Medical Checklist

Backpacking is hard. For your first aid kits, it can be even trickier as you don't want to be stuck abroad without them. They are the most valuable items you will carry and they should not be compromised when trying to lighten your pack weight.

We have listed some essentials that will aid you in an emergency. In any case, you should always consult your doctor before heading off to travel the world. Depending on the location and the condition of your trip, your physician will always give you the best advice.

Tip

Medical Kit Essentials at a Glance

Anti-diarrheal — Imodium or equivalent for stomach issues
Pain Relief — Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen
Antibiotic Ointment — For cuts and wound care
Sunblock — SPF protection and lip balm
Insect Repellent — DEET-based for mosquito protection
Hand Sanitiser — Essential hygiene on the go
Insurance Details — Keep contact info accessible at all times
Emergency Numbers — Local emergency services for your destination

Note: This list is based on our travel experience and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor before travelling, especially to tropical destinations.

Medications

These are the core medications you should carry with you at all times. They cover the most common ailments travellers face on the road.

Anti-diarrheal drugs — improves comfort and prevents dehydration (e.g. Imodium)Essential
Pain relief and anti-inflammatory analgesic (e.g. ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen)Essential
Anti-histamines for hay fever and acute allergic reactions (e.g. Zyrtec, Benadryl)
Acetazolamide for altitude sickness

Ointments & Bandages

Cuts, scrapes, and skin irritations are common when travelling. Keep these items handy for quick wound care and skin protection.

Adhesive bandage assortments
Bandaids
Sterile gauze pads individually wrapped
Antiseptic wipes for cuts and lesions
Antibiotic ointment to fight infectionEssential
A steroid cream or cortisone — reduces swelling and itching caused by insect stings

First Aid

Having the right tools can make a big difference when dealing with minor injuries. These items take up minimal space but can be invaluable in an emergency.

Tweezers to remove a dastardly splinter or any foreign bodies from your skin
A digital thermometer — fever is always a sign of an infection
Q-tips
Non-latex gloves
Matches
Adhesive or paper tape (Duck tape will do)
Scissors to cut tape, clothing or bandages — a pocket knife with scissors will do
Safety pins
Pen and paper

Equipment

Beyond medications, these items protect you from the environment — insects, sun, and dehydration are common challenges for backpackers.

Insect repellent containing DEET (for the skin)Essential
Insect spray containing permethrin (for clothing, tents and bed nets)
Sunblock and lip balmEssential
Oral rehydration salts
Hand sanitiserEssential
A bar of soap to clean wounds and your own hands
Sterile eye wash solution for irrigation and cleansing of the eyes

Prevention

Prevention is always better than cure. Make sure you have these details readily accessible before you leave home.

Recommended Gear

Here are some of our tried-and-tested gear recommendations that complement your medical kit.

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