A good first aid kit is one of those pieces of gear that you hope you never need to use, but are certainly glad you have with you when the need arises. Whether you’re setting out on a globe spanning journey or simply headed to your favorite local trail for a hike, it never hurts to carry one with you for those “just in case” situations. Some of our favorite first aid kits come from Adventure Medical Kits, which produces a number of products that come pre-loaded with an array of medical supplies specifically chosen for travelers, adventure racers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Recently, AMK relaunched its popular Mountaineering Series, which as the name implies is focused squarely on hikers, backpackers, and climbers who spend a lot of time in alpine settings. These kits include the latest supplies for treating common injuries and ailments that might occur in the mountains, as well as updated guidelines from top medical professionals on how to deal with those conditions. Additionally, the new kits feature some thoughtful new design elements that make them even more useful than ever before.
The new Mountain Series consists of six different medical kits, ranging from the diminutive Mountain Day Tripper – which costs $15 and is designed for two people on a day hike – to the larger Mountain Mountaineer Kit that sells for $200 and packs enough supplies to treat 10 people for up to 28 days. All of those supplies are contained in a compact, neatly organized bag that feature an exterior kit map to show where everything is located. But AMK has taken that functionality one step further by also organizing the interior of the kit so that everything is grouped together based on the type of injury sustained as well.
As you would expect, each of the first aid kits comes stocked with a variety of bandages, antiseptic wipes, ointments, and other common medical products. They also feature pain medications, salves to treat bug bites, moleskin for blisters, gauze, and even butterfly closure bandages too. In short, you’ll find pretty much everything you need to treat minor – and in the case of the larger kits, major injuries – with the exception of an x-ray machine and a nurse to assist with the procedure.
We’ve had a chance to take a look at the new Mountain Day Tripper medical kit and have found a lot to like. In addition to being packed with plenty of first aid supplies, the kit also features semi-transparent pockets that make it very easy to find exactly what you’re looking for without having to rifle through each compartment separately. AMK also gave the bag a trapezoidal shape that provides a bit of extra space inside just in case you need to add your own personal supplies or emergency medications to the mix. Best of all, despite being stocked to the gills, the Day Tripper weighs just .2 pounds, making it a good choice for the weight conscious outdoor enthusiast. The med kit is so small in fact, that it takes up almost no room in your backpack either, pretty much eliminating any excuse you might have for not taking it with you on your outdoor adventures.
The newly redesigned Mountain Series is available now at REI stores and the Adventure Medical Kits website. Prices vary from $15 to $200.