2020 update: Direct links have been removed as I have left the Amazon program.
Having the best survival first aid kit is not optional. This one is a requirement for any survivalist, prepper, or outdoorsman. You never know when you may need it.
Whether you’re looking for a first aid kit to prepare for catastrophes, need one just for hiking/outdoors, or want a serious EMS-style kit, I’ve got you covered.
I went through over many kits in excruciating detail to compile this list.
I did it for selfish reasons, because I needed a new one. But I figured I’d share my findings with everyone else so they didn’t have to go through that level of pain. Previously, I wrote about the best first aid kits in 2017. Now, it’s time for an update (although one kit from the last year still stuck around).
This top 5 list includes 5 categories. I choose 5 to pick the best first aid kits in their own group respectively, these categories include:
- Multipurpose
- Survivalist/Tactical
- Home/Work
- Mini
- Heavy Duty
Where multipurpose is a reliable kit all-around for many activities/reasons, survivalist is more trauma/tactical focused, home/work is for keeping around the house or at your business, mini is for travel-friendly size, and heavy duty is for someone that wants some serious first aid kit powers (on-par with EMS).
First off, let us discuss what you should be looking for in a first aid kit.
What Do I Need In A First Aid Kit?
The Red Cross recommends the following bare essentials. They recommend you buy a kit with these materials, or buy a kit and purchase anything missing to supplement it (Assuming a family of four—adjust as needed):
- 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
- 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
- 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
- 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
- 5 antiseptic wipe packets
- 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
- 1 blanket (space blanket)
- 1 instant cold compress
- 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
- 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
- Scissors
- 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
- 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
- 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
- 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
- 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
- Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
- 2 triangular bandages
- Tweezers
- First aid instruction booklet
Keep in mind that depending on what you will be using your kit for should change the contents of the bag pretty significantly. Someone that wants lightweight for hiking is not going to want to carry the heavy stuff needed to properly treat trauma quickly.
Match your reasons for getting the bag with the bag itself. Otherwise, when you need something you won’t be able to grab it as easily.
Quick Recommendation on First Aid Kits
- Multipurpose
A generalist kit will suit you best if you want a one-size fits all first aid kit. It will be the most versatile, and while not as lightweight as a mini, it will weigh less and be less specifically targeted over a tactical/heavy duty kit.
This makes it perfect for multitasking whether there is an emergency around the house, on a hike, or for use as a bugout bag.
- Survivalist/Tactical
A survivalist bag should be more geared toward bigger injuries rather than a multipurpose bag. This type of kit should include trauma equipment, for the instance of serious injury while out or at home.
This kit is better suited for a prepper or a journey hiker as it will cover more than a multipurpose bag will.
- Home/Work
This kit, or cabinet (as my pick indicates) will typically be heavier and most useful/easy to use for the average person. This choice should include just about everything you need for emergency in an easy-to-get-too container.
For home, I generally recommend full-on first aid cabinets instead of kits as moving them is no longer an issue, so having it steady somewhere in your house is fine. It’s also the easiest to supplement with, buy one and then add things to it as desired.
This also makes sense to include the business owner/industrial version here as well, since they can be interchangeable. Much easier to have a dedicated cabinet in either location.
- Mini
Mini first aid kits are best used for someone needing to pack ultra-light. Think: regular hiker, traveler, or a boat trip. In general, bug out bags are not recommended to be mini’s because you’d want more gear for a longer duration.
Minis are best used for short trips. Instead of hauling around a big bag on a 3 hour hike, you carry a mini which will grant adequate protection at a much lower price point. Or, they work great as a supplement to another bag (such as a general mini supplemented with a trauma-focused bag)
- Heavy Duty
This category is for those of you who want the full spectrum with everything included.
For my picks, heavy duty must meet EMS standards.
Special Note
Make sure to consider family size when buying a first aid kit. Getting a general 1-2 person multipurpose kit will not work if you have a family of 3+.
All the kits in this list besides the mini are adequate for at least a family of 4. But if you go outside or view other kits, just keep this in mind.
Also, don’t spend an extra $100 for extra Q-tips. Some bags have the “we have 300 pieces!” slogan but 200 of those pieces are actually just alcohol wipes or some other lame piece that no one actually needs a lot of. Read the actual pieces included before you buy.
Review: Top 5 Best Survival First Aid Kits
Multipurpose – Swiss Safe First Aid Kit
Quick Snapshot:
- 152 piece kit, 9 x 3 x 6 inches / weighs 1.2 pounds
- FDA Approved
- Includes an extra mini first aid kit
- Fully-Stocked
Includes:
- 10 Alcohol Prep Pad
- 30 Medium Bandages
- 10 Mini Finger Bandage
- 20 Cotton Tips
- 4 Knuckle Bandages
- 4 Fingertip Bandages
- 4 Butterfly Bandages
- 5 Gauze Pad
- 6 Antiseptic Wipes
- 4 Sting Relief Pad
- 2 PVC Gloves
- 1 Disposable Ice Pack
- 1 First Aid Tape
- 1 Trauma Pad
- 1 Compass
- 1 Moleskin Blister Relief
- 1 Triangular Bandages
- 1 Emergency Mylar Blanket
- 1 Whistle
- 1 Metal Scissors 15cm
- 1 CPR Mask
- 1 Tweezers
- 1 Sewing Kit
- 6 Safety Pins
- 1 Glow Stick
- 1 MINI FIRST AID KIT
Additional Benefits:
- Kit uses water resistant nylon (not waterproof, but it is resistant)
- Latex free
- Shelf life of over 3 years (some products 5+ years)
- My recommendation? Add a LifeStraw to it.
Overall, this is an excellent first aid kit. It has everything you need, covers the basics, is quality focused, and is versatile enough to be a multipurpose bag.
A lot of first aid kits say “250 pieces” for a cheap price. Remember, it’s likely these kits just include an extra 50 Q-Tips and 100 extra alcohol swabs. Swiss Safe actually has a mix of everything you need/want, no filler BS.
It will quickly become my #1 recommendation from now on when people ask me for first aid kits. It’s the all-purpose solution to first aid at home, work, or travel for an easy price.
Survivalist/Tactical – Delta Provision Co First Aid Kit w/ Israeli Bandage
Quick Snapshot:
- 130 piece kit. 9 x 6 x 3 inches / weighs 1.5 pounds
- Can handle small to large issues (broken bones/severe bleeding) – Good for bugout
- Includes roll up splint and Israeli battle dressing (most “tactical” bags don’t)
- Tough and durable nylon case and MOLLE/PALS compatible
Includes:
- Israeli Battle Dressing Compression Bandage
- 18″ Roll Up Splint
- Cold Pack
- CPR Mask
- Metal Medical Scissors
- Metal Tweezers
- Emergency Blanket
- Pair of Gloves
- Medical Tape
- PBT Bandage Roll
- Large Gauze Pads(2)
- Small Gauze Pads(4)
- Antiseptic Wipes(10)
- Alcohol Pads(5)
- Iodine Pads(5)
- Elastic Tourniquet
- Triangular Bandage
- Large Bandages(15)
- Medium Bandages(20)
- Small Bandages(15)
- Large Adhesive Wound Dressing
- Small Adhesive Wound Dressing
- Fingertip Bandages(10)
- Butterfly Closures(5)
- Safety Pins(2)
- Burn Cream(3)
- Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes(3)
- Cotton Swabs(5)
- Sting Relief Pads(5)
- Personal Medicine Bag
- Compass
- Whistle
- Razor Blade
- Tongue Depressor
- Eye Pad
- MOLLE/PALS Compatible Pouch
Additional Benefits:
- Versatile enough to double up as a heavier multipurpose kit
- Arguably the most “complete” but light medical kit.
- Easy access to everything in the bag, not difficult to use in emergency
This is a great bag for medical emergencies/trauma. Seriously, you won’t find another one that has all that stuff in good quality.
Naturally, depending on the trauma you are anticipating you may want to add some more items to it, but this bag covers all the basics. Unless you need that customization, you won’t need to touch it.
Out of all the kits on this list, this is the best for the prepper/survivalist or anyone getting things together in the event of a bug-out crisis. It has what you need and is easy to carry/use.
Home/Work – Medique Products Three Shelf First Aid Kit
Quick Snapshot:
- Content size depends. 16.2 x 13.8 x 5.5 inches / weighs 14.8 pounds
- Ideal for home/work emergency cabinet
- Heavy duty steel construction w/ powder coated finish
Includes:
- Mediwash eyewash 4oz (1)
- Antiseptic Spray 2oz Pump
- Antiseptic Wipes-XL 20s
- Alcohol Prep Pads 50s
- Tri-Antibiotic Ointment (25)
- Burn Spray 2oz
- Antiseptic Wipes-XL 20s
- Alcohol Prep Pads 50s
- Tri-Antibiotic Ointment (25)
- Ammonia Wipes (10)
- Burnaid Unit Dose
- 1/8oz 1X3 inches Plastic Strip 100s
- 3 inches Cottontip Applcator10S
- Adhesive TapeTriCut 5yd
- 3×3 inches Strle GauzePad 25s
- HW 7/8X3 inches Wvn Strip 50s
- Wvn Fingertip (40 bx)
- HW Wvn Knuckle 40s
- Eye Pads – Bulk.
- 5 x 9 pads (4)
- Bloodstopper Compress 9X5 (1s)
- 2×3 inches non-adh strle 100s
- Tri-Bandage non-strl 1s + pins
- Disposable Vinyl Gloves Pair/L
- First Aid Handbook
- Ice Pack
- Wire Scissors 4.5 inches
- Disposable Tweezers 100/bag
- Antacid 125X2 250s
- Pain Relief 125×2’s
- Large Cabinet Label
- CPR Mask
- Bulk Hand Sanitizer
- BurnAid Dress4x4
- 2 inches Stretch Roller Gauze NS
- 4 inches Stretch Roller Gauze
- Multi-Purpose Splint
- Latex Tourniquet
Additional Benefits:
- Industrial-style first aid cabinet for the price of a non-industrial version
- Perfect for remote locations/business owners
- Since it is an actual cabinet, it’s much easier to organize it and add things to it rather than a bag
- Has 3 shelfs and meets OSHA/ANSI requirements
- Kit has carry handles for easy transport
- Can be mounted on a wall relatively easily
Obviously, this kit is stationary. While it has a handle to carry, you’re not going to be carrying this thing very far, very often.
It’s perfect for someone looking for a stationary medical kit. It works way better than a bag in a work setting or a remote area.
I’d encourage anyone that owns a business to definitely stick with a cabinet like this. It also works well for people that want to install a dedicated first aid cabinet in their house, instead of dealing with a bag for home purposes.
Mini – I Go Compact First Aid Kit (Hard Shell)
Quick Snapshot:
- 85 piece kit. 6 x 4.3 x 2.4 inches / weighs 0.56 pounds
- Amazingly inexpensive
- FDA Approved
- Incredibly lightweight – dimensions mean it can fit anywhere
- Includes many essentials for small trips
Includes:
- 1 First Aid Guide
- 1 Scissors 9cm
- 1 Tweezer 12.5cm
- 1 Pair of vinyl gloves (L)
- 1 Mini Rescue Howler Whistle
- 3 Sting relief pads
- 6 Antiseptic towelettes
- 14 Alcohol prep pads
- 1 Triangular bandage with 2 pins
- 1 5″ x 9″ combine dressing
- 20 3/8″ x 1 1/2″ bandages
- 10 Adhesive Bandages 76x25mm
- 10 Butterfly bandages
- 1 Knuckle bandage
- 2 Dressing, Non-Adherent, Sterile, 2 x 3 inches
- 2pcs 4″ x 4″ sterile gauze pad 2pcs/pack
- 2pcs 3″ x 3″ sterile gauze pads 2pcs/pack
- 4 2″ x 2″ sterile gauze pads
- 1 Elastic Bandage 5cmx4.5m
- 1 Adhesive Tape 1.25cmx5m
- 1 Carabiner
- 1 Content card
- 1 EVA first aid bag 15x11x6.0cm
Additional Benefits:
- High-quality case and materials are included
- Aluminum carabineer for the climbers reading this
- Waterproof material for the cavers reading this
Make sure to note, this is a MINI BAG. Do not expect to get all the essentials out of it. It’s mainly for small trips/when you can’t have your normal bag (or as supplement to a regular bag).
With that in mind, this is arguably the best of the best. It has a wide assortment of good materials, and the case is phenomenal for the price.
A word of warning: there is no tape to apply the gauze, you will need to buy that separately. But if you get that, it’s a winning combo of a package. With everything else, you’ll be all set.
Heavy Duty – Lightning X First Responder First Aid Full Kit (EMT/EMS Version)
Quick Snapshot:
- 200+ piece kit. 17″ x 9″ x 11″ / weighs 7 pounds
- EMS/EMT Trauma Bag
- Ridiculous number of compartments/pockets for storage
- Medical Fill Kit B
- Most amount of supplies
Includes:
- Tweezers
- Kelly Hemostats
- Trauma Sheers
- Bandage Sheers
- Penlight
- Ammonia Ampules (10)
- Band-Aids (100)
- 4″ x 4″ Gauze Pads (50)
- 2″ Roll Gauze (2)
- 3″ Roll Gauze (2)
- 4″ Roll Gauze (2)
- 2″ Self-Adherent Bandage (2)
- 2″ Elastic Ace Bandage (2)
- 5″ x 7″ ABD Pad (2)
- 8″ x 10″ ABD Pad (2)
- 1″ Roll Cloth Tape
- Iodine Wipes (10)
- Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes (10)
- Triple Antibiotic Ointment 1/2 oz
- Instant Cold Packs (2)
- Eye Pads (2)
- Triangle Bandage (2)
- Eye Wash Irrigation Solution
- Exam Gloves (4)
- Universal SAM Finger Splint
- Oral Glucose Gel
- Adult Blood Pressure Cuff w/ Case
- Sprague Stethoscope
- CPR Mask
- Oropharyngeal Airway Kit (6)
- Iodine Wipes (10)
- Sting & Bite Relief Swabs (10)
- First Aid Guide
- Petroleum Gauze
- Vaseline Gauze
Additional Benefits:
- Multiple colors available
- Star of Life logo is embroidered (not screen printed) into the bag
- Foam dividers separate main compartment
- Large enough to fit all your supplies, small enough to fit in your car and take with you
Without a doubt, this bag is the best heavy duty bag around. It’s perfect for volunteer EMT/first responders, so it’s perfect for mad preppers/survivalists/bug out specialists.
Check out the reviews on it. Most EMS even call it a great bag. It’s a jump bag for a reason.
If you’re looking for the most heavy duty first aid around at a reasonable price, this is it. Check it out.
Summary
There you have it. The top 5 best first aid kits split up into their respective categories.
I personally got the Delta Provision Co First Aid Kit (Survivalist/Tactical) because it suited my needs best. I supplemented it with some additional things I wanted to be sure to have in it.
But any of these first aid kits will do you wonders. They are excellent, well-made, well-reviewed, and affordable.
I hope this article helps you out in your search of an excellent first aid kit. Any questions you can contact me or drop a comment below.
More interested in building your own kit? I got you covered: Check out my article here: The Ultimate Guide: How To Build Your Own Survival/First Aid Kit
