Throwdown Adventures

🏕️ Camping First Aid Kit Essentials

I know – why not just purchase a first aid kit from the drug store? While, I find these helpful to start your first aid kid, they usually just have basic items, and not many of each. I always purchase extra bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, etc and create my own first aid kit. It usually ends up being a large Tupperware bin, or 5 very large ziplock bags. I find the ziplock bags are most useful as they are see-through, you can label what is in each bag and they are waterproof as long as they are sealed.

Wound Care

• Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
• Sterile gauze pads & adhesive tape
• Antiseptic wipes or solution (e.g. iodine, alcohol)
• Antibacterial ointment (like Polysporin or Neosporin)
• Tweezers (for splinters, ticks, etc.)
• Scissors
• Moleskin or blister pads
• Cotton swabs
• Feminine Pads: I know, this sounds crazy right?! However, Pads are highly absorbent and sterile when sealed, making them excellent for: Covering large wounds or bleeding injuries; Acting as a pressure dressing to help stop bleeding; Soaking up blood when gauze is unavailable or used up.

Pain & Allergy Relief

• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Antihistamines (like Benadryl) for allergies or insect stings
• Hydrocortisone cream (for rashes and bug bites)
• Calamine lotion (for poison ivy/oak)
• Sting relief wipes or pens

Make sure your campers and friends have no medication allergies prior to giving any of the above. Do NOT give medications prescribed to yourself to other people.

Burns & Bites

• Aloe vera gel or burn cream
• Cold pack (instant chemical type)
• Bug bite/sting treatment
• Insect repellent wipes (optional but helpful)

Specialty Items

• Tick remover or fine-point tweezers
• Poison ivy/oak wash (like Tecnu)
• Eye drops (for dust, pollen)
• Thermometer (compact/digital)

Other Must-Haves

• Emergency whistle
• CPR mask
• Emergency blanket (Mylar)
• First aid manual or reference card
• Gloves (non-latex, disposable)
• Medical tape
• Safety pins
• Ziplock bag (for waste or contaminated items)

Personal Medications

• Any prescriptions
• Inhaler or EpiPen if needed
• Spare contact lenses/glasses

DO NOT share your personal medications with others!

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✅ Tip: Keep everything in a waterproof, labeled container or dry bag. Restock after each trip and do a seasonal check.