Which First Aid Kit is Right for Your Trail Adventures?
As a passionate hiker and founder of Trail Hiking Australia, I’ve long believed that carrying a well-equipped first aid kit is non-negotiable, whether you’re heading out for a quick morning hike or tackling a multi-day backcountry trek.
Accidents can and do happen.
From rolled ankles and scrapes to snake bites or more serious trauma, your ability to respond quickly and effectively can make all the difference.
Recently, I had the opportunity to field test two hiking-specific first aid kits from Assurance
Training & Sales: the IFAK Hike and the IFAK Hike Lite.
Both are designed by paramedics, both are trail-ready, and both far exceed the typical store-bought kits that tend to be full of bandaids and not much else.
Trail-Tested in the Andes
Before I dive into the review, I want to share some quick context.
In June 2025, my wife and I travelled to Peru, where we completed a series of incredible day hikes to help us acclimatise for the Huayhuash Circuit, an 8-day, high-altitude trek through the heart of the Andes.
We took both the IFAK Hike and IFAK Hike Lite kits with us on every acclimatisation hike,
and they easily handled the usual scrapes, hotspots, and pack chafing.
For the longer 8-day circuit, I needed to carry additional first aid and safety supplies due to the remoteness and duration of the trek.
In that case, I repacked the contents of both kits into a slightly larger,
more flexible bag to better fit my pack setup.
That adaptability was one of the strengths of these kits: the contents are solid, and you can
scale or customise them to suit your trip, whether it's a day hike in Australia or a high-altitude traverse in the Andes.
Below is my honest review of both kits, including a practical breakdown of what they contain,
when you might want to carry each one, and a few suggestions of my own based on years
on the trail.
What is an IFAK?
IFAK stands for Immediate First Aid Kit, a term that comes from the tactical/trauma space
and refers to a compact, high-functioning kit designed for rapid response to injuries.
Think more than just plasters and gauze.
These kits are built for serious situations and remote
environments, like the Aussie bush.
IFAK Hike – Serious Preparedness for Serious Trails
The IFAK Hike is the most comprehensive of the two kits.
It’s lightweight and weatherproof yet packed with trauma-grade gear that goes beyond the basics.
Designed for solo travellers, multi-day hikers, regional workers, and anyone heading far from help, this kit is ready to handle significant injuries in remote locations.
What I liked:
- Trauma-Ready: It includes items like wound-packing gauze, Israeli-style trauma bandage, and the Slishman Pressure Wrap, gear you rarely see in off-the-shelf kits.
- Snakebite Ready: A full 10m compression bandage with a tension indicator is gold-standard for snakebite management.
- Organised & Accessible: Everything is clearly compartmentalised, which helps when you're under pressure.
Best for:
Day hikes, remote off-trail adventures, solo hikes where self-aid might be your only option, or
when you’re the designated first aid lead for a group.
IFAK Hike Lite – Small but Mighty for Day Hikes
The IFAK Hike Lite is a lighter, more compact version, but still thoughtfully curated.
It’s ideal for hikers who want a well-rounded first aid kit without unnecessary bulk.
Unlike many “mini” kits, this one doesn’t skimp on quality or critical components.
What I liked:
- Snake Bite Bandages: You still get two high-quality bandages with tension indicators.
- Tick & Splinter Tools: Proper tweezers, splinter probes, and Tick Twisters are especially useful in bushy or grassy areas.
- Blister and Burn Care: Burn gel, quality blister pads, and antiseptics to manage common trail nuisances.
- Bonus Hydration: The included electrolyte sachet is a smart touch, dehydration creeps up on you fast.
Best for:
Day hikes, trail running, family adventures, or Scouts and Duke of Ed participants. Also, a
good lightweight option for experienced hikers who prefer to customise their kit.
Side-by-Side Comparison: IFAK Hike vs IFAK Hike Lite
Feature IFAK Hike IFAK Hike Lite
|
Snake Bite
Bandage
|
✅ (2 x 4.5m with tension
indicators)
|
✅ (2 x 4.5m with tension indicators) |
|
Trauma
Equipment
|
✅ Wound packing gauze,
Israeli bandage, pressure
wrap
|
❌ Not included |
|
Splinter & Tick Tools, Stainless tweezers
|
❌ Not included
|
✅ Splinter probes, Tick Twisters, |
|
Blister/Burn
Care
|
❌ Not included
|
✅ Burn gel, Blister plasters |
|
Hydration
Support
|
❌ Not included
|
✅ Lemonade electrolyte sachet |
|
Dressings & Cleansing
|
✅ Basic wound dressings,
saline
|
✅ Broader range including antiseptic
wipes, island dressings, eyewash
|
|
Bandages & Shears
|
✅ Trauma shears, triangular,
combine dressing
|
✅ Universal shears, triangular, non-
woven dressings
|
|
Thermal
Blanket
|
✅
|
✅
|
|
Weight & Size
|
Compact, but slightly bulkier
|
Lightweight and very compact
|
|
Best Use
|
Multi-day, remote, trauma-ready hikes
|
Day hikes, youth expeditions,
lightweight needs
|
What I Added to My Kits
- Depending on the hike, I typically add a few personal extras:
- Any essential medications (e.g. antihistamines, anti-inflammatories)
- Hydrogel or second skin for hot-spot prevention
- Micropore tape – versatile and great for taping toes or securing bandages
- A few extra electrolytes
- Trekkers wool – great for preventing blisters
- Headache tablets & anti-nausea tabs
While both kits are excellent, I tend to prefer the IFAK Hike Lite.
It offers a great balance of weight, practicality, and essential items without the bulk.
That said, for multi-day treks or remote trips where there’s a higher risk of serious injury, I’ll also pack the IFAK Hike for its added trauma coverage and advanced first aid tools.
A Closer Look: What Do These Items Actually Do?
- sraeli Trauma Bandage: Combines dressing and pressure bandage in one. Great for managing deep bleeding.
- Slishman Pressure Wrap: Can act as a tourniquet alternative or compress fractures.
- Snake Bite Bandages: Vital for immobilising a limb and slowing venom spread, don’t skimp on these in Australia.
- Tick Twisters: Designed to safely remove ticks without squeezing venom.
- Blister Plasters: Provide cushioned relief and protection once a blister has formed.
-
Thermal Blanket: Helps prevent shock or hypothermia, also makes a great emergency signal.
- Eyewash / Saline Pods: Ideal for irrigating wounds, washing out dirt or debris, or managing heat rashes and chafing.
Final Thoughts
Both the IFAK Hike and IFAK Hike Lite are excellent kits. Assurance Training & Sales have
clearly put real-world thought into each product. These aren’t just “compliance kits” made to
tick boxes, they’re built for real hikers in real conditions.
My Verdict:
- For most of my day hikes and shorter adventures, I reach for the IFAK Hike Lite. It’s
- lightweight, practical, and has everything I need without unnecessary bulk.
- For multi-day treks or more remote hikes where there's a greater risk and limited access to help, I also carry the IFAK Hike for its additional trauma gear.
Regardless of which one you choose, the key takeaway is this: a good first aid kit is not
optional, it’s part of your essential gear.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and happy hiking!
Darren Edwards
Founder, Trail Hiking Australia
