As a direct impact of the pandemic, the sales of first aid kits have increased dramatically. The market is well supplied, and there are plenty to choose from. But they are not all good. That is why we tested many different products and compiled the best first aid kit list, consisting of 10 different kits that will suit everybody’s needs.
Furthermore, we came up with a few vital features that will help you determine which one is perfect for you and your family.
Finding a good kit doesn’t have to be difficult if you know where to look for it. So, without further ado, let’s get you a high-quality kit.
Top 3 Recommendations
2. FalconTac Tactical Molle First Aid Kit
Features
- Compact
- Water-repellent pouch
- Large quantities of supplies for two people
Price: From $24.95
Best First Aid Kits in 2022
First Aid Only All-Purpose Kit
Pros
- Compact
- Affordable
- Well organized
- Painkillers included
Cons
- Too many similar items in the kit
This kit is compact and easy to organize. This makes it easy to store in your backpack or your car.
The Bag
The outside dimensions are 9.25 x 2.9 x 7 inches, making it easy to carry. Furthermore, the case is made from durable, quality materials. In addition, it has four separate compartments and clear plastic pockets. As a result, you’ll easily be able to find what you need.
The Contents
Despite being small, this portable medical kit is full of supplies. You will find almost 300 essentials for treating minor injuries. Besides alcohol, antibiotics, and antiseptic wipes, it consists of various types of bandages and pads.
Furthermore, you will have everything you’ll need for wound cleaning and closure, such as butterfly strips and gauze rolls. In addition, the kit contains vinyl gloves, tweezers, scissors, and a thermometer. You also won’t have to pack painkillers separately as the kit comes with aspirin and ibuprofen.
Although it’s not the sturdiest, due to its small size, it makes a good travel first aid kit. Moreover, it has six antibiotic ointment packs, which are always good to have. This kit is great to have during outdoor trips as it also comes with three insect sting-relief pads.
What we didn’t like
There are a lot of the same or similar things in the kit. For instance, you get plenty of gauzes of different (but very similar) sizes, which is redundant.
VSSL Mini First Aid Kit
Pros
- Compact
- Waterproof
- Contains a sewing kit
Cons
- Not enough essentials for larger group
The Bag
It has a unique design, and it’s tiny, which allows you to carry it wherever you go. The compact container is only 2 inches wide and 6.75 inches tall. Inside, you will find three different tins where the supplies are stored. Furthermore, the container is from 6061 military-grade aluminum, and it’s waterproof. These unique features make VSSL First Aid Mini probably the best pocket first aid kit on our list.
The Contents
The kit has 16 different first aid essentials and a total of 46 supplies. As we already mentioned, the supplies come in three separate tins. The first one is for cleaning and covering scrapes and wounds. It contains antiseptic wipes, wound-closure strips, antibiotic ointment, and large bandages.
You should open the second tin when you have to administer first aid. It has a razor blade, safety pins, tweezers, medical gloves, an emergency whistle, and a sewing kit.
Lastly, the third can is to help you with outdoor emergencies. First aid kit contents include thermometers, adventure tape, a burn and pain cream, knuckle bandages, blister pads, and a gauze pad.
What We Didn’t Like
This kit is perfect for traveling, and you’ll be able to store it anywhere. However, its size means it has a smaller number of essentials than most other kits. In conclusion, it’s a compromise solution, but a good one.
Adventure Ultralight and Watertight Medical Kit
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Two-stage waterproofing
- Lightweight
- Durable
Cons
- It is pricey
This kit is lightweight and portable, and it contains enough supplies to help up to two people for four days. Thus, you already have a pretty good idea of how equipped the kit is. Some users consider the adventure product to be the best first aid kit for anything. You can take it with you on camping, put it in your car, or store it in your house for emergencies. It even has allergy treatment supplies.
The bag
The bag this kit comes in is made out of nylon and has a water-resistant zipper. We instantly noticed the high-quality, durable material of this bag. Furthermore, with all of the supplies inside, the kit weighs only 8 ounces.
The contents
The kit contains all of the basic first aid kit supplies you’ll find in any other product of this kind. It comes with butterfly-closure strips, antiseptic wipes, sterile dressings, and various types of bandages. Moreover, some of the supplies you’ll find are nitrile gloves, adhesive tape, moleskin pieces, duct tape, safety pins, and alcohol swabs.
For stings and splinters, you will have two sting-relief wipes and a splinter picker forceps. When it comes to medications, the Adventure Medical Kit has ibuprofen, aspirin, as well as an antihistamine.
What We Didn’t Like
It’s important to note that the quantities in the kit are pretty low. This means you will need to refill the bag every time you use it.
Lightning X Deluxe EMT First Aid Kit Trauma Bag
Pros
- An extensive list of supplies
- Designed for first responders
- Reflective tape for improved visibility of the bag
Cons
- Heavy and expensive
Lightning X Deluxe EMT First Aid Trauma Bag has one of the most comprehensive lists of supplies out of all kits on our list. But this means its size and weight don’t make it suitable for carrying around. However, this one is likely the best tactical first aid kit, and it’s perfect to have at your home for emergencies.
It is excellent for first responders and people who want to have an all-inclusive kit around the house in case of natural disasters and other unforeseen events.
The bag
This product comes in a large bag with padded shoulder straps that will help you carry it around. The bag has removable foam dividers. Thus, you can customize the inside of the main compartment however you want. You will also notice a yellow reflective tape on both sides of the bag, making it more visible.
The contents of the kit
If you’re not sure what should be in a first aid kit, you shouldn’t look at the contents of this bag as the answer. That’s because it has way more supplies than a person needs in their kit. For instance, this product even contains an airway kit, blood pressure monitor, and a stethoscope.
What we didn’t like
The kit contains too many items for an average user.
But, we have to admit, it is not intended for inexperienced users. So, if you are considering buying this kit, we recommend getting first aid training. That way, you can be confident you can react appropriately if need arises.
FalconTac Tactical Molle First Aid Kit
Pros
- Compact
- Water-repellent pouch
- Large quantities of supplies for two people
Cons
- No burn cream
FalconTac is another tactical kit that will come in handy for emergencies. Besides the first aid supplies, it comes with an emergency whistle and a glow stick, which will help you send out a signal in emergencies.
The bag
The design of the bag resembles military first aid kits. In addition, the pouch is water-repellent, compact, and durable. It has multiple compartments that will make it easy to find supplies. What’s more, the bag has elastic straps that keep everything in place. The strips on the back of the pouch allow you to strap it onto any molle bag. Thus, it’s great for short trips, camping, and fishing.
The contents of the kit
The bag contains 200 essentials that will help you treat wounds, burns, cuts, and even hypothermia. The product also has a 1-year warranty.
FalconTac Tactical contains all the basics most people covered on the Red Cross first aid kit list. It comes with all sorts of bandages such as adhesive, knuckle, fingertip, mini bandage, PBT, butterfly, and a triangular bandage.
In addition, the kit has 40 alcohol pads, a sting relief, two pairs of gloves, a first-aid tape, shears, and a burn dressing. You’ll also find a CPR mask, tweezers, safety pins, an emergency blanket, wipes, and an eye pad amidst other pads.
What we didn’t like
The kit doesn’t contain medicine like painkillers, antibiotics, or antihistamines. You can buy these separately, but the kit is so tightly packed that it doesn’t offer room for additional supplies.
Surviveware Large Car First Aid Kit
Pros
- Large quantities of supplies
- Has an extra 50-piece mini kit
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Large
The kit comes with 200 first aid essentials, so it is pretty big. That makes it clunky to carry around but ideal for larger parties, organized camping trips or keeping it in your car. Inside the larger kit, there is a 50-piece mini kit. You can take it with you on your camping trip and leave the large one in your car or at home. This makes it a champion of versatility on our first aid kit list.
The bag
This kit is a registered FDA Medical Device and it is FSA / HSA eligible. The bag is red and made from high-quality rip resistant 600D polyester. The manufacturer states that it can withstand the worst conditions.
What’s more, both the bag and the inner components are water-resistant. That’s because the supplies are in laminate pouches that protect them from damage. Features like these make it the best first aid kit for your workshop because there is a danger of spilled fluids like oils, for instance.
The components of the bag are also neatly labeled and organized. This means you won’t have to spend too much time finding what you need in case of an emergency.
The contents of the kit
By examining the contents of this kit, we can conclude that it contains most of the supplies you can find in any other product of this kind. However, the quantities of the product are what sets this kit apart from others.
This large first aid kit will last you a long time. Moreover, you can take it with you on longer trips and know that the whole family can rely on it. And you are also covered if you need something to keep you safe on your solo adventures.
What we didn’t like
The band-aides in the kit are mostly large, and you would need to cut them to be suitable for a young kid. Also, no butterfly closures (butterfly stitches).
Adventure Backpacker Emergency First Aid Kit
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Not enough supplies for longer trips
As the name suggests, this kit is excellent for your outdoor adventures. It’s durable and small enough to fit into any backpack.
The pouch
The pouch is durable and water-resistant. Furthermore, it’s lightweight – the whole kit weighs less than a pound! The manufacturer made sure you can easily find everything you might need during emergencies.
This small first aid kit has five sections: wound care/burn/blister, medication, cuts and scrapes, instrument, and the ”stop bleeding“ part. The sections have labels with a reflective font, which will help you find it no matter how dark it is.
The contents
The contents of the bag will help you manage pain, allergies, fevers, stomach aches, and minor injuries. Some of the items you’ll find in the pouch are an irrigation syringe, tincture of benzoin, butterfly bandages, a large trauma pad, moleskin, and various dressings.
Even though this basic first aid kit contains 96 essential items, users will have to add certain supplies. For instance, it doesn’t include a CPR mask or gloves. In addition, the quantities of supplies are low.
However, we have to point out once again the great organization and clearly marked sections for different types of emergencies. This means you won’t be wasting any items. To clarify—In cases of emergency, people often just go through first aid kit items, opening one after another until they find what they need. Once a plastic cover from gauze or bandage is open, it’s no longer sterile, thus useless.
What we didn’t like
The bag is pretty cramped, and there is little room for additional items. For instance, many people like to add a small flashlight or prescription medication. If you somehow manage to squeeze them in, you have to be careful closing it because you might damage the zipper.
Be Smart Get Prepared Home First Aid Kit
Pros
- Enough supplies for up to 50 people
- Well organized
- Contains a wound dressing hydrogel
Cons
- The box could be sturdier
Large dimensions and a plastic shell with right angles don’t make it ideal for fitting in your backpack. Still, it’s great for home and small-business use, as it meets OSHA and ANSI guidelines for 50 people.
The case
This kit comes in a plastic case (10x8x3 inches) that you can mount to a wall. The latches are easy to open and provide quick access. Inside the box, you will find a couple of compartments.
They make the items easy to find and the ability to organize the case according to your needs. This feature makes this one of the best first aid kits for people with specific needs, such as prescription meds, EpiPens, and similar. However, since the box is cramped, you will have to remove some standard items to put them in.
The contents
Inside the case, you’ll find 250 pieces of first aid essentials. Besides the basic supplies, there is also a wound dressing gel hydrogel, which you won’t see in most kits. What’s more, this kit also has an extensive selection of medicines.
What we didn’t like
The box itself doesn’t look or feel very sturdy. So, if you are going to keep it in your private or business workshop, it might not be the best first aid kit for you.
My Medic MyFak
Pros
- Advanced medical equipment
- E-book
- Large supply quantity
Cons
- Expensive
My Medic MyFak is an excellent option for adventurists and outdoorsy people. However, it’s not very small nor light (2.1 pounds), so it’s more suitable for larger parties. Carrying it around for one person only is not really sensible. And if you need it just for yourself, maybe you should reconsider your life choices.
The bag
Its design makes it great for outdoor adventures. In addition, the bag is made from waterproof high-quality Cordura nylon. This means it will be able to survive extreme conditions. The items are placed in mesh pockets, which makes them easy to find and take out.
The contents
MyFak is the only first aid kit with a thermometer on our list. Furthermore, it has supplies for burns, fractures, and topical conditions. This is one of the best-equipped kits — It even has a penlight and water purification tablets. In addition, camping beginners will be happy with a first aid and survival ebook they will find on the My Medic website.
What we didn’t like
The kit is well-equipped but extremely expensive.
Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Compact Kit
Pros
- Portable
- Light
- Well-organized
Cons
- No bandage tape
We’re finishing off our list with Johnson & Johnson Compact Kit. As its name states, this one is a small, all-purpose kit that includes most of the basics you’ll need in a personal first aid kit. It will help you take care of minor wounds, burns, itches, pain, rashes, scrapes, and insect bites.
The case
Johnson & Johnson kit is portable and weighs around 1 pound. The red case is plastic, opens like a box, and provides easy access. In addition, the items are well arranged, and you can simply scan to find what you need.
The contents
This kit contains 140 pieces of supplies, and all of them are brand-name products you see in commercials or on the shelves in your pharmacy. And this is the kit’s strongest side.It also makes it the best first aid kit for people focused on quality. All items are produced by Johnson & Johnson, not just gathered from no-name suppliers all over the world and placed in a box with a brand sticker.
To clarify, one of the most common complaints is that the items in the kit are often of less quality than the bag. You won’t have such a problem here. The kit includes wipes, rolled gauze, gauze pads, a cream for itches, antibiotic cream, acetaminophen caplets, an instant cold pack, and other supplies to help you in emergencies.
What we didn’t like
The kit lacks some essentials like a bandage tape and focuses heavily on different Band-Aids, creams, and medication.
How Do I Choose a First Aid Kit – What to Look For
If you’ve already done some research, you’re aware of how many first aid kits there are on the market. But, it’s easier to narrow down your research if you know what to look for in a first aid kit. So, based on your needs, we have a couple of features you should keep in mind.
Who Will Use It
You should consider who will use the kit. The needs change with age. For instance, babies, toddlers, teens, and adults have different needs and different hazards lurking. Babies might have diaper rash, toddlers will have scraped knees for falling off their bicycles.
Size matters. For instance, the scissors and tweezers in a baby first aid kit are much smaller, without pointy tips. It wouldn’t be safe to use adult-size instruments around a baby.
The Material
This one is pretty simple: if you want to keep your kit at home, water-resistant soft materials are helpful but unnecessary. However, they are essential if you are getting a kit for your rock climbing or kayaking trip.
Durable and waterproof high-quality materials are your best bet in these cases. If you need a first aid kit for an Amazon adventure, it has to be tougher than the one you took on your picnic. Namely, the only way it can help you survive harsh conditions is if it survives them first.
Size and Weight
The importance of the size and the weight of your kit depends on your needs.Namely, if you want a kit for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities, you should look for ones that are compact and portable.
On the other hand, those that want a product for their home, office, or car, should opt for a larger kit. They are usually better equipped, which means you won’t have to buy any additional supplies.
The Contents
Before checking the first aid kits contents list, you should learn the basics that every kit has to contain:
- Various kinds of bandages such as adhesive, roller, triangular, butterfly
- Compress dressings
- Adhesive tape
- Antiseptic wipes
- Tweezers
- A burn cream
- Alcohol wipes
- A cream for insect bites
- Antibiotic ointments
- A gauze roll
- Safety pins
- Cotton tips
- Iodine prep pad
- A CPR mask
- Gloves
- Painkillers
- A rash cream
- A thermal blanket
Some people prefer to buy some of the supplies like medication, a CPR mask, and tweezers on their own. On the other hand, others would like more advanced equipment. Thus, the choice depends on what you need from your first aid kit.
Best First Aid Kit – Conclusion
There are plenty of kits on the market that look like they can survive a point-blank nuclear blast, and that’s great. But that’s not their primary task. Namely, their number one mission is to help you.
Kits that look tough but provide little value in terms of content are no more help than a bodyguard flexing his muscles in front of the mirror while you are being shot. That’s why you need something in between.
Namely, something that will provide you with a sense of security and actually be helpful if you need it. Just keep in mind that having a first aid kit doesn’t mean you should be reckless.
People Also Ask
A basic first aid kit will usually cost you from $10 to $50. Most of those kits contain basic supplies. On the other hand, if you want more advanced equipment in your kit, be prepared to spend more money. Some kits with an extensive list of first aid essentials can go up to $300. Is the price justified? Well, some people believe so.
You can get great affordable kits, or you can build your own in a dollar store. Your choice depends on what kind of supplies you want in your set. Those who wish to get the basics would be better off buying a kit instead of making it. You can also buy a cheap basic kit and stock it with additional supplies on your own.
The first step to addressing a wound is to stop the bleeding by applying pressure using a bandage or a clean cloth. Then, you should clean the wound with water. If there’s still dirt on the hurt place, you can use tweezers that you’ve previously cleaned with alcohol to remove it. The last step is to cover the injury with a clean dressing and a bandage.
If you need a kit you can bring on your outdoor adventures, go for either Adventure Ultralight Watertight Medical Kit, Johnson & Johnson Kit, VSSL First Aid Mini, or Adventure Backpacker Medical Kit. Other great compact kits (from our list) are First Aid Only, FalconTac, and My Medic MyFak First Aid Kit.
Those that need a product with more supplies should go for either Be Smart Get Prepared First Aid Kit, Surviveware Large First Aid Kit, or Lightning X Deluxe Trauma Bag. You should keep in mind that there is no best first aid kit in general, just the one that’s best for you.