8 steps to packing a camping first aid kit

Having a first aid kit when camping or hiking is essential, but pre-made ones may not give you all you need. Here are eight easy steps to making your own kit.

When you're out in the wilderness, almost anything can happen. That's why packing a proper first-aid kit should be at the top of your checklist.

Start with a good lightweight and waterproof hard case or large re-sealable bag.

• This will be in what you store all your first aid items.

• Blister pads
• Sterile gauze rolls and pads
• Tensor wraps
• Medical or athletic tape
• Adhesive bandages in many different sizes including triangle

• Cotton swabs
• Anti-bacterial cream
• Alcohol wipes
• Hand sanitizer

• Pain relievers
• Digestive relief
• Allergy medication
• Topical antibiotic cream

• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Safety pins
• Digital thermometer
• CPR mask
• Small magnifying glass

• Anti-itch creams
• Burn creams
• Petroleum jelly

• Aloe
• Throat lozenges
• Lip balm
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Contact care
• Extra contact lenses
• Personal medications, such as asthma inhalers

• First aid manual
• Small flashlight
• Sterile gloves
• Waterproof bag
• Emergency contact numbers

Be sure to inspect your first aid kit before every camping trip.

• Make sure the first aid items are clean and your medical supplies are sterile and in good condition.
• Replace any expired medications or items as needed.

On each trip, keep your kit in an easily accessible area and tell your camping buddies so they know where to access it. When you get back, restock any items you use so your pack is always up to date.