8 Best IFAK Pouch and Contents

Condor Rip-Away EMT Pouch

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I recently got my hands on the Condor Rip-Away EMT Pouch, and I must say, it’s become an indispensable part of my gear. This multi-pocket IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) pouch is designed with practicality in mind, making it incredibly convenient for organizing and accessing all my first aid essentials.

One of the standout features of this pouch is its tri-fold design, which boasts built-in elastic loops for securing various medical items. Whether I’m in a rush or facing an emergency situation, having quick access to my gear is crucial, and this pouch delivers on that front. It easily attaches to my MOLLE pack or webbing system using the included platform attachment, and what sets it apart is the ingenious rip-away feature. No more fiddling with clips or straps during crucial moments – a quick pull, and it’s in my hands, ready to be put to use.

But that’s not all; this pouch offers versatility in its carry options. On the back, it features a pair of D-rings for attaching shoulder carry straps, providing even more ways to transport my essentials.

While I personally don’t make much use of the rip-away feature, I can appreciate its value in certain situations. The extra fabric and Velcro might not be a big deal for me, given my specific application, but it’s a minor trade-off for an otherwise outstanding kit.

Now, let’s dive into the pouch’s organization capabilities. On the front MOLLE grid, I keep a trusty Rite-In-Rain pen and a large pair of EMS shears, securely held in place by the strap. Beneath, the strap houses a folded 36″ SAM splint, all ready for action.

Opening up the pouch reveals three distinct storage areas, each thoughtfully designed for efficient access to essential items. Against the back of the bag, there’s a strap-closed rear pouch, housing an instant ice pack. In front of that, a set of pockets holds a Quick Clot sponge, my EMS notebook, and several 4×4 gauze pads.

Under the multi-loop strap in front, there’s a zip-lock bag containing exam gloves (a bit of a pain to pack but quick to access), two instant heat pads, a Nasopharyngeal Airway with lubricant in a ziplock, and a quick access belt-strap cutter tool. Tucked along the top of the bag, I keep a small roll of kling gauze. Hanging from loops on either corner are a roll of 1/2″ cloth tape and a 2″ roll of duct tape.

This compartment is my go-to for fast access to the essentials. It’s strategically organized to ensure that I can grab what I need quickly in high-pressure situations.

The compartment against the front of the bag is dedicated to cleaning, finishing, and more leisurely items. In the rear of this section, a sterile medical stapler is neatly stowed away. In one of the pockets in front of that, I’ve assembled a kit of non-adherent pads, moleskin, a triangular bandage, wet-wipes, and Spenco Second Skin.

The other pocket in this section houses a bag of ‘tools’ that includes a hypothermia thermometer, irrigation syringe, forceps, two different types of tweezers, tongue depressors, staple removers, and a backup pencil. Tucked into the sides are a sterile roll of gauze wrap and kling wrap. Under the elastic strap, I’ve secured two Epi-Pens, with a set of Velcro strapping beneath them for additional security.

Everything in this kit fits snugly, ensuring that nothing falls out when I open it, even in high-stress situations. The vital items, such as Epi-Pens, gloves, and blood stoppers, are easily accessible.

Now, let’s talk about the kit’s closure. It may take a little practice to get used to, but I’ve come to appreciate its design. First, you release the strap, then deal with the velcro flap. I keep the zippers tucked under the velcro strap to prevent snagging. The zippers allow me to open the entire kit flat, which is incredibly useful. Alternatively, I can open it slightly and reach in to grab essentials from the top pockets. Plus, the kit balances perfectly on the SAM Splint, ensuring that it never touches the wet ground, only the splint, which makes cleaning up later a breeze.

Now, I must admit that I don’t use the contents of this kit frequently, so I recommend running some dry drills to familiarize yourself with where everything is located. Personally, I find myself accessing the ‘chemical’ and ‘bandage’ bags most often. To ensure it’s always ready, I make it a practice to open up the kit and restock this section after every outing.

Pros – What I Liked:

Efficient Organization: The pouch offers multiple pockets, elastic loops, and compartments, making it easy to organize and access first aid gear quickly.
Rip-Away Feature: The rip-away design allows for swift and hassle-free access in emergency situations.
Versatile Attachment: It can be securely attached to a MOLLE pack or webbing system, and it comes with D-rings for shoulder carry straps.
Sturdy Construction: The pouch is well-made and sturdy, built to withstand demanding situations.
Comprehensive Contents: It accommodates a wide range of medical supplies and tools, ensuring you have what you need in various situations.

Cons – What I Disliked:

Limited Use of Rip-Away Feature: If you don’t frequently use the rip-away feature, the extra fabric and Velcro might seem unnecessary.
Initial Closure Complexity: The closure system may require some practice to get used to, involving both a strap and Velcro, but it becomes manageable with time.

In conclusion, I’ve tried various first aid kits, from larger to smaller, professionally made to budget options, but the Condor Rip-Away EMT Pouch has become my favorite. Only when I can’t carry the size of this kit do I resort to the smaller ones. In fact, I use my larger kit as a house/resupply store for this one. It’s truly a versatile and well-designed first aid pouch that I trust with my safety and that of those around me.

USMC Molle Pouch

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The USMC Molle Pouch is an actual US Marine Corp issue MOLLE compatible pouch. It’s made to military specifications and is large enough to hold all your IFAK gear without issue.

It uses a side release buckle system to stay locked down when not in use. While it doesn’t have any internal organizing system it’s a sturdy, substantial pouch that has stood up to military use all over the world.

Blue Force Gear Trauma Kit

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I recently got my hands on the Blue Force Gear Trauma Kit NOW! – MEDIUM, and I must say, it’s an exceptional piece of gear for any emergency situation. This MOLLE-mounted medical kit is designed for rapid deployment, and it lives up to its promise.

Initially created to accommodate the Army IFAK, it’s now versatile enough to adapt to various medical loadouts. Whether you prefer an empty pouch or opt for one of their pre-filled options curated by the BFG MED team, the Trauma Kit NOW! – MEDIUM delivers.

One of its standout features is the Helium Whisper Attachment System, which keeps the pouch securely in place while reducing bulk. This means it sits comfortably on your body armor, pack, or belt system, and it’s also metal-free, minimizing the risk of secondary fragmentation.

The Trauma Kit NOW! – MEDIUM is not just a pouch; it’s a well-thought-out system. It consists of an outer MOLLE medical pouch and a removable inner supply shingle to keep your medical components organized and accessible. The outer pouch’s tapered design ensures that you can remove items easily, regardless of how packed the inner shingle is.

What’s impressive is the quick deployment capability of this kit. Thanks to the Ball Loaded Index Point (BLIP) feature, I can pull out the inner carrier with gloved hands in challenging conditions without needing to see the pouch. It’s one of the fastest deploying trauma kits I’ve come across.

Moreover, there’s flexibility in how you use it. Whether you’re replicating the Army IFAK contents or designing your custom trauma kit, the TKN!-MEDIUM accommodates a wide range of medical supplies. The inner shingle includes rows of heavy-duty elastic loops to keep your components secure yet visible. A Velcro loop field and a large pocket behind the elastic loops add to the organization.

For those who need to carry additional equipment, the MOLLE fields at the top allow for the attachment of a tourniquet externally using BFG’s accessories, and there’s even space for a single pistol pouch.

One thing I appreciate about the Trauma Kit NOW! – MEDIUM is its battle-proven reliability. It’s been tested and trusted by all branches of the US Armed Forces and numerous allied foreign militaries. Knowing that it’s relied upon in real-life combat situations provides a sense of confidence in its performance.

In summary, the Blue Force Gear Trauma Kit NOW! – MEDIUM is a top-notch emergency access medical kit that’s adaptable, easy to use, and built to withstand the rigors of military use. Whether you’re a first responder, a service member, or a civilian preparing for emergencies, this kit is a valuable addition to your gear. Plus, it’s proudly made in the USA and backed by a limited lifetime warranty, so you know you’re investing in quality.

Pros:

Rapid deployment: Can be accessed with one hand in seconds.
Versatile: Originally designed for Army IFAK but adaptable to various medical loadouts.
Efficient organization: Inner supply shingle and elastic loops keep medical components secure and accessible.
Quick deployment: Ball Loaded Index Point (BLIP) feature allows for easy access in challenging conditions.
MOLLE compatibility: Can be mounted on MOLLE fields, battle belts, or other compatible surfaces.
Battle-proven: Trusted by US Armed Forces and allied militaries.
Lightweight: Features the Helium Whisper Attachment System, reducing bulk and weight.
Made in the USA: Manufactured with excellence and backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Cons:

Price: A little on the expensive side

Maxpedition FR1 Combat Medical Pouch

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The Maxpedition FR1 Combat Medical Pouch is a smaller and lighter weight IFAK pouch designed to carry the essentials. It measures just 6 x 7 inches and is designed to fold open for easy access to you supplies.

It uses an elastic drawbridge opening with a cord lock to limit how much it can open. This prevents it from flopping open and spilling out your gear when not in use.

Inside are zippered pockets, small straps and elastic bands to help you organize your gear. It has a top mounted carry strap and MOLLE compatible webbing on both sides of the pouch.

If you’re looking for a smaller IFAK pouch to carry just the essentials the Maxpedition FR1 is a great option.

Lightning X Spread Eagle Complete Tactical Gunshot & Trauma IFAK Kit

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The Lightning X Spread Eagle IFAK kit is designed to offer comprehensive treatment options to the medic on site. It comes in an innovative quick access pouch that zips totally open and allows two flip out wings to deploy.

This gives you a substantial amount of first aid gear in a very compact package. Every piece of kit has its own specific strap, pouch or pocket to help you instantly find what you need in the heat of the moment.

The Spread Eagle comes with the full range of IFAK components, including:

• NAR Hyfin Vent Chest Seal
• NAR C-A-T Tourniquet Gen 7
• Black Nitrile Tactical Gloves
• Israeli Military Pressure Bandage
• Burn Dressing
• Nasal Airway 28FR
• Several Varieties of Gauze

The Lightning X Spread Eagle gives you all the first aid gear you need for an IFAK in a durable and highly accessible pouch. It’s a bit on the pricey side but it’s comprehensively designed, with every included tool coming from a reputable manufacturer.

Lightning X Products Outdoor Enthusiasts IFAK

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The Lightning X Outdoor Enthusiasts IFAK is a smaller and more compact version of their full size IFAK products. It’s designed to be easy to carry while out hiking, camping or sport shooting without getting in the way.

It’s packed in a nylon pouch with MOLLE webbing on every side. The pouch is made to fold out 90° to give you full access to the needed gear without spilling from your belt or bag. It’s available in black, medical red, and a classic desert tan.

It includes gear such as:

• Gen II R.A.T.S. Tourniquet
• Trauma Shears
• Israeli Pressure Bandage
• Black Nitrile Gloves
• Several Types of Gauze
• Basic First Aid Supplies
• Quick Clotting Hemostatic Gauze Pad
• ABD Pad
• NPA Nasal Airway
• Triangle Bandage

This gives you everything you need to treat the vast majority of traumatic injuries in the field. Overall the Outdoor Enthusiasts kit provides you with excellent first response equipment at a reasonable price.

North American Rescue Squad Medics Kit

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The North American Rescue Squad Medic’s Kit is a very large and fully loaded IFAK kit. It really skirts the line of what an IFAK is versus a full squad medics kit.

It comes in a large 500D nylon pouch with an outside accessible holster for trauma shears. It has full MOLLE capabilities and a strap that allows you to wear it as a shoulder bag or fanny pack.

It includes multiple units of all the most important IFAK components, including:

• Combat Casualty Reference Card
• Trauma Shears
• BOA IV Constricting Band
• SAM Splint II
• Nasopharyngeal Airway 28F
• Black Talon Nitrile Trauma Gloves
• HyFin Chest Seal
• ARS Needle Decompression Kit
• NAR C-A-T Tourniquet Gen 7
• Several Varieties of Gauze

With that much equipment the Squad Medics Kit prepares you to deal with just about any injury you might see in the field. On the other hand, it’s larger, heavier, and a lot more expensive than many less comprehensive kits.

Gunfighters Trauma Kit

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The Gunfighters Trauma Kit is a sealed IFAK designed to treat gunshot wounds. It doesn’t include a carry pouch, instead providing you with all the needed equipment to fill your own pouch.

It provides you with all the necessary supplies to treat gunshot wounds, including:

• NAR C-A-T Tourniquet Gen 7
• Hyfin Chest Seals
• Hemostatic Gauze
• Nitrile Gloves
• Needle Decompression Kit
• ETD Bandage

Most outdoorsman aren’t going to encounter many gunshot wounds while out exploring. If you’re a hunter or sports shooter though you know that accidents can happen, and happen fast.

Having the Gunfighters Trauma Kit in your range or hunting bag can be the difference between life and death if you experience a catastrophic misfire or negligent discharge.