best All Purpose First Aid Kit

American Red Cross 9165-RC First Aid

Value for Money

9

No. of Items

8

Essential Items

9

Equipment

8

Bottom Line: The American Red Cross 9165-RC First Aid Only Be Red Cross Ready First Aid Kit is an all-purpose and versatile kit that you can use both for home care and as a handy kit for outdoor events and activities.

Included Components:

Pros

Cons

SUMMARY: 

Keep your family protected and safe with the American Red Cross 9165-RC First Aid Only Be Red Cross Ready First Aid Kit. 

This kit has a dimension of 7.5 x 9 x 2.5 inches and weighs less than a pound, so you will have no problem fitting it in your backpack or your vehicle when you’re car camping, or storing it in your kitchen cabinet. 

It holds quality supplies that are essential in any emergency situations, whether it be at home or outdoors, including a CPR face shield, antibiotic ointment, a cold compress, a trauma pad, gauze dressing pads, pain relievers, and more. The variety of bandage sizes and types will ensure you’ll have what you need in any type of situation; the elbow and knee bandages are very useful in treating your little one’s common injuries. 

Overall…

This kit is definitely great to have on hand in case of unexpected natural disasters like earthquakes, and also portable enough for sporting events and any other outdoor activities.

Buyer Guide:
How To Choose The Best First Aid Kits

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What are the different types of First Aid Kits?

Home and Workplace First Aid Kits 

They are equipped with supplies that treat injuries and conditions that commonly occur at home or in the workplace, such as minor burns and cuts, abrasions, headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

Sports First Aid Kits 

People who love playing sports are more prone to injuries and accidents. That’s why sports first aid kits are useful to have in any ball game or sporting event; they are specifically made to deal with injuries and other emergencies like sprains and fractures.  

Travel First Aid Kits 

Travel first aid kits are handy, portable, and easy to store in any luggage, backpack, or vehicle. 

Features to look out for when choosing a First Aid Kit

Waterproofness/water-resistance 

You never know where an emergency could happen. Sometimes it can happen in the water or when it’s raining, so it’s best if the first aid kit is housed by a waterproof bag or case, or at the very least, a water-resistant one so that the contents wouldn’t be damaged by any water. 

First aid guide or manual 

Not everyone has experience giving a first aid treatment, so it’s very important that a first aid kit should have a manual or a comprehensive guide. 

Portability 

Ideally, a first aid kit should be easy to carry and transport so that wherever you are, you can be assured that you’ll be safe from accidents and you will have something to use in case of emergencies.

First Aid Kits Top Tips

  • Choosing pre-packed first aid kits is preferable since they’re assembled by professionals, but you can still add more items, which brings us to…
  • Choose first aid kits that have enough space for you to add more things that are essential to you. 
  • Always keep first aid kits out of reach of children. 
  • Always check the expiration dates of the items, especially medications and ointments, and replace any expired ones immediately. 
  • Be sure your hands are completely clean before administering first aid.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Question 1: What should be in a first aid kit?

A - Reliable, quality kits should contain at least most of the following: Different types of bandages in various shapes and sizes, gauze rolls/pads, eye pads, surgical/medical tapes, emergency blankets, a pair of medical exam gloves, instant cold compress, alcohol antiseptic wipes, antiseptic towelettes, pain relievers, OTC drugs, ointments, burn gels, sting relief wipes, a thermometer (preferably non-glass), tweezers, scissors, safety pins, a breathing barrier with one-way valve, and a first aid guide just in case no one among the people present knows how to administer first aid treatment.

Question 2: What Are Types of First Aid Kit?

A - Home and workplace first aid kit, sports first aid kit, and travel first aid kit are just some of the types of first aid kits.

Question 3: What is basic first aid?

A - Basic first aid is the immediate treatment done in emergency situations to an injured or sick person to save the person’s life and stop the condition from worsening while waiting for professional medical assistance.

Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results

Best First Aid Kit - Bugoutbill.com
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Best Value for Money

Value for Money Rating

Be Smart Get Prepared First Aid Kit

100%

Adventure Medical Kit

100%

First Aid Only 299 Pieces All-Purpose First Aid Kit

90%

Lightning X First Responder EMT/EMS Backpack Stocked First Aid Supplies Kit B

90%

American Red Cross 9165-RC First Aid

90%

VSSL First Aid - Compact Adventure First Aid Kit

80%

Welly Quick Fix Kit First Aid Travel Kit

80%

Most No. of Items

Most No. of Items Rating

Adventure Medical Kit

100%

First Aid Only 299 Pieces All-Purpose First Aid Kit

100%

Be Smart Get Prepared First Aid Kit

90%

Lightning X First Responder EMT/EMS Backpack Stocked First Aid Supplies Kit B

90%

VSSL First Aid - Compact Adventure First Aid Kit

80%

American Red Cross 9165-RC First Aid

80%

Welly Quick Fix Kit First Aid Travel Kit

70%

Best Essential Items

Essential Items Rating

Adventure Medical Kit

100%

Be Smart Get Prepared First Aid Kit

100%

Lightning X First Responder EMT/EMS Backpack Stocked First Aid Supplies Kit B

100%

First Aid Only 299 Pieces All-Purpose First Aid Kit

90%

VSSL First Aid - Compact Adventure First Aid Kit

90%

American Red Cross 9165-RC First Aid

90%

Welly Quick Fix Kit First Aid Travel Kit

80%

Best Equipment

Equipment Rating

Lightning X First Responder EMT/EMS Backpack Stocked First Aid Supplies Kit B

100%

Adventure Medical Kit

90%

Be Smart Get Prepared First Aid Kit

90%

VSSL First Aid - Compact Adventure First Aid Kit

90%

First Aid Only 299 Pieces All-Purpose First Aid Kit

80%

American Red Cross 9165-RC First Aid

80%

Welly Quick Fix Kit First Aid Travel Kit

70%

Our Final Verdict: Best First Aid Kit

Best First Aid Kit Rating

Adventure Medical Kit

98%

Be Smart Get Prepared First Aid Kit

95%

Lightning X First Responder EMT/EMS Backpack Stocked First Aid Supplies Kit B

95%

First Aid Only 299 Pieces All-Purpose First Aid Kit

90%

VSSL First Aid - Compact Adventure First Aid Kit

85%

American Red Cross 9165-RC First Aid

85%

Welly Quick Fix Kit First Aid Travel Kit

75%

Conclusion: Best First Aid Kit

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And there you have it.   

Life is precious, and so we all have to do whatever it takes to preserve it. 

Making sure you have a first aid kit with you at all times certainly helps… 

Still undecided? Let us offer some recommendations…

If you’re always out on some epic outdoors adventure, don’t let any fear of injuries stop you, as our Editor’s Choice, the Adventure Medical Kit, has your back. We can’t recommend this enough if you’re a sucker for everything well-organized.

For our budget-conscious readers out there, you don’t have to spend a ton of cash for you to feel safe; our Best Value awardee, the Be Smart Get Prepared First Aid Kit, will make sure you’re always prepared for any situation.  

If portability is high up on your criteria list, you just can’t go wrong with our Top Pick, the First Aid Only 299 Pieces All-Purpose First Aid Kit. Bonus point that it contains a total of 299 items.

Even so… 

All the first aid kits on our list are here for a reason; they are all fantastic kits and do the job well. Whatever your needs are, we’re sure you can find one from this list that suits them. Some may be more expensive, but surely, you’ll agree that being able to save lives is priceless? 

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