Pre packaged First Aid kit vs build own?

[ZCORR Jay]

I spend a lot of time outdoors whether its Mt. Biking, snowboarding, hunting, fishing, or camping and I was starting to think about putting together a first aid kit because I tend to come home with battle wounds. At first I was looking at the Res Q Pak HUNTING/OUTDOOR SPORT but then got to thinking is what you get really worth the $40 or should I just build my own with similar contents?

Another aspect I wasn't crazy about is the once you tear the package open there is no closing it again.

[rob_s]

I kept on not buying anything because I thought I'd be able to build one better/cheaper than a bought one. I caved and got several kits from Adventure Medical (http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/products.php?catname=MEDICAL%20KITS&cat=26). I have now had occasion to use the contents of them several times and am extremely happy with the kits. Especially the way they are laid out and packaged.

Yes, in theory building your own is cheaper, but if you have to buy an entire box of bandaids just to get three for the kit, you're not really saving any money.

ETA:
I found this chart (http://www.chinookmed.com/KitComparisonChart09.pdf) helpful but it appears as though AM has revised their product line and it may not be applicable anymore. FWIW, I have this kit (http://www.chinookmed.com/cgi-bin/item/01001/medical_kits/-Adventure-Medical-Kits-Comprehensive-Kit-------) which I'm not sure is available anymore.

[ZCORR Jay]

That's a good point you made about the bandaids... I didn't think of that part.

Adventure Medical has some really nice kits. Thanks for the link.

[ST911]

If you need a few kits, regularly consume supplies, or are responsible for the kits of others, buy in bulk.

If it's just you planning for a contingency with a kit or two, buy a pre-pack and add anything else you think you might need.

The downside of the pre-packed stuff for me is that they'll contain an excess of lesser used stuff, and little of what I actually need. Then there's personal preference on specific gear.

[ArRazorback]

Here's another good place to look into. http://www.chinookmed.com/

Similar to Adventure Medical, but a few different options.

[ZCORR Jay]

I like the looks of the Adventure Medical Day Tripper kit and what's even better is the Eastern Mt. Sports down the street has them so I can slide over there and pick them up and save the shipping.

Thanks for the help guys