Being prepared can come in many forms, from CPR training, to water reserves, to backup generators, but one of the easiest, more affordable and most necessary forms of preparedness is a first aid kit. They’re something that we often forget to purchase until the moment we need one. If you’re reading this, you likely need a first aid kit. We’ve included three excellent kits that can make the difference between a bad day and a tragic day.
The first aid kits we’ve included below are robust in their offerings and small in physical size. One of the main reasons people often go without a first aid kit, whether in their car, home, office, when traveling or exploring the great outdoors, is because of the kit’s size and weight. The kits we’ve included range from 1 to 1.8 pounds, making them small enough to fit inside your glove box or easily attach to a hiking backpack.
First aid kits are a must-have when traveling, with something as small as a blister threatening to derail an entire trip if not cleaned and treated quickly. But first aid kits are also important to have for everyday use. While it may seem easy to swing by the drug store and pick up a few band-aids the next time you cut your hand at home or work, first aid kits are packed with essentials that we often don’t realize we need until there’s an emergency, like an ice pack, gauze, sting relief, and bandages that can be used in the case of a burn or insect bite. These items can help to minimize pain and permanent damage until an ambulance arrives.
Keep yourself and your loved ones safe and stock your home, car, office, and suitcase with one of these must-have first aid kits.
1. M2 BASICS 300 Piece First Aid Kit
The M2 BASICS 300 Piece First Aid Kit easily attaches to bikes, bags and more with a carabiner and features 40 unique items, including an emergency blanket, an instant cold compressor, and a tourniquet.
Pros: The M2 is the most extensive kit on our list, with 300 items, including medical tape, alcohol wipes, povidone-iodine wipes, antiseptic towelettes, and much more.
Cons: Could be better organized internally.
2. First Aid Only All-Purpose First Aid Kit
If you need a kit that goes beyond the basic three bandages that some kits provide, then this kit, which contains almost 300 pieces, may be the one for you. The first aid essentials are in an easy-to-carry soft pouch. There are bandages, instant cold packs, antibiotic ointments, and various types of pain relief pills.
Pros: Good value for plenty of bandages and other first aid gear. Easy to organize nylon pouch with dividers.
Cons: Could use more gauze.
3. Protect Life First Aid Kit
This kit from Protect Life comes in a soft pouch. The pouch is red with a white cross and has convenient carrying handles, and the inside of the pouch has various organizational pockets and sleeves. 200 pieces are in the kit, including bandages, alcohol prep pads, an emergency blanket and a CPR face mask.
Pros: Conveniently organized pouch with transparent sleeves to easily find what you need. 200 total pieces.
Cons: Scissors and tweezers are not the most high quality.