Is it Cheaper to Make Your Own First Aid Kit for Hiking?
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I saw an article published by Outside.com that discussed how making your own first aid kits for the wilderness is more expensive than buying a ready-made first aid kit. So I thought I would put that to the test and see how much it would cost me if I were to create my own kit vs buying some of the leading first aid kits available online.
The Verdict:
Surprisingly, no, it is not cheaper to make your own first aid kit. If you factor in the price per item and purchase an inexpensive first aid bag, you will still end up paying more money than if you were to buy a preassembled first aid kit.
Let’s review the following:
The cost breakdown of making vs buying
Should You Make or Buy Your First Aid Kit?
The importance of a first aid kit
Pros and cons to buying a first aid kit vs. making your own
Making vs Buying Your First Aid Kit
Let’s assume we are creating a kit for 1 person on a 1-2 day trip. First, let's take a look at the required contents and assign a per each price, and multiply by the quantity needed to get the overall price for a DIY hiking first aid kit. The prices below are a rough estimate; prices may vary a tad:
To make your own kit the price for all the contents within the bag (including the bag itself) will be just under $37.00.
These two first aid kits are at the top of my list for day hikes or short weekend trips. They provide the first aid essentials, come in a convenient bag, and are under $37.00:
Should You Make Or Buy a First Aid Kit
DIY first aid kits give you flexibility and buying the contents in bulk can be logical since you will need to refill items that have been used. Not to mention, if you purchase first aid items in bulk you can build first aid kits for your car, camping, and house.
The best option in my opinion is to buy a pre-assembled first aid kit but refill the contents when needed with individual purchases. For example, when you use an alcohol pad just buy more and refill the first aid bag. The Adventure Medical Kit is the winner in my eyes. It comes with individual pouches that are labeled based on first aid needs. The pockets are fairly transparent and allow for at-a-glance viewing and recognition.
Making vs Buying First Aid Kit (Pros And Cons)
Making a First Aid Kit
Pros
Maximum flexibility in what you include in your kit and can cater the contents to your individual needs, terrain, geography, and distance.
Since some contents will be purchased in bulk you can build multiple first aid kits and keep them where needed.
Cons
More expensive than buying a pre-assembled first aid kit. Especially when you factor in the total cost of contents that are purchased in bulk.
Good first aid bags can be expensive.
You have to plan, think, and verify you have all the necessities that comprise a first aid kit.
Buying a First Aid Kit
Pros
Less expensive than making your own
Includes most everything you need tightly packaged
Can have dedicated pockets specifically for unique first aid items
Cons
You may have to add your own specific contents to the package
You will need to purchase your own first aid items to refill the bag
Is A First Aid Kit Important For Hiking?
Yes, a first aid kit is essential when hiking. It is actually one of the 11 essentials for hiking. Not only is it important to have a first aid kit while hiking, it is equally important to know and understand how to use the contents that are within the kit. It is highly recommended you take a course in the deployment of first aid items. The classes are over a weekend and you gain first aid deployment knowledge that will surely make you more confident and comfortable in the wilderness and could even help save the life of a friend or loved one.