What should be in a hiking first aid kit?

Essential items include: assorted plasters, gauze pads, bandages, micropore tape, antiseptic wipes, blister plasters, tweezers, scissors, gloves, painkillers (ibuprofen and paracetamol), and antihistamines. For remote trips, add wound closure strips, emergency blankets, and a SAM splint.

How heavy should a first aid kit be?

A personal hiking first aid kit should weigh 200-400g. A group kit for 4-6 people weighs 400-800g. An expedition or remote kit can weigh 1-2kg. The key is to carry enough supplies scaled to your group size and remoteness, without carrying unnecessary weight.

Should every person carry their own kit?

For groups, a shared group kit plus basic personal supplies (plasters, painkillers, personal medication) for each member is most weight-efficient. The group kit should be carried by someone in the middle of the group, accessible to all. In remote areas, consider splitting the group kit so no single loss leaves the group without supplies.

What first aid training do I need?

For regular hiking, a 16-hour outdoor first aid course is highly recommended. Courses by providers like Wilderness Medical Training or Expedition Medicine cover blister care, sprains, fractures, hypothermia, and emergency protocols specific to remote environments. St John Ambulance and Red Cross also offer relevant courses.

CampCalcs

First Aid Kit Calculator

Build a first aid kit checklist based on group size, trip length and remoteness.

Group Size

Trip Days

Remoteness

Main Activity

How We Calculate This

Kit Scaling

Item quantities scale with group size and trip duration. More remote trips add advanced items like splints, wound closure strips, and emergency supplies.

Kit Levels

Personal: 1-2 people, near facilities. Group: 3+ people. Extended: remote areas. Expedition: very remote, multi-day.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify conditions and use proper safety equipment outdoors.