High Ground Media, LLC

The First Responder Bag by Tactical Tailor gives the user a flexible, easy-to-access medical response bag that organizes and secures its life saving medical items and/or contents. The bag’s design lends its functionality to be carried in a variety of configurations that meet an array of missions.

Exterior

Made from 1000D Cordura, the First Responder is designed as a D-shaped, top-opening medic bag and offers a high degree of abrasion resistance. Along the exterior, extensive MOLLE webbing around its circumference provides ample anchoring points for attachments, pouches, rings, or other items.

On the top-opening “lid” an accessory pouch, secured by two YKK zippers with paracord pull strings, gives immediate access to smaller, high-necessity items. On top of the accessory pouch is a sheath for medical shears, that is secured by an adjustable slide-release buckle.

The backpanel of the First Responder bag includes a removable strap with slide-release buckle that allows the medical bag to be worn around the waist, cross body, around a vehicle headrest, or removed and mount the bag to a pack/belt via malice clips (not included). The bottom of the bag has a single drainage grommet.

Interior

The interior of the First Responder features a variety of elastic cuff material with different widths to secure and organize different-sized medical items. These cuffs run along the interior of the backpanel (varying in size), along the internal divider, and along the interior of the “lid”.

There is a flexible divider, towards the front interior, that gives an internal compartment to lose items that can also be stored in the enclosed space.

The bottom of the First Responder has a high-visibility orange panel sewn into it that assists in visual recognition and eliminates any “shadow” at the bottom of the bag.

Specifications:

• 12″ (L) x 6.5″ (H) x 5.25″ (W)
• 1000D Cordura
• YKK Zipper

The First Responder comes in OD Green (featured), Black, Multicam, Ranger Green, and Coyote.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): For $106.65, the First Responder bag provides a solid medium between an Individual First Aid Kit, and larger dedicated medic bags. This gives the user the ability to pack medical items (or whatever you put in it) at an acceptable level to address multiple injuries or casualties. Comparable medical bags include the TSSi TACOPS Tactical EMS Bag ($89), S.O. Tec Go Bag, Mini A1 ($125), and TYR Tactical Huron Medical Waist Pack ($179) which would place Tactical Tailor’s variant at the better price point/value—although each offers something slightly different that may appeal to the wearer.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): As a whole, when fully loaded, the First Responder was amazingly comfortable (when worn around the waist) thanks in part to its D-shape design that placed the flat, soft backpanel of the bag against the flat of the lower back. Given that the bag is 1000D Cordura, it was flexible enough to contour to the body, and had sufficient rigidity to keep its shape and maintain the compartmentalization of the items inside. The only suggestion to Tactical Tailor would be to add a set of elastic belt keepers to the removable strap as when it was worn around the waist or mounted to a vehicle’s headrest, there was an excessive amount of material left dangling that proved distracting and/or snagged on items. With the addition of belt keepers, the material would be secured and kept clear of the workspace.
• Durability – Good (4/5): As stated, the First Responder is made from 1000D Cordura that gave it a high-degree of abrasion resistance. All MOLLE webbing on the exterior, and elastic bands in the interior, were reinforced with bartack stitching and gave the bag an added level of reinforcement. It should be noted that while there are two rows of MOLLE on the front to hang accessories, the backpanel has five MOLLE rows to add strength to the bag when mounting it on other packs or panels. Research of customer feedback denoted that the most common failure of the First Responder bag was in the YKK zipper, but these were from individuals who were dedicated Pararescue or EMS and used the bag extensively. It should be noted that in each stated case Tactical Tailor did honor their warrantee and replaced the bag.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): From a functional standpoint, the First Responder met the requirement of between an IFAK and dedicated medical bag. It allowed the user to store the equivalent of two+ standard IFAKs inside, with room and elastic sleeves to spare. It did however, not accommodate a full-sized Combat Life Saver bag with two IV bags and corresponding tubing/needles. This confirms the premise of design that the First Responder was one intended for immediate aid, and not advanced care. The top-opening “lid” and corresponding high-vis bottom made for very nice features that kept the contents compartmentalized and easily identifiable. The only noted suggestion here for Tactical Tailor would be to adjust the spacing of the elastic cuff material on the inside of the lid and along the divider, just as it did along the interior of the backpanel. This would improve the functionality of being able to secure different sized items in these areas rather than all similar sized ones.
• Weight – Good (4/5): Weighing in at 1 pound (empty), the amount of items added to the First Responder directly affected the overall weight born by the user. However, the bag easily held two standard IFAKs with still room, none of which made for an excessive weight around the waist nor became tiresome. The bag was worn for an average timeframe (4+ hours) and remained comfortable throughout and did not pull the waist nor body over during movement. The comparable market alternatives listed above averaged between 1 pound and 1.5 pounds (depending on Denier rating of the nylon and associated hardware), putting the First Responder bag as one of the lighter alternatives available.

Overall Rating – Good (20/25)

Product Link: https://www.tacticaltailor.com/firstresponderbag.aspx

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

Released in 2016, the line of Air cases by Pelican is one of the latest in a series of hard cases that is up to 40% lighter than other models. The 1615TRVL is specifically designed for transporting a variety of range or field equipment, but can accommodate a variety of other items. The Air series of cases provides Pelican’s leading protection to consumers using its proven materials and die-hard design.

Like other Pelican cases, the 1615TRVL Case is made from super-light proprietary HPX²™ Polymer with features taken from Pelican’s Protector series to deliver a lightweight, watertight, crushproof, and dustproof case that offers a significant amount of protection. The polymer has an operational temperature range between -60° F and 160° F.

Exterior

With an overall exterior dimension of 32.58” (L) x 11.02” (H) x 18.40” (W), the 1615’s exterior is the maximum TSA/airline size for approved check-ins. Its shell is comprised of Pelican’s Super-light proprietary HPX²™ Polymer for a lightweight shell that maintains maximum strength and impact resistance.

The 1615 includes five newly redesigned Press and Pull™ latches made from an ABS polymer that secure the lid to the bottom. In addition, there are three heavy-duty, ergonomic and foldable handles on either end to aid in picking up. The 1615 also includes an extendable handle for rolling transportation.

Several security features built into the 1615 are its two stainless-steel padlock protectors, and its single automatic purge valve made with hi-flow Gore-Tex with a 3 micron, hydrophobic non-woven material.

The 1615 has two quiet-rolling wheels with stainless-steel bearings that aid in rolling and transport of the case, and its fully packed weight. On the exterior is a single, clear plastic business card colder for an identification placard. This card holder is only accessible with the lid open and thus prevents tampering.

Interior

With an interior space of 29.6” (L) x 9.38” (H) x 15.5” (W), the 1615 has an overall internal storage capacity of 2.49 ft³.

The interior of the lid features two zipper-secured storage compartments, and three mesh envelope pockets. A one-piece, rubberized EPDM O-ring provides a watertight seal to the interior storage space.

While the 1615 comes without any layers; the foam, or internal packing cube organizers can be purchased separately to meet any storage need. The 1615 does come with two mesh storage bags (one large, one small)

Available in Black (featured), Charcoal, Oxibod, and Indigo.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): At $419, the 1615TRVL Air Case is one of the premier cases within the Air series of protective cases. It can be readily found on third-party sites (with and without foam) for between $346 and $273. But care should be taken when ordering from non-direct vendors however, as the condition and legitimacy of such products can sometimes prove dubious. As a whole, the 1615 is part of the overall ‘Air’ line and made from Pelican’s proprietary HPX²™ Polymer. This new material provides for consistent strength and impact resistance over its more traditional products, yet is still lighter. Comparable market alternatives would be the 965 Case by Nanuk ($279) or the 2918-10 iSeries Case by SKB ($243). Depending on the vendor found, and if foam or internal dividers are also purchased, the cost of the 1615TRVL Air is appropriate (or average) within the current market and for the materials/design used.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): Within the Air line the 1615 is a relatively larger case, but thanks to the HPX²™ Polymer was very light in comparison to other protective cases of similar size. The HPX²™ Polymer clearly held a factor in weight reduction while sacrificing none of the protective capabilities. The near 2.50 ft³ of storage easily accommodated a significant amount of gear (plate carriers, body armor, etc.) and also was a convenient way to transport competition gear (belt, mags, pistol, clothing, gear, etc.) for travel to the range or potentially to any competition that would require air travel. The collapsible handles felt very comfortable in the hand and did not dig or pinch in the hand. The push-button latches were a notable improvement over more traditional C-type clamps, and provided an improved level of security against accidental opening (despite several attempts at trying to force it open from the bottom of the latch). The 1615 also had the same locking cleats as the Protector series that enabled for stacking as necessary. The only negative in comfort came from the extendable rolling handle which felt somewhat frail at full extent due to its interlocking design. If Pelican could somehow make it of a more secure design when deploying/collapsing then the score could be improved.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): The 1615 itself had Pelican’s legacy in durability, which is often regarded as the gold standard for hard cases. It held up during multiple transports to/from the range in the back of a pickup truck (on and off road) with other gear and use, with only minimal surface marring (superficial scratches, gouges, dents, etc.). At no point did dust or moisture penetrate the interior storage space. There was no foam nor packing inserts that came with the 1615, although they are available to order separately—thus for this evaluation items had to be predominantly mass packed. The pockets on the interior lid was able to hold lighter items (gloves, eye protection, etc.) however there was a weight limit the material can hold before the thin fabric risks being compromised. Likewise, the mesh organizer bags also held good durability thanks to its nylon fabric.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): The 1615 is similar to other Pelican Air cases in that it was designed to be a protective hard case for ease in ground and/or air transport. Its overall dimensions did meet with current TSA regulations on the maximum size of checked in luggage (however it was noted that some airlines may have different sizing regulations due to smaller airframes). While the 1615TRVL Air Case has an improved polymer blend and new push-button latches, the Air series as a whole had a low-profile appearance and was designed more for the avid traveler (such as trainers or instructors) in mind, not members of the military. Features like the rolling wheels, extendable handle, and pressurization valve were essential as part of the design for long-term use or carrying. The stainless-steel protectors (in conjunction with TSA-approved locks – not included) and hinge pins likewise fill an essential aspect of design as it ensured forced entry (shy of cutting) wasn’t possible. While there was no included foam, one noted drawback was that while the 1615’s open interior did allow for the user to pack the contents in the best way possible, there was no means to secure loose or smaller items not packed into the lid or storage bags. For that, one would need to order the foam or internal dividers that is sold separately. As noted above, the 1615 did share some rigidity aspects of the Protector series of Pelican cases with the locking cleats on the lid that aided in reinforcement.
• Weight – Excellent (5/5): At 16.66 lbs. (empty), the 1615TRVL Air Case has an appropriate (or average) amount of weight for a case of this size and intended to hold a variety of equipment. As such, once fully loaded, the 1615 was very heavy and bulky to maneuver but the multiple handles aided in maneuvering the case and contents. Truthfully the best method in transporting the fully loaded 1615 was rolling it around with the carrying handle extended—provided it was a smooth, improved surface. The rolling wheels did not facilitate rolling over loose rock, therefor necessitated the carry method. In comparison; the 965 Case by Nanuk (25.05 pounds) or the 2918-10 iSeries Case by SKB (22.13 pounds) were all over the weight of the 1615TRVL Air Case despite similarities in overall dimensions and design. This validated the benefit of the proprietary HPX²™ Polymer in the 1615 and gave it an excellent scoring.

Overall Rating – Good (21/25)

Product Link: https://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/cases/travel-case/air/1615trvl

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

Introduced in 2020, the Dayventure Tumbler by Pelican is part of the company’s new drinkware line as Pelican further expands its line of products. With its robust design and hardened material, the Tumbler will ensure hot drinks remain so for hours, while cold drinks remain so for even longer.

Made from a body of BPA-free 18/8 professional-grade stainless steel, and folded to shape a vacuum-sealed, double-walled design—the tumbler’s body has the ability to regulate and prolong the thermal shifts of the contents inside. Its overall ergonomics (tapered bottom, fluting, and overall diameter) allow for a comfortable hand grip and for the tumbler to fit 99% of all car cup holder dimensions.

On various pained versions, the tumbler includes a sweat-proof powder finish to mitigate the body from “sweating” and allowing the user to maintain a non-slip surface.

The no-spill lid is a two-part system with a dual screw-top design made from Eastman Tritan™ copolyester for heat resistance and transparency. An integrated carabiner loop allows for the tumbler to be attached to a variety of locations securely via clip (not included) when not in a vehicle cup holder.

Specifications:

• Length…………………….3.31″ (8.4 cm)
• Height……………………..7.28″ (18.5 cm)
• Overall Volume Capacity…16oz (0.47L)

The Dayventure Tumbler is available between 10, 16, and 22oz. sizes, and comes in Silver/Stainless (featured), Seafoam, Black, Canyon Red, and Pacific Blue.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): With an MSRP of $24.95 for the 16oz variant, the Dayventure Tumbler from Pelican is made predominantly from folded stainless steel for its longevity and impact resistance. The transparent screw-top lid also is intended to provide some insulation while allowing adjustable flow or direct access. Comparators to the Dayventure Tumbler would be Rambler 16oz Stackable Pint ($24.99) from Yeti, or the Pint Tumbler ($24.99) from Rtic (but appears at a sale price of $11.99 on some third-party retail websites). This would put the Dayventure Tumbler at an appropriate (or average) cost amid the market of similar products, all with similar construction and design.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort perspective, the 16oz version of the Dayventure Tumbler had a nice, comfortable fit in the hand, with its diameter allowing for a 2/3 grip on the exterior. The tapered bottom to the body also allowed for a slightly reduced diameter so those with smaller hands may also find it just as comfortable to hold. The one noted aspect from a perspective of exposure to 8 hours of heat (such as coffee) was that some warmth (not to the point of discomfort or pain) was noted on the top of the body, presumably since that is where it is thinnest and the material interacts with the lid allotting for a dissipation source, but the rest of the body remained cool throughout the duration. The tapered body also fit snuggly into any of the various cup holders in a GMC pickup truck.
• Durability – Average (3/5): The 18/8 professional-grade stainless steel used in the Dayventure Tumbler is a material that is both food-grade safe and extremely durable. It is frequently used in cookware and commercial kitchens for both its ability to resist heat and warp. This translated in the tumbler to a body that sustained its shape through rough love inside an equipment and range bag with other items, EDC pack, as well as on the trail or campouts. Drop-testing (10 drops from a height of 6’) resulted in some surface marring to the finish, but nothing that dented the body nor exposed the base metal. Perhaps the weakest element to the overall product would be the appropriate (or average) durability of the two-part, plastic lid, with some hard contacts against the concrete resulting in some deep marring (so further strikes, or a strike at the right angle to the lip could result in cracking). But should anything untoward happen to the Dayventure Tumbler, it is covered by Pelican’s Limited Lifetime Warrantee for full replacement against breakage or defects as a result of workmanship. That warrantee does not include normal wear and tear (of which, dropping is considered).
• Functionality – Average (3/5): From a functional aspect, the Dayventure performed as expected it should—it kept hot drinks hot, and cold ones cold. But in comparison to other Pelican and Yeti products that share similarities in design and material, the tumbler had an appropriate (or average) heat retention level of all those tested. With an average loss of 9.175 degrees per hour, over an eight hour span, the Dayventure performed at a similar heat loss ratio as its closest market competitor by Yeti. This heat loss could be most likely attributed to the lid (where most tumblers and bottles experience heat loss), that with its transparency and minimal thickness allotted for a steady loss in insulation. One notable point of fact for the consumer to be aware of is that the inner, transparent lid that allots for passage of fluid basically worked by unscrewing it and there is no max limit—so you can easily unscrew it too far in an attempt to maximize flow and completely unscrew it inadvertently. One suggestion to Pelican for future design would be to have some type of bump or stop that would give the user a tactile recognition that the limit of opening the Dayventure lid has been reached. Otherwise, the leakproof seal to the two-part lid kept the liquid contents secure during evaluation. When testing cold items, fully packed ice inside the Dayventure Tumbler lasted for approximately two days before almost all the ice had melted, leaving water at a 33 degrees.
• Weight – Excellent (5/5): At a measured 10.2 ounces for the 16oz version, the weight of the Dayventure Tumbler was determined by the overall amount of material and size. The 16oz version still felt very lightweight without any contents, and even with various liquids added still was not notably burdensome and felt at home in a backpack, EDC bag, or waist pack. In contrast, the Rambler 16oz Stackable Pint (12.1oz) from Yeti, or the Pint Tumbler (13.1oz) from Rtic both demonstrate that the Dayventure Tumbler from Pelican is at an excellent light weight amid a market of comparable alternatives.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/drinkware/tumbler/dayventure/tw16

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.