Safety & First Aid

First aid kits, emergency gear, bear safety, and survival essentials

The gear you hope you never use is often the most important. A proper first aid kit, bear spray in grizzly country, and emergency communication can save your life. We review what's worth carrying and what's just extra weight, with a focus on what actually helps when things go wrong.

Our Top Picks

Best First Aid Kit

Adventure Medical Ultralight .7

Well-organized, appropriate contents, 7 oz.

Best Bear Spray

Counter Assault 10.2 oz

32-foot range, 8-second spray time. EPA registered.

Best SOS Device

Garmin inReach Mini 2

Two-way satellite messaging. True peace of mind.

Safety Gear Guide

First Aid Kit Essentials

  • Blister treatment (most common trail injury)
  • Pain/anti-inflammatory meds
  • Wound cleaning and bandaging
  • Tweezers and medical tape
  • Emergency blanket

Bear Country Requirements

  • Bear Spray: More effective than firearms, carry accessible
  • Bear Canister: Required in many areas, protects food
  • Knowledge: Know the difference between black and grizzly bears

Price Ranges

First aid kits: $20-60. Bear spray: $40-50. Satellite messengers: $300-400 + subscription.