Heres what we carry. This isnt the minimal backpacker kit — this is the family-in-an-RV kit where you have space and kids who find new ways to injure themselves daily.
The Basics
Adhesive bandages — multiple sizes including the big ones. We go through these like crazy. Gauze pads and medical tape. Tweezers (splinters and ticks). Small scissors. Instant cold packs — 4 minimum. Elastic bandage wraps for sprains. Antiseptic wipes.
Medications
Childrens Tylenol AND Motrin (different mechanisms, can alternate). Benadryl — liquid for the youngest, chewables for the older two. Hydrocortisone cream for bug bites. Triple antibiotic ointment. Sunburn relief spray. Anti-diarrhea medication (adult and kid versions).
The Extras That Have Saved Us
Epi-pen. Our middle child has a bee allergy. Non-negotiable. Check expiration dates quarterly.
SAM splint. Lightweight, moldable splint for suspected fractures. Used it once on my own finger. Saved a trip to the ER.
Tick removal tool. Better than tweezers for proper removal. We camp in tick country a lot.
Oral rehydration packets. Kids get dehydrated faster than adults. A couple Pedialyte powder packets weigh nothing and can prevent a bad day from becoming a hospital day.
The Most Important Item
A printed first aid reference card. When your kid is screaming and bleeding, your brain stops working properly. Having step-by-step instructions for common injuries right there in the kit is invaluable.
Take a basic first aid course. Know CPR. Carry the kit. Hope you never need it. But be ready when you do.
Comments (13)
Join the conversation!
Sign in to comment
This makes me want to plan a trip just to try it out.
We learned most of this the hard way. Nice to see it written out clearly.
Great point — I should have included that!
haha so true! happened to us too
Never thought about it this way before. Good stuff.
Ha we should swap stories sometime!
Sound advice. This is the kind of content the community needs.
Never thought about it this way before. Good stuff.
Pop-up life has its challenges but the rewards are so worth it.
The grandkids love visiting us at whatever campground were at. These tips help!
Tried the campfire recipe mentioned here — neighbors came over asking for some haha.
great tips. saving this for my next adventure
Thanks! Glad you found it helpful.