It is important to be prepared for any hiking or camping trip. Everyone who has gone hiking, backpacking, or camping knows the importance of proper gear. No matter how experienced you are with the outdoors, it’s always important to check and re-check your adventure first-aid kit and supplies.


Top 10 Essentials for Every Adventure Medical Kit

While there are many pieces of equipment which can prove valuable, the items below are more than valuable. They are a necessity. A lot of these items can and have saved lives. 


  • Navigation Equipment
  • Lighting 
  • Crank or solar radio
  • First-Aid
  • Tools
  • Fire starting equipment
  • Shelter
  • Extra Food
  • Extra Water
  • Extra Clothing


Navigation Equipment

Knowing where you are and where you are heading is vital to a successful outing in the great outdoors. It is imperative to have at least two of the following items:


  • Map
  • Compass
  • Altimeter
  • GPS
  • Personal Locator Beacon


It is also important to practice using them outside of when you are hiking or camping. The more familiar you are with your equipment, the better off you will be during an emergency.


Lighting

Packing a flashlight with extra batteries, or a crank flashlight, might seem odd when heading out for an afternoon of hiking. But depending on the time of year, night can fall quickly. No one wants to be caught out in the woods, hiking in the dark. 


Protection

There are different types of protection to consider depending upon the location and the time of year:


  • Sun Protection
  • Bug Protection
  • Bear Protection


First-Aid

When hiking, it is important to have a first-aid kit to treat minor injuries that may occur.


Tools

At a minimum, carry a knife, tools to repair gear, and a signaling device in your kit.


Fire Equipment

Fire is necessary for warmth, light, protection, and preparing food. It’s important to carry a fire starter kit on all hiking and camping trips. It is important to practice fire building techniques.


Shelter

While tents are great temporary shelters, if you’re going on a day hike, it’s important to pack heat reflective blankets.


Extra Food

Pack pre-made, ultralight freeze-dried meals too.


Extra Water

Pack plenty of water and purification kits to provide safe drinking water from natural water sources.


Extra Clothing

Weather can change unexpectedly. Consider packing layered clothing with moisture-wicking base, insulation, and rain gear.


In Conclusion

It is imperative for safe hiking and camping trips to have an appropriately equipped adventure kit. Many campers use sports medical supplies from Sands Canada to help fill your kit. Contact us for more information.