Whether you’re going for a short bushwalk or a multi-day hike, carrying a first aid kit is non-negotiable. Like your boots or water bottle, it’s one of the essentials.
Accidents, bites, stings and medical issues can happen quickly and without warning – and when you’re hours or kilometres away from help, being prepared can make all of the difference.
Your hiking first aid kit
Your first aid kit should be compact, waterproof and easy to get to. While pre-packed kits can be a good starting point, they often lack items specific to hiking or your personal medical needs. Many hikers start with a small commercial kit and customise it or build their own from scratch using a waterproof pouch or zip-lock bag.
Here’s a good base for a hiking first aid kit:
Bandages and dressings
- Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
- Sterile gauze pads
- Elastic bandage
- Sterile wound dressings
- Compression bandage for snake bites (with pressure indicators)
Blister care
- Fixomull or similar adhesive tape
- Blister plasters (e.g. Compeed)
- Hiker’s wool or moleskin
See this article for more information on foot care.
Medications
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Antihistamines
- Personal prescriptions (e.g. EpiPen, asthma inhaler)
Wound care
- Antiseptic swabs, ointment or gel (e.g. Betadine)
Tools and extras
- Small scissors
- Tweezers
- Safety pins
- Barrier gloves
- CPR mask face shield
- Thermal (space) blanket
- Whistle
- Notepad and pencil for emergency notes
Customise your kit for the group and the trip
Think about where you’re going, how long you’ll be out and who you’re hiking with. For longer, overnight or remote-area hikes consider:
- Water purification tablets or a purifying filter or straw
- Burn gel
- SAM (structural aluminum malleable) splint or other support for fractures
- Extra supplies of basics (especially in larger groups)
- Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) – see this article for more information
- Portable defibrillator (AED) if available and appropriate for the group
Remember to check expiration dates and restock your kit after every trip.
Know how to use what you carry
Having the right gear is only half the battle. Knowing how to use it is just as important. Consider taking a basic first aid or wilderness first aid course – many community organisations and training providers offer them. In a crisis, calm, confident action can be the difference between life and death.
A kit that gives you peace of mind
A first aid kit isn’t just another thing to tick off your to-do list – it’s your safety net when things go wrong. With a bit of preparation and knowledge you’ll not only look after yourself but you’ll also be better equipped to help others.
So before your next hike, spend 5 minutes checking your kit. In the unlikely event that you’ll need it, you’ll be glad you brought it.
Author: Kathy Miller
Published July 2025.
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