[The RV Way]

Alright, fellow campers, let’s talk about something we all hope we never have to use, but absolutely must have – the camping first aid kit. 🚑

Now, I’ll admit, in my early camping days, my idea of a first aid kit was… let’s just say incomplete (read: a half-used roll of duct tape and some ibuprofen rattling around in my backpack). But after a few scrapes, burns, and one unfortunate run-in with a very determined mosquito swarm, I got serious about building a real, well-stocked first aid kit.

So, what makes the ultimate camping first aid kit? Here’s my take on the top 5 must-have items—let me know if you agree, or if I’m missing some lifesaving essentials!

1. Adventure Medical Kits – Mountain Series 🏔️
If you’re heading deep into the wild, this kit has everything—from wound care and blister treatment to serious trauma supplies. Comes in different sizes, but even the smaller versions pack a punch.

✔ Pros: Super well-organized, waterproof bag, designed for backcountry emergencies
❌ Cons: A little pricey, but can you really put a price on not bleeding out in the woods?

2. SWAT-T Tourniquet 🩸
Now, I know what you’re thinking—”A tourniquet? Really?” Yep. If you’re camping in remote areas, you need something for severe bleeding. The SWAT-T is super easy to use, doubles as a compression wrap, and is compact enough to toss in any kit.

✔ Pros: Multi-use, life-saving, easy to apply
❌ Cons: Hopefully, you never have to use it, but it’s so worth carrying

3. After Bite Itch Eraser 🦟
For those times when mosquitos mistake you for an all-you-can-eat buffet. This stuff neutralizes the itch fast and stops you from scratching yourself raw.

✔ Pros: Compact, effective, kid-friendly
❌ Cons: Doesn’t prevent the bites, just soothes them—so don’t skip the bug spray!

4. Leatherman Raptor Trauma Shears ✂️
Way cooler than your average pair of scissors. These bad boys can cut through seat belts, thick fabric, and bandages with ease. Plus, they fold up and clip right onto your belt—so you can look extra prepared around the campfire.

✔ Pros: Rugged, reliable, and can cut just about anything
❌ Cons: Kind of overkill for minor cuts, but very useful for real emergencies

5. QuikClot Advanced Clotting Gauze 🚑
For those “Oops, I shouldn’t have used my knife that way” moments. This stuff stops bleeding fast, making it a must-have for serious wounds.

✔ Pros: Works fast, small and lightweight, trusted by military and first responders
❌ Cons: Pricey, but your health is priceless!

So, that’s my take on the must-have first aid kit items for camping! I know everyone has their own go-to gear, so tell me:

🤔 What’s in YOUR camping first aid kit?
🔍 Any underrated products I should add to mine?
💡 What’s the weirdest injury you’ve had while camping? (No judgment—I once burned my hand on a marshmallow that was way too molten).

Let’s hear your best first aid kit recommendations! ⛺🔥

[Hammock Hiker]

Don’t Forget the “Ouch Creams” and Weird Must-Haves

Okay, I thought I had everything in my first aid kit—bandages, antiseptic wipes, a heroic roll of gauze—but on one trip, I realized I forgot some MVPs: the “ouch creams.”

Here are a few weird but wonderful additions I now never leave home without:

🧴 Tecnu Original Poison Oak & Ivy Skin Cleanser
I used to think poison ivy was a myth… until I practically rolled in it. Tecnu saved my sanity. It helps remove the oils before they spread—and yes, it works after exposure too.

✔ Keeps the itch demons at bay
✔ Doubles as a great “I told you so” moment when your friend says, “I don’t think that was poison ivy.”

🐍 Sawyer Extractor Pump Kit
No, it’s not a miracle worker, but it gives you a fighting chance with bee stings, mosquito bites, or the occasional panic about “was that a snake or a stick?”

✔ Not a substitute for proper snakebite treatment, but handy for minor venom/sting situations
✔ Feels oddly satisfying to use

Bonus tip: I also toss in an old toothbrush (great for scrubbing wounds gently) and Benadryl (because allergic reactions never RSVP).

Anyone else have some oddly specific first aid kit additions? I love hearing the “no one else packs this, but I swear by it” items!

[Author]

Posts