REI Backpacker Extended Review

REI has put together a quality first aid kit with many standout features that compelled us to give it our Editors’ Choice award. Of all the kits we tested, the REI Backpacker Extended first aid kit has the most unique organization and packaging options for its tools and supplies. The labels are clear and easy to see, and there are several small pouches and holsters to keep your items organized. Its innovative packaging allowed us to quickly find the items we were looking for, and it kept our supplies out of the dirt. REI uses high-quality medical products in this kit. This model also comes with a wallet-sized module, which allows you to take some essentials out of it for a day hike while leaving the bigger bag at camp. There are some downsides to this kit: it does not come with a CPR face shield, and there’s only one pair of gloves, which is not enough for a group of six people for eight days (manufacturer-recommended use). It does come with a well-laid-out first-aid reference book by a respected wilderness medicine physician. Overall, this is a great first aid kit and is sure to meet most of your wilderness or even home-based needs.
REASONS TO BUY