The 10 Best First Aid Kits

Sara Mandeed
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Hurting yourself is the last thing you need when taking on a tough new outdoor challenge or simply existing in the rough and tumble world of a toddler!

An excellent first aid kit is always handy and in this article I’ll show you some lists of the best first aid kits for hiking, biking, camping, skiing, hunting, and more.

NameCategoryProduct
First Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid KitBest OverallFirst Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit
First Aid KitBudget PickFirst Aid Kit
First Aid Kit Emergency Response Trauma Bag CompleteUpgrade PickFirst Aid Kit Emergency Response Trauma Bag Complete

1. First Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit

Our rating: 9 / 10

First Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit

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Pros:

  • Quite affordable
  • Perfect size to carry around in your car or a backpack
  • Contains basic first-aid supplies like bandages and triangular bandages
  • Lotions, topical pads, and scissors are also included

This item is a 299-piece first aid kit that is packed with basic supplies ideal for first aid kits. It includes a lot of the supplies you need on a regular basis like bandages and pain medications. Although it’s recommended to be used on actual injuries and wounds, you can also use some of its features to protect yourself from minor injuries as well. Many people consider having this first aid kit an essential for their own safety.

This item is ideal for those who are planning to go off-the-grid or do a lot of challenging activities such as camping. The all-purpose kit is recommended to beginners because it contains almost all of the necessary items you will ever need to cover a variety of situations.

2. First Aid Kit Hard Red Case 326 Pieces Exceeds OSHA and ANSI Guidelines 100 People

Our rating: 9 / 10

First Aid Kit Hard Red Case 326 Pieces Exceeds OSHA and ANSI Guidelines 100 People

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Pros:

  • Made in the USA
  • Can handle 100 people
  • Ideal for first responders
  • Moderate price point
  • Lifetime replacement guarantee

Cons:

  • Contains a high number of bandages and clotting agents
  • Initial outlay might be a bit expensive

The First Aid Kit Hard RED Case 326 Piece Exceeds OSHA and ANSI Guidelines is our top pick when it comes to first aid kits. With 326 pieces, it has enough equipment to handle about 100 people. It has everything you’d ever need, and the kit meets OSHA and ANSI guidelines. It’s an amazing deal when you consider the number of items included, and it beats the competition hands down.

It not only serves your basic needs as an emergency first aid kit, it also has additional features that make it ideal for first responders. What we love most is the lifetime replacement guarantee, which proves that the First Aid Kit Hard RED has really been designed with great care and long-term use in mind. This is exactly what you need for more than one set of people, to be able to use as a home first aid kit and a car first aid kit.

3. Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Kit

Our rating: 9 / 10

Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Kit

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Pros:

  • Includes mirror and flashlight
  • Generous number of pieces
  • Shockproof case
  • Free Bonus Mini First Aid Kit

Cons:

  • The kit is a bit lightweight and flimsy, which could be a problem if you're using the case to transport your first-aid kit
  • The labels are unprinted, so you need to write down the contents on your own

There's something to be said for getting more than you pay for, and that's exactly the case with this Swiss Safe first aid kit. Within this kit, you'll find plenty of items, and a huge bonus mini kit that has 32 more pieces. You'll find a collection of high quality items, including an emergency whistle, a magnifying glass, multiple kinds of bandages, and a CPR face shield.

You'll also find some of the things you'll need to treat injuries, like gauze and antibacterial wipes. All of this is stored within a compact plastic box that's equipped with a handle, a mirror, and an LED flashlight. You can stow this lightweight kit virtually anywhere, so it'll be easy for you to find the items you need during an emergency.

4. M2 BASICS 300 Piece

Our rating: 9 / 10

M2 BASICS 300 Piece

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Pros:

  • Lightweight, portable size
  • Unique placement of bandages
  • Doctor-recommended
  • Includes ibuprofen and topical antibiotic ointment

Cons:

  • Multiple pieces are the same
  • Some users don’t like the packaging
  • Latex-free gloves not included

| First Aid for Bleeding, Burns, Cuts, Wounds, Injuries | Doctors.

The M2 BASICS First Aid Kit is a slightly larger 300-piece kit that provides you with everything you need for minor to moderate injuries. The kit itself is intended for use during emergencies, camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, backpacking, and other outdoors activities as well as household use.

This is a kit that is stocked with everything you could need to get back to normal after an accident or general mishap – from scissors and tweezers to bandages in various sizes. It even comes in a sturdy container that’s not only waterproof but also shockproof for added durability. The kit also includes ibuprofen and topical antibiotic to help with the pain or any infection that you might end up getting due to an injury. This is an excellent choice for any amateur or professional campers, hikers, or for those that simply need a great first aid kit for their home emergency stock.

5. 200-Piece Professional First Aid Kit

Our rating: 9 / 10

200-Piece Professional First Aid Kit

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Pros:

  • Very affordable
  • Nicely organized and easy to use
  • Comes with detailed instructions
  • Includes a first aid guide
  • Contains EMS shears and tweezers
  • Excellent value for your money

Here’s a set of 200-piece first aid kits that make up 16 different emergency kits. The set offers a variety of items ranging from CPR masks and gloves to instant ice packs and burn relief ointments.

The kit has been well thought out to include a tear-away emergency blanket to cover burns and cuts as well as CPR gloves to prevent excessive pressure on the wound. Also included is a pair of professional EMS shears, which are tough and sharp enough to cut through disposable medical gloves and other items even in emergency situations.

Each individual kit comes with a CPR face shield, an instant ice pack, sterile gauze pads, roll pack trauma pad, latex gloves, plastic exam gloves, and an arm sling. Of course, there’s a bandage, scissors, tweezers, and an instant cold pack too. It also contains a medical instruction booklet to help you deal with a variety of medical issues.

6. First Aid Kit

Our rating: 9 / 10

First Aid Kit

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Pros:

  • Food grade plastic materials (BPA-Free)
  • Comfortable handles
  • Sterile compartments
  • Color-coded “ smarti technology
  • Water resistant

We think a good first aid kit is an essential piece of gear to have with you on all your outdoor adventures and other travels. Our top pick hands down is this great 160-piece first aid kit from Adventure Ready. Compact, lightweight, and colorful, it’s a very practical choice when packing for a trip.

The case itself is made from food grade plastic that’s also BPA-free. The lid of the box is actually well designed and conveniently doubles as a place for you to store other smaller items like Advil or band-aids. This case comes with a very convenient handle that’s ergonomically designed so you can carry it easily and comfortably, while also having a removable shoulder strap.

This medical kit also comes with a sturdy blanket with a rip-stop mesh construction, and several additional compartments for storing your smaller items and accessories neatly.

7. First Aid Kit Emergency Response Trauma Bag Complete

Our rating: 8 / 10

First Aid Kit Emergency Response Trauma Bag Complete

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Pros:

  • The comprehensive medical supplies in this kit include:

First Aid Kit- Includes a Backpack, Comprehensive Medical Supplies, and Personal Hygiene Products.

Plus, it is packaged in a professional waterproof backpack for convenient use.

A few buyers have commented that this kit is quite expensive, so if you’re on a budget, this might not be the best choice. Thankfully it does come with a 30-day money back guarantee so you can try it out and see for yourself if it’s worth the money.

8. First Aid Kit

Our rating: 8 / 10

First Aid Kit

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Pros:

  • Includes a wide range of supplies
  • Includes all the essential supplies in one comprehensive kit
  • Very handy and easy to carry
  • Sturdy plastic case
  • Comes with a quality first aid book
  • Does not include any expired products

Cons:

  • Not ideal for home emergency use
  • Some products are a little skeptical about medical efficiency

(ME)

As it was in the case of our top pick for the best BPA free water bottle, the best first aid kit comes from Red Cross. This will be a superb choice for you if you're looking for a comprehensive emergency kit for home use. Red Cross has also made our list of best first aid kit reviews.

This portable Red Cross medical emergency kit has everything you need to respond to and treat a sudden accident. It comes with all the basic essentials, as well as items that are specifically designed to handle accidents and emergencies in the home.

9. Surviveware Small First Aid Kit

Our rating: 8 / 10

Surviveware Small First Aid Kit

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10. Johnson & Johnson Red Cross All Purpose First Aid Kit

Our rating: 6 / 10

Johnson & Johnson Red Cross All Purpose First Aid Kit

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Pros:

  • Easy to store and easy to carry
  • Very affordable
  • Features emergency numbers written on the back
  • Hygienic and clutter-free
  • Comprehensive and up to date

Cons:

  • A bit heavy for kids to carry
  • The handle is a bit flimsy

This sturdy and user-friendly kit from Johnson & Johnson contains 125 different pieces, including adhesive bandages, plaster strips, crepe bandage, cloth tape, and a universal treatment for stings and bites. The kit also contains a mini first aid guide written by the American Red Cross, which you can store in your jacket.

This kit is ideal for those who are 100% prepared for an emergency. It fits in any drawer or a small compartment in your bag, and weighs in at 2.7 pounds. It’s simple and easy to store away, and the directions are clear and easy to understand. The kit is also very affordable, especially for the amount of stuff that’s in it.

Why is it on our best first aid kit list? We all hope that you’ll never have to use it, but in the unfortunate event that you do, you’ll find yourself feeling secure knowing you have everything you need right there in your bag.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the best first aid kits?

There are a lot of first aid kits out there, and most aren't worth anything. So what are the good ones? You should get a kit that is designed for your particular needs and use; some have tubes of medication, others will treat small to medium sized cuts. If itʼs for a baby, you'll want to focus on infant first aid kits. If you need a kit that'll get you through any emergency, a multipurpose first aid kit is probably the best for you. Nevertheless, you can't go wrong with a classic Red Cross first aid kit.

How do I choose a first aid kit?

Although the contents of a first aid kit are important, this is not the first thing you should focus on. More important is where it is and how to access it. The first aid kit should be kept in a small, quick-access compartment on the wall (for instance, in the garage or basement next to the fuse box). It should not require a screwdriver, goggles, or gloves to access. It should ideally be fired from one hand in the dark, similar to the way of pulling out a fire extinguisher. Any kit you put together has to be easy to use while in a stressful or panicked state.

What are 10 items in a first aid kit?

The items that rise to the top are generally the ones that you would reasonably use on an everyday basis, both as a group and individually.

  • Antiseptic wipe or liquid – I much prefer this option as its less messy but the wipe also works.
  • Bandages – These are ideal for minor cuts and grazes.
  • Antiseptic Cream – This is good for cuts and more serious grazes.
  • Gauze rolls – These are nice to have for bandaging wounds.
  • Scissors – Great for cutting through clothing and a myriad of other things
  • Safety Pins – Use these for holding bandages in place.
  • Pain Relievers – This includes such things as ibuprofen, acetaminophen and other related medications

Is it cheaper to buy or build a first aid kit?

Buying ready-made first aid kits does seem more cost friendly than building your own. But ultimately, it depends on the exact contents.

When compared with your standalone items, some first aid kits are just an additional dollar or two away from having enough supplies.

Conclusion

We tested a number of kits that offer a variety of solutions for just about any type of situation. We will spend this entire article breaking down each kit and explaining which one(s) we think are the best option for your specific needs.

Our Recommendation

NameCategoryProduct
First Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid KitBest OverallFirst Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit
First Aid KitBudget PickFirst Aid Kit
First Aid Kit Emergency Response Trauma Bag CompleteUpgrade PickFirst Aid Kit Emergency Response Trauma Bag Complete