What’s In Your First Aid Kit?

📬 Mountain Minute #07 – What to Pack in a Hillwalker’s First Aid Kit

Your weekly 3-minute read for safer, smarter adventures in the hills.

Most walkers carry a first aid kit—but few carry a useful one. You don’t need to be a medic, but you do need to treat blisters, minor injuries, and keep someone stable in an emergency.

Here’s what I recommend in every personal kit:

• Blister kit (Compeed or tape)

• Elastic bandage (for sprains)

• Gauze & tape (for bleeding)

• Gloves & alcohol wipes

• Foil blanket or small bivvy bag

• Painkillers (paracetamol + ibuprofen)

• Any personal medication

• Paper with emergency contacts

You can carry more on group walks (like CPR face shields or trauma pads), but even this basic kit can make a difference.

Most important? Know how to use it. Do a basic outdoor first aid course if you haven’t already—it might save a life one day.

Pro Tip: A zip-lock bag keeps your kit dry and organised. A wet first aid kit is useless. Make sure you know where your first aid kit is so you’re not wasting time in an emergency trying you find it!

➡️ Want to practise your mountain-specific emergency skills? Click here