Updated September 1, 2024
Anywhere you are there is a significant chance you or someone with you will need first aid at some point. It can be at home, in your car, at work, camping, boating, or anywhere, really. There is a large variety of first aid kits of different sizes and capabilities available to provide a bridge for you until you can get to treatment by a professional if needed. Portability and the number of materials and treatment options vary considerably from kit to kit.
To help in your selection process some top first aid kits are reviewed below. For a starter, there is a comparison table followed by descriptions, features, photos, and a simple buying guide at the end.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
Best First Aid Kits Reviews
- Surviveware Waterproof First Aid Kit
- Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Kit
- Be Smart Get Prepared 326 Piece First Aid Kit
- Lightning X First Responder EMT/EMS Backpack
- DeftGet First Aid Kit
- Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight and Watertight .7
- Marine 600 Medical Kit with Dry Box
- Be Smart Get Prepared 100 Piece First Aid Kit
- Survival Work/Home First Aid Kit
Best First Aid Kits Comparison Table
| Picture | First Aid Kit | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Surviveware Waterproof First Aid Kit | 9 x 7 x 4 inches | 2.25 pounds | $$$ |
  | Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Kit | 9 x 3 x 6 inches | 1.2 pounds | $ |
  | Be Smart Get Prepared 326 Piece First Aid Kit | 13 x 12 x 4 inches | 3.2 pounds (Shipping Weight) | $$ |
  | Lightning X First Responder EMT/EMS Backpack | 17.5 x 12.4 x 9.5 inches | 9 pounds (Shipping Weight) | $$$$ |
  | DeftGet First Aid Kit | 8.2 x 5.1 x 2 inches | 10.7 ounces | $$ |
  | Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight and Watertight .7 | 7.75 x 6 x 2.25 inches | 5.9 ounces | $$ |
  | Marine 600 Medical Kit with Dry Box | 11.8 x 10.6 x 6.9 inches | 7 pounds 4 ounces | $$$$ |
  | Be Smart Get Prepared 100 Piece First Aid Kit | 7.5 x 2.5 x 6.8 inches | 8 ounces (Shipping Weight) | $ |
  | Survival Work/Home First Aid Kit | 7.1 x 4.7 x 11 inches | 3.42 pounds | $$$ |
| Picture | First Aid Kit | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
Surviveware Waterproof First Aid Kit
The Surviveware Waterproof First Aid Kit is great for watersports, boating, and marine use.
The durable 600D TPU material is constructed with welded seams and a water-tight zipper that give it a waterproof rating of IPX7.
Medium-sized at 2.25 pounds it has over 200 first aid items including a CPR kit and an emergency blanket that are well organized by categories in sleeves.
There are numerous options for storage including D-rings and an adjustable strap for hanging, and a Molle system of straps and snaps for other attachment options.
- IPX7 (30 minutes at 1 meter) waterproof bag
- 600D TPU construction with welded seams and a water-tight zipper
- Sleeve compartments labeled by category
- Advanced First Aid Handbook and Information Guide included
- More than 200 items including 6-inch shears, an emergency blanket, tweezers, a removable CPR kit, and a range of disinfecting, dressing, and bandaging materials
- D-rings, adjustable straps, and Molle system for attachment
- Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 4 inches
- Weight: 2.25 pounds
Price: $$$
Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Kit
The Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Kit has a larger bag with 120 medical-grade first aid items and a mini-kit of 32 items great for taking on outings away from your main group when camping, hiking, or boating.
Emergency survival items include a compass, whistle, and glowstick along with a nice array of cleansing, bandaging, and CPR materials.
Lightweight at 1.2 pounds, it comes in a durable tear and water-resistant nylon bag with a convenient handle and has a 100% satisfaction or your money-back guarantee.
- Water-resistant nylon bag
- 120 medical-grade items in the main kit
- Mini-kit in a pouch with 32 items included within the main kit
- 18-page First Aid Guide included
- Includes survival items like a whistle, compass, and glow-stick
- Dimensions: 9 x 3 x 6 inches
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
- 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee
Price: $
Be Smart Get Prepared 326 Piece First Aid Kit
This Be Smart Get Prepared First Aid Kit has 326 items that meet FDA approval standards. OSHA and ANSI guidelines are exceeded for use in public facilities and rated for 100 people.
Great for home and office use, it is also handy and easily portable for outings on a boat or into the woods.
The kit made of durable high-density plastic is easily portable as well as wall-mountable and well-organized.
It has a nice array of cleaning, treating, and protection materials, along with applicators, splints, scissors, tape, and examination gloves.
- Durable high-density wall-mountable easily portable plastic case
- FDA-approved and compliant with OSHA and ANSI guidelines
- Range of 326 items
- Case organized into compartments, and tilting shelves, with sliding lock latches
- Dimensions: 13 x 12 x 4 inches
- Weight: 3.2 pounds (shipping weight)
Price: $$
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Lightning X First Responder EMT/EMS Backpack
The Lightning X First Responder EMT/EMS Backpack is set up for first responders in the wild.
The medical gear is at a higher level than a standard first aid kit and includes a Sprague stethoscope, adult blood pressure cuff, oropharyngeal airway kit, Kelly hemostats, and a CPR mask in addition to a range of other first aid supplies.
All are systematically packed into the durable, waterproof, lightweight backpack between foam dividers on the interior, as well as in tool pockets, and a mesh pocket, along with elastic loops on the exterior.
At 9 pounds it is an easy and comfortable load to carry with the padded straps.
With reflective trim, it is visible from a distance.
- Lightweight waterproof backpack with an abrasion-resistant PVC bottom and reflective trim
- Includes removable foam dividers, tool pockets, and a mesh pouch
- Elastic loops for storage
- Padded shoulder straps
- EMS/EMT level of medical supplies
- Backpack comes in fluorescent orange or navy blue
- Dimensions: 17.5 x 12.4 x 9.5 inches
- Weight: 9 pounds (shipping weight)
- Limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer for the backpack
Price: $$$$
The DeftGet First Aid Kit is so small and lightweight that it can be stored in any small space like a glove box or gear bag.
It has a sturdy nylon case with 163 items that include the usual cleansing and bandaging materials for minor emergencies as well as survival tools like a flashlight and whistle.
It’s perfect to take along on any outdoor activity or keep handy wherever you are.
- Durable, lightweight, and compact nylon case
- 163 first aid items including basic materials and a flashlight, emergency blanket, stainless steel scissors and tweezers, whistle, and saber card
- Dimensions: 2 x 5.1 x 2 inches
- Weight: 10.7 ounces
- Limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer for the backpack
Price: $$
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight and Watertight .7
This Adventure Medical Ultralight and Watertight .7 first aid kit is designed for 1 or 2 people for 1-4 days.
Great for a long weekend of camping, hiking, or boating, it has quality components for basic first aid support in a waterproof, exceptionally lightweight nylon bag.
Quantities are low and the kit doesn’t include some of the more basic items like a CPR mask, so if you are traveling far from other support you should consider a more inclusive kit.
- Seam-sealed nylon bag with waterproof zipper
- Waterproof inner bags
- A basic array of medical supplies to treat pain, illness, and inflammation, and wraps, and bandages for sprains, fractures, and support
- Gear for repairs including safety pins and duct tape
- Dimensions: 7.75 x 6 x 2.25 inches
- Weight: 5.9 ounces
Price: $$
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Marine 600 Medical Kit with Dry Box
The Adventure Medical Kits Marine 600 is designed for cruising, sailing, commercial fishing, or liveaboard diving offshore for groups of up to 6 people with enough supplies for first aid support up to 12 hours from medical care.
The heavy-duty water-tight case includes a Marine Medicine Guide and 150 pieces of hospital-quality supplies for maritime first aid including illness medication, CPR and hypothermia, bleeding/shock, wound care, burns, blisters, sprains, and fractures.
- Durable, high-impact dry box with a gasket seal and pressure release valve
- Organized with injury-specific pockets, waterproof bags, and index cards
- Includes Marine Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide by Doctors Weiss and Jacobs
- 150 pieces of hospital-quality supplies and maritime wound care medications
- Dimensions: 11.8 x 10.6 x 6.9 inches
- Weight: 7 pounds 4 ounces
Price: $$$$
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Be Smart Get Prepared 100 Piece First Aid Kit
This Be Smart Get Prepared First Aid Kit has 100 items that can be used at home, outdoors, or in the office.
Approved by the FDA, it complies with OSHA and ANSI standards for public use.
It is an ultra-lightweight slimmed-down version of the Be Smart Get Prepared 326-item model described above that comes with high-quality basic cleaning, treating, and protective first aid materials and a first aid guidebook.
- Durable high-density impact-resistant and portable plastic case
- FDA-approved and compliant with OSHA and ANSI guidelines
- Includes a first aid guide
- Range of 100 items
- The case has sliding lock latches
- Dimensions: 7.5 x 2.5 x 6.8 inches
- Weight: 8 ounces (shipping weight)
Price: $
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Survival Work/Home First Aid Kit
The Survival Work/Home First Aid Kit comes in a compact and durable water-resistant bag that opens and expands to reveal over 150 items, all well packaged, labeled, and categorized intelligently.
FDA-approved it is not only useful for home or office use but is easily portable for trips into the great outdoors.
It includes a nice array of basic items and survival components like a CPR kit, emergency foil blanket, ice pack, and reflective piping to increase visibility.
- Durable water-resistant kit bag with sturdy zippers
- Double-stitched handles, belt loops, and reflective piping
- Zippered mesh section
- Labeled and color-coded organization
- FDA approved
- Includes survival first aid booklet with notepad
- More than 150 pieces including bandage sheers, CPR kit and facemask, emergency foil blanket, ice pack, and forceps
- Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.7 x 11 inches (folds open to 28.3 inches)
- Weight: 3.42 pounds
Price: $$$
Best First Aid Kit Buying Guide
First Aid Experience
Your experience and training should have an impact on the sophistication of the first aid kit you need. If you have not had any training, then only the most basic supplies are suitable. You don’t want to make matters worse through ignorance and misuse. For some basic information about how to get some first aid education you can check here: First Aid Training. Otherwise, many kits have first aid guides that you can familiarize yourself with as a starter. Make sure you have an understanding of how to use the items in your first aid kit. If you already have prior training or professional qualifications, then you can consider a kit with tools like an oropharyngeal airway kit, hemostats, or other items you know how to use.
Where will you use the first aid kit?
Home – Portability may not be extremely important, on the other hand, there is something to be said for being able to quickly get the complete first aid kit to the site where it is needed to facilitate access to all the items. A kit will help ensure that key items are on hand. You can always purchase and store other items that are not initially included.
Office or Worksite – Likewise portability is not the most important factor. The type of work going on may help determine the sort of supplies that are most likely to be needed. Industrial settings may experience different types of incidents requiring first aid due to the heavy nature of the work compared to what is likely to occur in an accounting firm’s offices, for example. Also, government regulations like those of the FDA or OSHA may demand compliance with certain standards that must be met by the first aid kit used.
Car – There is a pretty high likelihood that you will encounter accidents or bad weather on the road that can lead to injuries or being stranded. A first aid kit that includes signaling devices like a light stick along with medical supplies could be useful. Chances are there is room for a medium to large kit in the trunk or other storage space that can carry a range of items.
Camping and Hiking – Being away from a fixed location where a variety of tools and materials are likely to be on hand aside from the essential components of a first aid kit, it is a good idea to include items like scissors, safety pins, and exposure protection like emergency blankets, along with signaling devices and a compass. Distance from civilization can be a reason to have a greater variety of items available in the kit to anticipate longer transit times to professional medical care.
Boating – As when camping or hiking the distance or time from help could be substantial, making it a good idea to pack enough first aid items to handle a large variety of needs for a longer period of time that includes transit back to shore.
Emergency Communication – If the medical emergency is significant you should notify emergency assistance through 911 or other such systems, if possible. If you are away from town it goes almost without saying these days that you should carry some kind of radio, cell phone, or other communication devices to use for such purposes.
Expiry Dates – Keep in mind any limits to the usefulness of medications in the kit and replace expiring items as needed.
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