The Ultimate Guide to Packing Your First Aid Kit for Worldwide Adventure Motorcycling Trips

Stay Safe on the Road: Inside Our Adventure Motorcycling First Aid Kit

By Lisa Thomas

Simon and I carry an Adventure Motorcycling First Aid Kit that we know will cover us for a variety of minor mishaps and, heaven forbid, more serious injuries. Unfortunately, this isn't just for show—we have had to use it during our time on the road.

Let’s be honest: "Normal" travel can open you up to all sorts of nasty surprises—from contaminated food and water to insect bites and infections from other people. But riding a motorcycle? That adds a whole new list of potential problems. Burns, grazes, cuts, broken limbs...

I won’t go on, because this list isn't intended to scare you off (or terrify your loved ones reading this!). However, the reality is that vaccinations, the right medications, and simple precautions can reduce or eliminate many of these risks.

Here is how we handle medical prep and exactly what we pack in our panniers.

The Pre-Trip "Jab-Fest"

Prior to leaving, Simon and I had to suffer through 28 separate vaccinations, ranging from Hepatitis A and B to Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies, just to name a few!

Many African countries have strict entry requirements and won’t let you across the border unless you have proof you’ve been vaccinated against specific diseases. The most common requirement is Yellow Fever.

Where do you find this info? How do you know which jab is for which country, where the malarial zones are, or if there is a current outbreak?

• The Resource: I use NHS.Inform for the most up-to-date, easy-to-digest information on individual countries.

• The Rule: There are many similar websites, but just make sure you use at least one of them to do your homework!

Make sure your med-kit is easily accessible.

Put your first aid kit on the outside of your pannier or bags system, so that in an emergency you can get to it easily and quickly. The last thing you need if your injured is to have to stat unpacking your gear and bags to get to an item that might save your life.

Be Responsible: Know Your Kit

It is vital that you know the correct usage of the medical kit you carry. Luckily for Simon, I was qualified under an internationally recognized First Aid Training course prior to heading out, but you don't need to be a paramedic to be prepared.

• Consult a GP: Get advice from your doctor before leaving on how to take medications correctly.

• Know the Risks: Be aware of adverse reactions or interactions between your prescription meds and other drugs or herbal remedies.

The Art of Packing Medications

Carrying meds across borders and over rough terrain requires a bit of strategy. Here are my golden rules for packing pills:

1. Paperwork is King: You must take your doctor's prescription for all prescribed medications.

2. Original Packaging: Keep meds in their original containers bearing the pharmacy name and prescribing physician. This is crucial for Customs officials.

3. Vibration Proofing: This is a big one. Many pills will turn to dust after the vibrations of a long off-road section.

   • Tip: Keep them in sealed blister packs tightly bound together.

   • Tip: If using a bottle, fill the empty space to the top with cotton wool or foam. Nothing must move.

4. Waterproofing: Pack them somewhere absolutely dry. If you aren't sure, put them in a plastic bag and seal it with good old duct tape.

5. Temperature Control: Most meds say "do not store above 25°C." This is obviously a problem in extreme climates. Burrying them deep in your panniers away from engine heat and direct sunlight helps.

The Gear: What We Actually Carry

This might seem like a massive amount to carry, but it packs down really small. I carry it as an attachment (easily and quickly accessible) in a Touratech waterproof pouch which latches directly to the front of our Zega Pro panniers.

1. The Base Kit

We start with the Ortlieb Medical Kit (DIN 13167) which includes the essentials:

• Emergency bandage & Surgical gloves (x4)

• Adhesive plasters & Dressing

• Compression bandages (x2)

• Rescue sheet (foil blanket)

• Scissors

2. Trauma & Wound Care

You can buy "Wound Closure Kits" at many good pharmacies. Buying a pre-prepared pack just makes life easier.

• Trauma Wound Dressing: (Hemorrhage Compression bandage, non-stick pad, closure bar).

• Irrigation: Syringe and Iodine solutions.

• Closing Wounds: Steri-strips (stitchless closure), Tincture of Benzoin, Wound closure strips.

• Care: Antiseptic wipes, sterile dressings, anti-biotic ointment.

• Burns: Burn gel (10 packs of 3.5g).

3. Prescription Medications (The Heavy Hitters)

• Doxycycline (100mg daily): Malaria prophylaxis. Note: There is no vaccine for Malaria. Read up on side effects and sun sensitivity!

• Ciprofloxacin: Effective against a large number of bacteria (UTIs, traveler’s diarrhea).

• Augmentin: For certain bacterial infections.

• Metronidazole: Used to treat a variety of infections.

• EpiPen: Auto-Injectors for life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).

4. Everyday Ailments & Comfort

• Stomach: Immodium (diarrhea), Dulcolax (constipation—be warned, these work!), Gaviscon (heartburn), Rehydration sachets.

• Pain: Paracetamol, Ibuprofen tablets, Ibuprofen gel.

• Skin/ fungal: Canestin cream (Ladies, make sure you have this for thrush!), Athletes foot cream, Tea Tree oil, Savlon antiseptic.

• Creams: Preparation H (hemorrhoid ointment), Antihistamine ointment (non-drowsy formula for itching).

5. Tools & Extras

• Tools: Sterilized tweezers, Thermometer, Safety pins, Tick remover tool (essential for clean removal).

• Eyes: Carmellose sodium eye drops, Eye bath.

• Sanitation: Anti-bacterial hand gel.

• Emergency: Orange cloth (signaling device recognized from the air).

A Final Note: Don't let the length of this list put you off. Being prepared gives you the peace of mind to enjoy the ride, knowing that if things go sideways, you can handle it.

Ride safe!

Lisa

Ready to Pack Your Own Kit?

We know this is a lot of information to absorb before a big trip! To make your preparation easy, we’ve taken the exact inventory from our panniers and created a simple, downloadable PDF checklist.

Click the link below to get your copy. Print it out, tick off the items as you pack them, and gain peace of mind knowing you’re ready for whatever the road throws your way!

➡️ [DOWNLOAD THE FREE 2RIDETHEWORLD ADVENTURE FIRST AID CHECKLIST HERE]