Ah, camping. There’s really nothing like communing with nature, singing around the campfire, cooking over open flames, and sleeping under the stars. But even the best camping trip can come with scrapes and bruises, sprains and strains, or unexpected GI issues and allergies.
First-aid kits are essential in every situation, and camping is no exception—whether you’re heading to the backcountry or pitching a tent at a local lake. When your medical and safety items are in one place and easy to access, you can save valuable time when treating a cut or allergic reaction. And while you may have a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home, what you’ll need in the great outdoors requires a bit more preparation.
What should you pack in a camping first-aid kit?
Begin with the basics.
Every well-stocked first-aid kit starts with a solid foundation. You can build your own or purchase a pre-made kit. Either way, it should include:
- Adhesive bandages of various sizes
- Antiseptic cream or spray
- Antibiotic ointment
- Medical tape
- Gauze
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Sterile wipes
- Scissors
- Non-latex gloves
- Tweezers
- Emergency blanket
Add camping-specific essentials
When camping, you may not have access to running water—or it may not be safe to move someone who is injured. These additional items help you treat issues on the spot:
- Aloe vera gel
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunscreen
- Eye drops
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Antihistamines for allergic reactions
- Thermometer
- Hot and cold packs
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Moleskin for blisters
- Prescription medications
- Epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen)
- Multi-use tool or knife
- Safety pins
- Hand mirror and whistle (for signaling location if needed)
Even if some of these items are already part of your camping gear, it’s helpful to keep extras in your first-aid kit.
How to keep your first-aid kit stocked
Building a first-aid kit is step one—keeping it ready is just as important.
- Keep a checklist of essential items and review it regularly
- Check your kit before every camping trip
- Set reminders to check expiration dates and replace supplies
- Move short shelf-life items to your home kit so they don’t go to waste
Indigo makes it easy to get care, even when you’re off the grid
A well-stocked first-aid kit will help ensure small scratches don’t become bigger problems. But even the best-prepared campers may still need medical attention.
For some minor illnesses and injuries, you may not even need to leave the comfort of your campsite. Indigo Virtual Care offers online care for adults and kids.
If you need to be seen in person, we have 45+ Indigo Urgent Care locations. Our friendly medical providers are available 8 am to 8 pm every day to treat a wide range of minor illness and injuries, from rashes and allergies to sprains and strains.
