Be ready for any adventure - whether it's your first marathon or sports event, an outback camping trip or embarking on a trail expedition with your dog. Our first aid and safety collection at Wildfire Sports & Trek is built to equip you with essentials that protect, prevent and prepare.

From first aid kits tailored to your activity to advanced snake bite solutions, blister prevention and emergency survival gear, we’ve got your safety covered. With trusted brands like Adventure Medical Kits, Aero Healthcare, Bob Cooper and Coghlan’s, you can rely on the quality and innovation behind every product.

Please note: This guide is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding injury management or any medical condition.

First Aid Kits

Choosing the right first aid kit starts with understanding your environment and your activity. For trekkers venturing into the bush, hiking first aid kits feature lightweight, compact essentials like gauze and bandages to handle minor injuries and scrapes, and can be topped up with blister pads, antiseptic wipes or tick removers from Adventure Medical Kits or Coghlan’s. Sports first aid kits from Aero Healthcare are designed for quick access and rapid response, including items such as sports tapes, instant icepacks and wound dressings to treat injuries on the field.

If you're heading out on water or trekking through rainy conditions, dry bag first aid kits from Sea To Summit offer waterproof protection to keep your medical gear safe and functional. Adventure Medical Kits even caters to pets with dog first aid kits, which include essentials like paw pad dressings, antibiotic ointments and antiseptic wipes to support canine companions on the trail. Whatever your adventure, there's a first aid kit designed to meet its demands. Most first aid kits available from Wildfire Sports & Trek are designed to be portable, practical and purpose-built.

Insect & Snake Bite Prevention & Management

Australia’s rugged and beautiful terrain is home to a variety of native wildlife, including snakes and spiders. Although most Australian wildlife is non-aggressive to humans if treated respectfully, being prepared for an encounter and potential bites from venomous species can be life-saving.

Ideally, you'll wear protective shoes and clothing as a precaution against snake bites on the trail, such as closed-in, sturdy hiking boots with ankle coverage and long outdoor pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin. Solid trekking shoes will also increase the vibrations of your footsteps, alerting a snake to your presence so they can potentially move to avoid confrontation. 

For emergencies, snake bite first aid kits from Aero Healthcare and Bob Cooper - an expert in outback survival - are essential. They feature compression bandages with built-in tension indicators to help apply proper immobilisation pressure - a vital tool to treat bites until emergency care arrives.

When it comes to ticks and mozzies, Coghlan’s supplies practical, easy-to-use tick removers and breathable mosquito head nets that offer excellent protection in dense bush or humid conditions. Tick removers are essential tools for hikers and campers in bushy or coastal areas, allowing safe removal and reducing the risk of infection.

For those heading into mosquito-prone regions, lightweight head nets provide breathable protection and keep irritating insects at bay. With the right equipment, you can confidently explore even the most wild and remote areas.

Other Safety & Survival Essentials

Being prepared means thinking beyond basic first aid. Our survival gear collection includes essential tools to keep you safe, warm and visible in unexpected situations. Emergency and thermal blankets from Adventure Medical Kits and Aero Healthcare provide critical warmth and insulation during shock or sudden cold exposure. Reflective ponchos offer both rain protection and enhanced visibility in low-light or roadside emergencies. For fire-starting, firelighting kits and Light My Fire’s fire knives are dependable even in wet conditions - helping you stay warm or signal for help.

When it comes to communication, emergency whistles are a must-have for both hiking and boating, with floating whistles ideal for water use. Their loud signal can cut through noise and project further than the human voice, helping rescuers locate you fast in survival situations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Are The Most Common Hiking Injuries In Australia?

Australia’s diverse landscapes offer some of the most rewarding hiking experiences in the world - but they also come with a unique set of hazards. Knowing the most common injuries can help you plan ahead and pack accordingly.

Blisters

Blisters are arguably the most common hiking injury, often caused by friction from poorly fitted shoes or prolonged walking on uneven terrain. They typically develop on the heels, toes or balls of the feet. While they may seem minor, untreated blisters can become infected and make walking painful. Prevention is key - ensure you buy the best hiking shoes for you in terms of comfort and fit with our Try 2 Anything Upgrade at Wildfire Sports & Trek, and discover further blister prevention tips below.

Sunburn

With Australia’s high UV index, sunburn is a serious risk - even on overcast days. Hikers are particularly vulnerable due to extended exposure during long treks. Sunburn can increase your risk of skin damage and skin cancer, and contribute to dehydration or heat stroke.

Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen before heading out and reapply frequently. Premax offers sports sunscreen with water and sweat resistance for peace of mind on your next adventure. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the back of your neck, ears and hands. Lightweight long sleeve clothing from our outdoor apparel category, wide-brim hats and UV-protective sunglasses can offer additional sun protection.

Sprained Ankle

Uneven trails, loose rocks and unexpected slips can easily lead to a sprained ankle - one of the most common mobility-limiting injuries on a hike. Sprains range in severity from minor ligament stretches to full tears, and symptoms typically include swelling, bruising and pain when bearing weight. Supportive footwear with sturdy ankle protection, like high-cut hiking boots, can help reduce the risk.

If a sprain occurs, follow the R.I.C.E. protocol for immediate treatment - rest, ice, compression and elevation - and seek the guidance of a healthcare professional. A compression bandage or elastic wrap is a useful addition to your first aid kit for this purpose.

Dehydration & Heat Exhaustion

Australia's often dry climate and high temperatures can quickly lead to dehydration or heat-related illnesses. Symptoms include dizziness, dry mouth, headache, muscle cramps and in more serious cases, nausea or fainting. Always bring more water than you think you’ll need - hydration packs or collapsible water bottles are fantastic options for longer hikes. Electrolyte powders can help replenish minerals like sodium that are lost in sweat and that are key to maintaining healthy hydration. Wearing light-coloured clothing and taking regular breaks in shaded areas will also help your body regulate heat and avoid exhaustion.

How Do You Prevent Blisters On Long Hikes?

Blisters are one of the most common - and frustrating - issues hikers face on long treks. Thankfully, with a few proactive steps, they’re also one of the most preventable.

Blister prevention is all about preparation, foot care and paying attention to the early signs of discomfort. The sooner you act, the better your chances of avoiding the painful consequences later in the hike.

1. Choose the right footwear and prepare your feet well in advance

Start by gradually breaking in your hiking shoes with shorter walks. This allows the materials to soften and your feet to adjust to any pressure points. Never take brand-new trail boots on a long hike without this step.

Proper boot fit is another crucial factor. A good hiking boot should lock your heel in place to avoid slippage, offer enough room for your toes, and provide even pressure without pinching. Ill-fitting boots - too tight or too loose - almost guarantee blister trouble.

2. Pair your hiking boots with moisture-wicking trail socks

Ideally, your hiking socks will be made of moisture-wicking synthetic materials or Merino wool - which are far more effective at managing sweat than cotton. Keeping your feet dry is essential to reduce blister-causing friction. Bring extra Smartwool, Balega or your other favourite anti-blister socks, and change into fresh ones if your feet become damp from sweat, rain or river crossings.

Double-layer socks can minimise friction between your skin and your hiking shoes, while toesocks from Injinji can reduce rubbing between your toes. Taking off your hiking boots during rest breaks to let your feet air out can also help significantly.

3. Apply an anti-chafe cream and moleskin blister dressings

For additional protection, especially on very long hikes or in wet conditions, some trekkers use anti-chafe balms to reduce skin-on-skin friction. Applied in advance to high-risk zones, anti-chafing creams and sticks from BodyGlide, Squirrel’s Nut Butter, Ronhill, Gurney Goo or Premax can be game-changing.

If you know you’re prone to blisters in certain areas such as your heels, arches or toes, apply blister prevention tape, moleskin or padded patches before your hike begins. These create a physical barrier between your skin and potential friction, helping prevent irritation before it starts.

4. Carry a compact blister kit

Despite all precautions, sometimes blisters still form. A compact blister kit including blister plasters, moleskin, antiseptic wipes, alcohol swabs and gel dressings from Adventure Medical Kits can help prevent further damage and pain by reducing friction and aiding in repair. 

Do You Need A Snake Bite Kit For Hiking?

Yes, carrying a snake bite kit is strongly recommended for anyone hiking in Australia - even on well-maintained or popular trails. Many regions are home to venomous snakes such as the eastern brown and tiger snake, making a snake bite first aid kit an essential precaution.

Before setting out, it’s wise to research your specific trail and surrounding environment to understand what risks may be present. Snake activity in Australia typically peaks between October and January. As ectotherms (cold-blooded animals), snakes rely on external heat to regulate their body temperature, so they are more likely to be active and visible in the warmer months, especially in sunny areas.

A basic snake bite kit should contain at least two compression bandages along with clear instructions for applying them. Ideally, include a pressure immobilisation bandage with a tension indicator to help ensure correct application. This method is critical in slowing the spread of venom and can significantly increase the chance of survival while waiting for emergency services.

Equally important is being familiar with snake bite first aid procedures. Anyone venturing into snake-prone areas should learn how to respond calmly and correctly in case of a bite, and ideally, at least one person in the group should be confident in administering first aid.