Are you in the market for a first aid kit to keep at home, in your car, or for your next outdoor adventure? First aid professionals, ski patrollers, and wilderness first responders tested 16 kits over a two-month period to identify the best options available.
Our experts agree that the Surviveware Small stands out as the best kit for most scenarios. Despite being compact and affordable, it includes the essential supplies needed in various situations.
Meanwhile, the Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose offers the best value for home use, providing an extensive range of bandages at a fraction of the price of many other kits.
Keep reading to explore more recommendations, including the most comprehensive kits we tested and lightweight options that are perfect for travel.
Best Kit Overall
1. Surviveware Small
- Price: $50 at Amazon
Overall Score: 80
Reasons to Buy:
- Versatile
- Well-organized
- Extremely durable case
- High-quality components
Reasons to Avoid:
- Limited supplies
- Heavy for its size
- Lacks over-the-counter medications
The Surviveware Small offers a thoughtfully curated selection of premium medical supplies in a durable, water-resistant case with sealed zippers.
This compact yet comprehensive kit is an essential choice for managing both minor and serious injuries. One tester noted, “it holds its own as a group-sized kit for a short backpacking trip.”
Although not as exhaustive as the MyMedic MyFAK, its inclusion of hospital-grade forceps, trauma shears, and Ace bandages provides excellent value. Additionally, the gloves and CPR mask included enhance emergency readiness.
The kit’s organization ensures that every item is easy to locate, which is crucial in high-pressure situations. Weighing 16 oz, it’s not the lightest option, but the weight is justified by its extensive contents.
For those seeking a lighter option, the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 is a viable alternative.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 7.87cm x 15.7cm x 17cm | 3.1″ x 6.2″ x 6.7″
- Measured Weight: 454 g | 16 oz
- First Aid Book: Yes
- CPR Mask/Face Shield: Yes
- Medications: No
This kit does not include over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, so you might want to add those yourself. We also supplemented ours with additional gloves and tape.
Fortunately, the kit has enough space to accommodate these customizations, allowing users to tailor it to their specific needs. Its rugged case is among the most durable we’ve seen, ideal for backcountry use.
However, the tough zippers can be tricky to operate, and the robust design might be overkill for everyday domestic use.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option for home or car use, consider the Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Kit. Still, the Surviveware Small remains our top pick for its versatility across home, car, and outdoor applications.
Where to get it: Surviveware Small3
Best Value for Home Use
2. Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose
- Price: $18 at Amazon
Overall Score: 68
Reasons to Buy:
- Good assortment of basics
- High-quality supplies
- Great main kit for restocking smaller kits
Reasons to Avoid:
- Flimsy case and tray
- Limited versatility for outdoor use
The Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Kit is a reliable option for at-home use, containing an ample supply of essential items such as various Band-Aids, Neosporin, medical tape, Tylenol, and Benadryl anti-itch cream.
We particularly appreciate the wide variety of bandage sizes, making this kit a great choice for families with children.
It can also serve as a dependable stock for replenishing smaller travel kits, such as the Homestock+ Professional. With its basic yet comprehensive coverage, it’s also an excellent choice for office settings.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 25.4cm x 17.8cm x 8.89cm | 10″ x 7″ x 3.5″
- Measured Weight: 624 g | 22 oz
- First Aid Book: Yes
- CPR Mask/Face Shield: No
- Medications: Yes (acetaminophen)
The kit’s primary drawback is its flimsy packaging. The case feels cheaply made, and the plastic latches seem prone to breaking over time.
Additionally, the plastic insert that organizes the supplies is disposable and not durable. The bandages are a paler color and do not include any OurTone options. At 22 oz, the kit is relatively heavy, making it less ideal for travel.
For a sturdier case and more versatile design, consider the Surviveware Small. Despite these shortcomings, the first-aid components themselves are of excellent quality, making this kit a fantastic choice for home use.
Where to get it: Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose
Best Value for the Outdoors
3. Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker
- Price: $30 at REI (before member cashback) or Amazon
Overall Score: 65
Reasons to Buy:
- Compact and lightweight
- Excellent value-to-cost ratio
- Includes medications
Reasons to Avoid:
- No CPR mask
- Minimal quantities of supplies
The Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker is a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a compact and affordable first aid solution.
About the size of a postcard, it includes essential items like full-size trauma shears, tick tweezers, and over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and acetaminophen.
This kit is essentially a smaller version of the Mountain Series Backpacker and stands out for its exceptional organization, as noted by our testers: “This case especially stands out for its superb organization.”
Its slim design makes it easy to pack into small daypacks, and at just 10 oz, it’s ideal for mountain biking, day hikes, or multi-pitch rock climbs.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 16.5cm x 14cm x 7.62cm | 6.5″ x 5.5″ x 3″
- Measured Weight: 283 g | 10 oz
- First Aid Book: Yes
- CPR Mask/Face Shield: No
- Medications: Yes (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, antihistamine)
While this kit offers excellent value for its size, its minimal supplies make it better suited for one or two people on short trips. It includes only one pair of nitrile gloves and lacks a CPR mask, which limits its adaptability for more serious emergencies.
After use, it will likely need restocking from a larger kit like the Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose. For those who want an alternative at a slightly lower price, the HART Health Weekend Kit is an option, though we believe the Mountain Series Hiker’s superior selection justifies the extra cost.
This kit is highly recommended for those seeking a lightweight, versatile option for day trips.
Where to get it: Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker
Best for Trauma Response
4. MyMedic MyFAK
- $170 at Amazon
- Overall Score: 78
Reasons to Buy:
- Excellent quality and durability
- Well-organized components
- Includes tear-away pocket kit
- Features advanced tools
Reasons to Avoid:
- First aid book is only available as an eBook
- Expensive
- Bulky
The MyMedic MyFAK stands out as the most robust first aid kit we tested.
Its ballistics-grade nylon case ensures durability, and the updated folding page design offers improved organization and added space. Additionally, the Molle panel allows for attaching accessories or tools.
Inside, you’ll find a wide array of high-quality tools, including pressure bandages, saline irrigation tubes, medical-grade thermometers, and trauma shears.
It also includes standard first aid items such as bandage tape, Moleskin, Liquid Skin, and an emergency blanket.
Where to get it: MyMedic MyFAK
Testers appreciated its intuitive layout, with one saying, “It’s perfect for short trips away from camp when you don’t want to carry the entire case.”
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 20.3cm x 17.8cm x 11.4cm | 8″ x 7″ x 4.5″
- Weight: 879 g | 31 oz
- First Aid Book: Yes, eBook
- CPR Mask/Face Shield: Yes
- Medications Included: Aspirin, ibuprofen, antihistamine, Pepto Bismol, acetaminophen
While the MyFAK excels in durability and versatility, its bulkiness and weight make it less suitable for shorter hikes. At 31 ounces, it’s among the heaviest kits we tested. For lighter excursions, we prefer options like the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker.
However, the MyFAK truly shines in situations requiring advanced medical attention in remote areas, where its comprehensive tools can make a significant difference. It’s ideal for car camping, off-road driving, or job sites where weight is less of a concern and preparedness is paramount.
Best for the Car
5. Homestock+ Professional
- $32 at Amazon
71 OVERALL SCORE
Reasons to Buy:
- Well-organized, clearly labeled
- Removable CPR mini kit
- Attaches to car headrests
Reasons to Avoid:
- Tight compartments for individual supplies
- No medications
The Homestock+ Professional earns our top pick for the best first aid kit to keep in your car. Housed in a durable soft case, it’s designed to attach to the back of a headrest, making it easily accessible in emergencies.
This kit impresses with its exceptional organization, as every item is neatly arranged in labeled slots that indicate its intended use for instance, a sterile gauze pad is labeled for wound cleaning.
The comprehensive supply of basic items makes it robust enough for extended road trips, ensuring your car is well-equipped for both everyday and unexpected situations.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 7.9″ x 5.9″ x 3.6″
- Measured Weight: 595 g | 21 oz
- First Aid Book: Yes
- CPR Mask/Face Shield: Yes
- Medications: No
While we find this kit highly practical, it could use a few upgrades. The tight, inflexible compartments make retrieving supplies challenging for those with larger hands.
Additionally, it lacks any medications, so we recommend supplementing it with over-the-counter basics to ensure readiness for a wider range of situations.
Where to get it: Homestock+ Professional
Despite these limitations, the Homestock+ Professional remains our top recommendation for a vehicle first aid kit.
For an alternative, consider the Protect Life 250pc Kit, although we believe the Homestock+ is a better choice for its excellent organization and design tailored to road trips.
Best Compact
6. Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7
- $34 at Amazon
60 OVERALL SCORE
Reasons to Buy:
- Very lightweight
- Watertight case
- High-quality items
Reasons to Avoid:
- Limited items
The Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 stands out as the perfect choice for those who need a compact, lightweight first aid kit. This small kit offers high-quality essentials while keeping weight to a minimum.
Its watertight case ensures that the contents remain dry and safe, making it an ideal companion for adventures involving water crossings or potential leaks in your bag. Designed for quick outings, this kit is equally suitable as a backup for your car or work bag.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 19.1 cm x 25.4 cm x 5.08 cm | 7.5″ x 10″ x 2″
- Measured Weight: 227 g | 8 oz
- First Aid Book: No
- CPR Mask/Face Shield: No
- Medications: Yes – includes antihistamine, aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen
Given its compact nature, this kit doesn’t include an extensive range of items. We recommend pairing it with a larger kit like the Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose for long trips or home use.
Where to get it: Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7
Its limited capacity means it will require frequent restocking if used often. Nonetheless, the lightweight and durable design make this an excellent option to keep in your bag for emergencies.
How We Test First Aid Kits
Our testing process combines real-world use, expert assessments, and simulated medical scenarios, such as those experienced in Wilderness First Responder (WFR) courses.
During these courses, both novices and professionals seeking recertification utilized the kits in various scenarios. Each kit was disassembled and thoroughly examined to assess the quality of its contents.
We used digital scales to weigh the kits and cross-checked our measurements against the manufacturers’ specifications. Additionally, these kits were put to practical use during trauma simulations as part of WFR training.
The diverse range of simulated injuries provided valuable insights into the versatility and practicality of each kit. For a more detailed overview of our methodology, check out our “How We Test” article.
How to Pick the Best First Aid Kit
To choose the ideal first aid kit, consider factors such as kit type, size, and included supplies. Below is a summary of essential considerations, based on our comprehensive First Aid Kit Buying Advice article.
What Type of Kit Do You Need?
First aid kits are available in various sizes and tailored for different purposes, such as day use, overnight trips, expeditions, car storage, or home use. Selecting the right kit depends on your planned activities and environment.
While kit names offer general guidance, it’s essential to examine the contents carefully. For instance, a basic day-use kit might suffice for minor injuries, while an expedition kit should be equipped to handle larger groups and emergencies in remote areas.
How Much Storage and Space Do You Have?
Balancing storage constraints with essential equipment is crucial. Consider where you plan to store the kit whether in a car, a backpack, or a home medicine cabinet and prioritize must-have items like EpiPens or splints.
Once you’ve identified your storage space and necessary supplies, you can narrow your choices by weight, dimensions, and overall size.