I have a zippered, soft “Backpackers First Aid” kit and have always just thrown it in my pack or daypack. But as i think about it, i’d hate to get that stuff wet if the pack wound up in the water. Or to have stuff crushed. I’m thinking I’d like a waterproof hard sided box to keep it in, with a tad extra space to add a few items to it. A Pelican case seems overkill in terms of weight and price. I like the Witz Utility Locker (II) box but it looks like they’re having supply issues and my kit is about 11” long, so I’d like something approximately 12-14” x 6” x 3-1/2-4-1/2” deep. Not finding much/ am I overthinking, and just get a small clear rubbermaid type box and bungee it closed for good measure?

HowardSprague: I prefer to keep my first aid supplies dry and can relate to your desire to do the same. My items are organized in categories (bandaids, medicine, creams, blister/foot care stuff, etc.) and kept in ziplock baggies. I throw these in a small, roll-top waterproof bag. This is then stored on the top of a pack or in my thwart bag just depending on the setup and plan for the day. I've never had a problem keeping things dry that shouldn't get wet.

My question...what is in your first aid kit that you don't want to crush? I have a pair of glasses in my kit but I keep that in the little hard case with which they came. Other than that everything is pretty much fine if it gets bumped around a little and I don't worry about a hard-sided case.

That said, your tupperware option is certainly a low-cost possibility. There are some lightweight gopro-type cases that would provide some durability and protection and be less expensive and lighter than the pelican option, I would think. I found this first aid kit on amazon which might work for you.

If you do go the tupperware route you can always remove the first aid supplies and fill it with blueberries!

I am sort of a lightweight freak…I pack my first aid like I pack my food. Although I haven’t vacuum sealed items, but that is probably next. Right now use small ziplocks to organize and label and then they just go into a double bagged quart bag labeled.

Make sure your meds, anti-itch/histamines, hydrocortisone are all at least close to hop to date.

T

Mine is all in a bright red fairly sturdy zippered first aid kit. It has a bunch of clear little slots where I keep small things organized and also bigger open space for bigger items like roll of tape, scissors, super glue, etc. I have no reason to think I need to change it. It's not waterproof but it's always in a pack that has waterproof liner in it and never had any issues.

It's not this exact one but similar shape and size but no long handles

I used to have a premade first aid kit that came in a purpose-made zippered bag. I bought it and supplemented it with what I thought was appropriate for wilderness tripping. I've just been carrying it around in a daypack in my canoe for years.

Last weekend I capsized in a rapids in a local river and my daypack went underwater and completely filled with water. Water got into the first aid kit and most of the things in the kit were ruined.

I am in the process of putting together a new first aid kit. I will be storing it in something like the SealLine E-Case - XL. I have the medium size E-case to store my wallet, phone, and keys. It stayed waterproof while being submerged and in the water-filled daypack for several minutes while I rescued the canoe.

I use pelican dry boxes for my first aide kit. A basic first aid kit in one, with all the bandages and standard pain relievers, and a trauma kit in a second dry box. I also carry a first aid kit in a water tight package in my ditch kit that stays with me in the canoe.

A clear ziplock bag - to see most of the stuff inside it.

I keep everything in the Sea to Summit first aid bag ever since re-building my first aid kit from scratch. Keeps everything dry and the little window on the side is nice to quickly locate the most important items.

My first aid kit has evolved. I used to store it in a medium size Pelican case. But then I became weight obsessed and started doing a wider variety of trips (solo, 2 people, 3 people, and 4 people) as well as different lengths (2 days to 2 weeks) and different difficulties (some PMA trips for which I pack extra stuff like a SAM splint).

Current system:
snack size ziploc baggies (the tall skinny ones)
pill baggies
a lightweight dry bag (depending on the trip specifics the size could be 1 L, 3L, or 5L)

I pack medication in the pill bags and label it including dosage. I buy small packets of things like burn cream, antibiotic salve, etc. I use the snack size baggies to group stuff (ex. pain meds, lotions, cold/flu, blisters, cuts/scrapes, bleeding, sprains/strains, etc). I keep everything in a big bin at home and then I can quickly grab the items and quantities I need for a particular trip. I have never had a problem with anything getting crushed in a soft sided bag. The 1st aid kit is always packed in the very top of a pack or in the daypack for quick access.

Gotta go now and finalize the items in the bag for our duo trip coming up (2 people, 2 weeks).

I use Otter boxes of different sizes with various supplies depending on the trip I am on. On Canadian trips my buddy with extensive wilderness 1st aid training takes a very comprehensive kit. Several times my son-in-law who is a physician traveled with us carrying a very complete kit with a variety of prescription meds, suturing supplies, etc.

Various bits in ziplocks. Ziplocks in a lightweight dry bag that is in my daypack. When leading a trip with newcomers that I am responsible for each boat gets a smaller kit set up the same way. Friends who are experienced campers bring their own kits.

I keep mine in a 9x10 Opsak. This way I can see what I need and get to it quickly and it's still waterproof. Bonus that it locks in scent as well.

I only keep emergency items in this kit like a tourniquet (if sharp tools are along), large gauze pads, CPR mask, coban, baby aspirin, etc and leave it up to others to bring basic self-care items like bandaids, itch cream, blister care, etc in their own toiletry bags.

I bring a full first aid kit. Bandaids, gauze, tape, pads, medication, creams and ointments, sutures, ace bandage.

In my thinking, the first aid kit is at the top of the list of gear. Most of us paddle far enough in that it would take several hours to paddle to help. Even a SPOT might take 30 minutes to an hour to get help. A basic kit of bandaids and Neosporin is not enough. There needs to be the basics, but also pain meds, anti diahrea, benedril, etc. Also, as others have suggested, we bring saws, knives and some bring axes. There needs to be a trauma kit with at least a tourniquet in it. All of this needs to be in a container that we absolutely know will protect the contents from getting wet. The place to count ounces is not here.

First Aid kit goes in my dump bag which it waterproof and is always with me while I'm on the water.

Already great tips here! I also put items in zip lock baggies, and then the entire works in a red, light wt. dry bag labeled "first aid." I've learned to add to the labels the expiration dates -- as much of the stuff doesn't get used, and I tend to leave it packed. Then I can rotate out the old/expired meds/ointments and replace with new.

ockycamper: "I use pelican dry boxes for my first aide kit. A basic first aid kit in one, with all the bandages and standard pain relievers, and a trauma kit in a second dry box. I also carry a first aid kit in a water tight package in my ditch kit that stays with me in the canoe."

+1. For my trips, everyone carries a personal "boo boo" kit. This has all the usual stuff plus any meds you might need. Carried in a dry bag. We also carry a "trauma kit" for bleeding issues, poison ivy, burns, finger splints. This is a group kit. And like you, I have a ditch kit with some medical supplies designed to last a couple of days only. The trauma kit is in a red SeaLine dry bag and the packed in a duly marked (Red ribbon) canoe pack.

Kendis: "I used to have a premade first aid kit that came in a purpose-made zippered bag. I bought it and supplemented it with what I thought was appropriate for wilderness tripping. I've just been carrying it around in a daypack in my canoe for years.


Last weekend I capsized in a rapids in a local river and my daypack went underwater and completely filled with water. Water got into the first aid kit and most of the things in the kit were ruined.


I am in the process of putting together a new first aid kit. I will be storing it in something like the SealLine E-Case - XL. I have the medium size E-case to store my wallet, phone, and keys. It stayed waterproof while being submerged and in the water-filled daypack for several minutes while I rescued the canoe."

Beware the SealLine E case! I had a fatal failure of one last year. Quality control issues perhaps related to supply chain problems?

HowardSprague: "I have a zippered, soft “Backpackers First Aid” kit and have always just thrown it in my pack or daypack. But as i think about it, i’d hate to get that stuff wet if the pack wound up in the water. Or to have stuff crushed. I’m thinking I’d like a waterproof hard sided box to keep it in, with a tad extra space to add a few items to it. A Pelican case seems overkill in terms of weight and price. I like the Witz Utility Locker (II) box but it looks like they’re having supply issues and my kit is about 11” long, so I’d like something approximately 12-14” x 6” x 3-1/2-4-1/2” deep. Not finding much/ am I overthinking, and just get a small clear rubbermaid type box and bungee it closed for good measure?"

Yep, the issue is 11”. You’re not going to find a packable hard case of that length with any real depth, although I’m quite pleased with my extra large NRS map case which might prove useful to you? Do NOT put any sharp items in it. Abrasion will cause punctures.

Somebody below commented on why a hard box would even be needed. Over the years, before lithium batteries, there were only two reasons why my claiming partners and I needed hard cases: (1) sharp tools and (2) bread. My journals are filled with experiments to tweak the lightest possible weight solution. It is surprising how often Tupperware type BPA plastic containers have failed in real world use. It’s worth it to really think through the closure and whether it will withstand use and abuse.

I do carry a small hard pelican case now. Yep, it’s heavy. I carry it to protect the lithium battery that is used to charge devices and rechargeable batteries. It is useful for my spare spectacles, and if I were a cigar smoker, I could see the appeal there. Folks who bring O2 in small emergency canisters will want to keep those from puncturing as well. Hard cases can and do have a role in certain situations.

Quick comment for the designated trip medic. I’m WMA WFR certified, and in training we are often judged on how well (as incident commanders) we can quickly and easily deliver instructions and resources to folks we need help from in an emergency. When you think about First Aid from this vantage point, you’ll see that disorganization is not your friend. I also use ZipLoks for stuff, but they are color coded and clearly/carefully labeled in case I am pressing down on a wound or holding a line and I need to ask somebody to “go over there, get that, and do this with it.” This is the primary reason why these structured med kit cases exist. They are excellent signaling devices and communication tools. They direct you to where the First Aid supplies are, and ideally, they help you find what you need in a flash, without needing to use a lot of words.

LaVirginienne: "

HowardSprague: "I have a zippered, soft “Backpackers First Aid” kit and have always just thrown it in my pack or daypack. But as i think about it, i’d hate to get that stuff wet if the pack wound up in the water. Or to have stuff crushed. I’m thinking I’d like a waterproof hard sided box to keep it in, with a tad extra space to add a few items to it. A Pelican case seems overkill in terms of weight and price. I like the Witz Utility Locker (II) box but it looks like they’re having supply issues and my kit is about 11” long, so I’d like something approximately 12-14” x 6” x 3-1/2-4-1/2” deep. Not finding much/ am I overthinking, and just get a small clear rubbermaid type box and bungee it closed for good measure?"

Yep, the issue is 11”. You’re not going to find a packable hard case of that length with any real depth, although I’m quite pleased with my extra large NRS map case which might prove useful to you? Do NOT put any sharp items in it. Abrasion will cause punctures.


Somebody below commented on why a hard box would even be needed. Over the years, before lithium batteries, there were only two reasons why my claiming partners and I needed hard cases: (1) sharp tools and (2) bread. My journals are filled with experiments to tweak the lightest possible weight solution. It is surprising how often Tupperware type BPA plastic containers have failed in real world use. It’s worth it to really think through the closure and whether it will withstand use and abuse.


I do carry a small hard pelican case now. Yep, it’s heavy. I carry it to protect the lithium battery that is used to charge devices and rechargeable batteries. It is useful for my spare spectacles, and if I were a cigar smoker, I could see the appeal there. Folks who bring O2 in small emergency canisters will want to keep those from puncturing as well. Hard cases can and do have a role in certain situations.


Quick comment for the designated trip medic. I’m WMA WFR certified, and in training we are often judged on how well (as incident commanders) we can quickly and easily deliver instructions and resources to folks we need help from in an emergency. When you think about First Aid from this vantage point, you’ll see that disorganization is not your friend. I also use ZipLoks for stuff, but they are color coded and clearly/carefully labeled in case I am pressing down on a wound or holding a line and I need to ask somebody to “go over there, get that, and do this with it.” This is the primary reason why these structured med kit cases exist. They are excellent signaling devices and communication tools. They direct you to where the First Aid supplies are, and ideally, they help you find what you need in a flash, without needing to use a lot of words.


"

I am also Wilderness First Aid certified. On our trips one of the guys is an Ophthalmologist. I bring the basic first aid kit, a trauma kit, and a third container of gauze and larger bandages. He brings a suture kit and antibiotics.

I used to keep my first aid gear in a backpack but could never get to the items I needed quickly. Then I moved to roll down dry bags. Same issue. Now I use Pelican type dry boxes from Walmart that are clear with water tight seals. I know at a glance what is in each and can give instruction on what to get out from where.

Yes they are more bulky but I put the first aid and trauma gear as priority number one in our tripping preps.

One last thought is PPE. . . .I bring several pairs of nitrile gloves and an N95 mask to use while working on people.

ockycamper: "

LaVirginienne: "

HowardSprague: "I have a zippered, soft “Backpackers First Aid” kit and have always just thrown it in my pack or daypack. But as i think about it, i’d hate to get that stuff wet if the pack wound up in the water. Or to have stuff crushed. I’m thinking I’d like a waterproof hard sided box to keep it in, with a tad extra space to add a few items to it. A Pelican case seems overkill in terms of weight and price. I like the Witz Utility Locker (II) box but it looks like they’re having supply issues and my kit is about 11” long, so I’d like something approximately 12-14” x 6” x 3-1/2-4-1/2” deep. Not finding much/ am I overthinking, and just get a small clear rubbermaid type box and bungee it closed for good measure?"

Yep, the issue is 11”. You’re not going to find a packable hard case of that length with any real depth, although I’m quite pleased with my extra large NRS map case which might prove useful to you? Do NOT put any sharp items in it. Abrasion will cause punctures.



Somebody below commented on why a hard box would even be needed. Over the years, before lithium batteries, there were only two reasons why my claiming partners and I needed hard cases: (1) sharp tools and (2) bread. My journals are filled with experiments to tweak the lightest possible weight solution. It is surprising how often Tupperware type BPA plastic containers have failed in real world use. It’s worth it to really think through the closure and whether it will withstand use and abuse.



I do carry a small hard pelican case now. Yep, it’s heavy. I carry it to protect the lithium battery that is used to charge devices and rechargeable batteries. It is useful for my spare spectacles, and if I were a cigar smoker, I could see the appeal there. Folks who bring O2 in small emergency canisters will want to keep those from puncturing as well. Hard cases can and do have a role in certain situations.



Quick comment for the designated trip medic. I’m WMA WFR certified, and in training we are often judged on how well (as incident commanders) we can quickly and easily deliver instructions and resources to folks we need help from in an emergency. When you think about First Aid from this vantage point, you’ll see that disorganization is not your friend. I also use ZipLoks for stuff, but they are color coded and clearly/carefully labeled in case I am pressing down on a wound or holding a line and I need to ask somebody to “go over there, get that, and do this with it.” This is the primary reason why these structured med kit cases exist. They are excellent signaling devices and communication tools. They direct you to where the First Aid supplies are, and ideally, they help you find what you need in a flash, without needing to use a lot of words.



"

I am also Wilderness First Aid certified. On our trips one of the guys is an Ophthalmologist. I bring the basic first aid kit, a trauma kit, and a third container of gauze and larger bandages. He brings a suture kit and antibiotics.


I used to keep my first aid gear in a backpack but could never get to the items I needed quickly. Then I moved to roll down dry bags. Same issue. Now I use Pelican type dry boxes from Walmart that are clear with water tight seals. I know at a glance what is in each and can give instruction on what to get out from where.


Yes they are more bulky but I put the first aid and trauma gear as priority number one in our tripping preps.

One last thought is PPE. . . .I bring several pairs of nitrile gloves and an N95 mask to use while working on people."

Exactly!!!! Great post!

I love those clear Walmart boxes! I just had to give one up (it was large, clear with orange separator thingie) last month for a project and I’m so bummed! So that is an awesome suggestion. These WalMart items are easily HALF the weight of the Pelican box I have now. My remaining smoky grey WalMart box is waiting for that 1/4 bourbon chocolate cake i hope i don’t forget to bring on my upcoming trip.

Super good reminders re nitrile gloves/PPE. The eye patch is always good to have. I don’t bring a suture kit with me any more, just strong butterfly bandages, gauze, tape, antibiotic etc. But I’m not fishing, and I bring gloves for sawing and splitting wood, and I don’t swing my forest axe. So let’s pray I don’t need stitches any time soon. Otherwise I want to be on your trip.

That said, I did dislocate and fracture a finger on a solo trip in BWCA last year. Very lucky that it was not a compound fracture, not compartment syndrome, no nerve damage, no infection, so I could buddy tape it and keep going. The injury happened at a rocky Snake River landing when a half-submerged rock dislodged in the mud on my first haul-out, and I stepped back down on it in black water—only to find that the stepping stone wasn’t there. Bam! Freefall for a fraction of a second. I landed on the pinky finger of my bracing arm. Coulda been way worse. I only mention this because sketchy stuff can definitely happen out there, in the normal course of events, as we have seen earlier this season. It’s cool that @HowardSprague made this post and I hope it will inspire folks to have one last look through your med kit before you head out again.

Can I put in a plug for LARGE SAFETY PINS (to use your shirt in making an arm sling), a snub nosed knife for safely cutting through clothes being worn by injured people (this doubles as my rescue knife), and two specialised angler’s tools that have pride of place in my med kit: (1) the (fingerless) Ultralight hemostat by RISING and (2) the 90 degree tweezers also by RISING. Super useful, beautiful design and great craftsmanship. I use them both all the time. (If you’re suddenly one handed or lacking dexterity, you will instantly see 1,001 uses for the hemostat!)

ockycamper: "

LaVirginienne: "

HowardSprague: "I have a zippered, soft “Backpackers First Aid” kit and have always just thrown it in my pack or daypack. But as i think about it, i’d hate to get that stuff wet if the pack wound up in the water. Or to have stuff crushed. I’m thinking I’d like a waterproof hard sided box to keep it in, with a tad extra space to add a few items to it. A Pelican case seems overkill in terms of weight and price. I like the Witz Utility Locker (II) box but it looks like they’re having supply issues and my kit is about 11” long, so I’d like something approximately 12-14” x 6” x 3-1/2-4-1/2” deep. Not finding much/ am I overthinking, and just get a small clear rubbermaid type box and bungee it closed for good measure?"

Yep, the issue is 11”. You’re not going to find a packable hard case of that length with any real depth, although I’m quite pleased with my extra large NRS map case which might prove useful to you? Do NOT put any sharp items in it. Abrasion will cause punctures.



Somebody below commented on why a hard box would even be needed. Over the years, before lithium batteries, there were only two reasons why my claiming partners and I needed hard cases: (1) sharp tools and (2) bread. My journals are filled with experiments to tweak the lightest possible weight solution. It is surprising how often Tupperware type BPA plastic containers have failed in real world use. It’s worth it to really think through the closure and whether it will withstand use and abuse.



I do carry a small hard pelican case now. Yep, it’s heavy. I carry it to protect the lithium battery that is used to charge devices and rechargeable batteries. It is useful for my spare spectacles, and if I were a cigar smoker, I could see the appeal there. Folks who bring O2 in small emergency canisters will want to keep those from puncturing as well. Hard cases can and do have a role in certain situations.



Quick comment for the designated trip medic. I’m WMA WFR certified, and in training we are often judged on how well (as incident commanders) we can quickly and easily deliver instructions and resources to folks we need help from in an emergency. When you think about First Aid from this vantage point, you’ll see that disorganization is not your friend. I also use ZipLoks for stuff, but they are color coded and clearly/carefully labeled in case I am pressing down on a wound or holding a line and I need to ask somebody to “go over there, get that, and do this with it.” This is the primary reason why these structured med kit cases exist. They are excellent signaling devices and communication tools. They direct you to where the First Aid supplies are, and ideally, they help you find what you need in a flash, without needing to use a lot of words.



"

I am also Wilderness First Aid certified. On our trips one of the guys is an Ophthalmologist. I bring the basic first aid kit, a trauma kit, and a third container of gauze and larger bandages. He brings a suture kit and antibiotics.


I used to keep my first aid gear in a backpack but could never get to the items I needed quickly. Then I moved to roll down dry bags. Same issue. Now I use Pelican type dry boxes from Walmart that are clear with water tight seals. I know at a glance what is in each and can give instruction on what to get out from where.


Yes they are more bulky but I put the first aid and trauma gear as priority number one in our tripping preps.

One last thought is PPE. . . .I bring several pairs of nitrile gloves and an N95 mask to use while working on people."

Exactly!!!! Great post!

I love those clear Walmart boxes! I just had to give one up (it was large, clear with orange separator thingie) last month for a project and I’m so bummed! So that is an awesome suggestion. These WalMart items are easily HALF the weight of the Pelican box I have now. My remaining smoky grey WalMart box is waiting for that 1/4 bourbon chocolate cake i hope i don’t forget to bring on my upcoming trip.

Super good reminders re nitrile gloves/PPE. The eye patch is always good to have. I don’t bring a suture kit with me any more, just strong butterfly bandages, gauze, tape, antibiotic etc. But I’m not fishing, and I bring gloves for sawing and splitting wood, and I don’t swing my forest axe. So let’s pray I don’t need stitches any time soon. Otherwise I want to be on your trip.

That said, I did dislocate and fracture a finger on a solo trip in BWCA last year. Very lucky that it was not a compound fracture, not compartment syndrome, no nerve damage, no infection, so I could buddy tape it and keep going. The injury happened at a rocky Snake River landing when a half-submerged rock dislodged in the mud on my first haul-out, and I stepped back down on it in black water—only to find that the stepping stone wasn’t there. Bam! Freefall for a fraction of a second. I landed on the pinky finger of my bracing arm. Coulda been way worse. I only mention this because sketchy stuff can definitely happen out there, in the normal course of events, as we have seen earlier this season. It’s cool that @HowardSprague made this post and I hope it will inspire folks to have one last look through your med kit before you head out again.

Can I put in a plug for LARGE SAFETY PINS (to use your shirt in making an arm sling), a snub nosed knife for safely cutting through clothes being worn by injured people (this doubles as my rescue knife), and two specialised angler’s tools that have pride of place in my med kit: (1) the (fingerless) Ultralight hemostat by RISING and (2) the 90 degree tweezers also by RISING. Super useful, beautiful design and great craftsmanship. I use them both all the time. (If you’re suddenly one handed or lacking dexterity, you will instantly see 1,001 uses for the hemostat!)

Our WFA course instructor called the course "stay and play, or exfil". In other words, given the gear you have with you, can you stabilize the patient to allow them to complete their trip. . . .or do you push the button on the SPOT? Training and a fully outfitted first aid kit can make the difference of allowing someone to complete their BWCA trip vs having to go home early.

I use zip lock bags inside a fanny pack. Don't want to have to dig in the big pack when you need it. Besides the standard stuff I add a few meds like antibiotics, narcotics, imodium....also added a suture kit. Hope I never need these.

Catrina

I use zip lock bags inside a fanny pack. Don't want to have to dig in the big pack when you need it. Besides the standard stuff I add a few meds like antibiotics, narcotics, imodium....also added a suture kit. Hope I never need these.

Catrina

Well, what do you know? Sometimes it helps to just look through you piles and bins of gear. This clear dry bag will do the job, and if I have any ointments or other things i don’t want squished I can always leave a little air in the bag.

We have two "first aid kits." One is the classic boo boo kit with bandaids, Neosporin, moleskin, butterfly closures, ibuprofen, etc. Since the contents of this kit are more susceptible to water, I bag the contents (grouping like items) in heavy duty ziploc bags and then everything goes in a cheap waterproof plastic container I bought on sale at the outdoor section at Menards. It's maybe 4" x 4" x 6". I would not call these cheaper containers submersible, but they will certainly keep the contents dry in a downpour. Then this box goes inside the trash bag liner in the canoe pack. I think this year I may swap this bulkier box out for a red dry sack or maybe a super duty ziploc of some kind.

The other kit is a trauma kit. We carry two of these, one for each canoe. This contains things like a tourniquet, pressure bandages, packing gauze, NPA, etc. Think major blood stoppage because somebody royally screwed up with a knife or axe. The items in these kits are typically either not damaged by water (like the TQ) or are vacuum sealed in heavy plastic. I just pack the kit in a military style MOLLE IFAK pouch and they go on an outside pocket of the pack for quick access. At the end of the trip, I open these kits and let them dry. I might have to replace an item or two, but usually not. I figure if one of these is needed, there will not be time to waste digging to the bottom of the pack (seems what you plan to keep on top always sifts to the bottom), and it's worth the hassle of having to dry it out at the end of the trip. Usually just the nylon pouch is damp and the contents are dry.

We keep ours in an REI dry bag and leave it in the middle of camp readily accessible.

Works for us

Bright red Sea to Summit 4L Lightweight dry bag.