The Roadie: The Best First Aid Kit For The Car (by an expert)
LOOKING FOR THE BEST FIRST AID KIT FOR THE CAR?
Stocked with all of the essentials plus some, the Roadie Readiness Kits by Redi are high-performing first-aid kits. I have been testing out the Roadie for the last month and can confidently say it’s the best first-aid kit for the car.
I am an emergency manager and I firmly believe every personal and business vehicle should have an emergency first aid kit in it. And, as the owner of a wellness travel blog, I firmly believe that personal preparedness is an essential part of wellness.
The REDI Roadie kits are specifically made for the car and will keep you covered when incidents happen on the road and beyond. Read about the 3 different versions of the Roadie first aid kit in this post and choose the one that fits your budget and lifestyle.
*The Roadie Kit was kindly gifted by REDI. However, all opinions are my own.
The Roadie +
- Beyond a first-aid kit ✅
- Trauma pack ✅
- Emergency supplies ✅
What We Like
In a crowd of first aid kits for your car, the Roadie kits stand out. Here’s why:
Well-Stocked & Organized
First, they’re stocked with high-quality contents and are well-organized. Gone are the days of sifting through tiny first aid kits packed to the brim with 200 packets of antibiotic ointment and not much else.
The Roadie is stocked with a good assortment of quality items. Some of my favorite standout items that you will find (even in the standard version of the Roadie) are the EMT-grade trauma shears, a digital thermometer, a moldable finger splint, tweezers, and hydration packs (smart!).
With the Roadie, you can quickly find what you’re looking for. Everything has a place in the kit and all of the resealable pouches are color-coded and labeled. Whether you’re looking for bandaids, gauze, skin treatments, or a CPR mask you will find it quickly because you can quite literally see it all at once.
Versatile
The Roadie kits are great in many situations. I wouldn’t recommend trying to bring them backpacking or anything like that (they’re not small) but any situation where you are establishing a home base and/or bringing your car along.
The Roadie is the perfect kit to bring car camping, road-tripping, skiing, or just to have for daily driving. It’s also great for your adventure van or your RV!
You can even bring it to job sites, and keep it in your office, your dorm, or your home!
The Roadie kits can handle a large range of emergencies (especially the Roadie+ and the Roadie Pro+) which makes them great for anything from common minor injuries to more serious wounds.
Durable
The Roadie and the Roadie+ carrying cases are made out of heavy-duty ballistic nylon which is water-resistant, resistant to sun fading, and resistant to punctures and abrasions.
The Roadie Pro comes in a hard shell that can resist the weight of a car rolling over it. These kits are built to last.
The mounting system makes it even more durable because instead of it getting trampled on the floor in the car it can be safely secured to the back of your seat.
How Does the Roadie Compare to Other Vehicle First Aid Kits?
First and foremost, the Roadie kits are MADE FOR THE CAR. This is the only first aid kit I know of that is specifically designed for cars.
It even has a car mounting system so it isn’t on the floor in the backseat or sliding around in the way back. The Roadie kits mounting system is a unique distinguisher between the Roadie kits and other first aid kits for the car. A mounting system sounds like a pain but it is truly the easiest thing to install. You just buckle your kit to the mounting strap and then it velcros to the back of your seat or in your trunk – easy as pie.
When it comes to what’s inside, the Roadie strikes the best balance of items. It seems that the designers were thoughtful when they put this kit together. It has enough of the things you might need more often and only 1 or two of the things you’ll only need once in a blue moon.
And, when you run out of something REDI makes it SO EASY to replenish items. You simply scan the QR code on the pouch that needs to be refilled and select which items you need to replenish.
Although this is only in the Roadie+, the quick-release trauma pack sets it apart from other car first aid kits.
You can also use the QR codes throughout the kit to access Redi Training videos that are taught by Nurses, Global Emergency Medics, and ER Nurses. This is super handy especially if you have to use a chest seal or something you have never used before. Instead of flipping through a manual you can just scan the code and watch a video – quick and easy.
Which Roadie Kit is Right for You?
I think that the Roadie+ is the best first aid kit for the car for day-to-day use and more adventurous people. It has everything you need to treat minor wounds like blisters and cuts, as well as critical trauma items to stop bleeding and seal major wounds.
Check out the differences between the three versions below.
The Roadie
Recommended for: everyday drivers; anyone looking for a high-quality, basic first-aid kit at a fair price point
This is REDI’s standard first aid kit and is the kit I have been using.
The Roadie is a 113-piece organized pack of first aid and scenario-specific essentials (listed below). It also comes with a daily essentials pack with things like sunscreen, floss, and a hairbrush.
These items are stored in their own pouch that can stay in the kit or be removed and relocated to your glovebox or center console for easy access.
This kit is a great everyday first aid kit for the car that everyone should have.
Tools
- Stainless Steel Tweezers
- Emergency Urinal
- Instant Cold Pack
- Poncho
- Pen Flashlight with batteries
- Permanent Marker
- 6″ Trauma Shears
- CPR Shield
- Digital Thermometer
- Silk Adhesive Tape
- Eye Wash Solution
- First Aid Booklet
First Aid
- (10) Bandage 1×3″ | Latex Free
- (10) Children Bandage | Latex Free
- (5) Fingertip Bandage | Latex Free
- (3) Bandage 2×4″ | Latex Free
- (3) Blister Pad
- (2) Wound Closure Strip
- (2) Gauze Pad 2×2″/4×4”
- (2) Non-Adherent Pad 2×2″/4×4”
- (2) Eye Pad
- (1) Abdominal Pad
- (1) Cohesive Wrap 2×5″
- (1) Gauze Roll 4″
- (4) Hydrocortisone Cream
- (3) Burn Relief Gel
- (2) Anti-Itch Cream
- (2) Bug Repellent
- (1) Sting Relief Wipe
- (5) Triple Antibiotic Ointment
- (5) Antiseptic Towelette
- (5) Hand Sanitizing Wipe
- (2) Petroleum Jelly
- (2) Pair of Nitrile Gloves | Latex Free
Medication
- (4) Iprin (Comparable to Advil®)
- (2) APAP (Comparable to Tylenol®)
- (2) Aspirin (Comparable to Bayer®)
- (2) Diamode (Comparable to Imodium® AD)
- (2) Nutralox® (Comprable to Tums®)
- (2) Diphen (Comprable to Benadryl®)
- (2) Sudo-Tab® PE (Comprable to Sudafed PE®)
- (2) Cetafen® (Comparable to Cold/Cough Relief)
- Glucose Gel Packet
- Electrolyte Packet
The Roadie +
Recommended for: anyone looking for the best first-aid kit for minor and major injuries for both day-to-day and off-grid adventures
The Roadie+ is for you if you are the type of person who likes to be prepared for injuries beyond the day-to-day cuts and scrapes. With the Roadie+, you are set! This is THE first aid kit for your car.
The biggest difference between the Roadie and the Roadie+ is the quick-release trauma pack. It’s attached to the outside of the kit and gives you access to life-saving trauma supplies in seconds.
This kit also has higher quantities of items, some additional first-aid supplies (like an N95 which is good if you get caught driving through wildfire smoke or something), and a few survival supplies (like paracord, duct tape, a knife, waterproof matches, etc.).
The Roadie Pro +
Recommended for: serious adventurers looking for a fully stocked and indestructible first-aid kit
The Roadie Pro+ contains everything that the Roadie+ does plus some bigger tools – like 19″ trauma shears and an 18″ splint for fractured bones.
I think one of the biggest differences is the durability of the container – it’s a hardshell that is waterproof and crush-proof. If you looking for a kit with extra durability for your adventure car, ATV, boat, or RV this is the one.
This is the best option for serious adventurers – I’m thinking van lifers, mountain bikers, and other activities that take you and your car off the grid.
Side by Side Comparison
| Roadie | Roadie+ | Roadie Pro+ |
|---|---|---|
| 113 items | 142 items | 250 items |
| Minor Injuries | Minor & Major Injuries | Minor & Major Injuries |
| 8.2 pounds | 8.7 pounds | 14.4 pounds |
| Water-resistant | Water resistant | Waterproof |
| Everyday essentials | Quick-release trauma pack | Trauma supplies |
| Softshell | Softshell | Hardshell |
| Mounting system | Mounting system | Mounting system |
| Online training access | Online training access | Online training access |
| Scan QR code for refills | Scan QR code for refills | Scan QR code for refills |
| $135 | Some survival supplies | Some survival supplies |
| $350 | $425 |
Things to Consider About the Roadie Kits
I was going to write a “what we don’t like” section, but there really isn’t anything we don’t like. So instead I’m touching on some things that you might want to consider based on your lifestyle and preferences.
The Roadie kits are not your average first aid kit, so they don’t come with an average price tag. They are on the expensive side overall but for their value, they are reasonable (actually better priced than closest competitors).
Because they are packed with useful items that will help you in many more emergencies than your average first aid kit, these kits are a little bulky and heavy.
Last, the Roadie+ and the Roadie Pro might have some items that you are not familiar with or are not comfortable using (tourniquets, chest seals, etc.). However, REDI created quick-access training videos if you ever need to use these things. I think it’s better to have these life-saving items and learn how to use them than to not have them!
Should You Buy the Roadie First Aid Kit for Your Car?
Yes! At the very least you should buy the standard Roadie. But I recommend the Roadie+ for more thorough preparedness.
Other Emergency Items to Keep in Your Car
It’s important to note that the Roadie kits are first aid kits, not emergency kits. There are other emergency survival items that you should also keep in your car – first aid kits are just one piece of your emergency kit.
For a complete list of items you should keep in your vehicle’s emergency supply kit check out Ready.gov, but here is a short list of some important items.
- Backup battery to charge your phone
- Flashlight or headlamp w/ extra batteries
- Reflective triangle
- Road flares
- Heavy-Duty Jumper Cables
- Portable Power Bank Jump Starter
- Tire Pressure Gauge
- Air Compressor or Fix-A-Flat Can
- Bungee Cords
- Paracord
- Multi-tool
- Gloves
- Non-perishable food
- Water
- Extra set of warm clothing
First Aid Kit for Your Car FAQ
Yes, it’s very important to carry a first aid kit in your car. A well-equipped first aid kit can be invaluable in case of emergencies or minor injuries, whether on the road or during outdoor activities.
First aid supplies are not mandated by law.
Yes, car emergency kits are worth having. In case of minor injuries or accidents, having a basic first aid kit in your car can be crucial. It enables you to provide immediate care until professional medical help arrives.
Extreme heat inside a car during hot weather, can affect the integrity and effectiveness of certain items in the kit including medications, liquids, and adhesive products.
First aid kits for the car should include an assortment of contents to treat minor injuries that could result from car accidents and a variety of activities you take your car to.
Individual items within a first aid kit may have varying expiration dates. This is particularly true for medications, ointments, and certain medical supplies, which may lose effectiveness over time.
It depends on several factors including the types of items in the kit, their expiration dates, and the conditions in which the kit is stored. Inspect your kit regularly!
Whether it is cheaper to put together your own first aid kit or buy a pre-packaged one depends. However, pre-packaged kits offer the convenience of having a ready-made solution without the need to source individual items and save a lot of time (which is money!).
One that was put together by health, safety, and survival experts, like all of the REDI kits!
Wrap-Up: Best First Aid Kit for Your Car
Whether you’re a commuter, a road tripper, a car camper, a van lifer, or just use your car to run errands a few times a week, it is ESSENTIAL to carry a first aid kit in your car.
In my opinion, the Roadie kits hit all the marks of a high-quality first aid kit and the fact that they have different versions (all specifically for the car) makes it easy to choose the one that matches your lifestyle.
The Roadie+ is the best choice for everyone across the board. Safe adventuring!
