NANUK 909 First Aid Case
The NANUK 909 First Aid Case earns a best-in-class spot by combining a crush-resistant hard shell with an organized interior layout, giving campers and backpackers heavy-duty protection for fragile medical supplies without the excess bulk of larger flight cases. It delivers a strong balance of price-to-performance versus the higher-cost Pelican option and offers far better impact protection than soft dry sacks like Sea to Summit, making it ideal when gear may be jostled or compressed in packs or vehicles.
Impact-proof shell
Custom foam inserts
Impact-proof shell
Custom foam inserts
Review Summary
"Rugged, watertight hard case that reviewers say reliably protects medical supplies and gear; praised for build quality and customizable foam but noted as heavier and pricier than soft bags."
Survives muddy mayhem
IP67-rated waterproof and dustproof hard-shell protects supplies from immersion and dirt
Survives muddy mayhem
IP67-rated waterproof and dustproof hard-shell protects supplies from immersion and dirt
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The NANUK 909 First Aid Case earns a best-in-class spot by combining a crush-resistant hard shell with an organized interior layout, giving campers and backpackers heavy-duty protection for fragile medical supplies without the excess bulk of larger flight cases. It delivers a strong balance of price-to-performance versus the higher-cost Pelican option and offers far better impact protection than soft dry sacks like Sea to Summit, making it ideal when gear may be jostled or compressed in packs or vehicles.
Impact-proof shell
Custom foam inserts
Survives muddy mayhem
IP67-rated waterproof and dustproof hard-shell protects supplies from immersion and dirt
Customizable interior with foam inserts or organizer trays to secure medical gear
Impact-proof shell
Custom foam inserts
Survives muddy mayhem
IP67-rated waterproof and dustproof hard-shell protects supplies from immersion and dirt
Customizable interior with foam inserts or organizer trays to secure medical gear
Pelican 1550EMS Protector Case
The Pelican 1550EMS Protector Case is the market leader thanks to its field-proven watertight construction, extensive accessory ecosystem, and professional-grade reputation that justifies its premium cost for serious backcountry medics and guides. Compared with the NANUK 909 it trades a higher price for a broader range of certified accessories, superior sealing performance and a long track record in emergency services, making it the go-to choice when maximum protection and serviceability matter most.
Crushproof design
Pick-n-pluck foam
Crushproof design
Pick-n-pluck foam
Review Summary
"Extremely durable, watertight EMS-style case with excellent protection and internal organization options; reviewers love the toughness and pressure valve but call out the premium price and added weight."
Floats when needed
Watertight, crushproof, and dustproof with an automatic pressure equalization valve
Floats when needed
Watertight, crushproof, and dustproof with an automatic pressure equalization valve
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The Pelican 1550EMS Protector Case is the market leader thanks to its field-proven watertight construction, extensive accessory ecosystem, and professional-grade reputation that justifies its premium cost for serious backcountry medics and guides. Compared with the NANUK 909 it trades a higher price for a broader range of certified accessories, superior sealing performance and a long track record in emergency services, making it the go-to choice when maximum protection and serviceability matter most.
Crushproof design
Pick-n-pluck foam
Floats when needed
Watertight, crushproof, and dustproof with an automatic pressure equalization valve
Generous internal volume with customizable foam or organizational trays for medical kits
Crushproof design
Pick-n-pluck foam
Floats when needed
Watertight, crushproof, and dustproof with an automatic pressure equalization valve
Generous internal volume with customizable foam or organizational trays for medical kits
$350-450 CAD
Sea to Summit First Aid Dry Sack
The Sea to Summit First Aid Dry Sack stands out for ultralight, packable waterproofing and a very attractive price point, perfect for hikers who prioritize low weight and small footprint over rigid protection. While it cannot match the crush protection of NANUK or Pelican hard cases, it outperforms bulkier options for thru-hikes or multi-day trips where space and weight are the main constraints.
Ultralight roll-top
Seals out rain
Ultralight roll-top
Seals out rain
Review Summary
"Lightweight, dependable dry sack that keeps first-aid items dry and compresses easily for backpacking and paddling; users praise the seam sealing and materials but miss internal pockets and quicker access."
Compresses like a burrito
Roll-top waterproof closure and welded seams keep contents dry in wet conditions
Compresses like a burrito
Roll-top waterproof closure and welded seams keep contents dry in wet conditions
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Sea to Summit First Aid Dry Sack stands out for ultralight, packable waterproofing and a very attractive price point, perfect for hikers who prioritize low weight and small footprint over rigid protection. While it cannot match the crush protection of NANUK or Pelican hard cases, it outperforms bulkier options for thru-hikes or multi-day trips where space and weight are the main constraints.
Ultralight roll-top
Seals out rain
Compresses like a burrito
Roll-top waterproof closure and welded seams keep contents dry in wet conditions
Very lightweight and compressible to fit inside backpacks or hang from harnesses
Ultralight roll-top
Seals out rain
Compresses like a burrito
Roll-top waterproof closure and welded seams keep contents dry in wet conditions
Very lightweight and compressible to fit inside backpacks or hang from harnesses
$25-45 CAD
Ortlieb First Aid Kit M
The Ortlieb First Aid Kit M is a premium waterproof soft case that leverages German seam-welded construction and durable materials to deliver long-lasting, truly waterproof storage that balances structure and packability. It sits above lighter dry sacks like Sea to Summit in durability and weather resistance but below hard-shell options for impact protection, making it a smart middle-ground for hikers who want reliable wet-weather performance without carrying a rigid case.
Totally waterproof
Mounts or straps
Totally waterproof
Mounts or straps
Review Summary
"Well-built, fully waterproof first aid bag with strong materials and reliable weatherproofing; reviewers appreciate durability and simple organization but say it is relatively expensive and not highly compartmentalized."
German-made grit
Made from highly abrasion-resistant, PVC-free waterproof fabric for long-term outdoor use
German-made grit
Made from highly abrasion-resistant, PVC-free waterproof fabric for long-term outdoor use
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Ortlieb First Aid Kit M is a premium waterproof soft case that leverages German seam-welded construction and durable materials to deliver long-lasting, truly waterproof storage that balances structure and packability. It sits above lighter dry sacks like Sea to Summit in durability and weather resistance but below hard-shell options for impact protection, making it a smart middle-ground for hikers who want reliable wet-weather performance without carrying a rigid case.
Totally waterproof
Mounts or straps
German-made grit
Made from highly abrasion-resistant, PVC-free waterproof fabric for long-term outdoor use
Structured interior with pockets and removable dividers to organize supplies efficiently
Totally waterproof
Mounts or straps
German-made grit
Made from highly abrasion-resistant, PVC-free waterproof fabric for long-term outdoor use
Structured interior with pockets and removable dividers to organize supplies efficiently
$70-100 CAD
Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof First Aid Pouch
The Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof First Aid Pouch is a compact, budget-friendly option focused on quick-access organization and simple attachment to belts or pack straps, offering excellent value for day hikers and casual campers. It lacks the heavy-duty crush resistance of the NANUK or Pelican hard cases and the full seam-welded build of Ortlieb, but its low price and modular mounting make it a practical choice for lightweight, on-trail first-aid needs.
Hangs anywhere
Transparent pockets
Hangs anywhere
Transparent pockets
Review Summary
"Affordable, ultralight waterproof pouch that most users find good for basic first-aid needs and day trips; praised for value and versatility though some report closure wear and limited internal organization."
Drains like a champ
Water-resistant construction with secure closure and sealed seams for protection from splashes
Drains like a champ
Water-resistant construction with secure closure and sealed seams for protection from splashes
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof First Aid Pouch is a compact, budget-friendly option focused on quick-access organization and simple attachment to belts or pack straps, offering excellent value for day hikers and casual campers. It lacks the heavy-duty crush resistance of the NANUK or Pelican hard cases and the full seam-welded build of Ortlieb, but its low price and modular mounting make it a practical choice for lightweight, on-trail first-aid needs.
Hangs anywhere
Transparent pockets
Drains like a champ
Water-resistant construction with secure closure and sealed seams for protection from splashes
Compact form factor with internal pockets and attachment points for quick access
Hangs anywhere
Transparent pockets
Drains like a champ
Water-resistant construction with secure closure and sealed seams for protection from splashes
Compact form factor with internal pockets and attachment points for quick access