Making Your Own Outdoor First Aid Kit

Making your own first aid kit for outdoor activities can be a great way to save money and personalize your first aid kit to your needs. If you have children, it's also a good way to teach them a little about first aid. Make sure your kit is ready for any outdoor emergency with this checklist.

Container

Start with a sturdy waterproof container. I use a plastic container made for storing crafts. You can also use a small tackle box. If budget is an issue, a large Ziploc bag works well too.

Bandages

You'll want several adhesive bandages of varying sizes. Custom bandages for blisters, knuckles and fingers are a good idea. I also keep a bottle liquid bandage for bandaging awkward spots like elbows. If you have small children, you might want to include bandages with their favorite characters. Don't forget to stock an ACE bandage. It's not only good for sprains and strains, but it can help provide pressure to stop bleeding.

Gauze and Tape

Gauze can be used to apply pressure to a bleeding wound or make a makeshift bandage in a pinch. I kept 6-10 gauze pads as well as a roll of gauze in my first aid kit. First aid tape comes in several sizes so take your pick. Choose one that can be torn off rather than cut.

Ointments, Cream and Wipes

Alcohol prep pads or disinfecting wipes are needed for cleaning wounds. You'll also want some antibiotic ointment to keep the wound from getting infected. If you have children that refuse to let you put ointments on, try a spray antibiotic like Neosporin's Neo to Go. My daughter will scream down the house if I attempt to put triple antibiotic cream on her, but she'll let me spray the wound all day long with Neo to Go. Anti-itch cream and burn ointment are other good items to include in your outdoor first aid kit.

Medications

Single serve packets of pain reliever, antihistamines Benadryl, and anti-diarrheal medications are always good to have on hand. If you have children, make sure to include children's versions. Be sure to keep a close eye on expiration dates.

If you have a life-threatening allergy and carry an Epi-pen, it's a good idea to keep an extra in your first aid kit. Likewise, diabetics should be sure to include insulin, a needle for injecting, and liquid glucose.

Other Essentials

An instant cold pack is an excellent addition to your outdoor first aid kit. It will reduce swelling in the event of a sprained ankle or wrist. An emergency blanket will help keep you warm in the event you're stranded in the woods. A flashlight is a good choice as well. Make sure to check the batteries before you head outdoors and keep a couple extras on hand. Include tweezers in your kit for removing stingers.

If you will be hiking, you might want to include some water purification tablets. While water from a stream or creek may look inviting, it sometimes harbors harmful bacteria. Water purification tablets will help ensure the water is safe for you to drink.

While most of your first aid treatment will probably be confined to a family or friend, you never know when a stranger might need your help. Keep disposable gloves and a CPR mask on hand to protect yourself. If someone in your family is allergic to latex, choose your gloves carefully.

Last, but not least, it's always a good idea to have a first aid guide. In the middle of an emergency, you may not be thinking clearly and having written instructions that tell you what to do and how to do it can be critical. You can usually find pocket guides near first aid supplies in stores or you can download a printable guide from a number of websites.