10 Essential First Aid Kit Items Checklist

When you're miles from civilization and deep in the backcountry, a medical emergency can turn deadly without the right gear. Whether you're tracking elk, climbing a ridge, or field dressing game, accidents happen: knife slips, twisted ankles, insect bites, even gunshot wounds in rare cases.

Tip: Always pack first aid supplies assuming you'll need to self-stabilize until help arrives or until you can reach a ranger station or hospital.

Top 10 First Aid Items Every Hunter Needs

Item	Why It's Important
Compression Bandage	For serious bleeding from knife or gun injuries
Israeli Bandage or Trauma Dressing	Severe wound control while waiting for help
Tourniquet (CAT or SOFT-T)	Stops arterial bleeding in limb injuries
Antiseptic Wipes (Alcohol/Iodine)	Cleans wounds to prevent infection
Antibiotic Ointment	Fights bacterial infections in minor cuts
Tweezers & Tick Removal Tool	Essential for removing ticks, thorns, or splinters
Burn Gel & Moleskin	Treats boot blisters and hot spots
Elastic Bandage (Ace wrap)	Supports sprained ankles or knees after tough terrain
Ibuprofen / Aspirin	Reduces pain, swelling, or treats heat-related headaches
Allergy Relief (Antihistamines)	Stops reactions from insect stings, bites, or plant contact

Bonus Items for Your First Aid Kit

EpiPen (if prescribed) - Essential for known severe allergies to bee stings, etc.
Gloves, Tape, Trauma Shears - Protect hands and cut gear or clothing safely
Eye wash kit or saline bottle - For debris or irritants in eyes
Wound irrigation syringe - Cleans deep wounds properly
Anti-diarrhea pills (Loperamide) - For gastrointestinal issues in the field

Custom Kit Tips for Hunters

Pack for your terrain: Are you in snake country? Bring a venom extraction kit or antivenin support.
Solo? Use a beacon or GPS messenger to call for help.
Group trip? Assign someone as the designated responder with advanced training.
Cold weather? Add Mylar blankets, hand warmers, and hypothermia support gear.
Hot weather? Include electrolyte tablets and hydration salts.

Tip: Hunting-related injuries aren't just gunshots. They include knife or broadhead cuts during field dressing, animal bites, infections from game meat or unclean water, heat exhaustion, cold exposure, and tick bites.

Don't Forget Your Canine Companion ?

If you hunt with a dog, build a mini pet kit: tick removal tweezers, dog-safe antiseptic and bandages, collapsible water bowl & electrolytes, emergency booties or paw wax, and vet contact info and ID collar.

Final Prep: Make Your Kit Grab-&-Go Ready

✅ Waterproof pouch or dry bag
✅ Inventory list in a visible pocket
✅ Check expiration dates seasonally
✅ Label gear by category: Trauma / Meds / Support
✅ Store it where it's quickly accessible — not buried in your pack