What type of first aid kit do you need?

If you’re headed out with just a backpack you’ll want to look for a compact and easy to pack first aid kit with the basics and then add a few specifics. If you plan to bug out to a retreat location or to stay put in your home you can stock a larger, more substantial first aid kit or combine a few, still adding your own specific extra items based on your needs and location. 

You'll almost always need to customize your first aid kit slightly or at least choose one that suits your specific needs. For example, you may want to add animal or bug repellents if you live in an area or climate where biting insects are an issue. Likewise, you'll want to add any prescription medications needed by yourself or your family members. You'll also want to consider specific allergies in your group, will you need an EpiPen, for example, in case Junior gets a bee sting?

How comprehensive should my first aid kit be?

Well that all depends on your particular situation. How much space do you have? Do you have to carry your kit in a pack or are you stocking up to hunker down at home or a retreat location? We recommend having a first aid kit for each possible scenario. Keep a kit in your car that is designed with the types of emergencies that might arise on the road in mind. Keep a more comprehensive first aid kit in your home and/or your bug out location. This kit should include a wider variety of items like suture kits and larger amounts of dressings and band-aids. Also have a very compact and portable kit that you can take with you in a pack should you need to leave your home or retreat location. This kit should be as comprehensive as possible while also taking space into consideration.