Sleeping under the stars is like nothing else – but it does come with risks. A great place to start is with our 2-person first aid kit. These packs are ideal for hikers, but can form the basis of a comprehensive camping first-aid kit. Keen to pack your own kit? Check out our list of essentials.
THE CREAMS THAT DEFINITELY DON'T GO ON SCONES
When you’re caught in a sticky situation camping out in the bush, don’t forget about the medications that can help.
- Antiseptic creams are the number one medicine for your camping first aid ki.
- Cold and flu medications.
- For allergic reactions, remember to include anti-inflammatory medication and antihistamines.
- Bug spray to stay clear of sandflies, mozzies and all the other bitey bugs.
BANDAGES ARE LIGHT BUT ESSENTIAL WHEN CAMPING OR HIKING
Disinfecting your wound is the first step. It is important that you cover it so that you don’t bump it and cause even more pain or expose it to flies or other causes of infection. When packing your camping first aid kit, include:
- Adhesive bandages of all sizes
- Cloth bandages to help support a sprain or similar
- Blister bandages to stay pain free for the rest of the trip
- Gauze and a pair of scissors (for hard-to-dress wounds)
- Heat pads and emergency blankets in case of emergency
A FEW TOOLS OF THE TRADE
There are a few first aid kit accessories that are particularly suited for camping:
- Tweezers can help you remove debris that may cause an infection in a deeper wound.
- Splints will help temporarily hold together a potentially broken bone until further medical attention can be sought
- A sharp blade (pocket knives are invaluable camping tools) if you want to quickly cut up materials
- Gloves will help you keep a wound clean when dressing it.
Our first aid kits include
- 9 x sterile gauze swabs -2pcs (7.6m x 7.6m)
- 3 x alcohol wipes
- 25 x plastic adhesive bandages
- 1 x roll of adhesive strapping (2.5m long)
- 2 x first aid dressing (pad: 10cm x 10cm, bandage: 2.7m long)
- 1 x premium wound dressing (BPC No.13)
- 1 x premium wound dressing (BPC No.14)
- 1 x premium wound dressing (BPC No.15)
- 1 x conforming bandage (50mm x 1.5m)
- 1 x conforming bandage (75mm x 1.5m)
- 1 x conforming bandage (100mm x 1.5m)
- 2 x triangular bandages
- 5 x safety pins
- 1 x scissors
- 1 x splinter forceps
- 1 x pencil
- 1 x notepad
- 3 x zip top plastic bags
- 1 x first aid guide
Other tips
- Tell others your intentions of your trip before you leave
- Stay warm and dry with appropriate outdoor clothing
- Keep a power bank for your phone with adaptable charging cables
- When hiking, a navigation device and map
- A whistle goes a long way when lost
- Matches kept in a waterproof container
- Keep a spare torch with extra batteries, or better yet, use a solar-powered one. The Goal Zero Crush Light packs up small and works well as an emergency solar-powered light.
- Include sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat, the great outdoors can be unkind at times.
- Pack a roll of duct tape – it has multiple uses in that it can help repair your tent, or broken tools, but also in an emergency, hold bandages together (just don’t directly apply it to your skin).