Developed as the more inclusive and original aid kit to the Micro Trauma Kit Now, the Trauma Kit Now (TKN) by Blue Force Gear allows the user to securely compartmentalize and carry an extensive amount of immediate trauma medical items. Regardless if carried to the range, in a vehicle, or just as part of your EDC—the TKN will ensure you are ready to apply your training at a moment’s notice.
The TKN consists of a two-part system; the exterior pouch used to secure and carry the overall aid kit, and the internal supply carriage that compartmentalizes all of the items carried.
External
The external pouch is made from 500D, solution-dyed Cordura that utilizes TEX 70 bonded nylon thread throughout for maximum durability. Both sides of the external pouch are clean with enclosure wings, and feature an elastic cuff at the opening that gives both the front and rear sides of the pouch its retention.
The rear uses Blue Force Gear’s patented Helium Whisper Attachment System, made from ULTRAcomp laminate that gives the anchoring point for the entire aid pouch a greater durability than 1000D nylon.
Internal
The internal medical supply carriage of the TKN is made from ULTRAcomp laminate as well, with six rows of elastic loops in various lengths. This allows compartmentalization of various medical items regardless of dimension/size.
The top of the internal carriage doubles as the fold-over flap to the external pocket and enables for one-handed deployment. In turn, the flap secures to the exterior via hook-and-loop, with a laser-cut medical cross and interchangeable backpanels to meet mission needs. The flap also features a Ball Loaded Index Point (BLIP) to ensure positive tactile sensation regardless of the situation.
On top of the fold-over flap are MOLLE-compatible, laser cuts used to secure accessories on top of the medical kit, such as using a Tourniquet Strap or other such item.
Included in this review, and sold either in conjunction with or separately, is the Trauma Kit Now! – Basic Supplies.
Specifications:
- External Pouch Size: 2.5″ (W) x 4.5″ (L) x 7″ (H)
Items in the Basic Supplies Medical Kit:
- H-Bandage
- H&H Compressed Gauze
- TK4 Combat Tourniquet
- 3″ x 9″ Petroleum Gauze Pad
- Nitrile Gloves (Size Large) x 2
- Combat Medic Tape
The Trauma Kit Now is available in Multicam (featured), Black, Coyote Brown, OD Green, and Wolf Grey.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Good (4/5): As a full-sized aid kit, the TKN has a list price of $79.95 for its two-part pouches, and the Basic med kit is $39.95. Blue Force Gear offers several other variants on its medical kits up to an advanced kit at $148.95. The complexity of the TKN and Basic med kit make it difficult to find a direct comparison on the current market. But some alternative medical pouches would be Lightning-X’s Spread Eagle IFAK ($129), Imminent Threat Solutions (Fatboy + fill kit) ($193), or the Dark Angel Trauma Kit ($219). Thus, for the TKN and Basic medical kit, a total of $119.90 is very well priced.
- Comfort – Average (3/5): Given its overall size, the TKN was able to store a large amount of immediate aid products, regardless of fill kit used, into a compact, lightweight kit. This made the TKN ideal for uses beyond the range to include; EDC use, mounted to a vehicle, or worn individually. However, because of its height, the TKN was a little bulky when it was mounted to a belt, but fit more appropriately mounted to a plate carrier or chest rig. Thus, sitting in a car or chair while wearing it was a little more uncomfortable than other Individual First Aid Kits if mounted to the rear of the belt.
- Durability – Excellent (5/5): The 500D Cordura exterior and ULTRAcomp interior helped ensure a significant amount of abrasion resistance during evaluation. Double line and bartack stitching were noted on the rear of the external pouch and key stress points throughout. The TKN was attached to a belt during rifle drills and stressors (front, back, go) and despite running it over range gravel the pouch was still readily deployed. The BLIP tab had a positive tangible feel, while the hook-and-loop and inner sleeve didn’t suffer from problems deploying. All the medical components are one-time use, and come either individually sealed or packaged except for the latex gloves. It would have been preferred had the gloves come rolled/packaged.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): The functionality of the TKN allowed for simple, easy deployment while the Basic medical kit represented entry-level aid items (requiring little-no training to use). By design the TKN had several points and sized elastic cuffs to secure a a variety of medical items onto (including use of either the Hammock or Tourniquet Strap to do so on the exterior). A lot depends on what training the individual has and what medical items they are comfortable using. From a hands-on perspective the TKN was well designed and stored all components in a secure manner that avoided accidental spillage. The Helium Whisper mounting system was easy to use and remained secure throughout stressors.
- Weight – Good (4/5): At 197 grams (or 6.9 ounces) for the empty carrier, or 1 pound (16 ounces) loaded with the Basic medical kit, the TKN’s light overall weight was likely due to its chosen patented Blue Force material. Its 10-Speed elastic Cordura on the exterior, and ULTRAcomp on the interior and mounting points, allowed the TKN to come in under the weight of other aid kits. Not an overburden of weight considering the amount of aid components included. In comparison, the Spread Eagle is 11.3 ounces for the empty carrier, ITS Fatboy 17.6 ounces (depending on medical kit insert), and the Dark Angel D.A.R.K weighs approximately 17.6 ounces. But each also uses different medical components to complete their product, and should be considered as to how it best addresses your training and skill. Thus, the weight of the TKN was still under any number of IFAK kits and/or sleeves on the current market.
Overall Rating – Good (20/25)
Product Link: https://www.blueforcegear.com/trauma-kit-now.html
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