Select a container to keep your items safe, clean and ready to use
Enjoying the great outdoors includes camping with friends and family. This year, millions of Americans will roll up their tents and sleeping bags and head out to experience nature. Anytime we go to remote areas we should be sure to have all of the basic necessities including food, water, and a first aid kit. Today, we want to help you create a simple, yet complete first aid kit for a typical camping excursion. It won't be complicated or expensive to quickly select and prepare your first aid supplies. Assembling this kit can be done at home or online so as we review each step, we will include options for either means of assembly. Either way, following the suggestions below will result in an inexpensive camping first aid kit that is safe and ready to use. If you are unsure about what supplies to consider, take a look at the About.com article on camping first aid.
Select a container
Find a container to hold your supplies. Consider something like a Rubbermaid-type container or any other type of box that will keep your supplies dry and clean will work. For those who want to use the Internet to gather their supplies, we have a special tool for you that will walk you through each of the steps used here. Use "Make A First Aid Kit" and select your container type. You will see there are plenty of container options available.
Gather your gauze and tape
We want to address bleeding first. Sterile dressings for cuts, scrapes, punctures, or large cuts where pressure is needed should all be considered. Home assemblers should search for Gauze pads, Cotton balls, Gauze Rolls, and pressure bandages. Feminine napkins and tampons can work as highly absorbent pressure bandages. Be sure to include tape or elastic (ace-type) bandages to hold the dressings in place. For those who are using Build-A-Kit (as mentioned above), after selecting your container, go to the next step, select the "gauze & tape tab" and pick the items you want. Depending on the container you selected the names of the tabs might vary a little but you will get the idea. Remember, stock enough supplies to anticipate the type of injuries that could occur while you are camping. Think of all of the different activities and the worst-case scenario for injuries as you consider the types and quantities of supplies needed.
Basic bandages
Hopefully, you won't need to use the gauze and tape mentioned above. A Simple band-aid type item may be all that is needed. Collect a variety of bandaid sizes. Consider both size and material (plastic or fabric). If you are making this at home, grab a resealable bag and place your bandages in the bag. Make-A-First-Aid-Kit users should select the "Ready Kit Packs" and or the "Gauze & Tape" categories to select their items. These "Ready Packs" are convenient pre-packed supplies that are perfect for smaller kits.
Antiseptics & Burns
Seek out items that would help clean a wound like an antiseptic wipe. Also, Neosporin-type ointments are good to help fight off infection. While tubes might be nice, we like the individual single-use packages. They take up less room in the kit and also prevent cross-contamination. Resealing partially used first aid supplies is not recommended. As far as burns go, we recommend a water-based burn gel or dressing. Camp fires are fun but there is always a high potential for burns. Butter is not good as it holds the heat in. Vinegar dries the burn and doesn't really offer any benefit for infection. Online users should click on the "Antiseptics" tab and pick the items that best meet their needs. Ointments and burn gels are listed on that tab.
Medicines
The common ache, pain, fever, or allergy always seems to occur when we go away and spend time outdoors. Sprains from carrying all of that camping gear to the site are possible as well. Consider pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, allergy relief, something for upset stomachs, or any other potential need for the trip. Place those in a resealable bag to keep them dry and organized. Online users should select the medicines found in the "Ready Kit Packs" and if they are using the Make-A-First-Aid-Kit tool. There is a variety pack of medicines found there. One other comment about medicines. Always consider having a Benadryl-type antihistamine on hand for allergies or insect stings that cause an allergic reaction. The active ingredient is Diphenhydramine.
Miscellaneous Supplies
Cold packs, splinter, picks, tweezers, eye wash, and a first aid handbook are a few other items you should consider including in your homemade camping first aid kit. Even outdoor protection like insect bit swabs or suntan lotion can be included in your first aid kit. Some of these items are already in a drawer at your house. Place these in a separate resealable bag. Online users can look at the outdoor, survival items, or accessories section in the Make-A-First-Aid-Kit category selection and select any other items that meet their needs.
Final Assembly
Once you have all of your supplies selected, the hard part is already done. Home assemblers should be sure to organize their supplies using resealable bags. It makes finding things a lot easier. It will also keep your camping first aid kit neat, clean, and easy to restock. Make-A-First-Aid-Kit users can finish their supply selection by clicking "add Your Kit to Cart" and choosing to have us assemble the kit for you or select that you will assemble the kit. We will save your first aid kit list so you can come back and refill supplies as needed in the future. You can find your saved list by clicking the "Reorder Lists" link at the top of this page. There you can select your list, schedule a reminder to refill your kit at regular intervals, print your list, or even order your kit refill supplies right there. No is need to search around and find them. We recommend you spend a few minutes and watch the Make-A-Kit video or contact us if you have questions.
Accidents are never expected
Spending time outdoors with family and friends is relaxing and fun. Don't cut your camping trip short because you have to get medical attention for basic cuts scrapes and burns. Make sure you pack a complete first aid kit before you leave. Accidents are never expected but we should anticipate them. Being prepared with the proper supplies can help extend your camping excursion and help keep your family healthy and safe.
Outdoor Products & Accessories
MFASCO's Make a Kit Tool
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Allergy Relief Medications
Additional Resources for Outdoor Kits & Supplies
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Essential First Aid Kit Supply List
