Whether you are planning a short hike or a multi-day trekking tour, a well-equipped first aid kit for hiking is an essential piece of basic equipment for every adventurer. Even if we hope you never need it, it can be the difference between life and death in an emergency. In this detailed guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about putting together and using your first-aid kit.
Table of contents
This belongs in every first aid kit
Medication: Making the right choice
Extended kit for longer tours
The right packaging and care
Emergency measures and important emergency numbers
Basic rules of first aid
Conclusion
The basics: what you need in every first aid kit
Before we go into detail, it is important to understand that a first aid kit for hiking should always be individually tailored to the planned tour and the needs of the participants. Nevertheless, there is a basic set of equipment that no outdoor tour should be without. You can then expand this basic kit as required.
A basic first aid kit should contain the following components:
- Various dressing materials (dressing packs, wound dressings, plasters)
- Tools such as scissors and tweezers
- Disinfectant
- Basic medication
- Emergency equipment such as a rescue blanket and whistle
Dressing material in detail
The first aid kit forms the basis of your backpacking first aid kit. A bandage pack with non-adhesive compresses is essential. This is supplemented by several sterile wound dressings in different sizes, whereby the 10x6 cm size has proven to be particularly practical. Various plaster sizes should also be included, whereby you should pay particular attention to hypoallergenic variants, as many people suffer from plaster allergies. Special blister plasters are also useful for hikers, even if these should ideally not be needed at all due to well-worn shoes and matching socks.
The following should be included:
- A bandage pack with non-adhesive compresses
- Several sterile wound dressings in different sizes (e.g. 10x6 cm)
- An assortment of different plaster sizes (look out for hypoallergenic variants)
- Special blister plasters for hikers
- Wound compresses (10x10 cm)
- Self-adhesive bandages for fixation
Tools and aids
Important tools in your kit include bandage scissors to help you cut bandages and plasters to size. Tweezers, ideally combined tick tweezers, allow you to remove splinters as well as ticks. A triangular cloth is versatile and can be used both for normal bandages and as a support bandage. A roll of Leukoplast or medical tape completes the basic equipment and allows you to securely fix bandages.
The following items should not be missing from your kit:
- Bandage scissors
- Tweezers (ideally as combined tick tweezers)
- A triangular cloth for bandages and support bandages
- A roll of Leukoplast or medical tape
- Disposable gloves for self-protection
Medication: Making the right choice
Choosing the right medication requires special care. As a general rule, you should only take medication with you that you are already familiar with and have been proven to tolerate well. A detailed discussion with your family doctor is very useful here, especially if you suffer from pre-existing conditions or have to take medication regularly.
Painkillers: what makes sense?
When choosing painkillers, broadly effective preparations that cause few side effects even when taken for a short time are preferable. Paracetamol and ibuprofen have proved particularly effective here. They not only help with pain in the musculoskeletal system, which can occur after a fall or overloading, but also with headaches, which can be caused by intense sunlight or a lack of fluids, for example.
The use of aspirin as an emergency medication in the mountains is generally not recommended. Although it is a well-known and widely used painkiller, its analgesic effect is relatively low. There is also an increased risk of bleeding as a side effect, which can be particularly problematic in the case of injuries.
Other important medications
For longer tours or trips to remote areas, it makes sense to expand your range of medication. A remedy for nausea and vomiting can be particularly useful when traveling to other climate zones or in the case of altitude sickness. A diarrhea remedy should also be included, as gastrointestinal complaints are one of the most common travel illnesses. If you are prone to allergies, antihistamines are essential. However, you should definitely test these at home beforehand to ensure they are tolerated.
A wound and healing ointment also belongs in every well-stocked first aid kit. It supports the healing of minor injuries and can provide relief for abrasions or minor burns. For longer tours in remote areas, a broad-spectrum antibiotic may also be useful after consulting a doctor, but this should really only be taken in an emergency and according to clear medical instructions.
Depending on the duration and type of tour, you should consider taking the following medication:
- Anti-nausea and vomiting medication
- Diarrhea medication
- Antihistamines for known allergies
- Wound and healing ointment
- For longer tours in remote areas: a broad-spectrum antibiotic (after consulting your doctor)
Extended kit for longer tours
If you are going on a tour lasting several days or an expedition in remote areas, your first aid kit for hiking must be more comprehensive. An important addition is the aluminum splint, which you can use to provide temporary splinting in the event of suspected broken bones or severe sprains. However, this should only be used if professional help is not readily available on the road.
The amount of bandaging material also needs to be significantly increased for longer tours. The rule of thumb here is: the further away you are from civilization, the more material you should take with you. Additional self-adhesive bandages, which can be used to treat wounds and stabilize joints, are particularly important. Sterile compresses and bandages should also be available in larger quantities, as several bandages may quickly be required when treating a larger wound.
When traveling to tropical or subtropical regions, there are also specific requirements. Malaria prophylaxis can be vital here and should always be discussed with a tropical medicine specialist. A special tool for removing ticks is also essential in such regions, as they can transmit dangerous pathogens.
In addition to the basic equipment, we recommend
- An aluminum padding splint for possible injuries
- Additional self-adhesive bandages for stabilization
- More dressing material in general
- Depending on the destination: specific medication such as malaria prophylaxis
- A tool for removing ticks
- Additional sterile compresses and bandages
The right packaging and care
The packaging of your first aid kit deserves special attention, as it protects the valuable contents from damage and soiling. A waterproof pouch with a roll-top closure has proven particularly effective here. It offers reliable protection against moisture, is robust enough for outdoor use and yet lightweight. The red color of the bag is not only a tradition, but has a practical reason: In an emergency, you can find the set immediately in your backpack.
The organization within the set should be well thought out. It is best to sort the materials according to their intended use and pack frequently used items such as plasters and small bandages at the top, ready to hand. Medication should be packed in a separate, waterproof zip bag to provide additional protection and make it easy to find.
The packaging should meet the following criteria:
- Waterproof
- Robust
- Easily recognizable (ideally red)
- Well organized
Care and maintenance
Regular maintenance of your set is essential. It is best to set a fixed date each year, for example at the turn of the year, when you check the entire set. Check all expiry dates of the medication and sterile materials. Plasters also lose their adhesive strength over time, especially if they have been exposed to frequent temperature changes. Replace any expired or damaged materials and replenish what you have used over the course of the year.
- Check all expiration dates
- Replace expired medicines and materials
- Replace used items
- Check the packaging for leaks
Emergency measures and important emergency numbers
Europe-wide emergency numbers
Communication in an emergency can make the difference between life and death. The emergency number 112 applies throughout Europe and can be called from both landlines and cell phones. In the Alpine countries, there are also special numbers for mountain rescue, which you should make a note of before your tour. In Italy you can reach the mountain rescue service on 118, in Austria on 140 (in Vorarlberg on 144), in Switzerland on 1414 (in Valais on 144), in Liechtenstein on 117 and in France on 15.
All numbers at a glance:
- Europe 112
- Italy: 118
- Austria: 140 (Vorarlberg: 144)
- Switzerland: 1414 (Valais: 144)
- Liechtenstein: 117
- France: 15
The Alpine emergency signal
Behavior in areas without mobile phone reception is particularly important. This is where the Alpine distress signal is used, which is internationally understood. It consists of a regular signal that is emitted six times a minute, followed by a one-minute pause. You can give this either acoustically with a whistle or visually with a flashlight or by waving regularly. The response to this consists of three signals per minute, also followed by a one-minute pause.
- Distress signal: 6 characters per minute, followed by a one-minute pause
- Response: 3 characters per minute, followed by a one-minute pause
Basic rules of first aid
First aid on the mountain follows special rules that you should definitely know. First of all, you are ethically and legally obliged to provide assistance. However, the following always applies: self-protection comes first. Especially in the mountains, there are many additional dangers lurking, such as falling rocks, avalanches or the risk of falling, which you must take into account when providing assistance.
If possible, you should secure the accident site. In the mountains, this means above all getting the injured person out of danger zones such as rockfall gullies, provided their condition allows this and there is no risk of spinal injury. The emergency call should be made as quickly as possible, although you often have to weigh up the following: Is it justifiable to leave the injured person alone to seek help elsewhere? Or is it better to stay with the injured person and wait for other hikers?
A systematic approach is important when treating injured people. First check that they are breathing and, if necessary, clear their airways. If resuscitation is necessary, the 30:2 rule currently applies - this means 30 chest compressions followed by two ventilations. It is better to apply too much pressure than too little, as effective chest compressions are vital for survival.
The treatment of avalanche victims is a special case. Under no circumstances should they be warmed up too quickly, as otherwise there is a risk of so-called rescue death. This means that the ice-cold blood from the extremities flows back to the heart too quickly and can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia. Excessively hasty movements should also be avoided.
The most important rules at a glance:
- Providing assistance is a duty - ethically and legally
- Self-protection comes first
- Secure the accident site
- Make an emergency call promptly
- If unconscious: check breathing and resuscitate if necessary
- Carry out wound care systematically
- Pay attention to symptoms of shock
- Ensure warmth is maintained
- Do not forget psychological care
Special features for avalanche victims:
- No sudden warming up
- Careful movement of the injured person
- Be aware of the risk of rescue death
Conclusion
A well thought-out first aid kit for hiking is essential for any outdoor activity. With a basic kit of around 100-200 grams, you are equipped for most situations. Even if careful compilation and regular care require time and attention, this effort is absolutely justified. Because in an emergency, your backpack first-aid kit can not only eliminate minor inconveniences, but can actually save lives.
Always remember: the best first aid kit is the one you have with you and know how to use. Stay safe on your tours - and even if we sincerely hope that you never have to use your kit seriously, it is reassuring to know that you are prepared for an emergency.
Well prepared for your tour? In addition to the first aid kit, there are many other important items for your hike. Browse through our other articles and find out what should be on every packing list!
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