10 Greatest First Support Kits for Mountaineering of 2025

No journey–whether or not on frontcountry trails or in backcountry wilderness–can be full with no well-stocked first support package. In spite of everything, most skilled adventurers know that the proper provides could make the distinction between life and demise open air. Or at the least, between consolation and discomfort.

We examined quite a lot of first support kits to find out which of them are one of the best for mountain climbing and backpacking. Every package was evaluated based mostly on portability, group, amount, and selection, in addition to high quality and sturdiness. We took them mountain climbing in Utah, tenting within the West, tossed them behind our automobile throughout prolonged street journeys, and extra. This thorough testing allowed us to compile an inventory of one of the best first support kits for mountain climbing and tenting.

And for more information, try a few of our different common gear guides:

Fast Picks for First Support Kits

Take a look at this fast checklist of our favorites when you’re in a rush, or proceed scrolling to see our full checklist with in-depth critiques.

Greatest first support package general: Journey Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 ($35)

Greatest for backpacking: Journey Medical Kits Mountain Sequence Backpacker ($48)

Greatest waterproof package: Cascade Traverse ($40)

Greatest for base camp adventures: HART Open air Prolonged ($66)

Greatest package for prolonged day hikes: Journey Medical Kits Hiker ($30)

Greatest for straightforward weekends: HART Open air Weekend ($29)

Greatest funds choose for straightforward day hikes: HART Open air Day Hike ($15)

Greatest for big teams: My Medic MyFak Mini ($115)

Greatest-stocked package with no expiration date: Common Medi Mini ($20)

Most customizable package: Surviveware Small ($30)

Greatest for automobile tenting with children: Welly First Support Equipment ($25)

How We Check

We examined these first support kits on snowy winter hikes in Utah, throughout snowshoe journeys within the mountains, tossed them behind our automobile on street journeys, and examined each and its contents fastidiously. We assessed bandage stickiness, checked what number of life-saving necessities had been included in every package, and evaluated how the kits held as much as rain showers and tough dealing with with abrasive gear. All of this was to uncover which kits are finest fitted to each sort of journey.

PORTABILITY

At the beginning, we examined every package for portability since they’re designed for tenting, mountain climbing, and backpacking, and usually should be extremely transportable. We in contrast the load of every package, their measurement, and the varied methods they are often packed or carried, together with whether or not they should be stashed inside a bag or if they are often simply clipped to the surface of a pack.

Whereas smaller, lighter kits could rank greater, that doesn’t essentially make them the only option. When selecting a primary support package, you also needs to think about different elements, reminiscent of how straightforward it’s to find the contents and whether or not it contains the whole lot you want to your particular journey.

ORGANIZATION

When evaluating the group of varied first support kits, we thought-about how straightforward gadgets had been to seek out inside every package. We selected three generally used first support gadgets—bandages, gauze, and moleskin—and timed how lengthy it took us to find every merchandise after familiarizing ourselves with their attainable placements. We additionally thought-about what number of different gadgets we needed to dump out of the kits throughout our search.

Usually, extra organized kits ranked greater as a consequence of their labeled pockets and compartments, eliminating the necessity to unpack each merchandise to find a generally used product. In spite of everything, timing is usually important when making use of first support open air.

QUANTITY & VARIETY OF SUPPLIES

Amount and selection are additionally vital in relation to selecting a primary support package. In spite of everything, you don’t need to hit the path, have an accident, and notice you’re lacking one thing vital like latex gloves or don’t have sufficient gauze pads for medical emergencies. We checked every package’s checklist of contents in opposition to the Nationwide Outside Management College’s (NOLS) checklist of what to pack in a primary support package. Kits with extra overlapping gadgets scored greater whereas kits with few gadgets on the NOLS checklist scored decrease.

That stated, most first support kits provide further area so that you can add private drugs or specialty gadgets. Not all tenting or mountain climbing journeys require a strong package, so simply because a package ranks decrease doesn’t imply it’s unsuitable. Nevertheless, you will need to know what’s inside so that you’re ready for any doubtless accidents.

QUALITY & DURABILITY

In terms of high quality and sturdiness, we in contrast a number of elements, together with how waterproof the package was when uncovered to rain and the way effectively every held up when jostled in a backpack containing a free pair of microspikes for a specified length. The next rating signifies that the bag’s exterior can face up to tough therapy, and if the package is left in inclement climate, it prevents the contents from turning into soggy.

A decrease rating doesn’t imply a package is nugatory, although. Quite the opposite, it could rating excessive in different areas, however a low rating right here merely signifies that extra care is required to maintain the package protected and out of the rain.

Why Belief Intelligent Hiker

Alisha has spent 1000’s of hours mountain climbing and backpacking 1000’s of miles on trails throughout the nation and around the globe. As an outside journalist and seasoned gear tester, she is well-versed in wilderness first support and isn’t with no package in her pack, no matter how quick the hike could also be. She has additionally attended first support coaching, and maybe extra importantly than realizing what’s in her package, she understands how one can use it.

She spent hours testing every first support package based mostly on numerous metrics throughout street journeys, hikes, and snowshoe excursions all through Northern Utah. She researched and assessed the sorts of adventures for which every package is finest suited, starting from quick hikes close to residence to frontcountry tenting with the youngsters, in addition to wilderness backcountry excursions. She’s captivated with security within the open air and desires everybody to have a secure and pleasing journey.

Evaluation & Outcomes

VALUE

The significance of a correctly stocked first support package for mountain climbing, tenting, or backpacking can’t be overstated. On the very least, it may well ease discomfort by treating minor points like blisters. If the worst ought to occur, it may well save a life. Subsequently, it’s value spending a couple of {dollars} on a dependable package. Nevertheless, when you’re on a funds, significantly when you want straightforward day hikes near residence moderately than backcountry exploration, there are alternatives that present good worth.

The HART Open air Day Hike first support package is probably the most reasonably priced possibility out there, but it supplies a formidable array of important gadgets. Moreover, it’s the smallest and lightest package we examined, that means there’s no cause to not embody it in your backpack, hip pack, or again pocket for each hike.

For a well-stocked package that packs a punch with the variety of gadgets in such a small package deal, the Common Medi Mini is greater than enough. The contents are packed right into a zip-top bag, making certain they keep dry within the rain. Nevertheless, it doesn’t embody drugs or something with an expiration date, so that you’ll want so as to add over-the-counter drugs and topical ointments your self.

The HART Open air Weekend is budget-friendly and crammed with important first support provides. Every thing inside is organized and straightforward to seek out, and the package has the whole lot wanted for emergency conditions. We consider it supplies one of the best worth to your cash whereas remaining compact, light-weight, and user-friendly.

PORTABILITY

In terms of selecting a primary support package for mountain climbing, portability is usually excessive on the checklist of things to contemplate. In spite of everything, a package that’s too huge and heavy runs the chance of being left at residence when you don’t suppose you’ve got sufficient room for it in your pack. Nevertheless, you must by no means head to the trailhead with out one, so deciding on a package that’s transportable and packable is essential. We took measurement and weight into consideration when rating first support kits, and some emerged on the high. 

Beginning with the reasonably priced, compact, and light-weight HART Open air Day Hike package, which is probably the most transportable first support package on this checklist. Weighing solely 3.5 ounces, it’s only barely bigger than a deck of playing cards. Its compact measurement made it virtually unnoticeable in our hip packs throughout straightforward hikes close to residence. This package is finest fitted to fast, easy excursions close to civilization.

Our favourite package additionally occurs to rank excessive in relation to portability: the Journey Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7. Weighing solely 8 ouncesand simply 2 inches thick, it slides simply right into a backpack for day hikes. It’s even stocked effectively sufficient for longer hikes or easy in a single day backpacking journeys.
The Journey Medical Kits Hiker is one other standout alternative for portability. Weighing 7.2 ounces, it’s barely heavier than the lightest possibility; nonetheless, it nonetheless features a first support guide together with important provides in a single handy package deal. It’s perfect for day hikes and straightforward in a single day journeys.

ORGANIZATION

Whereas a well-organized first support package is a fantastic factor, it’s not solely about aesthetics. In terms of treating accidents rapidly or comforting a crying little one, with the ability to swiftly find the provides and instruments you want is essential. Subsequently, a package with ample pockets, a simple organizational system, and clearly labeled sleeves or pouches could make a major distinction. Fortuitously, a number of kits stood out on this facet throughout testing. 

The HART Open air Weekend was one in all our favourite first support kits for group. It incorporates quite a few clear pockets and sleeves, all clearly labeled, and we had no bother finding the gadgets we would have liked. In reality, we discovered what we had been searching for quicker than in another package. It was additionally a pleasure to make use of.

Equally, the HART Open air Prolonged excels at organizing first support provides. It options the identical clear pockets and daring labels, offering a spot for the whole lot. It even features a detachable day hike package stocked with a collection of the most-used necessities, making packing for day journeys from base camp or fast excursions from residence simpler than ever.
One other model that excels at group and makes particular person provides straightforward to seek out is the Surviveware Small. It options probably the most individually labeled pockets, which had been mesh to help in looking out. We might find often used gadgets in seconds, together with further pockets for private drugs and extra provides.

QUANTITY & VARIETY

Whereas portability and group are vital, when you’re primarily involved with the contents of your first support package, then think about these choices. Every one shouldn’t be solely well-stocked with quite a lot of important gadgets, however we additionally factored within the range of things and whether or not the kits included provides for cuts and scrapes in addition to extra severe accidents. Additional credit score was given to choices containing trauma provides like nitrile gloves and CPR masks.

The HART Open air Prolonged package incorporates a formidable number of provides, together with drugs and true emergency provides. It additionally contains probably the most gadgets on a NOLS checklist of first support requirements, that means it’s the package we’d select for group backpacking journeys once we need one which’s stocked and able to deal with virtually any unexpected damage open air for a number of hikers.

The My Medic MyFak Mini additionally checks many packing containers on the NOLS checklist of important first support provides and some handy—however maybe much less important—extras. Furthermore, every packet of provides might be simply restocked and bought as-is by ordering on-line. This lets you add to or subtract out of your package to create the proper package for you.

On the intersection of portability and provide selection is the Journey Medical Kits Mountain Sequence Backpacker. It’s smaller than the kits talked about above, however almost as strong within the provide division–simply extra streamlined. It’s lacking a couple of trauma provides for extra severe accidents and emergencies, however these might be simply added when you want them.

QUALITY & DURABILITY

Lastly, there’s high quality and sturdiness to contemplate. Whilst you could have to restock your package on occasion, changing expired drugs or including extra gadgets, you shouldn’t need to buy a complete new package each different season. package ought to face up to use and abuse for years of out of doors adventures. Fortuitously, a couple of first support kits we examined stand out when it comes to high quality and sturdiness, together with water resistance.

The Cascade Traverse took high honors on this class because of the sturdy case manufactured from XPac material, a tightly woven artificial that stands as much as bumps, drops, and scrapes with ease. It’s waterproof, which meant we didn’t suppose twice about stashing it in an outdoor backpack pocket even when there was rain within the forecast. When it bought soaked, the contents stayed dry.

The Journey Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 additionally carried out admirably. Because of the internal waterproof packaging, it retains first support provides utterly dry within the rain. The outer package deal retains the internal zip-top and included provides equally free from particles and punctures. Even after tossing it in a bag with microspikes, it exhibits virtually no indicators of wear and tear.

For these searching for a package that’s virtually bomb-proof, the My Medic MyFak Mini is simply the factor. Though the case is just minimally waterproof, most gadgets inside are in particular person plastic pouches, which protects them from getting soggy in a downpour. Mix that with a strong case, sturdy carry choices, and heavy-duty straps, and also you’ve bought a package you by no means need to child.

The best way to Select a First Support Equipment

Clearly, not all first support kits are created equal, and never all are appropriate for each sort of journey or adventurer. Some are sufficient for straightforward hikes, whereas others are designed for backcountry journey, the place you’ll be removed from civilization. Maintain these concerns in thoughts when selecting one to make sure you find yourself with the proper package for you.

LENGTH OF TRIP

The very first thing to contemplate shouldn’t be solely how lengthy your journey is, but additionally how far you may be from civilization. A well-stocked package could also be bigger and extra cumbersome to pack, however when you’re three days from a trailhead, you’ll want extra first support provides to maintain you content and wholesome when you get harm. So for longer journeys, go for a package with multiples of the whole lot and loads of selection so that you’ll be lined for almost each eventuality. Many kits will even have the variety of days they’re finest fitted to printed on the packaging.

NUMBER OF PEOPLE

Equally, the variety of individuals you’re mountain climbing with also needs to affect your alternative of package. One individual requires fewer provides and drugs than 4 individuals in case multiple particular person turns into sick or injured. Guarantee your package incorporates sufficient for your complete group. Many kits could have the optimum variety of individuals for which the package is designed printed on the packaging.

WEIGHT & SIZE

Whereas it shouldn’t be the first consider selecting a primary support package, weight and measurement is usually a concern when mountain climbing and backpacking. Heavy, cumbersome kits could also be cumbersome and may not slot in your pack. Subsequently, when you’re going far or quick, it’s possible you’ll need to search for a package that’s small and light-weight however nonetheless incorporates the whole lot you want. When you’re mountain climbing with others, you could possibly divide provides and share the load.

MEDICATIONS INCLUDED

Not all first support kits mechanically embody drugs. To increase their shelf life (drugs have expiration dates), some lower-priced kits omit oral medicines like over-the-counter painkillers, antihistamines, or related merchandise. If you need a ready-to-use package, search for one which incorporates this stuff and test the expiration dates. It’s also possible to inventory a package your self with drugs it’s possible you’ll have already got in your drugs cupboard.

ARE EMERGENCY ESSENTIALS INCLUDED?

It’s straightforward to inventory a primary support package with over-the-counter drugs, however it’s typically more durable to seek out emergency provides like shears, CPR masks, and tourniquets. Think about prioritizing kits that embody these gadgets, together with trauma pads and different wound therapy gear, moderately than specializing in whether or not they comprise moleskin or medical tape.

DIY

A ultimate possibility is to construct your individual package, which might be cost-effective, however extra time consuming. You’ll have to compile all your individual provides individually, however most might be present in your native pharmacy. These with particular treatment wants, allergic reactions to latex, or different restrictions could discover it best to assemble their very own package. Seek the advice of lists produced by NOLS or the American Mountaineering Society for particulars on what ought to be included in a primary support package.

Conclusion

We’ve spent hours testing and evaluating quite a few first support kits over time. We’ve taken them mountain climbing, backpacking, tenting, and extra, and we’d by no means depart residence for outside adventures with out one. Our aim is that can assist you discover the proper gear for you, together with first support kits. So gear up with confidence, and right here’s hoping you by no means need to restock something in your new first support package besides bandages and blister remedies.