A first aid kit is something that everyone should have at home, whether it’s a small, portable one or a large kit with hundreds of pieces.
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First aid kits are essential when it comes to treating small, non-hospital injuries like burns, scrapes and wounds, but they’re also great to take with you on vacations or short trips in case anything unexpected pops up.
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“Emergencies don’t come with advance notice so first aid kits are essential to being able to handle minor and emergency situations,” says Dr. Chandani DeZure, a double-board certified pediatrician at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health.
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“I typically recommend having first aid kits for both ease, convenience, and safety.
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To find the best first aid kits, including portable ones that fit in a backpack, glove compartment or tote, I spoke with DeZure and other medical experts for their guidance and recommendations.
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The first aid kits I recommend below vary by price, size, and resources to make it easier for you to find one or multiple options suitable for your needs.
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The best first aid kits
All of the products below are either direct recommendations from our experts or editors, or have at least a four-star rating from 500 or more reviews on Amazon.
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Band-Aid’s first aid kit has a lot of what you’d expect to find in most traditional first aid kits, but it also has much more.
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In addition to just regular adhesive bandages, it has ones of different sizes and even includes butterfly closures.
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It also comes with Tylenol for pain relief, hand wipes, multiple types of gauze and angled scissors, which can be helpful when cutting medical tape, gauze and bandages.
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It also has anti-itch cream in case you have a reaction to something like poison ivy or poison oak.
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Shoppers also say that they like that the kit has a lot of supplies needed for common injuries.
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Plus, many people who bought it like to keep it in their cars or RVs.
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This small first aid kit is perfect for anyone who wants a basic supply that has just about everything to help tend to minor but common injuries.
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The square-shaped container is clear on the front and it opens up like a small briefcase, so it’s easy to see where everything (and grab it) is at a moment’s notice.
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It has a handle on the top and latches to keep it securely closed, as well as small loops, which you can use to attach to something like a backpack or duffel bag.
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It’s only around 5 inches by 5 inches, so it fits in a glove compartment, a coat pocket, a tote or other small personal item you might keep with you all the time.
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If you want an almost all-inclusive first aid kit, this is the best option on this list.
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While you may have to buy a few other items to make sure the kits have everything you want, this one has a lot.
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It has multiple types of adhesive bandages, butterfly closures, several types of gauze, including sponges made from gauze, gloves, a face mask and much more.
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Plus, all of the supplies come in a plastic container with multiple trays for holding everything.
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The case has a handle at the top with loops that you can attach to personal items.
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Another great feature about this kit is that you can mount it on the wall, which allows you to have it out in the open and ready to use, particularly because the cover is clear, similar to some other first aid kits on this list.
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This is the perfect first aid kit for someone who wants something that is not only very simple, but small enough to fit in almost any pocket or backpack.
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The case is only 6.2 inches by 5.5 inches and weighs less than 7 ounces, and the front of the case is clear, so not only does it fit in small areas, it’s also easy to see what you have at any given moment, in case you need to refill on medication, bandages or hand wipes.
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Shoppers say they enjoy that it’s compact but also includes practically everything you need.
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Most durable case
This first aid kit also has a lot, including items that would be useful if you find yourself outdoors and lost, like a whistle and a compass.
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You can bring this along with a separate hiking emergency kit, during camping trips or during any form of long-distance travel by car.
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Just like all of the options on this list it has bandages, but it also has adhesive bandages of different sizes, shapes and types, as well as butterfly closures, safety pins, tweezers and multiple types of gauze.
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The kit is also available in several sizes, including options with 85, 100 and 200 pieces.
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It comes with a zipper and a fabric container (with a handle), while the 85-piece kit is the only option that has a clear plastic case.
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This first aid kit is mainly made up of bandages, making it the perfect set for children to use on their own (though you’ll want to keep the pain meds out of reach).
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The reusable tin and bandages come with vibrant patterns and colors, and the kit has everything they need to patch up their own nicks and scuffs, plus no scissors you need to worry about them mishandling.
“My kids actually ask for a bandage now; the fun designs turn every scrape into a mini celebration,” says NBC senior production manager Rebecca Delman.
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“The case is small and compact, so I keep it in my bag or the car.
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It comes with an assortment of colors and sizes, plus medicine for bumps and bruises.
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Best of all, they actually stay on!”
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How I picked the best first aid kits
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Here’s everything our experts recommend considering before buying first aid kits to keep at home or in your car.
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Regardless of the size, most first aid kits should include supplies to help treat small but common injuries.
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“To me, this would include adhesive bandages of different sizes, gauze, alcohol wipes, wrap bandage, medical tape, antibiotic ointment, vaseline, disposable nitrile gloves, tweezers, small scissors, CPR face shield, burn gel, and a flashlight,” says pediatrician DeZure.
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…and 45 more, not listed.
The Aporia
