My family went on a camping trip with friends recently and we decided to hike to one of the local lakes one day. It was one of those perfect days where everything just clicked: the kids were happy, the sun was shining, and the day was full of the kind of unstructured play that makes the best memories. My five-year-old and his friends were building a raft out of logs and reeds, while the two toddlers were splashing in the water and playing in the sand, and my heart was full.

But on the way back, with everyone tired and hungry, my five-year-old took off running in an attempt to catch up with his friend ahead of him, tripped over a rock, and landed hard. The cry that followed was ear-shattering. Thank heavens the only thing broken was a little skin and a lot of pride.

In that moment, the one thing that made all the difference was having our first-aid kit right there. We were able to stop the bleeding, clean the cut, and get him back to camp for some much-needed marshmallows.

That day was a powerful reminder that while we can't prevent every scrape and bruise, we can be prepared for them. That's why building a family-friendly first-aid kit is so important. It's the one piece of gear that gives you the confidence to let go of the worries and truly enjoy the adventure.

Why Carry a First-Aid Kit?

You should always carry a first-aid kit, even on the shortest day hikes. I know it seems like overkill for a quick nature walk, but here’s the reality: accidents happen, even to the most experienced hikers.

You may have heard of Amanda Eller, a seasoned hiker and yoga instructor who, in 2019, got lost on a short trail in Maui. Her simple hike turned into a harrowing 17-day ordeal. Or what about Lucas McClish, who set out for a quick three-hour hike in California, in June of 2024, and ended up lost for ten days?

Their incredible stories are a powerful reminder that even a seemingly simple, familiar trail can become a life-threatening situation. When you're miles from your car, with limited or no cell service, waiting for help isn't always an option.

Carrying a first-aid kit empowers you to take care of yourself and your family on the trail, allowing you to handle minor injuries and illnesses quickly and confidently. It’s a small investment that gives you a huge amount of peace of mind.

Building Your Kit: Essential Components

Key Principles for a Smart Kit

Keep It Dry: A wet bandage is a useless bandage. Choose a waterproof bag or container for your supplies. For an extra layer of protection, consider using a zip-top bag inside your main container—just in case you end up in a stream or get caught in a downpour.
Pack What You Actually Need: Pre-made kits can be great, but they often contain unnecessary items. If you buy a pre-made kit, make sure you go through it, removing what you don’t need and adding in anything that’s missing, customizing it to fit your family’s needs. Think about the types of injuries and ailments you're most likely to encounter and pack accordingly.
Consider the Weight: As my husband, Jake Wilde, likes to always say, “Ounces make pounds, and pounds make pain.” A heavy kit can become a burden, especially on a longer hike. Choose lightweight versions of essential items whenever possible to keep your pack manageable.
Know Your Gear: A kit is only useful if you know what is in it and how to use it. Take a basic first-aid course and/or watch a few instructional videos to familiarize yourself with the supplies inside. Practice using them so you'll feel confident and prepared in a real emergency.

Storage & Organization

A good kit is accessible and organized.

Organization: Group similar items using small Ziploc bags inside the kit (e.g., "Wound Care," "Medication"). This saves valuable time when you're under pressure.
Location: Always keep the kit in the same, easily accessible pocket of your hiking bag. Don't bury it under snacks or jackets.

Essential Components to Include

Wound Care: The foundation of any kit
- Alcohol pads
- Triple antibiotic ointment
- Variety of bandages, from standard ones to ones shaped for fingers and knuckles
- Alcohol pads and/or baby wipes (sensitive) for cleansing; baby wipes (sensitive)are incredibly gentle and safe for cleaning a scraped knee or dirty hands
- Sterile non-adherent pads work great for larger scrapes
- Active Skin Repair First Aid Spray is a non-toxic and natural antiseptic for minor cuts, wounds, scrapes, rashes, etc.
- Calendula cream can be used after a wound is cleaned to help soothe, heal, and protect cuts, burns, and other irritations
- Moleskin to address blisters
- Kinesiology tape to relieve pain or provide light stabilization for muscles and joints
Splints & Support: A lightweight SAM splint can be a lifesaver for a suspected sprain or fracture
Medications: Always pack tablets for pain, fever, and inflammation relief like Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil). Don't forget Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for allergic reactions and an anti-diarrheal like Diotame (Pepto Bismol). If you are hiking with kids, be sure to pack baby- or child-specific doses of these medications. Their smaller bodies require different dosages, and you'll want them on hand to prevent discomfort on the trail.
Hydration: Electrolytes are crucial for replenishing lost fluids, especially on longer hikes or at higher elevations. Kids, in particular, can become dehydrated quickly, so be sure to pack kid-specific electrolyte mixes to replenish their bodies. Ready to learn more about keeping your kids properly hydrated on the trail? Stay tuned for a future post where we'll do a deeper dive into the key differences between child and adult electrolytes.
Bite & Itch Relief: Pack sting relief wipes for bug bites and hydrocortisone cream for itchiness. Alternatively, many parents may prefer natural alternatives like aloe vera and peppermint oil to sooth stings and bug bites. Quitch Mosquito Bite Relief Patches for Kids use witch hazel to offer relief.
Multi-Purpose Materials: A few compact tampons and pantyliners can be used for feminine hygiene, but they also serve as excellent absorbent materials for wound care and management.

The Final Safety Piece: The Emergency Card

Write the following information on a small, piece of paper (seal using transparent packaging tape or laminate) and put it inside the kit:

Emergency Contacts: Phone Number(s)
Child’s Allergies: Medication, Food, Environmental
Dosage Instructions: Current doses based on your child’s weight and age for pain relievers and anti-histamines
Local Emergency Number: Look up the local non-911 contact for park rangers or local hospitals

By taking the time to prepare this family-specific kit, you’re not just packing supplies; you're packing peace of mind. Knowing you can handle the inevitable minor mishap is the best way to ensure the whole family stays focused on the joy of the trail.

The first-aid kit gives you confidence for minor setbacks, but to truly embrace the wild, you need to be ready for the unexpected emergency. Think beyond the scrape—what if you're delayed overnight? What if you need to signal for help?

The Takeaway: Your family's safety deserves more than just bandages.

Ready for Ultimate Preparedness? Don't miss the next post in our series: "Beyond Band-Aids: Essential Emergency Gear for Families." We'll cover the 10 must-have items that move your kit from helpful to life-saving—and are essential for any outdoor adventure.

How to Build a Family-Friendly Hiking First-Aid Kit