Almost no one prepares for an injury, but immediate care is essential for getting you back in the game quickly. Whether you’re putting time in at the gym or hiking in remote back country, every athlete needs a medical bag or athletic training kit. Part of a league? Your friends will thank you for coming prepared to help an injured player. Be the hero for your kid’s sports team when you bring this along to the game. Maybe you’re just stopping to help someone who rolled an ankle on the bike trail. Whatever your activity is, a medical bag is an important part of caring for yourself and others.
If you’re considering a medical bag or athletic training kit, use these tips to select one that’s right for you. Don’t risk a long recovery. Prepare for the worst so you can play at your best.
Basics for everyone
Everyone needs a basic first aid kit. Stash one in your car in case of an accident, or bring one along when you’re hiking, trail running, or mountain climbing. Keep one in your gym bag in case of an injury. Here’s what to look for in a basic kit that anyone should have on hand.
- Size: If you just need the basics or it’s your first time buying a first-aid kit, look for a small option that’s easy to throw in your purse, gym bag, or car. A small kit is easy to transport.
- All-in-one vs. do-it-yourself: It’s usually more cost-effective and certainly more efficient to get an all-in-one first aid kit. Save time and avoid forgetting an important component in your kit. The all-in-one kits are also packed for the most efficient storage. They’ll use the smallest amount of space and are usually lightweight. You won’t even notice you’re carrying it.
- Components: Depending on your activity, you may want to add a few items specific to your sport. But if you’re just getting started or want something for general first aid and sports injuries, look for the following items.
- Gauze pad
- Medical tape
- Sterile adhesive bandages
- Topical antibiotic ointment
- Cold pack
- Disinfecting wipes
- Storage: Not all first aid kits are equal. A sturdy nylon bag is always a good choice. It stands up to use and is easy to refill if you use some of the supplies. Look for mesh storage pockets so it’s easy to see everything.
- Best use: The smaller first-aid kits are great for individuals. They’re useful for any activity that could lead to injury, from daily living activities to trail running and backpacking. Use these small kits as a basic precaution for individuals, leagues, and small teams.
- Where to find them: For basic individual or family use, try this First Aid Sport Kit. It’s perfect for general use, and its size is ideal for tossing in a backpack or gym bag. If you play on a team or in a league, go for a larger option like this League First Aid Kit. It’s ideal for any sport at any level, and has enough supplies for a small group.
Athletic training kits for casual athletes
If you’re a little more serious about your workouts, consider upgrading to an athletic training kit. Customize the kit to your sport, or buy one ready-to-go with everything you’ll need. Here’s what to look for in a mid-level athletic training kit. They’re great for weekend warriors and casual athletes.
- Size: You can usually find a good athletic training kit that’s around 10″ or 12″ square. Kits shaped like a cube have the most efficient storage capacity. Look for a full-open design for easy packing and unpacking.
- All-in-one vs. do-it-yourself: The best plan for this level is to start with a well-stocked all-in-one kit, then customize it for your activity. Many athletic training kits come with customizable options, so you’ll always have exactly what you need in case of an injury.
- Components: An athletic training kit has more options to treat common athletic injuries. These kits are typically more useful than a first aid kit and provide better options for sports-specific injuries. Choose one with the following items:
- Gauze pads in multiple sizes
- Gauze roll
- Closure strips
- Disinfecting spray
- Medi-stat spray
- Pre-tape spray
- Abrasion ointment
- Elastic bandage roll
- Tape roll
- Elastic wrap
- Exam gloves
- Instant cold pack
- Coolant cold spray
- Adhesive bandages in several sizes
- Storage: Look for a bag built to last, even in extreme conditions. The best options prevent cracking and splitting even in very cold weather. Choose one that prevents cracking up to at least -30 degrees Fahrenheit. Nylon bags will a full-open design are best for quick access to needed items. Find one with handles and zippers that will last. High quality options even have reflective materials that make it easy to see in low light.
- Best use: Many people benefit from these kits. They’re great for casual athletes, coaches, and trainers. If you frequent remote areas for hiking, mountain climbing, or trail running, it’s smart to bring one of these kits along. Their compact size is great for those who want more than a very basic first aid kit, but don’t want to waste space. There are plenty of supplies for a small group of people, so choose this if you need something for a small to mid-size team or league.
- Where to find them: Our experts highly recommend this Sport Care Jr. Soft Kit. It has everything you need for your team or group, and its compact design is great for space savers who need a good training kit. Save yourself and others from long-term injury with this kit nearby.
Medical bags for heroes, serious athletes, and first responders
If you’re CPR certified or qualify as a first responder, a medical bag is the best option. These are also great for serious athletes or coaches. Part of a larger team or league? Choose a fully equipped medical bag so your group is ready for anything.
- Size: These bags are typically a little larger, but high quality options still have a compact design. Look for something roughly 15″ x 10″.
- All-in-one vs. do-it-yourself: Choose an all-in-one kit with customizable options. All-in-one kits store everything efficiently and provide quick access to each item.
- Components: Choose something with at least the following items. You might want to add a few of your own, as well. For example, first responders might want sanitary mouth covers for CPR, while coaches and athletes might want to add a brace for injuries common to their sport.
- Gauze pads in multiple sizes
- Gauze roll
- Closure strips in multiple sizes
- Disinfecting spray
- Medi-stat spray
- Pre-tape spray
- Abrasion ointment
- Elastic bandage roll
- Tape roll
- Elastic wrap
- Exam gloves
- Instant cold pack
- Coolant cold spray
- Adhesive bandages in several sizes
- Antiseptic wipes
- Nasal plugs
- Tape remover spray
- Athletic tape safety cutter
- Topical antibiotic ointment packets
- Storage: Use the same storage guidelines you would use for a smaller athletic training kit. Choose a made-to-last, full-open bag with plenty of pockets and compartments. Nylon and crack-resistant materials that are safe up to -40 degrees Fahrenheit work best.
- Best use: These bags are essential for first responders, head coaches, serious athletes, or medical professionals who might need to help someone in an emergency. You’ll be the hero of any situation with a well stocked medical bag.
- Where to find them: We recommend this Sport Care Hero Soft Kit. It comes with everything you’ll need in an emergency. Serious athletes, first responders, and coaches really benefit from a fully equipped medical kit like this one.
Few people prepare for an injury, but those with the equipment to help themselves and others in a bad situation are real heroes to those in need. Prevent hours of recovery time with a good athletic training kit or medical bag. Want more information on injury treatment, best medical practices for athletes, or products that are right for you? Please contact us today! Our experts are always happy to help.