First aid kit for hiking: Building tips

Carry a first aid kit with you at all times

Even if you are going for a short hike, there is always a small possibility you could break a limb, cut yourself or get bitten by insects or snakes, so you need to be prepared for the worst. Most first aid kits are compact and contain all the essential items you’ll need.

Building a kit from scratch

If you are building a First Aid Kit from scratch I recommend the following:

  • Compact first aid manual
  • Pressure immobilisation bandages
  • Compression bandages
  • Snake Bite Bandage
  • Regular roller bandages
  • Triangular bandage for breaks
  • Gauze or cotton pads for wounds
  • Assorted bandaids for blisters and cuts
  • Moleskin and/or blister kit
  • Trekkers Wool (for hotspot and blister prevention)
  • Ointment for insect bites
  • Antiseptic cream
  • Saline solution
  • Soluble pain relievers
  • Electrolyte replacement‎
  • Antihistamine
  • Insect repellent
  • Salt, for leeches
  • Matches and Flint
  • Personal medication, with instructions
  • Tweezers and splinter needles
  • Small scissors or nail clippers
  • Notepad and pencil
  • I personally carry and highly recommend that you always carry a personal survival kit.

First Aid Kit Trail Hiking Australia
First Aid Kit Trail Hiking Australia

Here’s a few more great ideas

Check out my Ten Tips for Wilderness First Aiders here.

Red Cross has released a free First Aid app. A comprehensive pocket guide to First Aid, the app gives you access to the most up to date First Aid information anytime, anywhere. The app supports the important life saving skills acquired through Red Cross First Aid training with quick and easy to use instructions, interactive quizzes to test your knowledge and helpful videos and images.

Read more and download the app here.

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