The 11 Best First Aid Kits to Take On Your Next SUP Trip

SUP First Aid Kits

It’s unlikely that you’ll need a first aid kit while paddle boarding, but accidents do happen, and it’s always handy to have one on board. 

Whether you paddle up a little too close to a particularly sharp object or catch yourself with a hook while SUP fishing, having a first aid kit will allow you to temporarily patch yourself up before you get back to land. 

We’re going to look into 11 of the best first aid kits for a paddle board trip that’ll keep you prepared and equipped for accidents you may have while SUPing. 

With that being said, these medical kits aren’t life-saving tools, and for more serious incidents, it is best to contact and seek help from trained emergency medical personnel or the coastguard. 

GILI’s Top Picks: Budget to Premium First Aid Kits

The 11 Best First Aid Kits

Be Smart Get Prepared 326 Piece First Aid Kit

The first of three Be Smart Get Prepared First Aid Kits to make it onto the list is their biggest one of all. The 326 piece kit comes in a robust, high-density plastic case that is impact-resistant and secured by easy slide locks.

Due to its large quantity, you can use the kit for homes, businesses, or outdoor adventures. The kit comes fully organized by two separate layers, and its tilting shelves make it easier to access the quality medical supplies inside. 

Surviveware First Aid Kit

Surviveware’s First Aid Medical Kit comes in a water-resistant and rip-resistant 600D Polyester case, and the internal pieces are protected by laminate pouches. 

The inner compartments of the kit are labeled and organized to make finding your desired supplies easy and convenient. 

Versatile straps and D-rings make it simple to attach to any and all surfaces, so you can clip it onto your dry bag, D-ring, or bungees. 

One of the most notable features of the kit is the included advanced first aid guide and a removable CPR pouch.

M2 Basics 300 Piece First Aid Kit

M2 Basics created a 300 piece first aid kit that comes in a compact and easy-to-carry bag. The lightweight case comes with a D-ring attachment to clip to your board, and the internal pockets will keep your supplies organized and visible. 

The M2 Basics kit is an excellent wilderness first aid kit as well as the traditional medical supplies, it also includes an emergency blanket, compass, and whistle. 

Swiss Safe First Aid Kit

The Swiss Safe First Aid Kit has key emergency supplies for medical, survival, and disaster situations. 

Inside the water and moisture resistant kit are organized sections filled with 151 pieces of first aid supplies to help you patch up and treat yourself if anything happens while SUPing. 

Lifeline 121 Piece First Aid Kit

The largest Lifeline First Aid Kit comes with 121 pieces stored in a hard shell foam carry case and organized by five separate compartments.

A D-ring clip on the handle of the case is excellent for attaching your first aid kit to a bungee or D-ring on your SUPs deck. 

Be Smart Get Prepared 303 Piece Kit

The second Be Smart Get Prepared kit to make the list is their 303 piece kit equipped with everything you’d need in a convenient shoulder strap hard foam shell case. 

Inside the case, there are three sections to evenly break up the supplies and organize them, so they’re easy to access. The middle section is detachable, so you can free up space and cut down on unnecessary items depending on your situation. 

As the strap is detachable, you can also use the clips to your advantage and attach the bag onto a D-ring or your bungee cord on the deck of your SUP.

First Aid Only Plastic First Aid Kit

First Aid Only’s plastic first aid kit comes in a plastic weatherproof case that internally has spacious compartments to store and organize all the included supplies.

With only 57 pieces included, it is one of the smaller kits on our list, but that could also come as an advantage. The smaller size of the First Aid Only Plastic Kit makes it easier to transport and carry on your SUP. It will easily fit in the bottom of your dry bag, or even under a bungee cord without taking up too much room.

First Aid Only First Aid Kit

First Aid Only also has a 298 piece kit that comes in a nylon material pouch so it is easy to store and carry, even on the deck of your SUP.

Clear internal pockets keep all supplies organized and make them easy to locate which is perfect when you’re under pressure or dealing with an emergency. 

Deftget Store First Aid Kit

The Deftget Store’s first aid kit was designed for adventure medical purposes and includes added tools like a flashlight and a saber card that you can use for cutting, sawing, or opening things.

Inside the kits' hardshell case are mesh compartments to keep everything separated and organized. 

Protect Life First Aid Kit

Protect Life’s first aid kit is handheld and includes 100 essential first aid supplies in a compact and organized pouch. 

High-strength zippers separate the medical supplies into two convenient and easy-to-reach sections. An outer loop on the pouch is the perfect place to attach a D-ring and clip it onto your board’s attachments, bungees, or dry bag. 

Be Smart Get Prepared 100 Piece First Aid Kit

The Be Smart Get Prepared brand has featured a few times through this list, and that’s because they truly make fantastic first aid kits. 

Their most budget-friendly and compact first aid kit is the 100 piece kit, which still features a great deal of items that are essential for your next SUP trip. 

Build Your Own First Aid Kit

Alternatively, you can choose to build your own first aid kit and tailor it to your specific needs. If you do decide to build your own kit, however, you should be purchasing quality medical supplies and packing all essentials for a range of different situations. 

Some of the most important things to include in a SUP first aid kit are:

• A selection of bandages
• Alcohol prep pads and antiseptic towels
• Scissors and tweezers
• Sting relief
• An emergency blanket
• A whistle and a flashlight
• Aspirin or equivalent
• Gauze
• Wound closure strips

Additional Medical Training

If you’re an avid paddler who enjoys going off the beaten track and launching your SUP in out-of-reach places, it may be in your best interest to take a course like the Wilderness First Responder Course. 

The course helps you prepare and become an impromptu emergency medical technician while you’re out paddling without access to proper emergency treatment. 

During the course, you’ll learn all things wilderness medicine, how to deal with serious and non-serious injuries, and also how to deal with unexpected illnesses that may occur during your trip.

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