I probably carry a more extensive kit than I really need to sometimes, but as a Wilderness First Responder for 12 years, it’s just part of my mindset, and experience, to think about all the things that can happen when you’re miles, or days, from help.

There are some very good, pre-assembled, wilderness first aid kits available these days, and if you do a cost comparison, it can be challenging to buy all the supplies separately and put together your own kit more cost effectively, unless you already have a lot of those items on hand.

Adventure Medical Kits offer a variety of well thought-out kits, designed for day trips up to major expeditions. I own several and recommend them highly. Even if you decide to put your own kit together, take a look at the contents of the various kits on their site and you can get a lot of good ideas:

http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/products.php?catname=MEDICAL%20KITS&cat=26

And keep in mind that the best first aid kit in the world won’t do much if you don’t know how to use it. If you spend much time in the wilderness, do yourself a favor and take, at the very least, a basic wilderness first aid course. It’s money well spent.