The 5 best first aid kits of 2025 for home, car, and travel

Business Insider

22-04-2025

First aid kits provide your first defense against injuries ranging from minor cuts in your daily life to serious issues that require professional help.
To find the best first aid kits, we interviewed Dr. Joseph Lauro, an emergency medicine physician and former FDNY paramedic, and Dr. Jestin Carlson, an American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council member. They helped us develop assessment criteria, including the kit's quality and injury coverage, organization, and customization options.
The best first aid kit is the Surviveware 98 Pcs Comprehensive Premium Survival First Aid Kit because it's well-organized and features supplies for common injuries, all housed within a durable, easy-to-mount case. At under $20, the Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit is our budget pick, featuring 160 essentials from name brands like Neosporin, Tylenol, and Band-Aid.
While we've identified the most effective kits available, remember that equipment alone isn't enough — consider supplementing your purchase with Red Cross first aid certification to maximize your emergency readiness capabilities.
The best first aid kits of 2025
Best overall: Surviveware 98 Pcs Comprehensive Premium Survival First Aid Kit - See at Amazon
What to look for in a first aid kit
Based on our discussions with the experts, we've identified the critical components that separate truly effective emergency preparedness options from inadequate alternatives. The kit should address the most likely injuries while maintaining accessibility.
Essential protection
Nitrile gloves are the foundation of any quality first aid kit. Lauro emphasized this as the first requirement, noting: "For your own sake, if you're going to be providing first aid to somebody, having gloves, some sort of protection barrier," is essential when dealing with potential bloodborne pathogens.
Wound management
For the most common injuries — scrapes, bleeding, and cuts — you need multiple items working together:
Assorted adhesive bandages (i.e., Band-Aids)
Sterile 4x4 gauze pads
Larger absorbent trauma pads
Roll/cling gauze
Medical-grade tape
Precision tweezers
Triple antibiotic ointment
Antiseptic cleaning solutions or wipes
Musculoskeletal support
For sprains, strains, and potential fractures — which Carlson identified as the most common injury category — look for:
Elastic bandages
Triangular bandages
Basic splinting materials
Instant cold compresses
Additional components
Complete your kit with these expert-recommended elements:
Burn care: sterile dressings and specialized relief products
Pain management: both acetaminophen and ibuprofen
Allergy response: antihistamine medications, like Benadryl
Knowledge tools: a comprehensive first aid manual or the Red Cross First Aid app (available for iOS and Android)
Environmental protection: emergency blankets, especially for car emergency supply kits
For specialized situations, consider supplementing with activity-specific items, like glucose sources for diabetic emergencies, Hank's Balanced Solution for when a tooth might get knocked out, or EpiPens for severe allergies. Make sure you only administer prescribed treatments to people with the appropriate prescription.
Best overall
The Surviveware Premium Survival First Aid Kit addresses the core principle emphasized by medical experts: It provides quick access to essential supplies during critical moments. Based on expert consultation and extensive research, it's our top pick for emergency preparedness at home.
I liked that the Surviveware kit features clearly labeled compartments and an intuitive design for quickly accessing what you need. As Lauro emphasized, "When providing first aid, you typically don't have time to sit down and read through instructions."
The kit's 98 high-quality pieces cover the spectrum of common injuries — addressing everything from minor burns and wounds to more significant emergencies with its removable CPR pouch. A detailed first-aid guide aligns with Carlson's recommendation to have reliable reference materials available.
The kit's portability remains a key strength. It incorporates D-rings to hang from a backpack or bike, though it's equally at home in your bathroom cabinet.
This kit is made of durable, water-resistant polyester, and the supplies are further protected by laminated pouches, maintaining the sterility important for effective treatment.
Best budget
Featuring 160 pieces of trusted name-brand supplies, the Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose First Aid Kit covers all the basics our expert interviews identified as critical for home emergencies. At about $18, it delivers excellent value without compromising essential emergency preparedness.
This kit includes protective gloves (Lauro's first recommendation), various bandages and gauze for bleeding control, full-size medications like Neosporin, Benadryl cream, and Tylenol (for wound care and pain relief), plus an instant cold pack for injuries.
Thanks to its well-organized, portable design, the kit works well in various locations, including your car or bathroom. It also features a guide with simple instructions for treating common injuries.
This Johnson & Johnson kit is the ideal combination of coverage, affordability, and trusted brands for households seeking reliable, quality first aid supplies without breaking the bank.
Best for car
When roadside emergencies strike, having the right medical supplies within easy reach, like in a glove compartment or trunk, can make all the difference. The Homestock+ Professional First Aid Kit is compact and weighs just 1.3 pounds, so it won't consume valuable car space while still providing trauma supplies when on the go
The Homestock+ kit eliminates confusion with clear labels that identify both the contents and their applications. The included first aid manual gives further instructions. Unfortunately, the labels aren't reflective, making them hard to read in the dark. At least the outer bag is reflective, so you can easily locate the kit in your car.
First aid kits stored in a vehicle must withstand temperature fluctuations and will likely get tossed around. The Homestock+ bag is made of heavy-duty polyester that can handle life on the road. Plus, its D-rings and buttoned straps keep it secured in your trunk, glove compartment, or elsewhere in your vehicle.
For complete vehicle emergency preparedness, consider supplementing with items from our guide to the best car emergency kit supplies.
Best travel
When evaluating medical solutions for travel, you want a kit that combines functionality and portability. The Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 accommodates first aid supplies in a remarkably compact format designed for the mobile adventurer.
Weighing a mere 5.8 ounces, this kit is portable without sacrificing medical essentials. The high-visibility exterior design serves a dual purpose — immediate location in crowded luggage and quick identification during potentially stressful situations where time efficiency matters.
The waterproof exterior featuring DryFlex bags and water-resistant zippers, keeps the sterility of internal components even during water-based activities or unexpected weather changes — a key consideration the medical experts emphasized for maintaining supply effectiveness.
The Adventure Medical Kits kit curates supplies that address common travel emergencies: blister treatment for extended walking, wound care for unexpected cuts, and even fracture management capabilities. The four-day supply duration for two travelers strikes the perfect balance between space efficiency and emergency preparedness.
Best for hiking
The backcountry demands specialized medical preparation, and the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit incorporates trail-ready emergency preparedness with thoughtful wilderness-specific design elements.
This kit transforms traditional first aid through its innovative Easy Care organization system — featuring injury-specific pockets with clear labeling and an external map for quickly finding what you need. Even during limited visibility or challenging trail conditions, the reflective mountain logo and see-through pockets ensure rapid supply location when seconds matter.
Specialized components address hiking-specific emergencies: precision forceps for debris and splinter removal, trauma pads for wilderness bleeding control, substantial moleskin quantities for preventing debilitating blisters, and butterfly closures for wound management. Plus, the included medications address common backpacking ailments, including altitude-related inflammation and allergic reactions.
The wilderness first aid guide offers crucial knowledge when professional care is hours or days away. Despite its extensive capabilities, the kit is lightweight and backpacker-friendly while providing expandable storage for personal medical necessities.
For serious backpackers and hikers venturing beyond cell service range, this purpose-built kit has the items you need without unnecessary bulk.
How we chose the best first aid kits
Our research methodology combines rigorous analysis with practical insights from medical professionals who understand what matters most when emergencies strike. Rather than relying solely on manufacturer claims, we framed our suggestions based on expert interviews with Dr. Joseph Lauro, emergency medicine physician and former FDNY paramedic, and Dr. Jestin Carlson, American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council member.
Assessing supplies
We evaluated each kit's contents against the expert-identified list of common injuries:
Primary injury coverage: Supplies for the "Big Four" injuries — lacerations/cuts, strains/sprains, puncture wounds, and fractures.
Secondary care capabilities: Tools for addressing allergic reactions, insect bites, and burns.
Medication quality: Presence of appropriate pain relievers, antibiotic ointments, and specialized treatments
Protective equipment: Inclusion of gloves and other barrier protection items the experts emphasized as first-line essentials.
Rather than simply counting items, we assessed how effectively each kit's inventory addresses real-world emergencies, prioritizing full coverage of likely injuries over sheer quantity.
Organization
We looked at the clarity of the labeling system and compartmentalization. Kits featuring intuitive organization with clearly marked sections earned much higher ratings, recognizing the importance of speed when administering emergency care.
Customization Capacity
Both experts stressed that no one-size-fits-all solution exists for emergency preparedness. Carlson noted, "It is important to have the ability to add in additional resources if you need them." We evaluated each kit's adaptability by examining the available space for extra supplies and the modularity of the storage.
First aid kit FAQs
What should be in a first aid kit?
Based on our expert interviews, the perfect first aid kit combines practical accessibility with complete coverage. While precise needs vary by situation, our research identifies these essential components for effective emergency response:
Protection and wound care: Non-latex gloves (preferably nitrile) offer crucial barrier protection. Other items include large trauma pads, various adhesive bandages, roll gauze with tape, and 4x4 sterile gauze pads. Both experts stressed direct pressure application as the primary bleeding control technique.
Medication essentials: Stock acetaminophen and ibuprofen for pain management, plus antibiotic ointment for wound treatment (like generic triple antibiotic or Neosporin).
Injury stabilization: Include elastic bandages, triangular bandages for creating slings, and basic splinting materials to address sprains, strains, and fractures — statistically the most common injuries requiring first aid.
Emergency extras: To fully prepare, add antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and cold compresses. Consider specialized additions based on the activity context: Hank's Balance Solution for sporting events, glucose sources for diabetes management, or tourniquets for remote settings.
Remember to supplement with a first aid guide or an app. Check supplies every six months for sterility and expiration.
What should NOT be included in a first aid kit?
Based on our expert consultations and practical assessment, certain items can compromise your kit's effectiveness:
Rarely-used or bulky items that compromise accessibility should be reconsidered. Lauro emphasized rapid access during emergencies — unnecessary bulk works against this.
Expired medications should be promptly removed during a twice-yearly kit check. Though Lauro noted that some sterile supplies are useful past expiration if packaging remains intact, medications with diminished efficacy present unnecessary risks.
Scissors without blunted tips present safety hazards during high-stress situations. Medical shears specifically designed for emergency use provide safer functionality when treating injured people.
Cloth adhesive tape often deteriorates in storage, leaving sticky residue on other supplies. Opt instead for medical-grade paper or waterproof tape that maintains integrity over time.
Prescription medications not prescribed to you should never be included. While personal prescriptions may supplement your kit, sharing prescription medications can create dangerous complications and violate medical protocols.
Accessibility and organization are important. Even well-intentioned add-ons can compromise your kit's effectiveness if they create confusion or clutter.
When do first-aid kits expire?
First aid kits don't have a single expiration date — instead, they contain multiple components with varying shelf lives. The experts we talked to recommended inspecting your kit every six months.
Storage conditions significantly impact longevity — kits kept in low-humidity, temperature-stable environments, like bathroom cabinets, preserve sterility longer than those exposed to environmental extremes, like vehicle trunks. While manufacturers offer conservative expiration guidelines, Lauro noted that many sealed sterile supplies remain usable beyond marked dates.
For optimal readiness:
Can you buy first aid kits with HSA?
Yes, first aid kits qualify as eligible expenses under Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). The IRS categorizes these kits as legitimate medical expenses when purchased for healthcare purposes rather than general household use. Many retailers label their first aid products as "HSA/FSA eligible" for easy identification. Hold onto your receipts as you may be required to verify your purchase.